1 32 12 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4a726e134388e34f4c611fd5b65f7f25.pdf 4747ed45afb020df3690f7eab0a7438e PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 1 January 2002 Maritime Trades Dept. Message Representatives of the U.S. military and the domestic and international labor movements emphasized the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine when they addressed the biennial convention of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Nov. 29-30 in Las Vegas. Among those voicing support for the U.S. fleet was AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left photo, being welcomed by MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco). Delegates and guests also remembered the victims of Sept. 11 and examined the attacks' aftermath. Kicking off the convention were the Clark County (Nev.) Firefighters Honor Guard, consisting of IAFF Local 1908 members (pictured at right). Pages 3, 11-14. ' t• Requires Strong U.S. Fleet! SIU Welcomes 2 Ships Patriotic Celebration in San Francisco Mary Sears, Pitsenbarger Join MSC Fleet Seafarers are crewing two new vessels for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). In mid-December, MSC took delivery of its newest oceanographic survey ship, the USNS Mary Sears (left). Additionally, in late November, the former foreign-flag containership Therese Delmas-now flying the Stars and Stripes-was renamed the MV A 1C William H. Pitsenbarger (above) in honor of a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. Page 3. Patriotism was plentiful during the annual Thanksgiving feast at the SIU hall in San Francisco, which attracted local dignitaries, Seafarers and their families, SIU retirees, friends and guests. Seafarers warmly welcomed members of a Marine Corps color guard. Pictured from left to right are OMU Steve Biles, Sgt. Michael Bundsen, AB Willie Aluata, Staff Sgt. James Beach, OMU Kevin Cooper, Sgt. David Harmon, SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona and Cpl. Marc Pensul. Page 9. Schubert Confirmed As MarAd Chief Port Security Still Prominent CIVMAR News SIU's Year In Review Page2 Page5 Page6 Page24 �President's Report Success and Challenges Looking back on the year 2001, it's obvious that the events of September 11 dwarf anything else that happened. To call it the year's "defining moment" simply wouldn't capture the magnitude of the terrorist attacks or the ensuing changes that have taken place in the United States and around the world. Certainly, we in the SIU are very much affected by the attacks and their aftermath-and we're doing our part to help this great nation fight back. As you know, our members were a key part of the evacuation of New York right after the assault on Michael Sacco the World Trade Center. Members of our Government Services Division also were on the scene a few days later, providing valuable relief for many of the rescue workers from "ground zero." Since then, Seafarers have crewed ships for the U.S. Military Sealift Command that are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. All indications are that America's war against terrorism is just beginning, and I believe that sealift will continue to serve as an important component in this fight. We've been impacted in other ways, too. Port security has been tightened, with new regulations likely on the horizon. Our contracted cruise-ship company, American Classic Voyages, is reorganizing through a Chapter 11 filing that directly stemmed from the attacks' major impact on travel, tourism and entertainment. Activities that used to be unremarkable, such as opening one's mail or flying out to catch a ship, now are viewed in a whole new context. While fully appreciating the enormity of September 11, I think it's important for all of us in the SIU not to overlook some of the other key moments for our union from 2001. Topping that list is the longanticipated merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU, which culminated last summer. The memberships of both unions recognized that the time finally was right for the merger, which had been discussed from time to time since the 1950s. Believe me, there were those who thought it never would happen. It took patience, hard work-and the smart support of the membership. The results already have been positive for our union and our industry, and they're only going to get better. We made other gains in 2001. Members approved the new standard freightship and tanker agreements- five-year contracts that spell out numerous improvements. Those contracts in particular addressed the things identified by our members as the most important, including broader coverage for dependents, wage increases and improvements in the pension plan. SIU members welcomed a number of new vessels, including MSC support ships, bulk carriers, Z-drive tugs and the unique "rocket ship," the Delta Mariner. With the deadline looming for compliance with the amended STCW convention, Seafarers flocked to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in numbers not seen since the Persian Gulf War. Most went for STCW Basic Safety Training, a widespread requirement of the updated convention. The school has done a great job handling the crush of students, even while moving forward on other projects. Last summer our facility in Piney Point opened a new simulator building that features second-to-none equipment. Construction is ongoing on the hotel annex that will house single-occupancy rooms, and students continue to praise the center's fire fighting and safety school, which has become central to many of the courses. We achieved other improvements as well in 2001, and I encourage you to read about them on the back page of this month's LOG. They reflect a strong union that constantly is working to secure new shipboard jobs, better contracts, the best training tools and whatever else the membership needs. As we head into the new year, we remain ready to answer whatever challenges come our way. We will continue to lead the push to revitalize the U.S. fleet, to ensure it will be there, whatever crisis is thrown at our country. We will continue doing whatever it takes to help our nation, our citizens, our union and our members to succeed. Volume 64, Number 1 January 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved 2 Seafarers LOG Capt. Schubert Confirmed As Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert is the nation's new maritime administrator. Schubert unanimously was endorsed by the U.S. Senate and was confirmed as the next head of the Maritime Administration (MarAd) Nov. 30. "Now more than ever, it is crucial to have a strong, viable and commercially competitive merchant fleet to support our troops as the nation's fourth arm of defense," Schubert stated. "As maritime administrator, I will do all I can to assure the nation that our commercial fleet will continue to be the best in the world. Our citizens deserve no less." A 1974 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Schubert sailed as a licensed deck officer for l 0 years. He later worked as master and installation manager at three offshore drilling platforms before starting a 10year stint at MarAd. He served as a special assistant to former Maritime Administrator John Gaughan from 1986-90, then worked as the agency's regional representative for the southwest- em United States from 1990-95. Prior to his confirmation, according to MarAd, Schubert was president of Houston-based International Trade and Transportation, Inc., a maritime consulting firm. "During these extraordinary times, it is important to have someone like Bill Schubert on our team at the Department of Transportation," stated DOT Secretary Norman Mineta. "His years of experience, including his years at sea, government service, and expertise gained as a maritime consultant will be invaluable to us as we move forward to secure our nation in the months and years ahead." Schubert said that all segments of the industry must be heard. "In view of our tremendous mission that lies ahead, it is important that the government, private industry and labor communicate on a regular basis and I thank President Bush for entrusting me with this crucial mission," he declared. "Everyone must do their part to ensure safe transportation as the U.S. moves forward with her Newly confirmed Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert says America deserves the world's best merchant fleet. allies." Sworn in Dec. 6 in New Orleans aboard the Seafarerscrewed Ready Reserve Force vessel Cape Kennedy, Schubert said his goals include encouraging new U.S.-flag breakbulk tonnage to enter the commercial market, leveling the playing field for U.S.-flag carriers, and renewing the Maritime Security Program (MSP) so that it meets national security requirements. AMO Reelects Mike McKay; MEBA Chooses Ron Davis Two officers' unions last month announced the results of their respective elections for office. Members of the American Maritime Officers (AMO) reelected Mike McKay for his third full term as president of the organization, while the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) elected Ron Davis as president. Davis had been a regional vice president for the past six years; he defeated incumbent Larry O'Toole. In a Dec. 10 letter to all AMO members, McKay said he is "pleased to know that division is behind us, and that a unified administration can now focus exclusively on the long-term interests of all AMO members and their families." McKay defeated three opponents in AMO's election, including his closest challenger, Jerry Joseph, who most recently had served as AMO's national executive vice president. Other winners in the AMO balloting were Bob McKay, national secretary-treasurer; Tom Bethel, national executive vice president; Joe Gremelsbacker, national vice president deep sea; Ed Kelly, national vice president at large; Leroy Tanner, national assistant vice president at large; and Bob Kiefer, national executive board member inland waters. Reelected without opposition were Dan Smith, national vice president Great Lakes; Don Cree, national assistant vice president Great Lakes; Stan Barnes, national executive board member Great Lakes; J. D. Willard, Gus Guzelian and Paul Cates, national executive board members at large; and Don Nilsson, national executive board member deep sea. The union noted that voting by secret mail ballot took place Oct. 1 through Dec. 1 of last year. From the Plans Administrator: SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma last month announced the following: • In November, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan mailed the new enrollment beneficiary form to all Plan participants. Seafarers who received the form are urged to complete it, making certain it is witnessed by someone other than the beneficiary. Also, please be sure that all dependents are listed on the form. If an SIU member did not receive the form and accompanying letter, but participates in either or both Plans, please contact the MEBA Pres. Ron Davis AMO Pres. Mike McKay MEBA's voting took place September through November. Besides Davis, the other winners were Cecil Mcintyre, secretary-treasurer; Bud Jacque, executive vice president and San Francisco branch agent; Don Keefe, vice president Atlantic Coast; Marc Huber, vice president Gulf Coast; Bill Van Loo, Baltimore branch agent; Lou Marciello, Houston branch agent; Al Camelio, Los Angeles branch agent; John McCurdy, Seattle branch agent; and Bill McHugh, M.I. Mallini, Jon Anderson, Donn Reamer, Michael Nizetich and Mike Jewell, patrolmen. In a sign of the times, MEBA's tallying committee wore protective gear because of the anthrax incidents in Washington, D.C. The union noted that its ballots had been processed through Washington's Brentwood postal facility, one of the contaminated sites. administrator's office by writing to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. As indicated in the letter dated Nov. 16, due to changes in the health care code, the Plans may be required to collect and verify certain information on participants and their families, which includes copies of marriage certificates, birth certificates and Social Security cards. Failure to provide the information requested in the letter may cause delays in processing dependent claims. • Delma also reminded Seafarers that, while the Plans continue to examine the best approach for benefit coverage as a result of the SIU/NMU merger, "those mem- bers formerly covered under the NMU Plans will continue to be covered by the NMU, and SIU members will continue to be covered by the SIU Plan." • Delma further reported that, in light of recent national events that have severely impacted the U.S. economy, plans to initiate a one-year special equipment pilot program, which includes a hearing aid benefit for dependents of eligible Seafarers, was cut back to just three (3) months; November 2001 to January 2002. During these three months, the changes in the special equipment benefit will be evaluated to determine the feasibility of its continuation. January 2002 �Strong U.S. Fleet Vital to America Military, Labor Officials Vow Support at MTD Convention Representatives of the U.S. military and the domestic and international labor movements emphasized the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine when they addressed the biennial convention of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Nov. 29-30 in Las Vegas. Delegates to the convention spelled out the MTD's agenda through resolutions supporting the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the Title XI program and other pro-maritime, pro-worker statutes. They also spoke out against runaway-flag shipping AFL-CIO President John Sween(also known as flag-of-conveey stated the federation's support nience shipping), and reiterated for a strong U.S. fleet. . labor's support for America's war against terrorism. Additionally, they remembered the victims of Sept. 11 and examined the attacks' aftermath. The MTD comprises 30 affiliate unions (including the SIU) representing an estimated 7 .5 million members. In opening the meetings, MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco listed the many unions who lost members in the Sept. 11 attacks on America. He and the delegates also praised their union brothers and sisters who have been involved in rescue and repair operations from the beginning, including SIU members aboard passenger ferries and a hospital ship, as well as other union mem- Renamed and Reflagged Pitsenbarger Joins Prepositioning Fleet The Therese Delmas has a new name and a new flag. Formerly a foreign-flag containership, the vessel now sails as a ptepositioning ship under the Stars and Stripes, with an SIU crew. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) during ceremonies Nov. 28 at the Detyens Shipyard in Charleston, S.C. renamed the vessel the MV Al C William H. Pitsenbarger in honor of a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. Red River Shipping Corp. of ockville, d. operates the 621foot vessel for MSC under a fiveyear charter. The Pitsenbarger will operate from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and preposition Air Force ammunition at sea, aiding the U.S. military's combat readiness. The ship can carry about 855 container equivalents-720 under deck and 13 5 in a cocoon above deck. Both cargo areas are airconditioned and dehumidified to protect the ammunition. The Pitsenbarger has five cranes on its deck that allow crew members to on-load and off-load ammunition. This feature gives the ship flexibility to off-load in undeveloped ports. The vessel joins a fleet of more than 35 MSC Afloat Prepositioning Force ships. Atsea prepositioning of combat equipment has become increasingly important as U.S. bases overseas continue to close. MSC operates more than 110 ships. Missions vary from the transport and prepositioning of defense cargo; to underway replenishment and other direct support of Navy ships at sea; to at-sea data collection for the U.S. military and other U.S. government agencies. During the renaming ceremony, Richardene Brewer, wife of Navy Rear Admiral David L. Brewer, MSC commander, was the ship's sponsor. She broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne on the vessel's hull, officially naming it. Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, commander in chief, U.S. Transportation Command, served as the event's principle speaker. Also addressing the gathering were Admiral Brewer, and John P. Morris III, president of RR & VO, L.L.C. (the shipowner). Airman 1st Class Pitsenbarger on April 11, 1966 was lowered from a hovering helicopter through the dense jungles near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, into the midst of heavy gunfire. Then 21 years old, Pitsenbarger had volunteered to board the rescue helicopter to evacuate U.S. Army casualties. "Pits," as he was affectionately known, was A worker paints the name onto the MVA1C William H. Pitsenbarger Nov. 27 in Charleston, S.C. Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Buytas nearing his 300th combat mission. When his helicopter was struck by enemy fire, he had a choice--climb into the litter basket to depart with the helicopter or stay behind. He elected to remain behind and assist the wounded. After he treated them, he joined the infantrymen with a rifle to hold off the Viet Cong. Despite being wounded three times, Pitsenbarger continued to simultaneously treat the wounded and ward off the enemy until he succumbed to a sniper's bullet. When his body was recovered the next day, one hand still held a medical kit and the other, a rifle. [.. January 2002 Tum to pages 11 -14 for additional coverage of the MTD Convention. attacks is mind-numbing," stated Sacco. "In the face of these tragedies, union members immediately raced to the scenes with one goal in mind: Helping fellow Americans. In the hours and days and weeks that followed, union members also helped redefine the word 'hero.' They're still at it today." He also pointed out, "Every union that's part of the MTD has pitched in for the relief effort in one way or another. Whether it was donating blood or money, searching for survivors, treating the wounded, taking scared victims to safety, comforting the rescue workers, mobilizing for Operation Enduring Freedom or through other means, our affiliates and the rest of our brothers and sisters throughout the labor movement have answered the challenge." International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger followed Sacco's remarks with a moving account of his union's involvement in the rescue operations. He thanked the other affiliates for their support. Other guest speakers included AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charles Mercer; International Transport Workers' Continued on page 4 MTD and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco (right) welcomes Rear Adm. John Stewart, vice commander of MSC, to the convention. New Survey Ship Delivered The U.S. Navy's newest oceanographic survey ship, the SIU-crewed USNS Mary Sears last month was delivered to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The vessel's arrival augments the nation's worldwide survey capabilities and signals new jobs for Seafarers. Built at the Halter Marine Shipyard in Moss, Point, Miss., the USNS Mary Sears (T-AGS 65) was named in honor the longtime Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientist and pioneer in oceanography. It is the 12th ship in the nation's history to be christened officially with a woman's name and the first oceanographic survey ship. Mary Sears, a New England native, served as a member of the Women Accepted for Voluntary USNS Mary Sears Class Length (feet) Beam (feet) Draft (feet) Displacement (long tons) Propulsion: Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, February 18, 2002 for the observance of Presidents' Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. hers working day and night at New York's "ground zero." "The roll call of unions who lost members in and after the Cruising Speed (knots) Crew Scientific Party Lab Space (square feet) Deck Space (square feet) T-AGS 60 329 58 18 4,722 Twin props and retractable bow thruster, Z-Drive 16 25 30 4,000 3,500 The USNS Mary Sears is launched in Moss Point, Miss. Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. She made pioneering efforts in oceanographic forecasting and was a major force in uniting the world oceanographic community while serving both her community and her country. The USNS Mary Sears is the sixth ship in the Pathfinder (T-AGS) class. Dyn Marine will operate the vessel for the Oceanographer of the Navy under contract with MSC. The T in T-AGS indicates operation by MSC and AGS stand for Auxiliary General Survey. Like all of the Pathfinder-class vessels, the USNS Mary Sears will be multi-mission, capable of surveying in either coastal or deep ocean waters. This capability provides both economy and flexibility in an era of military downsizing. The keel of the Mary Sears was laid July 28, 1999. It was christened Oct. 19, 2000 and will join fellow Seafarers-crewed MSC oceanographic survey ships USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Sumner, USNS Henson and USNS Broce Heezen in performing physical, chemical and biological oceanography; environmental investigations; marine geology and other types of surveying for the Naval Oceanographic Office. �Sealarers Honored at AOTOS Event Four SIU crews received "Honored Seafarer Awards" from the United Seamen's Service (USS) during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) ceremony in New York. Receiving the recognition Nov. 9 were SIU members from the NY Waterway ferry Thomas Jefferson, and Seafarers and officers from the SSG Edward Carter, USNS Watson and Mayaguez. Mariners aboard the Carter, an ammunition ship, battled a major fire; the other crews were involved in rescues. The USS described the Honored Seafarer Awards as "commending the heroism of American seafarers who have risked their lives to save others and the outstanding seamanship of officers and crews of vessels participating in rescue operations." Winners were chosen after nominations were submitted from throughout the industry. The period under consideration was the year 2000, although an exception was made for the Carter because of the magnitude of that event. The AOTOS Awards went to Philip J. Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Maritime Corp. of New York and to Erik F. Johnsen, president of International Shipholding Corp., headquartered in New Orleans. They were selected via "an industry-wide poll," noted the USS. The following are summaries of the SIU honorees: • The Mayaguez saved all five people who had abandoned a sinking sailboat 70 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The rescue took place April 5, 2001. • Three Seafarers on the Thomas Jefferson rescued a man from the icy Hudson River during the nighttime hours of Dec. 20, 2000. • The USNS Watson saved two Navy sailors who almost drowned after falling out of their small craft in a lagoon in Diego Garcia. It happened Dec. 12, 2000. • Crew members and officers on the Carter fought a shipboard fire while the vessel was carrying 2.5 million pounds of explosives. The July 14 pier-side accident in Sunny Point, N.C . claimed two lives, including that of GUDE Horace Beasley. Though tragic, the incident could have been more catastrophic if not for the initial efforts to contain the fire until shoreside help arrived. Ascension, Sagamore Crews Get Wage Boost as of Dec. 1 Seafarers aboard the MV Ascension and the MV Sagamore last month received welcome news concerning wage increases and better benefits. According to SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, all were in line to receive a 3 percent "total labor cost" contractual increase. This improvement, an across-the-board action, took effect Dec. 1. Further hikes are on the horizon. The U.S. Military Sealift Command recently awarded a five-year contract for the operation of trading vessels between Cape Canaveral, Fla. and Ascension Island. The contract was awarded to Sealift, Inc. of Oyster Bay, N.Y.-the operator of both the Ascension and Sagamore. Under this agreement, crew members on the two vessels will receive an additional 7 percent across-the-board hike when the new contract goes into effect. NY Waterway Ferries To Memorialize Sept. 11 Victims ly. Smith is believed to be the lone female police officer who died in the terrorist attack on New York. Judge, a fire department chaplain, was administering last rites when he perished in the towers' collapse. Seafarers aboard NY Waterway ferries transported more than 158,000 survivors away from the disaster scene on Sept. 11, including injured firefighters and civilians. SIU-contracted NY Waterway plans to name a pair of new passenger ferries in honor of two World Trade Center victims. The new boats, scheduled for christening this month, will be named the Moira Smith and the Father Mychal Judge, respective- Military, Labor Support MTD Agenda Continued from page 3 Federation General Secretary David Cockroft; Rear Adm. John Stewart, vice commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. Stewart stressed the effective partnership that exists between maritime labor and MSC. "As partners, we make the system work," he stated. "Together we're building a stronger, more resilient America, one that can respond to any contingency and stay strong, 4 Seafarers LOB committed and ready. Together we must continue to work for a stronger U.S. maritime industry, one which is able to attract and retain the highly skilled mariners we have become so dependent upon. "Our MSC team receives many kudos for the outstanding job we do for the U.S. armed services," he continued. "Every time we're told well done, it's a direct tribute to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, too. And for that, we at Military Sealift Command sincerely thank you." Seafarers from the SSG Edward Carter (below) and the USNS Watson (left) were among those honored by the United Seamen's Service. STCW Basic Safety Training Renewable Via Sea Service The U.S. Coast Guard recently confirmed a change in the way mariners may meet the requirements for renewing STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), a key component of the amended STCW convention. According to National Maritime Center Policy Letter No. 12-01, "A mariner who has met the requirements for initial competency in BST and who is actively serving on seagoing ships will be considered as having demonstrated continuing competence in BST provided he or she completes at least one year of sea service within the past five years. This five-year period is a running calendar in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the critical date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service. "To determine the critical date," the letter continues, "review the mariner's sea service starting with the current date and go backwards in time until one year of sea service is counted. The period of validity for continuing competence in BST is then five years from the date where the mariner has completed one year of sea service. For example, if on 1 October 2001, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 2000, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through 31 May 2005. "Using similar dates, if on 1 October 2001 a mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 1996, then the BST would have been valid until 31 May 200 l. Because 31 May 2001 has passed (today's date in this example is 1 October 2001 ), the mariner has not retained competency in BST." The policy letter also notes that the "critical date" mentioned above will advance as a mariner continues serving on a seagoing vessel. Additionally, Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs) may accept discharges or sea-service letters "prepared in accordance with current standards" as proof of sea service. If a mariner cannot prove one year of sea service within the past five years, then he or she must complete a U.S. Coast Guard approved or accepted course "approved for revalidation of BST," such as the STCW curriculum available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Despite the fact that the policy letter is dated Oct. 31, 2001, its contents had been under legal review beyond that date. The agency in early December confirmed the policy change. Notice: 'Pre-STC Applications Seafarers who have the required sea time and who are considering either upgrading to AB, FOWT or QMED or sitting for a license, can go to any U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (REC} before Feb. 1, 2002 and get an application to take the examination(s) under pre-STCW conditions. This application will be valid for one year. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the necessary preparatory courses to assist students in readying for the exams. Solidarity in Hawaii Seafarers and SIU officials in Honolulu last month demonstrated support for members of Honolulu-based United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 480. The UFCW brothers and sisters are trying to get their first contract at Aloha Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre. Pictured from the left are SIU Patrolman Jim Storm, SA Pete DiPierro, OS William Joquin and OS Andrzej Bronkowski. January 2002 �Labor Mourns Kivikko Federation Reelects Top Officials Celebrating the accomplishments of the past six years and looking to the future, delegates to the AFLCIO convention last month reelected the federation's top three officers. SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left), who was reelected as a vice president of the AFL-CIO executive council, congratulates (from left) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, Exec. VP Linda Chavez-Thompson and President John Sweeney. The convention took place Dec. 3-6 in Las Vegas. Part Security Still Scrutinized While the U.S. Coast Guard continues to enforce a wide range of security measures on ships entering the United States in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist incidents, legislation which ultimately will provide the Department of Transportation (and other components of government) the authority needed to enact a comprehensive maritime security initiative remains in flux. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, lawmakers still were debating possib e amendments as well as specific language to be contained in the Port, Maritime and Rail Security Act of 2001, (S.1214). Likewise, two other bills-the Port Threat and Security Act (S.1587) and H.R 3013, a companion to S.1214still were undergoing congressional scrutiny. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta supports the goals ofS.1214. "We believe that many of the elements laid out in S. 1214 can be critically important tools in crafting a new paradigm in maritime and port security, and look forward to continuing to work with the leadership and members of both bodies on this vital issue," he said Dec. 6 during testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. "We are making great strides in addressing our most critical transportation security challenges. However, much work remains to be done-particularly in the security Norman Mineta U.S. Sec'y of Transportation of our coastal waters, our inland waterways, our port facilities and their intermodal connectors." Noting that existing statutes bad enabled authorities to address the most pressing security challenges, Mineta said a new network of protections was needed, "one that transforms what has been a rapid response into a sustained effort that recognizes heightened security as a part of normal operations." Mineta then laid out what he termed key principles, which he believes, should underlie the country's efforts to build a new baseline of operations for maritime security. "Our approach must be comprehensive, reaching both security at port facilities and in the marine environment," he said. "It must reach the security of physical assets and the security of maritime and port personnel and passengers." Planning and coordinating with local and state authorities will be crucial, according to Mineta, because of the diverse nature of the maritime system across the country, and the widely deviating nature of operations among ports. Mineta emphasized that the new system must fully demonstrate a recognition of and appreciation for the intermodal nature of marine transportation. Cargo that is unloaded from a ship today in a seaport will move quickly to other modes of transportation, he said. "A cargo container arriving Admiral James M. Loy U.S. Coast Guard Commandant at a U.S. seaport today can be virtually anywhere in the heartland of America via truck and/or rail tomorrow. Accordingly, maritime security measures must be fully integrated with security measures being implemented in other modes of transportation." Aiming to improve maritime security, he proposed: • That the secretary of transportation be given expanded authority to conduct security assessments of foreign ports The where necessary. Department of Transportation will also work with international organizations for the adoption of international standards for port security, similar to international airport standards promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. • To extend the Coast Guard's jurisdiction in order to enhance the agency's ability to monitor and manage arriving vessel traffic. • Establish new maritime safety and security teams for rapid deployment to enhance port security in areas of heightened threat. • Formulate new criminal penalties, similar to those in place for aviation, for acts against vessels and maritime facilities. Establish a new penalty for use of a dangerous weapon on all passenger vessels, similar to the penalty recently enacted in the USA Patriot Act for offenses involving a ferry or mass transit system. • Extend DOT's authority to license and regulate deepwater oil ports to include natural gas facilities. • Establish criminal penalties for acts of maritime terrorism, such as placing destructive devices or harmful substances into our waters. In concluding his remarks to the subcommittee, Mineta said that the nation never will be "finished" dealing with the ongoing threat to maritime and port security. ''The transportation networks that make up the marine transportation system are constantly Dennis L. Kivikko, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, died Dec. 6, 2001 after a brief hospitalization for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 57. Kivikko had served as the department's secretary-treasurer since 1996. From 1990, he managed the AFL-CIO 's annual Union Industries Show, a huge traveling exposition of union services and products. A native of Rochelle, Ill., Kivikko got an early start on his career with organized labor. He joined the Retail Clerks Union (now the United Food and Commercial Workers) at age 16, as an employee of the Kroger Co. in his hometown. In 1966, he was appointed as an organizer for the Retail Clerks, taking on assignments in Chicago, Minneapolis, Phila- delphia and Richmond, Va. He is survived by his wife, Marge; two sons and two granddaughters, all of Richmond. Donations in Kivikko's memory may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, co 80204. evolving," he said. "The security threats and safety challenges we. face in marine transportation are constantly evolving. Our response to those challenges must be constantly evolving, as well." Meanwhile, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral James M. Loy also addressed the subcommittee. After updating members on the various actions that his agency has taken-including hosting an SIU-attended Maritime and Homeland Security Meeting on Oct. 30-to develop the immediate maritime security response to the events of Sept. 11, the commandant focused on what he envisions for the longer term. "Our challenge is to determine what the new normalcy represents in terms of mission requirements and the associated operational activity, while also ensuring that the Coast Guard is able to provide forces to meet its military service responsibilities for supporting the war against terrorism both at home and abroad," he said. Noting that the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone encompasses 95,000 miles of open shoreline, 361 ports and nearly 3.5 million square miles of ocean, Admiral Loy said the challenge is an enor- mous one. A key consideration, he said, is the U.S. marine transportation system. This system of ports, waterways, intermodal connections, vessels and vehicles moves 95 percent of the nation's overseas trade and 90 percent of our war fighting materials during a major military contingency, according to the admiral. Further, he pointed out, over 7,500 foreign-flag vessels make more than 51,000 port calls bringing some 200,000 foreign mariners to U.S. ports yearly. The cruise ship industry carries more than 6.5 million Americans annually on passenger vessels. Six million loaded containers, 156 million tons of hazardous material and nearly 1 billion tons of petroleum products also enter our ports each year. Because of its vulnerability, the maritime transportation system is an attractive target to terrorists for both mass disruption and mass destruction, Admiral Loy said. For this reason, the security environment must allow for the differentiation between the movements of lawful and unlawful activities without unreasonably disrupting the free flow of commerce or movement of war fighting materials to overseas theaters. Dennis Kivikko managed the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show. USCG photo by PA2 Tom Sperdute Cdr. Daniel Ronan from Coast Guard Activities, NY shows Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta the Coast Guard security zones in New York Harbor. Seafaas 1.116 5 �East Coast CIVMAR ABS Receive Wage Increase Union Pushed for Equitable Rates Following a strong and consistent push by the SIU's Government Services Division, CIVMARs sailing as ABs on the East Coast are moving up the pay scale. Rear Adm. John Stewart last month announced that wages for CIVMARs sailing as ABs on the East Coast are increasing to the highest rate of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) wage schedule. They also will receive individual retention allowances, while bosun mates will get an increase in their retention allowance. "We recently received approval to do just that and are now in the process of implementing these pay changes," Stewart stated Nov. 29 at the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department convention in Las Vegas. Stewart anticipated that the increases would take effect by the end of last month. The Sill's Government Services Division had pushed for these increases and continues consulting with MSC about recruitment and retention. Notice to Civil Service Mariners: Don't Lose Your Shore Leave Many civil service mariners have accrued large amounts of shore leave and have been unable to use it because a relief was unavailable. Some mariners have lost this leave prior to their retirement. Don't let this happen to you. Generally the law states that civil service mariners cannot use their shore leave right before their retirement. Use of leave in this way is referred to as "terminal leave." Terminal leave cannot be used unless the mariner can show that the agency previously had denied leave because it needed him or her to work, and the fail- ure to use the leave therefore was beyond the mariner's control. In other words, a mariner may take "terminal leave" if he or she demonstrates a prior denial of leave because the agency needed the mariner to work. The union has consulted with the agency on this matter to ensure that civil service mariners are protected and will not lose the leave they have worked hard to earn. Be sure to follow these steps when requesting your leave: • Request your leave from the master at least 60 days in advance. • In block 6 of the leave Retired Rep. Solomon Dies The U. S. maritime industry recently suffered the loss of one of its most influential champions with the death of retired U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon, (RN.Y.). A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Solomon passed away Oct. 26 of heart failure at his Glens Falls, N.Y. home. He was 71. Rep. Gerald Solomon-who rose to a Solomon dominant leadership post in the House of Representatives-was an ardent advocate of the U.S. merchant fleet. He regarded it as a vital U.S. economic and national security asset. In 1996, Solomon helped guide the Maritime Security Act through the House. It authorized the 10-year Maritime Security Program, which provides limited aid to qualified U.S. merchant ships engaged in commercial foreign trade. In exchange for the operating assistance, participating companies make their ships, crews, and all intermodal and logistics support equipment available to the Defense Department for use in strategic sealift and other military support services. Solomon in 1997 co-sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 65, which defended the Jones Act and other cabotage laws as critically important components of our nation's economic and military security. The cabotage laws hold domestic cargo, cruise and service markets for U.S.-owned, built, flagged and manned vessels. He retired in 1998. Ballast Water Rule Flnallzecl The U.S. Coast Guard has finalized a rule, which implements and widens the scope of the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. The agency in 1999 published an interim rule which addressed ballast water management. Under the previous guidance, operators of vessels entering U.S. waters from beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (BEZ) were required to submit a ballast water management report upon arrival. The 6 Seafarers LOG form, check other paid absence and write "shore leave" in the remarks. This information is essential. • Make sure you note your current address and phone number. • If your leave is denied, make sure you get the reason for the denial in writing on the appropriate form. Your detailer can provide you with information about the proper forms to use. • If you phone in your request for leave or you e-mail your request, make sure you receive confirmations of all your discussions in writing and keep copies in your files. This step protects you whether you are requesting shore leave or any other type of leave. new regulation-which became effective Dec.20requires a ballast water management report to be filed 24 hours prior to arrival in the first U.S. port. Previously, the requirement was that reports had to be filed after arrivals. Further, the amended rule also applies to ships equipped with ballast water tanks rather than just to those carrying them. A provision for equal reporting has been added to the new rule for vessels making repetitive voyages. Although this new mandate does not preempt state and local government requirements, the Coast Guard requests that such entities consider this policy before taking local action. Economy In Recession The U.S . economy is in recession and has been since April, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. Unemployment continues to rise and other telltale signs-falling industrial output and weakened commercial bank lending activity-suggest that the economy is still declining. Across the country, 7.7 million American workers are unemployed. Nearly 750,000 layoffs were announced between Sept 12 and Nov. 19, according toAFL-CIO tabulations. As ofNov. 30, insured jobless claims stood at 4 million-the highest level since December 1982. The increases in both unemployment and job losses were spread broadly through the economy, but the manufacturing sector-with 287 ,000 announced layoffs as of Nov. 19-was hardest hit. The transportation sector checked in second with 137,291 layoffs, followed by the hospitality, tourism and entertainment arena at 135,783. Numerous recent reports regarding consumer spending and industrial activity have led some analysts to conclude that the recession is "bottoming out," and that overall economic growth will soon tum positive. According to the Economic Policy Institute, whether or not these forecasts are accurate, simply moving from negative to positive growth will not prevent unemployment from rising further. The unemployment rate will continue to increase until the economy returns to growth rates of at least 3 percent, the institute said. SIU Government Services Division members aboard the Apache helped rescue four boaters. US#S Apache Saves 4 Government Services Division Seafarers who crew the ocean tug USNS Apache recently saved four people from certain doom on the high seas. The Apache, during the early evening hours of Nov. 25, was en route from Norfolk, Va., for duty in the Mediterranean when it was informed by the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Portsmouth, Va., that an 80-foot sailing yacht was in trouble. Any vessel in the vicinity was advised to divert in order to assist the distressed vessel. The craft- the Bossa Nova JI- reportedly was foundering in 20-knot winds and 12-foot seas in a position some 1,400 miles southwest of the Azores. In spite of having just cleared bad weather itself- the ocean tug's voyage had been plagued by strong winds and seas up to 20 feet since leaving port- the Apache still headed back into the teeth of the storm. Several hours later, at about 10 p.m., the Apache approached the sinking yacht. Because of high seas and escalating winds, the Apaches master decided on slowly coming alongside the yacht and its flailing 80-foot mast, keeping it in the lee of his platform. The Apache made a slow, controlled but determined approach on the yacht with one crew member operating the tug's thruster controls, the second mate on the boat's throttles and an experienced helmsman on the wheel. Eventually, a line was passed to the four-person Bossa Nova II crew. They quickly transited their craft for the security of the USNS Apache. Their yacht was left to the fate of the sea. After its new guests were aboard and securely tucked away, the Apache resumed its Mediterranean course for Rota, Spain. Once there, the rescued boaters were discharged. The Apache then continued on to Naples, Italy, where it joined the Navy's 6th Fleet as a towing and salvage ship. Captain G. W. Summerfield, master of the doomed yacht, described the rescue experience as being "like a John Wayne western m · ." H de Apache crew and hailed the U.S Navy as "tops." SIU crew members aboard the Apache during the rescue were: ABs Cullan P. Fardoux, David Silvio, Michael Rankin and Thomas Looney; Ordinary Seamen Joseph C. Keyser and Alfred Hogan and Engine Utility Anthony Cassell. Steward department personnel included Steward/Cook John Breitenstein, Cook/Baker Alphonse Hunter and Steward Utility Collins D. Fallejo. The USNS Apache is one of five fleet ocean tugs that operates in the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) 34-ship Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force. The vessel is 240 feet long, has a 42-foot beam and carries a crew of 16 Department of Navy civilian mariners and four active duty members of the Navy. Four-Month Tour Introduced For Civil Service Mariners Behind the scenes and out in front. union representatives work daity to improve the quality of life of civil service mariners sailing with the Military Sealift Command. Whether ifs checking mattress thickness, bunk space, lights and heads on vessel conversions or working with MSC representatives about wages, grievances and other tabor policies, the SfU ensures MSC understands the needs of the civil service mariner. This work has paid off in a positive change in leave policy for mariners. Mariners are now eligible for relief after sailing for four months. Union representatives have pushed for this policy for several years. Additionally, mariners who wish to receive compensatory time in lieu of overtime can use the compensatory time to extend their leave between voyages. January 2002 �OMU Jason Powell (photo left) repairs an actuator module for the main winch box aboard the tug Pioneer at the Crowley Maritime facility in Jacksonville. Above, ABs Michael Hurst and Steve Phelps position wooden planks in preparation for cargo operations aboard a Crowley barge at the company's Talleyrand Terminal in Jacksonville. at Work AboanlSbip Biid Ashore Aboard the Charles L. Brown, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel, Guadalupe (Lupe) Campbell (center) receives a company safety award for her outstanding work aboard ship. Presenting the award are 1st A/E Joe Olivieri (left), a former SIU member, and Captain Miro Mavra. The ship and its crew were at work in Lima, Peru. A lifeboat endorsement is part of the Basic Safety Training (BST) required of all Seafarers. The lifeboat training in the photo at left and the one above were taken at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at Piney Point, Md. At left, Wiper Felix Medina-Vidal gives instructions on the lowering of the lifeboat. Above. Seafarers ractice their rowing skills. From the le (on the port side) are GUDE Mikhail Pinchevskiy, OS Patricia Hausner, OS Sarni Abdulla and OS William Burnham. On the starboard side are GUDE Nasser Hafid and Wiper Felix Medina-Vidal. NY Port Council Honors 3 After a 32-year career at sea, Recertified Chief Steward Ken Rosiek (left) is coming ashore. Rosiek joined the MC&S in 1969 in the port of San Francisco as a baker on the APL President Taft. He also sailed aboard passenger ships, tugs and RO/ROs. In 1985, Rosiek joined the AT&T Cable Ship Long Lines as chief steward and has worked aboard cable ships for the past 17 years. On his last day, he was surprised with a retirement party. The crew presented him with a ship's brass clock (above) and a card signed by everyone. With his 17 years' experience aboard cable ships, Rosiek will now work shoreside-as a consultant to Tyco. Thanks to Chief Steward Shawn "Fuji" Fijiwara for the photo and background information. The New York Port Council of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, recently honored (upper left photo, from left) U.S. Rep. Jack Quinn (R-N.Y.), Maher Terminals Chairman and CEO Brian Maher, and International Longshoremen's Association Executive VP Al Cernadas at its annual awards dinner. This year's event took place Oct. 27 in New York City. Also pictured at the gathering are (top right) SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco, presenting the award to Cernadas, who also serves as president of ILA Local 1235; (below right) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, congratulating Cernadas; and (below left) various ILA officials and their guests. The honorees were selected for their support of the U.S. fleet. Approximately 650 people attended. At the SIU hall in San Juan, P.R., two members receive their books from SIU Rep. Amancio Crespo (at left in both photos). In the photo at left is OS Kervin Velazquez and at right is OS Victor Velez with his daughter. January 2002 Seafarers LOB 7 �On his last trip before retiring, AB Joseph Osorio (right) poses with two of the ship's newest crew members, Unlicensed Apprentices Jose Molina Jr. (left) and Tiffany Nettles (both from class 620). Also pictured are DEU John Cooper (center), who sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG, and SIU Rep. Amancio Crespo from the port of San Juan. Jorge Ellis is the chief cook aboard the El Morro, which is owned by Sea Star Lines and operated by lnterocean Ugland Management. Chief Electrician Fred Dougherty checks with the chief engineer by phone from his workshop. On the Coastwise Run With the El Morro Crew ... At any given time, OMU Patrick McPherson can be found in the ship's engine room. Right: Awaiting payoff in San Juan is OMU Pedro Gago. From the left: Steward Kris Hopkins makes sure everything in the galley is in its proper place before starting the next meal; Unlicensed Apprentice Marvin Smith II cleans the passageways while Unlicensed Apprentice Matthew Ryan (both from class 616) works on the main cargo deck; and DEU John Cooper puts a coat of primer on the main cargo deck's starboard bulkhead. B Seafarers LOS January 2002 �San Fiucisco HaB Hosts HoHday Feast Patriotism Permeates Annual Assembly The SIU hall in San Francisco once again played host to a well-attended Thanksgiving celebration which attracted local dignitaries, Seafarers and their families, SIU retirees, friends and guests. An estimated 380 people packed the hall Nov. 20 for food and fellowship. Patriotism was apparent throughout the threehour gathering. A Marine Corps color guard helped set the appropriately nationalistic tone, as did renditions of "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful." Officials from local fire fighter and police San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown addresses the crowd of 380 unions attended, and a minute of silence was Seafarers, dignitaries and other guests at the SIU hall. observed for their union brothers and sisters who perished in the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Small American flags adorned each table. Land, and Crowley all pitched in. Guests included San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown; John Alioto's Restaurant on Fishermen's Wharf cooked Burton, president pro tempore of the state senate; California 22 turkeys and eight hams for the occasion, while Chief Steward Peter Ciddio headed a group of volInsurance Commissioner Harry Low; San Francisco Fire Chief unteer Seafarers who handled the other aspects of the Mario Trevino; San Francisco Police Officers Association President Chris Cunnie; Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer meal preparation and presentation. Among those joining him were Recertified Stewards Jill Prescott of the California Labor Federation; John Hanley, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 798; Marine Corps and Louella Sproul, Chief Steward Burt Col. Hank Morris (Ret.); local judges; many more officials from Richardson, Chief Cooks John Blasquez and John unions including the Plumbers, the Carpenters, the Sheet Metal Stein, SA Whitey Pavo and ABs Gore Alta and Workers and several maritime unions; shipping company represenJason Schoenstein. Bosun Mate George Pino carried Representing the U.S. Marine Corps and presenting the colors are (from left) Staff Sgt. James Beach, Sgt. tatives and others. the U.S. Merchant Marine flag during the opening Michael Bundesen, Col. Hank Morris (Ret.), Sgt. ceremonies. Seafarers-conSIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, the event's coordinator, David Harmon and Cpl. Marc Pensul. tracted companies reported lots of positive feedback from what steadily got into the holiday spirit by has grown into a very popular and customary part of the holiday donating most of season for many in the San Francisco area. "Everyone keeps saying it was the best," he noted. the food for the big meal. Patriot Shipholding, American Ship Management, Matson Navigation, Sea- Chief Cook John Blasquez and Chief Cook John Stein (top photo) and Recertified Steward Jill Prescott (right) help prepare the meal. Bosun Below: George Pino (right) and SIU Asst. VP have the right idea: displaying the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. The annual feast in San Francisco wouldn't be possible without the efforts of volunteers such as (from left) AB Gore Alta, AB Jason Schoenstein, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul, Chief Steward Burt Richardson, Chief Cook John Blasquez and (in background) Chief Cook John Stein. Renee Marrone begins the festivities and "America the Beautiful." by singing "God Bless America" Retiree Mel Medesti tells 13-year-old Nick Marrone II (son of SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) that the seafaring life is the way to go. Guests enjoy the meal. Left: Lending their talents to the occasion are (from left) SA Whitey Pavo, AB Gore Alta, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and Chief Steward Peter Ciddio. Pictured during the opening ceremonies are (from left) San Francisco Police Officers Association President Chris Cunnie; IAFF Local 798 President John Hanley; San Francisco Fire Chief Mario Trevino; Stagehands Exec. VP Eddie Powell; California Insurance Commissioner Harry Low; and San Francisco Labor Council Sec.-Treasurer Walter Johnson. January 2002 Seafarers LOB 9 �, . . . . - - - - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - ~ We re 111aking our list1 checking it twice • • • 1 -!J The Seafarers LOG is updating and validating its monthly mailing list. This update should not affect active SIU members or pensioners. nor should it impact SIU-contracted companies. government representatives or agencies. media. educational institutions. port authorities or other unions who receive the LOG. However, if you: r ~ Currently receive a single monthly copy of the LOG via mail, and ~ You are not an active SIU member or an SIU pensioner, and ~ You also don't fit into any category mentioned in the underlined sentence above, and ~ You want to remain on the mailing list, Please let us know by completing the form on this page and mailing it to: Data Management/Address Corrections Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 OR Contact us via email at kclements@seafarers.org. r----------------------------~---------------------, SEAFARERS LOG ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Phone No.: _ __ _ _ _ _ Social Security No.: _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Thank you for your assistance and for your continued interest in the _ __ __ __ Seafarers LOG L------------------------------~-------------------~ 10 Seafarers LOii . January 2002 �Delegates Examine September 11 's Aftershock Demand Fair Treatment for Working Families elegates to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department's convention Nov. 29-30 in Las Vegas addressed a number of subjects that are imperative to America's working families. Not surprisingly, though, one D topic dominated much of the biennial meeting: September 11. International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger helped set the convention's tone with a stirring speech in which he described his union's perseverance through the MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of 344 New York-area IAFF members. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and MTD President Michael Sacco (who also serves as president of the SIU) praised the labor movement's response to the violence. All three emphasized the need for politicians to stand up for American workers during the awful economic fallout hastened by the attacks. "This is the biggest issue facing the labor movement," Sacco said of the more than 700,000 layoffs nationwide that have occurred since Sept. 11, including many in the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. "Very few industries have been immune. Economically, America is reeling." Sacco pointed out that the labor movement is "leading the fight to protect American workers and American jobs. We're standing up and demanding fair treatment for our members and for all workers throughout the nation- MSC Vice Commander Praises MTD Unions as 'Unsung Heroes' • he vice commander of the Military Sealift U .S. Command (MSC) lauded MTD unions and their members as "unsung heroes" who are "critical to our success and to the ability of the U.S. military to get the job done." Addressing the MTD convention last month in Las Vegas, Rear Adm. John Stewart told the officials, delegates and guests that their respective unions are essential to MSC 's mission of providing the worldwide movement of goods and materiel for U.S. armed forces. "Without your mariners, Boilermakers, Sheet Metal Workers, shipping company clerks, Longshoremen and all the other skilled workers who provide the life's blood of this industry, we at the Military Sealift Command could not complete our mission," he stated. "Just as Military Sealift Command personnel are considered the unsung heroes of the Department of Defense, you and your members are the unsung heroes of the U.S. maritime industry. Together, we're out there on the seven seas, operating in and through all 24 time zones every day." Stewart reviewed MSC's four basic programs, which feature different types of civilian-crewed military support vessels. These T include 29 naval fleet auxiliary force ships. 24 oceanographic surveillance vessels, 36 prepositioning ships and 30 "strategic sealift" vessels. Altogether, they provide food, fuel, armnunition and equipment to U.S. forces, wherever and whenever needed, as well as transportation for the Department of Defense. The vessels are main- January 2002 c· tained in U.S. shipyards. "The health of our U.S. maritime industry is just as important to MSC as it is to you. In short, MSC needs you now and for the years ahead," Stewart declared. "I say thanks to each and every one of you and to your members who lift a hammer, wrench or torch to our hulls and decks, and thanks to those who maintain our propulsion plants and operating equipment. Because of you, we don't lie awake at night worrying about maintenance and repair. We know it's going to get done and it's going to get done well." Turning his attention to Operation Enduring Freedom, Stewart noted, "Like all wars, this one will take a lot of supplies. Navy and Air Force bombing raids on Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan can only happen if our fighting forces get the munitions they need. That's where all of us come in. We're hauling those munitions and the food and fuel to keep air crews and planes flying. Sustainment gear, food, fuel, spare parts all come next for any ground troops that remain in the battle area for any prolonged period of time. Again, Military Sealift Command and the maritime industry provide the core capability to get the goods to the war fighter where they're needed and when they're needed." He also applauded everyone involved with the deployment of the USNS Comfort (crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division) to New York following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The hospital ship-underway well ahead of its activation schedule-served as a much-needed haven for rescue c Rear Adm. John Stewart, MSC vice commander workers at ground zero. "The mission is completed by the unsung heroes like yourselves and your members who are out there every day moving the goods, providing the combat equipment, food, fuel and other gear to the forces around the world and keeping our ships operating," Stewart concluded. "Together, as partners, we make the system work. Together we're building a stronger, more resilient America, one that can respond to any contingency and stay strong, committed and ready. Together we must continue to work for a stronger U.S. maritime industry, one which is able to attract and retain the highly-skilled mariners we have become so dependent upon. "Our MSC team receives many kudos for the outstanding job we do for the U.S. armed services. Every time we •re told 'well done,' it's a direct tribute to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, too." IAFF President Harold Schaitberger AF.L-CIO President John Sweeney and throughout the world, for that matter. Obviously, it's a great challenge. And we can't do it alone. It's going to take labor, business and government working together to stop this recession and put people back to work. "But we're going to make sure that our members in the affected industries get back on their feet," he continued. "We are going to continue to make sure that the policy makers hear and address the concerns of all working people." Sweeney said that labor's goals haven't changed since the attacks, "except our work is now more important than ever. The union movement-our movement of working families-is now fighting wars on multiple fronts. We're committed to standing with the president in fighting the war against terrorism, here at home and abroad, and we will not rest until that battle is won." As he continued, the federation president admonished certain businesses and lawmakers for their anti-worker actions. "We all know we have to continue and escalate the war and win another war, and that's the battle against terrorism in our workplaces. It's the kind of battle the Maritime Trades unions have been fighting so valiantly on behalf of the offshore mariners and other workers in the Gulf region," Sweeney said. "Too many employers are still committing too many acts of harassment, intimidation and termination against workers who are trying to form or join unions, and we must bring it to a stop. "As these last three months have amply demonstrated, we also have a continuing struggle against conservatives in the United States Congress who are waging war against working families," he added. "Shortly after September 11, we held a press conference on Capitol Hill to press for worker relief measures in the Airline Bailout Bill. And CWA President Morty Bahr called the layoffs that had been announced industrial genocide. I agree with that characterization, and in the weeks and months that have gone by, I've grown angrier by the day as I've watched the conservative forces in Congress try to block genuine worker relief, tough airline security, and effective economic stimulus legislation. 'Tve become infuriated at their attempts to take advantage of the cover provided by our national emergency to advance their anti-working family agenda, more massive tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy, more attacks on our social safety nets and worker protections, more sacrifice of American jobs and incomes on the altar of unregulated global trade." Sweeny expressed support for the Jones Act, cargo preference and the Title XI loan guarantee program, among other maritime initiatives. He also commended the MTD. "I really have a lot of admiration for this department and I have a tremendous amount of admiration for your president. Mike Sacco is so solid and so strong and a good friend to all of us. He is a great leader and a good friend." No speaker was more captivating than Schaitberger, who set up staff operations near "ground zero" hours after the collapse of the World Trade Center. "The images of September 11 are clearly and indelibly seared in the souls of millions and millions of Americans. For many of us in this room, those images were intensely personal, a tragedy of truly epic proportions," the IAFF president said, noting that several other MTD affiliates lost members in the attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. "In the days and weeks that followed, my union put the collective arm of our 245,000 members around the shoulders of our grieving families and the 11,000 New York firefighters who still had to continue to do their job and provide protection for the five boroughs in that great city of New York." Schaitberger said that the union has raised more than $80 million to help "the families of our firefighter victims," and he repeatedly thanked fellow unions for their support, financial and otherwise. He stated that the union response reflects "the strength, the compassion and love that bonds all of us in this great labor movement of ours together. I have never been so proud or felt so blessed to be part of organized labor, to be affiliated with the AFL-CIO than in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy of September 11." Noting that heroic union memContinued on page 14 Seafarers LOS 11 �elegates to the 2001 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention called on Congress to demonstrate backing for the U.S.-flag fleet by supporting the Maritime Security Program, Title XI, cabotage laws and other programs that promote a strong American maritime industry. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) chaired the conference, which took <)~A place Nov. 29-30 in Las Vegas. Delegates from the MTD's 30 ~ affiliate unions and 24 port councils heard addresses from the president of the AFL-CIO, the IAFF and the ITF, among many other beneficial remarks. They considered numerous resolutions dealing with issues that affect America's working families. Of course, September 11 and its aftermath were discussed at length. Kicking off the convention were the Clark County (Nev.) Firefighters Honor Guard, consisting of IAFF Local 1908 members Eric Poleski, Warren Whitney, Steve Petcoff, John Wiercinski and Donald Price. Many delegates and guests are pictured on these two pages. D Al Cernadas, Exec. VP, ILA Nick Marrone, VP West Coast, SIU John Bowers, President, ILA Michael Goodwin, President. OPEIU Charles Mercer, President. AFL-CIO Union Label Dept. Warren Mart, VP, Machinists Ed Brown, VP Atlantic, ILA 12 Seafarers LOG Harold Schaitberger, President, IAFF Henri Francois, New Bedford Port Agent, SIU Gerald Deneau, Sec. -Treasurer, GCIU David Heindel, Sec. -Treasurer, SIU Dennis Metz, Baltimore Port Agent, SIU; Jim McGee, Asst. VP Gulf Coast, SIU Ande Abbott, Dir., Marine Div., Boilermakers Augie Tellez, VP Contracts, SIU Bill Lucy, Sec. -Treasurer, AF SC ME James Rankin, President, Glass Molders Mike McKay, President, AMO Bob McKay, Sec.-Treasurer, AMO Larry Barber, Exec. VP, BCTGM Joseph Hunt, President, Iron Workers John Fay, Exec. VP, SIU Whitey Disley, President, MFOW Dean Corgey, VP Gulf Coast, SIU Jack Wurm, lnt'I VP, RWDSU Gunnar Lundeberg, President, SUP Joe Soresi, Phil. Port Agent, SIU Victor Nunez, San Juan Port Agent, SIU January 2002 �Michael Sacco, President, MTD and SIU Gerald Deneau, Sec. -Treasurer, GCIU Richard Cordtz, President Emeritus, SEIU Roman Gralewicz, President, SIU Canada Tai Simpkins, Exec. Dir., AFL-CIO Maritime Committee January 2002 Robert Scardelletti, President, TCU Howard Randolph, lnt'I VP. TCU Larry O'Toole, President, MESA John Cox, Wilmington Port Agent, SIU; Don Thornton, Algonac Port Agent, SIU Richard Lanigan, VP, OPEIU Martin Byrne, Exec. Asst. to President, Iron Workers Richard Davis, VP, Steelworkers Nick Celena, Asst. VP West Coast, SIU Jim Malone, Representative, SIU Frank Pecquex, Exec. Sec.Treasurer, MTD David Cockroft, Gen. Secretary, ITF Tony McQuay, Jacksonville Port Agent, SIU George McCartney, Retired VP West Coast, SIU Becky Sleeper, St. Louis Port Agent, SIU Susan Phillips, International VP, UFCW Hugh Walsh, Asst. to the president. CWA Dennis Lundy, Training Director, OPEIU 501 John Baker, President, Cleveland Port Council; Richard Hughes, Sec.Treasurer, ILA Atlantic Joseph Mitchell, Sec.-Treasurer, Glass Molders Rene Lioeanjie, VP At Large, SIU Vincent O'Reilly, Senior Exec. Asst. to president, IBEW Capt. Tim Brown , President, MM&P Neil Dietz, Honolulu Port Agent, SIU Seafarers LOS 13 �ITF1s Cockroft Updates FOC Campaign avid Cockroft, general secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), covered a number of key topics last month at the MTD convention, including an update on the long-running campaign against flag-of-convenience (FOC) shipping, also known as runaway-flag shipping. In addition, he described ITF efforts to work with the governments of major maritime nations and international bodies- including the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization and others -"to re-establish a maritime industry where standards are really enforced and practiced." Like the other guest speakers, Cockroft discussed the terrorist attacks on America. However, after extending condolences from the London-based ITF, he suggested a new perspective on September 11-namely, that terrorism in some ways parallels runaway-flag shipping. "September 11 has at least concentrated the minds of the United States government and of virtually every other decent member of the world community on the shady world of money laundering, corruption, shell companies which give no clue of their real ownership and of the crucial need for world global govemanc~" Cockroft said. "For over 50 years, the ITF has been arguing against the FOC system as the earliest and the most obvi- D ous example ofa lack ofreal government control and responsibility. While there were already signs that the real, genuine maritime nations, including the United States, were beginning to feel more and more uncomfortable about the human safety and pollution effects of the FOC system, the events after September 11 have intensified those concerns enormously." He cited a breaking ABC News report that U.S. authorities are hunting at least 20 ships owned or operated by Osama bin Laden. "When we learn which flags they fly under, I will be very surprised indeed if they aren't all members of the ITF flags-of-convenience list," Cockroft stated. Further, he compared maritime and aviation security issues. "We knew that there were problems with aviation security even before September 11. Underpaid, overworked, non-union contract workers are not a great guarantee of good security, and we applaud Congress' decision to federalize this business," Cockroft asserted. "But those who know the maritime industry know how easily ships could also be used as terrorist weapons. Aircraft hijackings are, thank God, rare occurrences. But about one ship is hijacked every week somewhere in the world. And ships sail very close sometimes to population centers, which is why the ITF has strongly supported efforts within the International Maritime Organiza- tion to tighten up security measures on board ship." Highlighting the potential dangers, the ITF official referred to a well-publicized case from last year in which he bought his chief officer's license-issued by Panama, the world's largest shipping register-<lespite a complete lack of shipboard experience. "What was so appalling is just how easy it was and the fact that they were stupid enough to give it to the head of an organization which is, let's face it, not unknown in the world maritime community. One of the problems with the shipping industry, and one which is directly supported by the FOC system, is the lack of good government control over the backgrounds and the qualifications of the people who serve on board ship." Cockroft also updated the convention on the federation's new campaign against the Liberian register. According to a recent United Nations report, the Liberian government has channeled money-collected through the register-around UN sanctions to buy and transport weapons. Other reports charge the government with encouraging illicit diamond trading, some of which may have been used to help finance al Qaeda. Lastly, Cockroft noted the ITF's continued support of organizing efforts in the U.S. offshore oil supply industry. "We believe that American workers deserve #o Tall Tale: 'Buying Union' Benefits American Families hades Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, used a simple but compelling story to illustrate the importance of buying unionmade, American-made goods and services. Speaking at the MTD convention, Mercer summarized a fictional-yet-realistic anecdote about two households. In one, an unemployed textile worker whose factory was moved to Mexico naively wonders why he can't find a decent job. On a typical day, "Jim Jones" is depicted using one foreign-made product after another, from his alarm clock to his clothes to his automobile. In the other household, things C are far better. There, the "Smith" family utilizes nothing but unionmade, American-made goods and services. And life is good. Mercer quoted from a Union Label publication called "American Dream, Keeping It Alive." And although the account exaggerates to make its point, the story nevertheless reinforces the basic economic reality that consumers in the U.S. wield a lot of power with the purchases. "If you want to describe how the American worker has made a better way of life for all ofus, this story does it," Mercer stated. He noted that union-made products and services are listed in a database on the Union Label web site, located at www.unionlabel.org. The site also includes the same rights as Norwegian, British and Australian workers. Together with maritime labor and the AFL-CIO, we've entered a formal complaint to the U.S. government under the new OECD guidelines on multinational companies to prove that corporate social responsibility means letting your workers choose freely whether or not they want unions." The SIU is one of 570 unions affiliated with the ITF. Altogether, those affiliates represent more than 5 million members. ITF Gen. Sec. David Cockroft Ed Kelly (second from right), SIU port agent in Mobile, Ala. and secretary-treasurer of the MTD's Greater Mobile Port Maritime Council, presents a donation for the New York Fire Fighters 9/11 Fund to IAFF President Harold Schaitberger (to Kelly's right) and IAFF SecretaryTreasurer Vincent Bellon (far right). They are joined by MTD and SIU President Mic.t\ael SC:\,cco Nov. 29 dydng th ~MTD c :{Sntion . The 1 tribution of $9,390 was raised from donations made in lieu of the port council's annual dinner/dance. MTD Delegates Examine Effects of September 11 Continued from page 11 Charles Mercer, president, AFLCIO Union Label and Service Trades Dept. the department's latest "do buy" and "don't buy" lists. Mercer, whose department runs the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, also thanked MTD affiliates for their support in the fight to preserve the integrity of the "Made in USA" label. hers received a good amount of well-earned media coverage for their efforts during the actual attacks in the ensuing months, Schaitberger concluded, "We must use the newfound recognition of our skills and our conviction as a tool to secure adequate and just compensation for all of those who are suffering as a result of this carnage. We must ensure that an economic stimulus bill provides financial assistance for displaced workers. We must continue to fight for the Maritime Security Program and demand that funds for the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program go forward. "We have a job to do for those who are left behind. We must make sure that the government provides care for families of all the victims. We must also look out for the welfare of the now hundreds of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs in the continuing economic turndown that our nation faces." Alaska Port Council Chartered 'A Beacon of Hope' Exiled Burmese trade union leader U Maung Maung last month was honored at the AFL-CIO convention , where he received the George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award for 2001. A week earlier, shown in this photo, he updated MTD convention delegates and guests on legislative and international efforts to assist Burmese citizens. Maung Maung was president of the All Burma Mining Union and active in the people's movement for democracy in 1988 when the military shot 5,000 people demonstrating in the streets for democracy. He fled to Thailand and has not seen his family in 13 years. In 1991 , he formed the Federation of Trade Unions, Burma. He also helped found the Seafarers Union of Burma. He remains "a beacon of hope for those yearning for a free Burma," stated SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco. 14 Seafarers LOG During its biennial convention, the Maritime Trades Department issued a charter for its 24lll port council-this one based in Anchorage, Alaska. Proudly displaying the newly signed document are (from left) MEBA Exec. VP Bud Jacque, SIU Rep Harold Holten, MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, Puget Sound Port Council President Steve Demeroutis and MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. January·2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore ~m 1 5 0 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 29 Mobile 13 New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico · San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam .Honolulu Houston . Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 2 2 9 10 23 I 3 2 7 8 18 6 27 4 6 16 4 13 25 10 11 18 16 4 2 3 7 0 1 25 15 23 11 10 6 10 13 16 11 1 2 4 15 4 29 23 236 157 76 187 24 34 15 2 0 9 21 10 6 2 0 2 3 0 2 0 5 0 3 6 2 7 35 7 0 12 12 20 4 8 0 3 2 15 18 6 8 0 15 39 16 14 21 25 8 13 19 IO 11 2 22 6 I 0 6 7 2 1 9 3 2 2 s 1 0 2 4 13 3 11 12 3 4 2 6 0 3 8 14 1 1 2 3 3 6 5 0 0 0 3 3 1 3 0 0 4_ 1 12 5 0 10 3 .5 2 0 11 7 8 2 7 3 0 .:• l 6 ~wYork Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point :Puerto Rico Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port . Algonac 3 3 15 8 2 2 3 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville fdob'e New Orleans Yorlf- Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Piierto Rico San Francisco _,St Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 9 2 2 7 7 3 2 3 7 ': 1 6 16 4 "J 5 3 4 ~!2 0 0 4 3 2 I 4 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 2 5 0 3 1 7 4 9 3 3 14 26 32 10 .12 6 5 10 7 8 14 0 0 4 3 I 1 4 3 l (} 0 1 0 ---15 0 2 18 110 5 47 25 O 2 2 0 2 4 O 2 2 2 4 8 13 15 24 7 21 2 3 )3 .l 3 0 2 4 1 0 0 3 5 5 1 6 2j 0 0 ---- 0 4 0 28 12 3 4 1 0 2 2 0 2 10 4 0 13 2 0 0 0 13 2 2 4 0 4 2 8 0 17 3 2 3 1 43 - 2 15 81 2 33 34 1 2 7 263 93 0 3 l 3 1 0 4 1 9 8 25 27 30 38 4 8 6 2 0 1 2 15 8 0 0 0 6 20 16 3 31 2 156 8 158 22 81 78 566 474 311 417 291 185 13 2 7 0 6 4 18 63 25 3 43 6 12 0 8 25 2 7 18 1 12 27 44 11 15 31 83 345 642 983 841 944 6 Totals All Departments 256 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. January 2002 ---1 PAULA KALIEKINI Please call Mike ("Big Dog") at (650) 823-3532. Holiday Greetings 9 _ _ _1 3 7 SCOTT MANLEY Please call the Wallerstein family in Akron, Ohio at (330) 384-8927. 1 68 g 17 53 17 Personals 3 ~ 343 6 1 0 3 2 88 15 5 1 0 5 13 2 15 l 41 6 15 0 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 5 0 3 - 3 5 10 23 St. Louis .................Friday: February 15, March 15 48 2 11 17 0 San .luau....... ~:~.;:;~·;;.·'fhursdiY,j,,Februacy"o/~: March 7 -/~;.,:;.": l 0 2_4 ~- 3 1 0 - 3 2 22 - 3 1 12 San Ftancisco...••.. ~ .. Thursday:February l4, March 14 76 0 0 2 Port Everglades.......Thursday: February l4; March 14 I . 2 l l 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: February 6, March 6 8 5 o 26 163 11 1 6 2 0 4 1 0 Norfolk .............. ,....Thursday: February 7, March 7 4 17 5 o 2 8 5 17 9 () 0 12. March 12 NewYork................Tuesday; Febnuuy 5, March 5 5 20 12 ·o· 1 0 ~----,-0---..- Baltimore -Guam o - 1 Wednesday; Februaey 13, March 13 New~Orleans~.,........•Tuesday:.February 2 2 5 ~ .......... New Bedford ····; ;···Tuesday!.,february 19, March 19 17 3 1 14 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Mobile ........n 1 ... - -.. fle'. 7 Jersey City ............,.Wednesday: February 20, March 20 ~2 2 3 Jacksonville ...... ,. .... Thursday: February 7~ March 7 11 19 138 21 4 Houston .................. Monday: February 11, March 11 2 5 5 ~--~~·~~~~ -~ New Orleans 235 3 9 2 1 8 Honolulu ................. Friday: February 15, March 15 8 4 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 I · ~gonac 6 9 7 8 14 3 23 9 27 407 . Mobile 21 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: February 13, March 13 10 108 18 5 17 18 25 Boston ..................... Friday: February 8, March 8 16 6 60 Port Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 15 16 39 9 21 23 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 7, March 7 102 T' • ~e)V 7 0 6 0 0 3 4 18 47 46 22 36 54 3 5 7 7 1 l Baltimore . Guam 0 Algonac .................. Friday: February 8, March 8 9 2 :(f 3 10 Piney Point ............. Monday: February 4. March 4 0 6 12 . 12 12 16 9 0 3 7 2 3 1 9 ':"Puerto Riro~ Tacoma Wilmington DECK DEPARTMENT 0 l 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 3 4 2 13 4 7 16 15 7 7 1 3 9 6 8 10 12 8 9 7 2 4 20 25 12 12 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 9 0 19 7 3 0 Trip Reliefs 7 2 20 42 l 42 34 2 ·1 4 DECEMBER 15, 2001 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 2 1 2 Februa,., & llan:ll 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters The following holiday greetings arrived too late for inclusion in the December issue of the LOG. To Seafarers everywhere ~---· My heartiest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and smooth sailing into the year 2002 ! Gerry Borozan To Randy Garay To my friend who's made life a little easier for me. Thanks and have a Merry Christmas. Jim Holland To Matthew, Malou and Maria Holley We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy new year. Love and miss you all. Mom and Dad (Fred & Leila Holley) To all Seafarers, active and retired, and shoreside personnel · Compliments of the season and a bright, prosperous new year which hopefully will bring continued success to the best maritime union Ricardo & Adeline Siddons Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers lntemational Union Directory • l\TmV monthly Shipping A Registration Report NOVEMBER Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED John Fay, Executive Vice President AU Groups Group I Group Il David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED Group III Group I All Groups Group II REGISTERED ON BEACH Group III Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez. Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast .- Port HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 4800 I (810) 794-4988 Port Nicholas J. Marrone, J!ice President West Coast Kennett Mangram, Vice President Government Services . Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large .. ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 5 11 2 2 10 3 12 3 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 50 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 2 4 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 1 0 0 9 35 0 4 9 8 12 52 8 0 14 2 8 7 9 5 5 47 128 23 11 0 3 1 0 11 2 5 31 4 0 2 0 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 4 3 11 4 8 1 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 1 l 0 1 17 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 l 3 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 29 3 42 7 19 6 11 122 29 2 2 0 1 0 8 2 0 6 4 2 2 0 0 0 45 13 0 0 0 3 3 0 I DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalibi St., Honolulu. HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 315 .biberty t., Jacksonvi le, L (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery SL, Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251} 478-09 l 6 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St.. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328- 7545 NEW YORK Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 2 2 I 1 0 0 3 2 I 14 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals Totals All Departments 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 2 0 7 3 10 6 4 0 0 0 13 0 7 0 11 37 9 0 14 0 7 1 0 7 11 9 3 27 22 14 6 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 l 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 2 7 14 0 2 12 7 1 3 0 27 5 39 0 0 2 22 55 112 61 111 23 18 54 0 5 109 342 197 99 6 0 0 2 2 0 4 0 0 2 3 7 21 0 0 0 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215} 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Leon D. Sizemore of Eustis, Fla. The picture below shows Claude "Sonny" Simmons (at right) on his last ship, the Canton Victory (photo at right), in 1948. After that, he was invited by SIU President Paul Hall to work at headquarters. Simmons, who was SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement when he died in 1962, had been a member of the SIU since its founding in 1938. Behind him in the black cap is Al Driver. The other two men are not identified. SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St.. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah. GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACO'.\fA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N . Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 Sizemore started sailing with the union in 1945, got drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and was discharged in 1953. He then worked ashore for more than 35 years before retiring . If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG January 2002 �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. n inland captain, a recertified bosun and a recertified steward are among the 15 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Francis Benedict controlled the helm of vessels in the inland division for some 25 years while Konstantinos Koutouras and Claude C. Hollings III completed the highest levels of training available to members of the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Eleven of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three, including Benedict, navigated the inland waterways, and one was in the railroad marine division. Six of the retirees worked in the deck department, five shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA MICKIE FREDERICK, 68, started her career with the Seafarers in [ 987 in the port of Honolulu. Born in Idaho, Sister Frederick shipped as a member of the steward department. She spent the ma· · ai ing aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises, Inc. including the SS Independence and ms Patriot. A frequent upgrader, she enhanced her skills in 1993, 1994 and again last year at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Sister Frederick currently calls McKinney, Texas home. OSVALDO GONZALEZ, 65, hails from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Brother Gonzales began his SIU career in 1971 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. Brother Gonzalez first sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1975. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Gonzales resides in his native commonwealth. KELLYR. GRAHAM, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Graham's initial sea voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Topa Topa. The Texas native shipped in the engine department. He upgraded his skills in 1981, 1991 and 1997 at the Paul Hall Cente for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Graham last shipped on the Liberty Star, operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. He makes his home in Houston. January 2002 ROBERT HARRELL, 70, began his SIU career in 1966 joining in the port of San Francisco. Brother Harrell served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952. He first sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Meridian Victory. The Texas native worked in the engine department and last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Harrell calls Brenham, Texas home. CLAUDE C. HOLLINGS m, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Hollings first went to sea aboard a vessel operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. The Alabama native shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1981 and 1999 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hollings completed steward recertification training in 1984. His most recent voyage was aboard the Overseas Vivian , a Vivian Tankships Corp. operated vessel. He resides in his native state. CHRISTIE engine and steward departments during his career. His last voyage was aboard lnterocean Ugland Management Corp. 's El Morro. Brother Muflahi now calls San Francisco home. .--==-----. ALFRED PENA, 65, is a native of Honduras. He started his SIU career in 1967. Brother Pena first sailed aboard a Marine Carriers Corp. vessel. The engine department member last went to sea on an Anchorage Tankship Corp. vessel. Brother Pena is a resident of Houston. JOSE A. SANTIAGO, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of New York. Brother Santiago first shipped aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Santiago upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1975 and again in 1977. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Hawaii. Brother Santiago lives in his native como eal · e ci f Aguadilla. N. JOHNSON, 64, hails from Mississippi. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Houston. Brother Johnson's first SIU voyage was aboard the Beaugard, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He shipped in the deck department and last sailed on Liberty Maritime Corp. 's Liberty Wave. Brother Johnson is a resident of Eupora, Miss. KONSTANTINOSKOUTOURAS, 62, was born in Greece. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. Brother Koutouras first sailed aboard the Bowling Green, operated by Pan American Tankers. A member of the deck department and a recertified bosun, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1983, 1996 and 1997. Brother Koutouras last went to sea on U.S. Ship Management's Integrity. He lives in his native country. SAEED MUFLAHI, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in Seattle. The Yemen-born mariner first went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Portland. Brother Muflahi sailed in both the EFRAIN VELAZQUEZ, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. He started his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Velazquez's first sea voyage was aboard Victory Carriers Inc. 's Ames Victory. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1975 and 1977. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Velazquez resides in the commonwealth of his birth. INLAND FRANCIS BENEDICT, 65, hails from Louisiana. He started his SIU career in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. A captain, Boatman Benedict shipped in the deck department. He worked primarily at the helms of vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. He still resides in his native state. ROBERT S. SUMMERS, 72, began his SIU career in 1974. His initial voyage with the Seafarers was aboard an inland vessel. Born in Missouri, Boatman Summers sailed in the deck department. He last worked aboard a Northern Towing Co., Inc. vessel. Boatman Summers resides in Marble Hill, Mo. RAILROAD MARINE THEOPHILOUSG. WALLACE, 71, was born in Guyana. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New York. His initial SIU voyage was aboard a Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Railroad vessel. Boatman Wallace shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on a New York Dock Railway Co. vessel. Boatman Wallace makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y WALTONF. McHORNEY, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Ba McHorney first shipped aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Born in Virginia, he worked in the steward department. His final voyage was on an Express Marine, Inc. vesse]. Boatman McHorney makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Reprinted from past issues of the Se3farers LOG steward-that they would have to tum to 1941 within practically hours' notice. The U.S. gov~ emment is in the process of breaking out 11 0 Jn an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board on the ships owned and operated by Robin Line (Seas Shipping Company), the SIU was the winner by an ovetwhelming majority. Of the 210 men who were eligible to vote, 201 actually voted,. with 199 vptlrig .in favor of the SIU. There was ships for coal and grain runs and MSTS and other sources are reporting difficulty scouring up men who can do the job. 1967 Seafarers at regular monthly meetings In all constitutional Ports enthusiastically voted to one crew member re==========~==============================~ endorse and support the newly formed who voted aga(nst the Maritime Defense union and one whose league. In approving ballot was declared the purposes of the void. This election new organization, the was a direct result of membership called for th~ cQntracts. being. maximum publicity in negotiated by the: ~;:;;;;;:;;;;;:;;;;;:;;;;;:;;;;;:;;;;==:==:;:;;;;==::==:==:==:=:~ support of the league SJU. by all Seafarers. THIS MONTH IN SIU HISTORY 1957 In anticipation of emergency shipping needs, the SIU built up a "ready reserve" of Seafarers working ashore. After the Korean War crisis, the union, over several years, developed a detailed and accurate listing of thousands of men who were available as emergency-period seamen. Arranged on an area and then on a port basis, the reserve manpow· er crew is in constant touch with SIU headquarters. Thus, the union is in a position to supply the needed ratings-deck, engine and The new organization is a voluntary body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American tights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Maritime Defense League, and offices have been established on One Hanson Place In Brooklyn, N.Y. Seafarers LOS 17 - �final Departura DEEP SEA WILLIE BARRON Pensioner Willie Barron, 92, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Barron began his SIU career in 1959 in the port of New York. Born --...3''""---- in Alabama, he first sailed aboard Suwannee Steamship Co. 's Timber Hitch. The engine department member last went to sea aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Barron started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1975. He was a resident of Troy, Ala. JOHN BENNETT Pensioner John Bennett, 72, died Sept. 22. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port ofNewYork. Brother Bennett served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1949. He initially sailed aboard a Tiger Steamship LTD vessel. Born in Michigan, Brother Bennett worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Mariner. Brother Bennett started receiving his retirement pay in 1986. He lived in Los Angeles. GORDEN BRADFORD •••ri Pensioner Gorden Bradford, 77, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Bradford began his SIU career in 1959 in "'"----!~""=I Seattle. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Bradford first sailed aboard an Ocean Clipper, Inc. ~vessel. The Tacoma, Wash. native worked in the deck department. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Mariner. Brother Bradford began receiving his pension in 1988. He resided in Seattle. ROBERT CAMPBELL Pensioner Robert Campbell, 76, died Sept. 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1946, joining in the port of New York. The Georgia native first went to sea aboard Calmar Steamship Corp. 's Penmar. Brother Campbell shipped in the steward department. He last sailed on the LNG Taurus. Brother Campbell started collecting his retirement benefits in 1985. He made his home in Hephzibah, Ga. WILLIE CROMWELL Pensioner Willie Cromwell, 75, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Cromwell joined the Seafarers in ~=~====-;:_;__i 1972 in Seattle. Born in Mississippi, he served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He first shipped aboard Delta Steamship Lines 's Santa Mariana. The steward department member last sailed on the Westward Venture, an lnterocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. Brother Cromwell started receiving 18 Seafarers LOS his retirement pay in 1991. He called Seattle home. ARNOLD J. ECKERT Pensioner Arnold J. Eckert, 65 , died Aug. 23. He started his SIU career in 1963, joining in the port of New York. Brother Eckert was born in Canada and served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962. He first went to sea on the Hastings, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked aboard the Anchorage, operated by CSX Lines. Brother Eckert started receiving his pension in 1999. He made his home in Seattle. GEORGE GLENNON Pensioner George Glennon, 78, passed away Oct. 20. Brother Glennon began his career with the Seafarers in i.........-....._ ____.:;;&..L_ 1948, joining in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1944. The Wisconsin native first sailed on the Steel Design, an Isco, Inc. vessel. Brother Glennon shipped in the deck department and last worked aboard Interocean Management's Export Leader. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985. Brother Glennon lived in Bluefield, W.Va. _,J in Guyana, be worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. 's Borinquen. Brother Melville started receiving his retirement stipend in 1988. He lived in Teaneck, N .J. CHARLES R. MILLER Pensioner Charles R. Miller, 76, passed away Oct. 31. Brother Miller joined the Seafarers in 1951 in Cleveland. He ............:...a:...;:""'-"' " served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Born in New Jersey, he sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Miller first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the A Guthrie, operated by Great Lakes Associates, Inc. Brother Miller started receiving his pension in 1983. He made bis home in Salem, Va. ALVIN RASMUSSEN Pensioner Alvin Rasmussen, 83 died Nov. 12. Brother Rasmussen started his career with the Marine Cooks ' and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in California, the steward department member began receiving his pension in 1977. He was a resident of Coconut Creek, Fla. EXEQUIEL LIWAG VINCENT SHERWOOD Pep si oner Exequiel Liwag, 73, died Nov. 22. He started his SIU career in 1967, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Liwag served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1967. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp. 's De Soto. Born in the Philippines, Brother Liwag worked in the engine department. He last went to sea on the USNS Altair, operated by Bay Ship Management, Inc. Brother Liwag began receiving his pension in 1993. He resided in Norfolk, Va. Pensioner Vincent Sherwood, 73, passed away Oct. 10. He started his SIU career in 1951, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Sherwood first went to sea aboard the Longview Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, Inc. Born in Virginia, he shipped in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Manataee, a vessel operated by Z Point Shipping. Brother Sherwood began receiving his retirement income in 1984. He resided in Chesapeake, Va. GODOFREDO MELAD JAMES SHIBER Brother Godofredo Melad, 69, passed away Oct. 27. Born in the Philippines, be started his career with the Seafarers in 1988 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Melad's initial voyage was aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence. He shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Melad last sailed on the Mokihana, a vessel operated by Matson Navigation Co. San Francisco was his home. Pensioner James Shiber, 79, died Oct. 17. Brother Shiber started his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port ofNewYork. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. His initial voyage with the SIU was aboard the Alcoa Leader, operated by Alcoa Steamship Co. The Pennsylvania native shipt'ed as a member of the engine department. He last went to sea on A.H. Bull Lines' Sands Point. Brother Shiber started drawing annuities for his retirement in 1964. Baltimore was his home. REGINALD MELVILLE Pensioner Reginald Melville, 75 , died Oct. 6. Brother Melville began his career with the Seafarers in 1953, joining in the port of New York. He first went to sea aboard the President Theodore Roosevelt. Born an Olympic Transport vessel. Born in Portugal, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Soares last worked aboard Calamar Lines ' Ca/amar. He started collecting his retirement allowance in 1970. Brother Soares resided in his native country. JOSE SOARES Pensioner Jose Soares, 93 , passed away Sept. 6. Brother Soares joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port ofNewYork. He first sailed on the Helen, OSCAR SORENSON Pensioner Oscar Sorenson, 84, died Nov. 11. Brother Sorenson started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port '-------'of New York. He first sailed on Southern States Navigation's Taddei Victory. A native of Winchester, Wis., he worked in the steward department. Brother Sorenson last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Newark. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1978. Brother Sorenson made his home in Bremerton, Wash. LIONEL ST. JULIEN Brother Lionel St. Julien, 74, passed away Oct. 16. He started his SIU career in 1975, joining in the port of Wilmington , Calif. Brother St. Julien served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955. His initial voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Mercedes. Born in Texas, he shipped in the steward department. Brother St. Julien last sailed aboard the Overseas Arctic, operated by Overseas Bulk Transport Corp. He was a resident of Los Angeles. r ADRIAN TEXIDOR .--------.,,,,.......--__,Pensioner Adrian Texidor, 76, died Nov. 15. Brother Texidor joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard a vessel operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Jacksonville, a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Texidor started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1981. He resided in his native commonwealth. GREAT LAKES EDWARD LISZEWSKI Pensioner Edward Liszewski, 70, died Oct. 24. He started his SIU career in 1960 in Detroit. Brother Liszewski served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957. The Ohio native's initial voyage for the ' SIU was aboard a vessel operated by Great Lakes Associates, Inc. The engine department member last worked on the Kinsman Enterprise, another Great Lakes Associates vessel. Brother Liszewski started receiving bis retirement stipend in 1996. He made his home in Twinsburg, Ohio. INLAND JOHNNIE COLEMAN Pensioner Johnnie Coleman, 78, passed away Oct. 1. Boatman Coleman started his SIU career in 1979. Born in Alabama, he worked primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Coleman began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989. Jackson, Ala. was his home. MARVIN RALEY Pensioner Marvin Raley, 67, died Sept. 25. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Raley was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, joining in 1953. He sailed in the deep sea and inland divisions during his career. His initial voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's City of Alma. The deck department member last worked aboard a Crescent Towing and Salvage Co., Inc. vessel. Boatman Raley started receiving-his retirement benefits in 1993. He resided in Mobile, Ala. RAILROAD MARINE WILLIAM R. FORREST Pensioner William R. Forrest, 82, died Oct. 21. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Forrest served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1945. Born in Portsmouth, Va, he spent his entire career working aboard vessels operated by Pennsylvania Central Railroad Co. A member of the deck department, be worked as a barge captain. Brother Forrest started receiving his retirement compensation in 1969. He made his home in Matthews, Va. Notice: 'Pre-STCW' Applications . ~Ji Seafarers who have the required sea time and who are considering either upgrading to AB, FOWT or QMED or sitting for a license can go to any U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (REC) before Feb. 1, 2002 and get an application to take the examination(s) under pre-STCW conditions. This application will be valid for one year. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the necessary preparatory · · courses to assist students in readying for the '°.: exams. 1 January 2002 �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. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Management Co.), Sept. 16-Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Richard E. Casuga, Educational Director Hardin C. Chancey, Engine Delegate Horst G. Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman thanked crew for working well together. Secretary reminded members to clean rooms and have set of linen for next person when leaving ship in Oakland, Calif. He also reminded everyone of importance of contributing to SPAD for job security. Educational director advised crew members to have TRBs signed by chief mate. Clarification requested by deck department on watchstanding. New radio requested for crew lounge. Next ports: Yokohama and Nagasaki, Japan; Pusan, S. Korea. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Management Co.), Sept. 30-Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Daniel W. Miller, Engine Delegate Conrado D. Martinez. Bosun reported good trip and great weather. He noted extra security measures being taken. U.S. Coast Guard will board ship upon arrival in U.S. waters. Secretary stated vessel will try different chandler in Houston for proand with fewer shortages. No or di d0 orted. Suggestion made for contrac'ts ' department to negotiate 15-minute break for four hours work after 1800. Crew laundry in need of new washer and dryer. Repair of antenna in crew lounge requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami, Fla., Houston, Texas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Sept. 30Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Virgilio A. Donghit, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate Randy Diaz, Engine Delegate Nicholas Jones, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Bosun thanked crew for cooperation in separating garbage and plastic items. He asked everyone to keep volume down while watching videos and reminded them to rewind and return tapes when finished. Secretary stated all departments doing well. He encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and check expiration dates on shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Problem noted with TV reception. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Fla. MOTIVATOR (U.S. Ship Management Co.), Sept. 23-Secretary Edward C. Winne. Chairman read portions of latest LOG and new contract highlights. Educational director suggested everyone attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and make sure STCW training is up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made to have copy of payroll voucher two days before payoff and have mail forwarded to next port of call if it missed ship in port-and not back to sender. January 2002 Suggested OT be paid for stripping and waxing wheelhouse and 06 stairwell. Vote of thanks given to trainees on board ship. One minute of silence stood in memory of departed brothers and sisters as well as the victims of recent terrorist attacks on U.S. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), Sept. 28--Chairman John 0. Glenn, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Glenn Snow, Deck Delegate Amin M. Shariff, Engine Delegate Steven A. Lombardi, Steward Delegate Leroy Jenkins. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 1 in Tacoma, Wash. He advised crew members to make sure they comply with STCW regulations. Feb. 1, 2002 is near and no one wants to lose employment because of failure to renew training. Educational director talked about upgrading classes offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits. Clarification requested about safety shoes. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. advantage of educational facilities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have gym set up for unlicensed members. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and delicious barbecue. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum), Oct. 5--Chairman John T. Mossbarger, Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director Alex Resendez III, Deck Delegate Stephen D. Castle, Steward Delegate Mary L. Brayman. Chairman talked about restriction to ship claims. He stated correspondence was received from the Seafarers Executive Board and President Michael Sacco advising everyone that restriction to ship claims are not valid and asking for crew members' cooperation during this time of national crisis. Secretary reported on Coast Guard guidelines issued and security procedures for refineries. No beefs or disputed OT noted. Discussion held about negotiations for next contract. Everyone asked to keep linen locker in good order. Next ports: Los Angeles; Ferndale, Wash. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 6--Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Michael L. Baker, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Marcos Hill. Chairman announced arrival Oct. 7 in Panama. He stated letter received about possible extension due to war in Afghanistan and that getting reliefs may be difficult. Everyone should step up and do their part. Steward asked all members getting off to return dirty linen to locker and leave rooms clean. Staffing concern raised by steward delegate. Vote of thanks given to steward and unlicensed apprentice Jerry Wilder for their hard work. SEALAND COMMITMENT (U.S. Ship Management Co.), Sept. 23--Chairman Jim Hassan, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Panagiotis C. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Kanavos, Deck Delegate James ~""M1arn:·"rme), Oct. -e airmarr K. Barrett, teward Delegate John J. Williamson, Secretary William Simmons. Chairman Frederick L. Washington Sr., announced payoff Sept. 30 in Educational Director Ronald Elizabeth, NJ. He thanked all Miller Jr., Deck Delegate Solodepartments for working well mon H. Shields, Steward Delegate together. Educational director Jorge Bernardez. Chairman reminded crew of need to comply announced payoff Oct. 30 in New with amended STCW convention Orleans. Secretary asked all memby Feb. 1, 2002 and to take advanbers getting off to clean rooms, tage of upgrading opportunities at refrigerators and tum in keys. Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disEducational director urged everyputed OT reported. Vote of thanks one to take advantage of union given to steward department for school in Piney Point and upgrade job well done and excellent meals. whenever possible. Some disputed USNS ABLE (Maersk Lines OT reported in deck and engine Ltd.), Sept. 13--Chairman departments. Problems also reportWilliam B. Fielding, Secretary ed with heating system, draws, Roderick L. Clay, Educational broken juice machine and TV. Director Andrew J. Linares, Deck LNG GEMINI (PRONAV Ship Delegate David Alexander III. Management), Oct. ?-Chairman Chairman told crew members to Jack J. Cooper, Secretary John prepare to gear up for another misD. Bukowsky, Educational sion following terrorist actions of Director Jeffrey D. Levie, Deck Sept. 11. Secretary confirmed Delegate Scott E. Snodgrass, increase in dues to $400 annually. Engine Delegate Steven M. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Hoskins, Steward Delegate Jose E. Guzman. Chairman requested Point and to remember to send clarification on penalty rates for copies of discharges along with Sunday meetings of ship's comapplication. No beefs or disputed mittee. Secretary announced cutOT reported. Request made for backs in provisions and noted current union meeting materials. some fresh stores now delivered in Steward department praised for Bontang, Indonesia. Educational their hard work. director noted need to get required CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), Oct. STCW training by Feb. 1, 2002. 14--Chairman Donald P. Snead, Treasurer reported $1,200 in ship's Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, fund. Some beefs reported in all Educational Director Vincent three departments. Following readSanchez ID, Deck Delegate ing of president's report from James Browne, Steward Delegate recent LOG, crew members Henry Commager. Chairman expressed pleasure with gains in announced layup of ship and said new contract and gave thanks for all crew members should register VP Contracts Augie Tellez and stawithin 48 hours. Secretary stated ble, progressive union leadership. payoff to be held Oct. 18 in Lake New ice machine to be delivered Charles, La. Room inspection will upon arrival in Nagoya, Japan. take place prior to payoff. EveryClarification requested on who one asked to continue helping keep cleans EOS in engine room: SA or vessel clean and separating garGUDE. Vote of thanks given to bage and plastics. Educational steward department for job well director encouraged crew to take done. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines Ltd.), Oct. 14--Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Engine Delegate Oscar Martinez. Chairman thanked everyone for good job. He added that gangway watch should constantly be busy checking lines or anchor and keeping lookout for anything unusual. Secretary stated chain of command for beefs. Department delegate should be first on list for hearing any beefs. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of Paul Hall Center for pay. Treasurer announced $115 in ship's fund. Some movies have been purchased, and gym has new speed bag. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members asked to return movies to cabinet after using and help keep laundry room clean. Steward department thanked for good job. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. SEALAND ACHIEVER (U.S. Ship Management Co.), Oct. 14-Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Kim R. Dewitt, Deck Delegate Steve D. Fabritsis. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 15 in Ambrose Channel Pays Off in Tampa When the Ambrose Channel (inset) tied up in Tampa, Fla. recently, SIU officials were on hand to meet with crew members. From the left in top photo are Chief Pumpman Peter Joseph, Bosun Mario Romero, Chief Steward Elena Curly, SIU Rep. Bryan Powell and Port Agent Anthony McQuay. any upgrading classes, including Houston. He advised crew memSTCW training. Treasurer bers to be aware of new proceannounced $640 in ship's fund. No dures due to heightened security in beefs or disputed OT reported. domestic and foreign ports. Engine delegate requested clarifiClarification requested by deck cation on work duties. Request delegate regarding overtime. Vote made for · of e c as ' of thanks given to steward--departwell as union meeting minutes ment for excellent meals and serforms. Next ports: Buenaventura, vice and to all crew members for Colombia; Callao, Peru; San their cooperation throughout the Antonio and Arica, Chile; Balboa, voyage. Panama. SPIRIT (CSX Lines), Oct. 4-QUALITY (U.S. Ship ManageChairman Scott K. Grider, ment Co.), Oct. 14--Secretary Secretary William E. Bryley, Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Educational Director Roger M. Director Ogden W. Lafaye, Deck Wasserman, Deck Delegate Delegate Alvin V. Jackson. Andre J. Bernard, Engine Chairman stressed that all who go Delegate Guy Leary, Steward ashore overseas be on alert for terDelegate Blaine R. Amundson. rorist actions and practice safety Bosun reminded everyone to be aboard ship at all times. Secretary STCW compliant by Feb. 1, 2002. thanked all departments for helpHe announced payoff Oct. 6 in ing keep ship's house clean. Tacoma, Wash. Educational direcEducational director reminded tor echoed need for STCW and crew members that Paul Hall stated that Paul Hall Center has all Center has necessary courses to necessary courses. While there for complete STCW requirements. He STCW training, members can also also thanked electrician for galley upgrade skills by taking other repairs. Some disputed OT reportclasses. Treasurer announced $75 ed in deck department. Suggestion in movie fund. No beefs or disputmade for next contract to include ed OT reported. Communications physical rehabilitation for depenreceived pertaining to reliefs and dents. Recommendation also made restriction to ship claims. Clarito change formula for receipt of fication requested on days off. vacation checks. Vote of thanks Vote of thanks given to steward given to steward department for department for good chow. Crew job well done. stood one minute of silence for Sept. 11 victims of World Trade RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Oct. Center attack. 15--Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director Mohamed Ali, Deck Delegate Rodolfo Asopardo, Engine Delegate James K. Smartt, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman reported lots of cleanup required from shipyard period, including some electrical problems. Everyone reminded to wear safety helmets while on deck in port. Secretary stated excellent crew with no problems this trip. He reminded crew members to be sure to comply with STCW training requirements by Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point for better jobs and better STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Oct 14-Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Norman J. Duhe, Educational Director Randy C. Louque, Deck Delegate Shelia 0. Lewis, Engine Delegate Dennis Swords, Steward Delegate Elbussieny Elnaggar. Chairman advised crew signing off that they should stay until properly relieved, as per shipping rules. He also led crew in one minute of silence for all people affected by Sept. 11 attacks. Treasurer announced $50 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT noted in deck department. Thanks given to steward department for great meals and service. Seafarers LOS 19 �Litter to:tht Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) SIU Medlcal Plan Is Tops I was in the SIU 45 years and retired in Oct. 1992. I just wanted to write and tell everyone that the SIU has the best medical plan. There is none better than the SIU's. AFL·CIO NATIONAL Know Your Rights In nine years, I have never had to pay anything. Whatever Medicaid didn't cover, the SIU paid, and I want everyone to know it was plenty and has made my retirement great. Leo Paradise Moultonborough, NH BOYCOTTS TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT Troika's touring production of "The Sound of Music" ... Actors' Equity Assn. FOOD & BEVERAGES MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. • 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. Pickles and relishes sold under the Mt Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket "house• labels ... Farm labor Organizing Committee DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand canned and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces ... Teamsters NOVEMeEA/DECEMBEA 2001 ................................. PICTSWEET MUSHROOM FARM Fresh mushrooms and frozen vegetables with the Pictsweet label ... Unned Farm Workers APPAREL TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL NEW ERA CAP CO. Exclusive producer of sports caps with logos of all Major League Baseball teams, 39 colleges and universities, National Hockey League, Professional Golfers' Association, and National Basketball Association. Sold in retail outlets, sports stores, at ball parlls and campus shops nationwide. ... Communications Workers BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney Wortd, but separately owned and operated ... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees 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 emp oyers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Hotel in Waterbury, Conn. ... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps ... Machinists Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii ... Longshore & Warehouse Union JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN Auburn, Wash., distributor of "JET" brand metal- and woodworking power and hand tools for home and commercial use Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees ... Teamsters SOUTHWIRE CO. OTHERS Commercial and Industrial wire and cable; Do-It-Yourself brand homeWire ... Electrfcal Worlc91S CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate ... Steelworlcers ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION BIG LEAGUE THEATRICALS ROAD COMPANY Performing the 'The Music Man" ... Actors' Equity Assn/American Federation of Musicians BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION BET cable television, Action pay-per-view, Bet on Jazz R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. Cigarettes: Best Value, Camel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products ... Bakery. Confecttonery. Tobacco Worlcers & Grain Millers Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Iii" EJectricsJ WorlcetS UNION LABEL AND Don't Let the Scholarship · Deadline Pass You By SERVICE RADES DEPARTMENT , The deadline for receipt of Seafarers scholarship applications is April 15, 2002. That is only three months away-but there still is plenty of time to apply for one of the eight scholarships ($132,000 in all) being awarded this year. First, obtain a scholarship program booklet, which spells out eligibility requirements and procedures. It also includes a copy of the application form. You may get the booklet in any SIU hall or AFL·CIO by filling out the coupon below and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. If you sent in an application form last year and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you definitely should try again this year. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2002 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligi- P bility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form: Mariner's Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number ___________________________ This application is for: 0 Self 0 Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/02 L---------------------------------------------------------------------------20 Seafarel'S LOS 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. 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. o 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 PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from February through May 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman February 4 Aprill May 13 March 1 April 26 June 7 April 21 April 27 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland February 4 April 29 February 8 May3 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Unlimited* March 4 March 8 February 4 March 11 April 15 May20 February 15 March 22 April 26 May31 February 18 March 18 April 15 April 29 May13 March 1 March 29 April 26 MaylO May24 March 11 March 20 March 4 April 1 April 29 May27 March 15 April 12 May20 June 7 February 18 April 5 (*prerequisite required) Lifeboatman ater Survival Radar T · Mate* GaUey Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 7. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler February 4 ApriJ 29 March 15 June 7 Refrigeration System Maintenance & Operations February 18 March 29 QMED - Any Rating April 29 July 19 Welding February 4 March 4 Aprill February 22 March 22 April 19 Safety Specialty Courses (*musJ have radar unlimited) GMDSS (Simulator) Date of Completion Start Date Course Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting February 18 March 18 March l March 28 Government Vessels February4 March 4 April 1 April 29 February 22 March 22 April 19 May 17 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 18 April 15 March 1 April 26 February4 February 11 February 18 February 25 March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25 April 1 April 8 April April 22 April 29 May6 February 8 February 15 February 22 March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29 April 5 April 12 Apr1 9 April 26 March 11 April 1 March 15 April 5 (*must have basic fire fighting) Basic Fire Fighting/STCW STCW Medical Care Provider (*prerequ;s · required) May3 May 10 Academic Department Courses Recertification Bosun April 8 May3 Steward February 4 March 1 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the Name ---------------------------~ Address _____________________________________________________ date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _______________ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member Date of Birth D BEGIN END DATE DATE -------------D Inland Waters Member information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _______ _ _ _ _ Book # ______ ____________ Seniority_________________ Department ________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _______ _ ______ _ ____ LAST VESSEL: _ __________________________ Date On: _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course( s) taken - - - - - - - - - - -- - - ----------------Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatrnan Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - ---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 2002 SIGNATURE Rating: ___ _ __ Date Off: -------------------------- DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. J/o2 Seafarers LOS 21 �.. Paul Hall Center Classes Advanced Fire Fighting - Able Bodied Seaman - Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course Nov. 16 are (from left, front row) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Brian Jonsson, Ramon Martinez, Timothy Squire, (second row) John Zabielski, Harold Gierbolini, Lovell Hyman and Joseph Gierbolini. Rizal Colon, Robert Crane, Thomas Cuddihy, Danny Cummings, Thomas Decarlo, Jebediah Dishman, Gregory Dixon, John Ellias Jr., Alberto Falcon, Raymond Fernandez, Daniel Ford, Willie Franks, James Glover, Leoncio Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Erik Grant, Eloy Gutierrez, Russell Haynes, Maurice Hetrick, Welkey Hogan, Glenn Holden and Frank lngellis. (Note: not all are pictured) Upgrading SIU members who enhanced their fire fighting skills by completing the advanced course Nov. 16 are (from left, front row) Rodolfo Antonio, William Deloach, Evan Bradley, Justin Valencia, James Grubbs, Eddie Johnson, (second row) Bob Baker (instru.ctor), Gene Butson, Donald Deflorio, Conrado Martinez, Monte Pryor, Gregory Carroll, (back row) John Fleming and Eddie Almodovar. Basic Safety Training Classes William Rivera, Juan Rochez, Luis Ruiz, Elizer Saintvil, Ahmed Salim, John Scheuren, Brian Sengelaub, Joseph Singleton, Dalip Singh, George Skelding, Bruce Smith, Scott Snodgrass, Samuel Spain, Arthur Spohn, William Stone, Jennette Suarez, Jessy Sunga, Joseph Tiller and Harry Toheey. (Note: not all are pictured) Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Ivan Ingram, Timothy Jackson, Nils Jernstrom, Johnny Johnston, John Lange, Carl Larson, Reynaldo Magpaie, Carlos Marcial, Maurice Marks, James Martin, Fritz McDuffie, James Myers, Frank Michalski Jr., Aledriss Moore, Charles Mroczko, Sjarifudin Noor, Carlos Parrilla, Randell Perrine, Sant Persaud, Saiad Monasar' 1 and Roque Lambert. (Note: not all are pictured) Included in the class are Rolando Pulido, David Purganan, Luis Roebuck, Carlos Rosales, Ahmed Saleh, Juan Salgado, Wayne Sapp, Alberto Semedo, Yahya Shamman, Rex Simbre, Kenneth Simmons, Steven Talucci, Taymond Tate, Timothy True, Eloy Uruena, Christopher Walker, Ronald Walker, Patrick Warnick, Arthur Whitfield, Clark Williams and Michael Sorensen. Computer Lab Classes Pictured, from the left, are recent graduates of the computer lab with their certificates: Rick Prucha (computer lab instructor), Alan Day, John S. Kamara, George W. Rose, and Roman Zarkiewicz. Day, who sails from Seattle, completed advanced Excel as well as beginning and intermediate Access. Kamara, who ships out of Philadelphia, finished the computer basics class. Rose, a member of the engine department from San Francisco, also mastered the computer basics course, as did Zarkiewicz, who also sails from Seattle. Armando Evangelista, Silvio Iglesias, Trinity Ippolito, Randy Isenhart, Norman Johnson, Robert Johnson, Bobby Jones, Ezzell Jordan, Denis Kay, David King, Harry Kinsman, Robert Kirk, Dale Kirsch, Patrick Lettsome, Steve Lewis, Silvio Lino, Santiago Ludan, Maximo Lugtu, Noland Macadaan, Larry Martin, Francisco Martinez, Robert Mason and Julio Mattos. (Note: not all are pictured) J.,,.,,,, 2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes , Basic Safety Training Classes Sindy Lou Davis, Donald Clatter, Laurentis Colbert, Timothy Defreitas, Roger Corbin, Alexander Dodoo, Cesar Erese, George Adams, Kevin Bowden, Steven Bower, Michael Brown, Domingo Contreras, Manoling Daguio, Manuel Daguio, Melito Kenneth Biddle, Stan Castro, William Charnock, Miguel Barbosa, Daguio, Christopher Deluca, Edward Gaillard, Raymond Gordon, Ricardo Ellis, Jose Garcai, Carnavius Davalie, Kevin Gatling. ..__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,. Juuan Chevalier, Terrence Carmody, Dominique Bush, Donald Bond, Jessie Burnett, Thomas Arthur, Eddie Almodovar, Beltran (Note: not all are pictured) Cahapay, Reynaldo Baluyot, Therman Ames, George Carter, Matthew Brown and Nicholas Aponte. (Note: not all are pictured) Eusebia Amaya, Tory Ancar, Christopher Beahan, Kenneth Bethea, Edward Bishop, James Bloom, Leo Bognoson, Robert Boone, Grant Bazile, Brian Burchette, Dennis Caballero, Luis Caballero, Samuel Calder Jr., Jose Calix, Frank Cammuso, Christopher Campos and Edward Collins. (Note: not all are pictured) John Andrade, Bentley Arrundell, Sergio Ayala, Thomas Barrett, William Barrett, Leo Bonser Sr., Christopher Brady, A an Day, Robert Deane, Lee Dubany, Eddie Ebanks, Earl Ebbert, Criselda Espinosa, James Foley, Denise Frasier, Roy Frett, Daniel Gamboa and Daniel Gibbons. Harold Gierbolini, Joseph Gierbolini, Frank Hall, William Harvell, Adel Hassan, Jaime Hernandez, Leon Hayward Jr., Derrick Hurt, Richard Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Brian Jonsson, Andrew King, Cristain Laborial, Robert Lee, George Lammers and Jay Henderson. (Note: not all are pictured) (Kneeling, from left) Ricky Carter, Joe Morgan, Felipe Nunez, Gregorio Ortiz, Robert Owens, (second row) Romulo Racoma, Ali Mosad, Joel Miller, Charles Ortiz, Dadang Rashidi, Paul Mcclatcher, Ramon Martinez and Clarence Poore. A Proud Moment David Alexander (right) is congratulated by VP Contracts Augie Tellez at the December membership in Piney Point, Md. for completing the requirements necessary to receive his high school diploma from the state of Maryland. Alexander, who was taking an AB course at the same time as working toward his GED, thanked the academic department and his union brothers and sisters for all their encouragement. January 2002 Leslie Davis, Virgilio Conghit, Lawrence Donia, Henry Edmondson, Cecil Edwards, James Elliott, Barry Ford, David Freeman , James Garrity, Donald Gee, Richard Gegenheimer, John Gibbons. Alton Glapion, Darryl Goggins, Melchor Gorospe, Gerard Grossholz, Salvatore Gugliara, Wilbert Haywood, Ernie Hudgins and William Hudson. JI Seafarers LOB 23 �in Review What does not destroy me, makes me stronger. -Friedrich Nietzsche (German philosopher, 1841-1900) o one will ever think of 2001 as just another year. Overshadowed by the tragic terrorist events of Sept. 11 in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, the effects of that single day will be with us for a long time-physically, emotionally and economically. The attacks were an awakening, clearly illustrating that the things one takes for granted one day can so very easily be taken away the next. This held true for the SIU as well. The year got off to a good start. The 1,212-passenger cruise liner ms Patriot-the first ship for the United States Lines fleet-had just started its weeklong cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. With the SS Independence already in service and two more cruise ships under construction in an American shipyard, it was to be a new beginning for the U.S. cruise industry. Seafarers also climbed the gangway to a number of other newly contracted vessels, many for the Military Sealift Command, among them the USNS Brittin, USNS Soderman, USNS Roy Wheat, USNS Mendonca, USNS Watkins, USNS Stockham, SSG Edward A. Carter, Jr., Lt. Col John UD. Page, USNS Pomeroy and USNS Benavidez. The SIU welcomed the Delta Mariner to its fleet. Designed to N • • transport rocket boosters and other space hardware, the Delta Mariner operates on rivers as well as oceans, thanks to a variable ballast design. Crew members also began working aboard the Cape May Light, a coastal cruise ship, as well as on the bulk carriers Liberty Glory and Liberty Grace. SIU boatmen on the West Coast welcomed new job opportunities with the christening of the Z-drive tug ~nema Spirit, a strong tractor tug operated by Brusco Tug and Barge of Port Hueneme, Calif. At the end of last year, Seafarers cast ballots for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inlands Waters District as well as five constitutional amendments. The results were announced in January by the SIU's rank-and-file tallying committee. Education of each Seafarer remained a high priority. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. continued to be the focal point for training and upgrading in all department . Many students enrolled in the center's U.S. Coast-Guardapproved STCW basic safety class, a key requirement for numerous mariners under the amended STCW convention. (The deadline for compliance with the amended STCW treaty is Feb. 1, 2002.) Water survival and lifeboat classes also were held in Hawaii and Diego Garcia to assist those members who might otherwise have difficulty The Paul Hall Center offered many oppportunities to take the STCW basic safety training (including fire fighting, above) required for numerous mariners under the amended STCW convention. getting to the Piney Point facility in completing the STCW training requirements. Other students took advantage of a wide variety of courses conducted in the center's new simulator building or other specially tailored courses designed to accommodate their individual work schedules. In March, nine SIU members completed the Paul Hall Center's new medical first aid provider course. The building that houses the school's world-class simulator was dubbed the Bob McMillen Simulator Annex during an on-site ceremony in June. And, in an effort to make the already comfortable living accommodations at the school even more pleasant for upgrading students, construction began, also in June, for a new 96-room hotel annex that will contain single-occupancy dormitory rooms. The U.S. Coast Guard approved a 70-hour GMDSS (global marine distress and safety system) course offered at the school, which utilizes the new simulator, and the center revamped its anti-terrorism class so that every student at the Paul Hall Center receives the training. Additionally, the union's health and benefits plan awarded $132,000 in scholarships to three Seafarers and five dependents of SIU members-a program which was introduced in 1953. One of the highlights of 2001 was the merger of the NMU into the SIU. In June, members of both unions approved the details of a merger agreement, thereby finalizing the unification and marking an historic occasion in maritime labor history. Intermittent merger talks between the two unions had gone on since the mid-1950s. The integration of the two groups will mean a more powerful voice for mariners, a stronger manpower pool for national defense and a brighter future for the U.S. maritime industry as a whole. In an effort to protect and AP PhotofThe United States Navy, Chief Photographer's Mate Philomena Gorenflo Members of the SIU's Government Services Division crewed the USNS Comfort when the hospital ship was activated Sept. 11 to help respond to the terrorist attacks on New York. The ship offered a much-needed refuge for rescue workers in New York City. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. enters its 36th year of unsurpassed vocation- ~~_,..,~,------- " r,,,._.~.f,..~ al schooling for the continual betterment of Seafarers. Training tools include a state-of-the-art bridge simulator (right). ensure the continued job security of the SIU membership, the contracts department negotiated new standard freightship and tanker agreements that are effective through June of 2006. The new agreements include improvements in the areas most often cited by Seafarers--expanded medical coverage for dependents, an increase in wages and gains in the pension plan, to name a few. The union negotiated other contracts as well, among them a new five-year agreement for the car carrier Overseas Joyce, a five-year pact covering Tyco 's cable ships and a three-year contract for the ITBs operated by Sheridan Transportation. Throughout the year, the SIU continued, through its affiliation with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to expose the greed and corruption rooted in the flag-of-convenience system as well as the dismal conditions under which flag-ofconvenience mariners are forced to live and work. ITF representatives were successful in securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages for many stranded foreign crew members and helped many return to their homes and families. Even before Sept. 11, however, the SIU saw its share of disappointments-although nothing in comparison with or of the magnitude of the terrorist attacks. A flag of convenience vessel rammed the SIU-crewed Liberty Spirit in Haifa, Israe1; the Tacoma hall withstood an earthquake; the hall in Houston sustained significant damage in a tropical storm; and a tragic fire aboard the SIU-crewed ammunition ship SSG Edward A. Carter, Jr. claimed two lives. In the wake of Sept. 11, SIUcontracted American Classic Voyages, which had been off to such a good start at the beginning of the year, announced it had filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The move was driven by the terrorist attacks, which harmed the tourism, entertainment and transportation industries more than any others. But a new year of promise has begun-and with it comes lots of hard work. SIU members aboard the USNS Comfort and NY Waterway ferries played key roles during the initial relief efforts in New York, and the SIU will continue to carry on the proud tradition of delivering goods wherever and whenever needed, whether it's grain to Africa, jet fuel to South Korea, rocket boosters to California, or military materiel for our armed forces at home and abroad. The SIU has had its gains and its losses in 2001, but it is everready to face the challenges that 2002 will bring. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: CAPT. SCHUBERT CONFIRMED AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR AMO REELECTS MIKE MCKAY; MEBA CHOOSES RON DAVIS STRONG U.S. FLEET VITAL TO AMERICA PITSENBARGER JOINS PREPOSITIONING FLEET NEW SURVEY SHIP DELIVERED SEAFARERS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT STCW BASIC SAFETY TRAINING RENEWABLE VIA SEA SERVICE ASCENSION, SAGAMORE CREWS GET WAGE BOOST AS OF DEC. 1 PORT SECURITY STILL SCRUTINIZED EAST COAST CIVMAR ABS RECEIVE WAGE INCREASE NOTICE TO CIVIL SERVICE MARINERS: DON'T LOSE YOUR SHORE LEAVE USNS APACHE SAVES 4 SEAFARERS AT WORK ABOARD SHIP AND ASHORE ON THE COASTWISE RUN WITH THE EL MORRO CREW SAN FRANCISCO HALL HOSTS HOLIDAY FEAST DELEGATES EXAMINE SEPTEMBER 11'S AFTERSHOCK MSC VICE COMMANDER PRAISES MTD UNIONS AS 'UNSUNG HEROES' AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL CONVENTION ITF'S COCKROFT UPDATES FOC CAMPAIGN NO TALL TALE: 'BUYING UNION' BENEFITS AMERICAN FAMILIES 2001: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/1/2002 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. 64, No. 1 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b5df8ea4a06c9fa049f4d8e907c3a82a.pdf af405757098c3c7a4b55c962344714e6 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 2 February 2002 I Passenger Ferry, Cable Ship, Heavy Lift The new year is off to a good start for the SIU, which recentJy welcomed a new passenger ferry (the Austin Tobin, top),. a new cable ship {the Atlantic Guardian, middle) and a newly reflagged heavy lift vessel (the Industrial Challenger, bottom) into its fleet. Two more passenger ferries are scheduled for christenings this month. Pictured below, SIU members Javier Ureta (left) and Kim Brown (right) ready the Atlantic Guardian for its first assignment. Page 3. Annual Tax Tips for Mariners STCW's Impact on Upgrading Pages 12-13 Hannah Marine Crews Honored Higman Boatmen Rescue 2 ~-------------------Page' �President's Report Extend, Expand Maritime Security Program It is time to expand and extend the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Enacted in 1996, the MSP is a key part of America's national and economic security. The 10-year program provides limited funding for up to 47 U.S.-flag commercial ships which are available to the Department of Defense in times of war or contingency. The MSP delivers many benefits. It helps maintain a pool of skilled American mariners who are needed to crew not only the MSP ships, but also the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift and Ready Reserve Force vessels, both in peace and war. The Michael Sacco MSP helps our nation maintain a presence in international commerce. It also gives the Defense Department access to program participants' infrastructure, terminals, communications networks and more. In short, the program works. And it has been cost-effective for our nation. According to government figures, MSP payments account for roughly 13 percent of the cost of operating U.S.-flag vessels. Without the MSP, imagine how much more it would cost the government to obtain cargo ships exclusively designated for transporting military gear. Estimates of such costs run into the billions. One report concluded that it would cost the military as much as eight times more than what it currently spends to build, crew and maintain such a fleet. Why bring up the MSP now, when it still has a few years remaining? Quite simply, we cannot afford to wait until the last minute to extend and build upon the current program. Despite its bipartisan support and its passage eight years ago by overwhelming majorities in both the House and the Senate, it actually took years to make the MSP law. That's the nature of politics. We know shipowners will need time to replace some of their vessels that will enroll in a new MSP. By the time the current program is scheduled to expire, some of the MSP ships will be due for substitutions. Again, such operations take time to plan and execute. Last month, Maritime Administrator William Schubert stated his support for the MSP. I commend him for taking a leading role in speaking out for a new program. I also believe that our nation's war against terrorism heightens the need to address the MSP sooner rather than later. Make no mistake, maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine in the commercial sector absolutely is a security issue for America. In fact, in recent months, working with the National Defense Transportation Association and its Defense Department partners, I have participated in a number of meetings about port and vessel security. Other SIU officials also have taken part in these important sessions. Many of these issues were discussed-and their seriousness and scope identified-at the Security Summit conducted by the U.S. Transportation Command, which oversees the military's worldwide logistics. One way to make the situation safer is to invest in the U.S. fleet through an expanded MSP. In regard to port traffic in the United States, how could anyone disagree with the belief that U.S.-crewed, U.S.flagged, U.S.-built ships are safer and more desirable than their foreign counterparts? Before we even can climb a gangway, we are required to have photo IDs (merchant mariner documents) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. In short, we are accountable and held to high standards of certification. We also have demonstrated, from generation to generation, our unfailing patriotism. The current crisis also calls to mind what happened during the Persian Gulf War, when some foreign crews declined to sail into a war zone. They were supposed to deliver much-needed supplies to U.S. troops. They refused. And American forces didn't get their equipment on time because those foreign crews balked. Additionally, in some countries that claim to be maritime nations, efforts are under way to reduce crew sizes. This could mean, among other potential security drawbacks, fewer lookouts, fewer chances to monitor and inspect cargo, and generally less efficiency because of fatigue . Obviously, we ' ve seen technology and automation leading to reductions in our crew sizes over the last 20 years. But that doesn't mean we should consider giving up the safety of our vessels or ports. I've been asked what can be done to help the U.S. Coast Guard in securing our coastlines and ports. I've been asked what the port authorities and longshoremen can do to help prevent a terrorist attack coming from an enclosed and locked container. The answers are complicated and multiple. But this much is certain: The Coast Guard, port authorities, longshoremen and everyone else involved in maritime security will be best-served by a stronger U.S. fleet. So will every United States citizen. That's why an extended and expanded MSP is simply the safest way to go. Volume 64, Number 2 February 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (30 l) 899-0675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB Schubert Calls tor Cooperation As Industry Seeks Resurgence New Administrator Pledges '100 Percent Commitment' In his first public remarks in Washington, D.C. since becoming the head of the U .S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), Capt. William Schubert emphatically stated that industry-wide cooperation will be vital to U.S. fleet's resurgence. Schubert spoke to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association (he is a Kings Point graduate) on Jan. 10, then addressed the Washington chapter of the Propeller Club on Jan. 23. He stressed many of the same points during those meetings. Excerpts of his Jan. 10 speech follow: "In light of the events of September 11, and the crucial ongoing war against terrorism, every action taken at the Maritime Administration is now examined and re-examined with this perspective in mind. Business as usual is not enough anymore, and every initiative at MARAD is now viewed in terms of how it helps American jobs, the American economy and American security .... "I sincerely wish I could stand hear today and proclaim that the maritime industry is healthy or that we are poised for an immediate turnaround. An industry-wide turnaround may take some time. However, if industry and government will work together to promote sound maritime policy, we will certainly get there sooner rather than later. "I am 100 percent committed to take on the significant challenges of this job to do all I can to help move the U.S. maritime industry forward. At the same time, we must also all be ready to work together to support the war on terrorism. "The September 11 attacks altered the culture at the Department of Transportation, and we now face a new era in managing our transportation infrastructure and other transportation-related assets, not only to ensure our economic strength and viability, but also our nation's self defense and security .... "The maritime industrylabor, management, shipyards, the maritime academies , U.S.-flag carriers, U.S. shipowners, the maritime press, and anyone whose livelihood is dependent upon the existence of a U.S. maritime industry- can learn something from Secretary Mineta's recent strong words to the modal administrators. He said, 'The only turf you need to be worried about is the turf under your feet.' The secretary was very diplomatic in telling us that we cannot be worried about internal squabbles when we have a larger issue of homeland security facing us. The realities of the new security environment that surround us have forced every mode within the department to consider each other and recognize that we are all interconnected and interdependent. "We in the industry can either worry about our the petty fights, the arguments over who has more or less, the backstabbing, the infighting, or we can worry about our own survival. The great statesman Ben Franklin said it best, 'We must indeed all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately.' "These may seem like harsh words, especially from a strong advocate of the U.S. maritime industry. However, we at the Department of Transportation want to see the industry work together, be competitive, be innovative and succeed. As the government official responsible for promoting the U.S. maritime industry, I want to help it succeed in a way that will quiet all the nay-sayers. "Let me briefly mention some important challenges that we are facing. The newly established Transportation Security Administration does not only seek to protect aviation security interests, but maritime, highway, transit and rail-all modes-and we must all cooperate to develop this security agency together. Every aspect of the maritime industry has a role to play .... "Now, more than ever in this new environment, the maritime community will accomplish more if we speak as a group. We are not going to win every battle. We are not always going to get exactly U.S. Maritime Administrator William Schubert what we want. But in order to achieve some success, we need to be willing to fight together. If we don't, we have accepted defeat. "We must not accept the continued overall decline of the U.S.flag fleet. There has been an unprecedented decline in U.S.flag tonnage over the past 10 years. I have pledged to work diligently with industry and labor over the next few years to encourage new tonnage to enter the commercial market. We must also work hard to form a consensus on the reauthorization of the MSP program. And it won't stop there. We need to find innovative ways to encourage other types vessels to enter the domestic and foreign trades, flying the U.S. flag. I will use resources available to me, department-wide, in order achieve this goal. "The United States is the world's only superpower-and we did not reach this point without being a sea power. Our strong 200-plus year maritime heritage helped build a critical foundation for the development of this nation. And merchant mariners, like so many of you, have served the nation with bravery and dedication, in peacetime and in war, ever since there has been an American flag to fly. ''Now, we too must serve our Nation, following their example, by working together to strengthen our merchant marine and develop a maritime policy for the 21 st century. I believe the goal is a worthy one- to keep the Stars and Stripes flying proudly over the world's best merchant marine. " Coast Guard Issues 'Tamper-Resistant' Licenses; Agency Reports STCW-lnduced Backlog at RECs The U.S. Coast Guard last month announced it had begun issuing new merchant mariner license certificates with anti-counterfeiting technology using a computerized system for better security and centralized record keeping. The agency also cautioned that mariners "who haven't already begun the process of requesting new or upgraded licenses or other credentials face delays in processing" at Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs) because of the Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for the amended STCW convention. The new licenses will be issued to all licensed merchant mariners. According to the Coast Guard, "This license retains the traditional border design, title and vessel graphic design of the old version but will not have pre-printed text and fill-in-the-blank endorsement lines. On new licenses, the text, title, endorsements and issue/signature information will now be completely printed from the Coast Guard's computerized Merchant Marine Licensing and Documentation System. The new license forms, produced by the U. S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, employ the latest technology in counterfeiting deterrence. The old-style licenses remain valid and mariners do not have to obtain a new one until their regular renewal date or when an endorsement or some other change is required." News about the RECs and the STCW deadline was less appealing. As reported many times in prior issues of the Seafarers LOG, the amended treaty requires additional training for most mariners as well as new methods for demonstrating shipboard competencies. For unlicensed mariners sailing on international voyages aboard vessels over 200 gross registered tons, the updated convention requires them to demonstrate proficiency in the Basic Safety Training components spelled out in Chapter VI. Also, bosuns, ABs, QMEDs and FOWTs are required to possess an STCW '95 certificate. "Coast Guard licensing officials report that the service's regional exam centers already have backlogs in processing license and merchant mariner document requests because of an increase in STCW certification requests," the agency noted in a mid-January news release. "With the STCW compliance deadline now just two weeks away, mariners who are just now submitting their applications are not likely to receive their STCW certificate until well after the compliance deadline [Feb. 1, 2002]." More information about STCW compliance (and other merchant mariner news) is available on the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center web site, located at http://www. us cg. mil/nmc. February 2002 �Sealarers Crew Up Industrial Challenger Heavy Lift Vessel 'Flags In, ' Augments U.S. Sealift Capacity The Industrial Challenger is slated to crew up early this month in the port of Houston. More new shipboard jobs for the SIU are on the way as the union this month welcomes the heavy lift vessel Industrial Challenger to the U.S.-flag fleet. Seafarers are scheduled to crew up the ship sometime during the first week of February, in Houston. The 393-foot Industrial Challenger will enroll in the U.S. Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) program, designed to provide a smooth transition between peacetime and contingency operations . VISA jointly was established by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the U.S . Maritime Administration (MarAd), the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. It also was accomplished in cooperation with the maritime industry. The Industrial Challenger, built in 2000, formerly flew the flag of the Bahamas. It will be operated by SIU-contracted Pacific Gulf Marine for Patriot Shipping LLC. The ship is considered a multi-purpose vessel. It has a lifting capacity of 400 metric tons and a service speed of 16 knots. Listed at 7,300 metric tons, the Industrial Challenger has three holds and hatches, and is equipped with two electro-hydraulic cranes. Pacific Gulf Marine noted that the vessel probably will operate in the U.S. to South America trade "while pursuing other opportunities to move both commercial and/or U.S. government cargoes from the U.S . to worldwide destinations." In joining the VISA program, the vessel is part of a sealift agreement in which the Department of Defense is permitted to reserve space for its cargo on board privately owned and operated ships in the event of war or contingency. VISA also includes agreements for using ship loading terminals, rail facilities and other commercial transport facilities during the movement of Defense Department cargo. New Cable Ship Joins SIU Fleet The Atlantic Guardian is the newest SIU-crewed cable ship. Based in Baltimore, the vessel crewed up in late December. It quickly received its first assignment, sailing on New Year's Eve. The 335-foot vessel still was at work in St. Croix late last month. The Atlantic Guardian replaces the Wave Sentinel in the fleet owned by Global Marine Systems of Chelmsford, England. It flies the British flag. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, U.S. immigration laws require the ship to utilize American citizens in the unlicensed positions and in some of the officers ' posts. "As we stated when the Wave Sentinel arrived early last year, it's a fairly unique situation," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "The ship is going to carry U.S. mariners in the unlicensed ranks, and it's always preferable for a ship to sail with a union crew." The contract covering wages and benefits on the Atlantic Guardian essentially parallels the agreements covering other SIUcrewed cable ships. Built last year in Bremerhaven, Germany, the vessel has a standby crew of approximately 20. The ship has a top speed of 15 knots and is equipped with three bow thrusters and two stern thrusters. The vessel is 59 feet wide and is listed at 3,250 deadweight tons. It has a bollard pull of 60 tons. Among the fi rst Seafarers aboard the new cable ship were (clockwise from left) AB Kim Brown, Chief Steward Terrance Stowall, QMED Ron Celious and AB Greg Baker. The Atlantic Guardian kicked off the new year with its first assignment, a repair job in the Caribbean. NY Waterway Christenings Signify New Jobs for SIU 3 More Passenger Ferries Join Fleet The newest NY Waterway ferries can transport 97 passengers per trip. SIU-contracted NY Waterway is welcoming three new passenger ferries as the company continues addressing sharply increased business. The additions will give NY Waterway 37 boats (including eight which they lease). The company-which transports commuters between New York City and New Jersey-reports that its average daily ridership increased from about 34,000 passengers before Sept. 11 to almost 60,000 since then. A big reason for that surge is that the terrorist attacks destroyed a subway terminal located beneath the twin towers, and NY Waterway offers a reliable, long-popular means of commuting between Manhattan and points in New Jersey. The first of the three newest ferries was scheduled for christening Jan. 24 in New York, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. The Austin Tobin , named after the man credited with building the World Trade Center, was constructed by Allen Marine of Sitka, Alaska. It is a "Sea Otter" class ferry, which carries 97 passengers at more than 30 knots. It is a single-hull boat with the bow-loading feature , powered by three Caterpillar 3406 clean-burning electronic engines, generating 600 hp each. The engines drive three Hamilton water jets. This month, NY Waterway will christen two more ferries: the Father My chal Judge, in honor of the Fire Department chaplain and all the fire fighters who died Sept. 11 ; and the Moira Smith , honoring Police Officer Smith and all her colleagues who died that day. The ferries will be used in the company's new East River commuter service, carrying passengers from East 90th Street to Pier 11 at the foot of Wall Street. That trip will take 15 minutes aboard the new boats. Additionally, Sitka is building five more ferries for NY Waterway that are expected to replace some of the boats currently under lease. On Sept. 11, Seafarers aboard NY Waterway ferries evacuated approximately 158,000 people from Manhattan. Febnla17 2002 Seafal'fll'S LOS 3 �Higman Crew Saves 2 From Foundering Skiff Practice paid off for four SIU boatmen on the Higman Barge Lines tug Capt. D.J. Babin- and, more notably, for the two men they saved Dec. 6 near Lake Charles, La. Seafarers Wayne Williams, Dennis Ridley, Doug Clark and John Bethune rescued John Theriot and Doug Bonvillian moments after the latter two individuals took an unexpected plunge into the cold water near the Grand Lake Bridge. Theriot and Bonvillian had been operating a skiff and were transporting supplies to a nearby vessel when their boat capsized around 11 a.m. Williams said the men were in danger not only from the chilly water, but also from heavy traffic in the channel. They were perhaps 300 feet from shore. "It was backed up for five miles, but traffic was moving," Williams recalled. "They were lucky we happened to be look- ing. The main thing was to get them out of the water." Higman crews routinely participate in shipboard safety drills, and the preparation proved priceless, Williams said. "We happened to see their boat flip over- it was loaded down real heavy-and we all automatically did the things that had to be done. It truly was an automatic response," he noted. "We do safety drills constantly, and that's why the response was so immediate. ' Man o erboard is one of the main drill , and pollution control is another. It was fresh in our minds and everything fell into place." Tankermen Bethune and Clark launched the Babin's skiff, while Capt. Williams and Pilot Ridley hurried onto an adjacent barge to provide further assistance. "Once we got the two guys out of the water, we gathered as many of their supplies as we could, then used our boom to raise their skiff," stated Williams. "From the time they hit the water, it was no more than 10 minutes before they were on board (the tug)." Theriot and Bonvillian were uninjured- and grateful. The SIU tug transported them and the salvaged supplies to the intended U.S. Union Membership Stable in 2001 Latest BLS Data Shows Increase During 5-Year Period Union membership grew slightly in 2001 despite a year of recession and uncertainty, and the percentage of American workers with a union remained stable at 13.5 percent, according to new data released Jan. 17 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The latest BLS figures also show that, while there have been slight rises and dips in union membership in recent years, the number of union members has shown an overall five-year growth of 180,000. The number of union members in the U.S. in 2001 was 16.28 million compared to 16.26 million members in 2000, 16.48 million in 1999, 16.21 million in 1998 and 16.11 million in 1997. The figures are a 12-month average. "Despite a year of record layoffs and historic national upheaval, unions held their own in terms of membership in 2001," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Two-and-a-half million workers have formed new unions since 1996. Unions still can do much more to help workers improve their lives by form- ing unions at work, but today's numbers show that steady dedication and perseverance is laying the groundwork for greater change." The number of women who are union members is at an alltime high of 6. 77 million. According to the statistics, in 2001, union membership increased by 93,000 among all women; and 42,000 more Hispanic women were union members in 2001 than in the year before. The percentage of privatesector workers who have a union also remained stable. At least 400,000 workers organized unions in 2001, according to internal AFL-CIO and affiliate union data-just slightly ahead of the number who formed unions in 2000. In order to grow in a changing economy, unions need to organize between 500,000 and a million workers a year, the AFL-CIO has said. In order to meet that goal, unions are launching more large-scale and multi-union organizing campaigns. Not included in the BLS numbers is union membership in Puerto Rico, where labor organizations have focused a great deal of recent organizing attention, helping more than 110,000 workers to form unions over the last three years. Young workers are increasingly open to unions. Polling shows that a majority of young workers ages 18 to 34 who don't have a union say they would likely vote for one. Graduate teaching assistants are among younger workers who formed unions last year at Michigan State, Temple and New York University. Campaigns are also underway at Penn State, Yale, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania. Independent polling also shows that 30 to 40 million workers in America wouldjoin a union if they had a chance. However, relatively few ever get that chance because employers routinely block workers' efforts to improve their lives through unions. Ninety-seven percent of private-sector employers fight their workers' efforts to form unions, including a third who illegally fire workers who sup- NY Waterway Crews Tackle STCW A number of Seafarers who crew NY Waterway passenger ferries have completed STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. After last month's membership meeting at the school, several of the students from NY Waterway who are enrolled in the BST course chatted with SIU officials. Pictured from left to right (front row) are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Albert Maietti, Amed Kety, Priscilla Rodriguez, SIU Pres. Mike Sacco, Steven Rivera, Max Munnigh, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi, Jose Beof Sr., (back) SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Sec.Treasurer David Heindel. 4 Seafarers LOG port a union, the federation reports. The AFL-CI 0 represents 13 million working men and women. essel. Williams emphasized, "There was never a thought given to the hopes of receiving praise or even a 'thank you'- which, by the way, we received wholeheartedly from the men we rescued. But I believe my crew deserves recognition for their readiness and willingness to do whatever is needed to render assistance to anyone who's in trouble." Although the rescue proved more involved than another in which Williams participated, back in 1997, it lacked the oddities of the earlier recovery. Nearly five years ago, while working aboard another Higman tug near Port Arthur, Texas, Williams and his fellow boatmen rescued a woman who had been bitten by an alligator. She told Coast Guard investigators that she had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and was trying to swim across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. "But we just pulled her on board," Williams said. "This (more recent) incident was a full-fledged life-saving operation." STCW 'In Plain English' Training Director Examines STCW's Impact on Upgrading Editors Note: The following is the second in an occasional series, written by Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. This month, our industry will begin finding out the extent to which we're truly ready for the long-awaited STCW deadline of Feb. 1, 2002. I expect that, as the saying goes, results may vary. For instance, a recent press report stated that more than 38,000 Malaysian mariners will be blocked from working on ships because they haven't complied with the amended STCW convention. Slightly more than 7, 100 certificates for STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) have been issued in that country. In the U.S., there is cautious optimism that most (though certainly not all) American mariners are in compliance. Stay tuned. This much we already know: The system for upgrading has changed, especially for unlicensed mariners sailing deep sea. The old method largely relied upon accumulating sea time, training and then passing a Coast Guard test. The new method still includes sea-time requirements and training, but it emphasizes practical demonstration of skills, rather than testing. The best example I've heard is one that compares the new way of upgrading to acquiring a learner's permit for driving a car. It's an interim step preceding the actual driver's-license exam. It represents a time during which aspiring drivers typically must sharpen their skills behind the wheel and demonstrate them to the appropriate people. In some cases, it carries a minimum time requirement. Another way to look at it: The big change in maritime is, upgrading by training and assessment, rather than training and testing. Other industries also are moving toward this type of career advancement. For instance, let's say you sail as a wiper for four years and you have 600 days of sea service in the engine room. When you're ready to become an oiler, you cannot just take a test. Instead, you would need specialized training (for ratings forming part of an engineering watch), and then you would go to sea and demonstrate those newly acquired competencies, for a minimum of 60 days. Then you would take the oiler's class. Your certificate of completion for that course (as long as it's Coast Guard-approved) earns you the rating. It's basically the same path in the deck department. Say you sail OS for four years and build up 600 days of sea time. The new interim step to becoming an AB-the "learner's permit" stage-is taking the course for specially trained OS. As in the previous example, you then would go to sea for at least 60 days, before returning to school for the AB course. On that note, I'll put in a plug for the SIU and the Paul Hall Center. Both the union and the school were very far-sighted in developing the training record book (TRB) in 1997. This gave members (as well as officers and Coast Guard REC personnel) almost five years to get used to the book and learn how to use it. That is the way of the future in our industry. Check upcoming issues of the LOG for articles about enginedepartment career paths, recent and pending Coast Guard approvals of revised Paul Hall Center courses, and other news either directly or indirectly related to the amended STCW convention. February 2002 �Federation Embraces 4 Focal l'oints The delegates to the 2001 AFL-CIO Convention, which took place Dec. 3-6 in Las Vegas, approved four major program resolutions without dissent. These declarations, presented to the convention by the AFLCI O's Executive Council (to which SIU President Michael Sacco was reelected), summarize the federation's strategy for continuing positive change in-and and the critical importance of each in the United States' union movement. "If we have learned anything these past months, and these past years," he said in his memo, "it is that we can do anything if we are united and strong." These four programs, and the labor president's analysis of each are: Organizing-Plans to craft national union-federation part- the empowerment of-national unions, state and local central bodies and the federation as a whole. In a recent memo to executive council members and top officials of national and international unions; state federations and central labor bodies; and trade departments, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney urged the widest dissemination of information about the four programs U.S. Supreme Court Rules On Coast Guard/OSHA Case The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 9 issued a ruling that puts to rest litigation involving oversight jurisdiction of uninspected vessels between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In the case of Elaine L. Chao, Secretary ofLabor vs. Mallard Bay Drilling, the court ruled that since the Coast Guard exercises minimal oversight of uninspected vessels, the OSHA shares jurisdiction with the Coast Guard over working conditions on such vessels. The 8-0 decision reversed a June 2000 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that an uninspected oil drilling barge on a navigable waterway within state waters was a vessel over which the Coast Guard had exclusive regulatory authority-not a "workplace" over which OSHA would have jurisdiction. The U.S. Department of Labor challenged that decision and appealed to the Supreme Court. The case at issue arose from a 1997 explosion on a drilling barge owned by Mallard Bay Drilling. While the Coast Guard took the lead in investigating the explosion, OSHA issued a citation against the company charging Mallard Bay with three violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. "SMPPP Pelfor111i11g Well; StatenlelilS iJue Out Soon At the January membership meetings, a report from Plan Administrator Lou Delma was read. , Delma stated that partici- is annualized to 6.64 percent. In these difficufi economic (Compare that to the Dow Jones~ t~~s,- t!Jis. eo~es .a~.~,goo~ news which was down more than 13 to cparti~i_pants=:"'in: S~1PPP, pef97nt fof200J. ~ th~~&P, 'ihiclt. wh~ch his bee!l ~n e~istence onl~ ·me pants in the Se11farers Money ;iwa8(lowri·nearly·19 percent; and ~~~e Jr~psiotf f lan:,.(~~PP) · CDs~ which ;'Were yietding will be pl~sed to note thaf the remms ofonly 3 to 4 percedt.) . ·~: plan 'continues · ·~ out~perf:onn An unofficial oral update , recognized indu~py bel;\chma.rks:_ " rec · 2, 2002by D~lma 0 . al teRO . ,.:A' . t: .,,,.• n.Uo ' ".n. edc ;-..'.~ m ¥"'. s·~·~'e...n '~ UH er ' , ""·· _;••.·.·.•:·..'T _;;s ·. " :_'.·.-._... tlie"ac<f{)un. ./"l . ;~....-1·.··.J.;:.<m·.·.··· •.1:1'·\1.'.·.1.•';o:·,.... The Seafarers Vacation Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan have announced reciprocal agreements with their National Maritime Union (NMU) counterparts, which are designed to benefit Seafarers. Authorized late last year by the Plans' respective boards of trustees, the agreements essentially allow SIU members (including those who formerly were members of the NMU) to receive credit toward their pension and vacation benefits based on their total days worked, even if their sea time is divided between companies that are signatory to the Plans. For instance, the reciprocal agreement for the vacation funds notes, "A reciprocal vacation benefit is provided under this Plan for employees who c... As always, contributions for the'r month of .Decemberr were received in January. Once the ye~ _ is closed~. annual s~t,ement .s. •. umm ..·. .·.-·. -. •:_· :·. ·. -.·.· .a.r_-.·t.~.e_ .· · s. .· .·.· ·.Wl ..:. .~. .·l. .· 1 ._ •-.·: .· . .},le ..,, ru.:. ·.-:. a ..·an(f . . ·. •.·.·.·.· . · ...-••.. ;:'. mailed to;;fill ·~rti, . :-:.... -- .... ... .. . ,0¥org~µ Stahley Dean Witter,._,for ·'· increase reflects' additional:,,eoa'".; . !.he period ep.din:gOct. .:31, 2001, "tributions " received during< -..the account"was valued at $12.1 November and Decemb~r of <'million. The account had a total slightly more than $600,000 and return from inception through additional gains on investments :'that date of31.63 percent, which of approximately $400,000. Reciprocal Agreements In Place for Pension, Vacation Benetits since June 1996; Delma said. . .. ; : .. ···.··. : ·c···· ..e . . ;, ·-.-. st. - lf· ·Y, Olf do,, fiot.receive a ci9PY '}·feyou~ · statement by ·mid.;'April, '1ipleasecall or write the administrator 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs; MD 20746; telephone (301) ai 899-0675. would otherwise lack sufficient days of covered employment to be eligible for a vacation benefit because their periods of covered employment were divided between different vacation plans .... " The reciprocal vacation benefit shall be effective with respect to vacation benefits payable on or after January 1, 2002. Under terms of the reciprocal pension benefit, pension credits accumulated and maintained by an employee after Jan. 1, 2001 under a "related plan" shall be recognized by the other as related pension credits. In other words, members don 't lessen their benefit by sailing for different companies, as long as those companies are signatory to one or the other pension plan. The rules of both plans still apply, and the reciprocal agreements do not supersede the respective regulations of the plans. The NMU merged into the SIU last year, creating one union while maintaining-in accordance with membership approval through balloting-separate benefits plans. ·:Not Ready to Roll · · ' The U.S. Department of Transportation has not developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the , ~.afety of Mexican trucks that will be allowed access to U.S. highways this year, the AFL-CIO reported last month. According to the federation, the General Accounting Office reports only two of the 25 U.S. commercial points of entry have permanent inspection facilities. The department also has not reached agreement with border states on sharing inspection responsibilities, the GAO said. Many members of Congress fought last year to impose strict safety standards on Mexican trucks that will operate in this country under provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement. February 2002 nership agreements to support and advance the organizing programs of the national affiliates are proceeding. These agreements will be built on the three major building blocks of the federation's organizing strategyincreasing the resources committed to organizing, using all available resources to advance organizing, and changing the climate for organizing. Political-The federation continues to prepare for the important national mid-term elections this fall. Our goal is to turn back those legislators who are anti-worker and bolster the numbers of those who are progressive in their leadership styles-and set the stage for the critical national elections in 2004. A huge effort must also be made in critical state and local elections. Finally, important decisions must be made about the ongoing funding of our political work in the coming months. Global Economy-The recession is hitting nearly every sector. Unions in the manufacturing sector especially are being hard hit. We will face critical bargaining struggles in the coming year. And we must work with an adminis- tration that does not share our views on expanding trade and commitment to global labor and environmental standards. The recent one-vote loss on fast track authority in the House was a disappointment, but we did manage to gain the support of some who had voted against us in the past. Work In Our Communities-The importance of rebuilding our grass roots cannot be overstated. We will continue to expand our Union Cities and our New Alliance programs, to forge even stronger bonds with our allies, and to reach out to working families across lines of race and ethnicity- focusing on our work with immigrant communities and our support for civil and human rights in all communities. Sweeney said both the federation and its affiliates must focus on these four areas of work in order to strengthen the labor movement in the United States. Of the four programs, however, organizing is by far the most crucial, he said: "We cannot accomplish all our other goals unless we are larger and stronger. Every affiliate must confront again this challenge of growth." Magaw Takes Helm Of New DOT Sector John W. Magaw, a former director of the U.S Secret Service, has been appointed by President Bush to head up the U.S. Department of Transportation's newest component-the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As under secretary of transportation for security, Magaw will have substantial powers to ~~tablish security procedures for aviation as well as other types of transportation. His position carries a five-year term. primary m1ss10ns TSA's include developing and implementing new security equipment at airports. The agency is slated to assume control of aircraft security by the end of this month. Magaw served in 14 assignments with the Secret Service before being appointed director in 1992. As director, he oversaw protective operations for the president and first family. Before his current appointment, he served as acting director of the Office of National Preparedness at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, he headed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from 1993 to 1999. "The American traveling public could not ask for a finer, more devoted public servant, nor an individual more qualified in law enforcement than John Magaw," said Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta during Magaw's confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. "The skills he has developed over the course of his stellar career will prove instrumental as he goes about the job of rebuilding public trust and confidence in our transportation systems. "John Magaw is a man who has stood shoulder to shoulder with eight presidents, and he has Transportation Security Administration Under Secretary John W. Magaw been willing to lay down his life for every one of them," the transportation secretary continued. "Today, another president has asked him to stand shoulder to shoulder with the American people and demonstrate the same courage and the same resolve on their behalf. I am confident that he will do nothing less." Magaw will have responsibility for the day-to-day screening activities of U.S. air passengers. Included will be the development and implementation of hiring and training standards for aviation security screeners. Additionally, he will receive, assess and distribute intelligence and threat information and develop policies for dealing with threats to transportation security. His department also will coordinate with law enforcement agencies; enforce security regulations; and implement, inspect, maintain and test security facilities. Magaw will address cargo issues separately from passenger issues, and work with the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration. Seafarers LOG 5 �Lakes Boatmen Honored for Courageous Rescue Hannah Crews 1st Lakes Mariners to Receive Seamanship Trophy Seafarers who crew a pair of Hannah Marine Corporation tugs recently were recognized for their Oct. 8, 2000 rescue actions involving a damaged tug and barge on Lake Michigan. Jointly receiving the 2001 American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy Jan. 12 during a luncheon at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N .Y. were the crews of the Donald C. Hannah and the James A. Hannah. Recognized were Capt. William Meilicke, Dave Patterson, Murray Smith, Capt. David Heim, Capt. Addison Bell, William Thorp, Joshua Brenner, Stephen Smith, Dave Wierscheim and Capt. Edward Hogan. These mariners also were honored May 18, 2001 for the same actions, during a special ceremony at the Chicago Propeller Club's Maritime Day luncheon. On that occasion, they were presented a Public Service Commendation by the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety OfficeChicago. The towing vessel Undaunted (with a crew of 11) in October 2000 was pushing the work barge Pere Marquette 41 on Lake Michigan when severe weather moved through the region. Gale force winds, snow and sea conditions in excess of 12 feet were pasting the tug and barge when the barge's cargo of 5,000 tons of iron and several tons of large industrial equipment shifted and dangerously upset the tow's stability. The crew executed an emergency breakaway to disconnect the tug from the barge. Without warning, the 68,000-pound barge struck the tug, ripping a hole at its waterline before drifting away. The pilot hailed "mayday" on the radio and was forced to push the tug around. Despite the severe weather conditions, the towing vessels Donald C. Hannah and James A. Hannah were dispatched to assist the disabled tug and recover the barge, which had drifted 24 miles from where it was released. Once the vessel arrived on the scene, crews began assessing the situation and initiating corrective measures. A Coast Guard helicopter and small boat already had removed some of the tug crew members Safety Dir. Jim Storm Dies Jim Storm, Honolulu-based CIO for his work in the Labor safety director for the SIU, 98 campaign that year, during passed away Dec. 15, 2001 in which he helped register union Hawaii. He was 60. voters and assisted them to the Storm reportedly died of polls. A year later, he completed complications following surgery. the SIU's safety director train"I knew Jim as a rank-and- ing at the Paul Hall Center in file member and as an SIU rep- Piney Point, Md., and he also resentative," recalled Neil Dietz, finished a course on grievance SIU port agent in Honolulu. handling at the University of "Jim was always one to volun- Hawaii's Center for Labor teer for the political rallies, Research and Education. In marches and demonstrations that 2000, he graduated from the are critical to SIU solidarity in AFL-CIO Union Counselor prothe labor movement and in our gram and finished a labor law community. Jim never turned me seminar offered at the down when I asked for his help. University of Hawaii. "Jim Storm was a proud, Storm was an ardent supportunabashed liberal of the old er of U.S. Rep. Neil Aberstyle," Dietz continued. "He crombie (D-Hawaii), who is a would not apologize to anyone longtime friend of the SIU and for being a liberal Democrat. He the U.S. Merchant Marine. In wore it like a badge of honor that addition to the routine duties of was based on his love for ordi- an SIU representative at the sernary working families and their vice counter and on ship payoffs, needs." he handled grievances for Fay Rawles-Schoch, director Seafarers aboard American of human resources for Ameri- Hawaii Cruises vessels. He was can Hawaii Cruises, described on the ms Patriot during its first Storm as "always a professional, two weeks of Hawaii service (in and it was very clear that he late 2000), dealing with the diffialways worked for the best inter- culties inherent in a new cruiseests of the SIU membership. He ship operation, and he continued was dogged, determined and servicing the vessel thereafter. very positive in his pursuit of Storm is survived by two resolving a problem." daughters and three sons. SIU Honolulu Patrolman Frank Iverson, who knew Storm for five years, said, "Jim lived his life for the union, and the union is a much sadder place without him." Born in Painesville, Ohio, Storm joined the SIU in 1991. He sailed on passenger vessels and cargo ships before coming ashore in 1997 Safety Director Jim Storm (holding paper) to work for the union. is pictured aboard the Long Lines this past He received a letter December in Honolulu. Pictured with of appreciation from Storm are (seated) OMU Ali Sidek and (standing, from left) AB Todd Conley and the Hawaii State AFL- AB Victorgil Mariano. 6 Seafarers LOG from the Undaunted, but the captain and engineer remained on board. The Donald C. Hannah successfully made a connection to the barge Pere Marquette 41, and eliminated its threat to public safety. Meanwhile, the James A. Hannah escorted the impaired Undaunted, now suffering from overheated engines and hull damage, safely into port. "The crews of James A. Hannah and Donald C. Hannah are directly responsible for bringing the towing vessel Undaunted along with her remaining crew and the barge Pere Marquette 41 safely to port," according to the commendation, which accompanied the U.S. Coast Guard Award. "Their actions are in keeping with the lifesaving traditions of the United States Coast Guard and are highly commended for this service." The Seamanship Trophy has been awarded since 1962 to acknowledge the highest standards of professional competence on the water in the presence of extreme peril to life and/or property and under adverse and severe weather conditions. Posing with the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy are (from left), SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski; Hannah Marine Corp. President Jeffrey Covinsky; William Meilicke and David Heim, skippers of the Hannah Marine vessels; Hannah Marine VP for Operations Edward Hogan; and Capt. Donald Safarik, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. "The skillful response of the Donald C. Hannah and James A Hannah crews to an emergency situation saved not only a tug and barge in distress, but also the Undaunted captain and engineer from a potentially dire fate," said Martin P. Skrocki, public information officer, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., in a letter of congratulations to Jeffrey N. Covinsky, president, Hannah Marine Corp. The correspondence further noted that this marks the first time the Seamanship Trophy has been awarded for actions occurring on the Great Lakes. Brother Abshire Memorialized By Seabulk Challenge Seafarers Editor's note: This article was written at sea Nov. JO, 2001 by Father Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the U.S.-and member ofthe SIU. The photos accompanying the story were taken by Oiler Paul Weil. The motto Brotherhood of the Sea is a much-used term, but often its real meaning seemingly harkens back to a past time. However, there are still a few events that bring alive this motto's meaning and demonstrate that it carries much relevance even in the modern merchant marine. One of these times is when a ship is in distress, and its crew is in peril. At this time, the ship's flag, the mariner's nationality or the company for which he or she works does not matter. The desire to help a fellow seafarer reaches across all borders, and makes all seafarers Brothers of the Sea. Another time is when a mariner requests that his or mortal remains be laid to rest in the vast oceans, the place where he or she has poured out so much of his or her life. The opportunity to serve a brother mariner for the last time came to the SIU crew of the Seabulk Challenge on Nov. 10, 2001, when the ashes of Brother Gilbert Abshire (who began his sailing career with the NMU) were laid to rest as the vessel transited between Citgo Refinery in Lake Charles, La. and Kinder Morgan Refinery in Houston. On this particular voyage, I had signed on in Boston to spend my vacation as the 0800-1200 AB watchstander. A few months before, I had been approached by a parishioner, Donna Beard, with the request to see to the burial of her father's ashes the next time I Father Sinclair Oubre, who sails with the SIU as an AB, conducts the memorial service aboard the Seabulk Challenge in transit from Lake Charles, La. to Houston. Among those joining in the remembrance of Brother Gilbert Abshire were Chief Steward William Perry, AB Manny Wedeil, Bosun Omaha Redda and Oilers Iqbal Mahmood and Paul Weil. went to sea. This request was one of the greatest honors any Apostleship of the Sea chaplain could be asked. After making arrangements with Capt. Parker, and with Bosun Omaha Redda, those crew members who were free gathered on the stern of the vessel on the sunny afternoon of Nov. 10. God had blessed the day with clear skies, light breezes and calm seas. At 1520 hours (3:20 p.m.), the crew gathered around a flagdraped stage plank on which the urn containing the remains of Brother Abshire was placed. Leading the crew in prayer, I began with a reading from Psalm 107 in which the psalmist recalls the wonders that God has done for those who sail the seas. After the reading, all prayed together the Lord's Prayer, which was followed by the prayer of Final Commendation taken from the Roman Catholic Funeral rite. At this time, the urn was taken by Bosun Omaha and reverently placed over the stem. The mate on watch recorded the position as 028.57N & 093.37W. A moment of silence followed, then the crew joined me in reciting a special seafarer's prayer. In commenting on the service, Bosun Omaha stated that this was something very important because it was for all merchant manners. On arrival in Houston, I signed off. On returning to Port Arthur, I relayed the details of the service to Brother Abshire's daughter and presented her with photographs of the service. For all of those involved, it was a very touching and consoling moment, for we all knew that even at death, the Brotherhood of the Sea endures. February 2002 �Reti•• Enjoys Presidentiil Encounter Retired Seafarer Henry W. Lovelace already had lots of compelling anecdotes. The 76year-old Navy veteran was part of the first wave of Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion. He had been in Hawaii during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. And, as an able bodied seaman in the SIU, he traveled to many ports around the globe and had numerous experiences, which he still recalls. Last year, Lovelace added another memorable chapter when he met President Bush. Lovelace was one of six World War II veterans chosen to share the stage with the president during the June 6 dedication of a D-Day memorial in Bedford, Va. The small Virginia municipality was selected as the site for the monument because of the number of Bedford natives who died during the invasion. Published reports say 23 of the 35 Bedford soldiers who fought on D-Day perished-presumably the highest per capita loss of any community in the United States. Lovelace had been chosen to represent the Navy for all veterans who served in the Navy during World War II. He delivered an address on behalf of high-ranking Navy officials to a crowd that numbered approximately 15,000 people. "I was scared to death when I walked out on stage to the podium and looked out at all those people," Lovelace said. "I almost froze." The Gladys, Va. resident, along with the five other World War II veterans who participated in the memorial dedication, met briefly with President Bush before the ceremony. The group assembled near a tent when a Secret Service agent approached them and said the president wanted to see them inside the tent. Following the agent's lead, the group made its way inside. "He [President Bush] introduced himself and said he was very proud to be here with us today," Lovelace said. "He shook each of our hands ... he shook my hand twice ... and then walked between us and we followed him out to the dedication and laying of the wreath. "We stood with him and then I led all of us off to chairs where we sat with President Bush," the retired Seafarer said. Following speeches by the president and all the World War AP Photo/Ron Edmonds President Bush along with World War II veteran and retired Seafarer Henry Lovelace (center) pause after Bush laid a wreath June 6, 2001 in Bedford, Va . to dedicate the National D-Day Memorial to the Allied forces who fought during the invasion. II veterans, a 21-gun salute was rendered. The playing of Taps signaled the ceremony's conclusion. "I can't describe the feeling Challenger Celebrates Holiday Season at Sea Chief Cook Fausto D. Aranda serves Christmas dinner. Captain E.P Skoropowski is in the holiday spirit as he hands out gifts to each crew member on Christmas morning. February 2002 of being that close to the president of the United States," Lovelace said during the event's aftermath. Portions of this article were extracted with permission from an article written by Paula I. Bryant of the Brookneal, Va. based newspaper, The Union Star. Weather was pleasant and seas were mild as the Challenger crew celebrated the holiday season on its domestic run from Houston to New Orleans to San Juan. According to Brandon Maeda, recertified chief steward aboard the CSX Lines container vessel (who sent the accompanying photos to the LOG), "a merry time was had by all." In a festive mood are, from left, standing, AB Juan Ayala , OMU Ken Biddle and Electrician Ramon Borrero. Seated at right is OMU Michael N. Blue Jr. , and in front is OMU Jose Quinones. Standing before an assortment of homemade cream puffs, sugar cookies coconut cake, sweet potato pie as well as a wide variety of nuts, chocolates and candy is SA Juan Rios . SA Carlos Grillasca (left) and AB Benny Perez await the holiday feast. Enjoying a little quiet time in the lounge are (from left) Wiper Joaquin Martinez, OMU Jose Castro and Electrician Ramon Borrero. Seafarers LOS 7 �11 More Courses Approved Additional College Credit Recommendations Awarded by A CE for Paul Hall Center Classes Eleven courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education have been added to the list of those for which students may receive college credits. Late last year, the school (located in Piney Point, Md.) underwent a review by the American Council on Education's (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service. A team of content specialists, selected from college faculty, reported that certain Paul Hall Center vocational training courses are comparable to college-level classes and may be used as transfer credit at many colleges and universities. The newly approved courses are Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); Baking and Galley Operations (formerly Galley Operations); Basic Fire Fighting; Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting combined; Bridge Resource Management; Certified Chief Cook; First Aid/CPR; Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); STCW Basic Safety Training; Tankerman Assistant Cargo; and Tankerman- PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquids. Additionally, two previously approved courses were reauthorized after their regularly scheduled reviews: Celestial Navigation, and Water Survival. Many other classes available at the Piney Point facility also qualify for college credit recommendations. "Superior training increases productivity," stated Jo Ann Robinson, director of ACE 's College Credit Recommendation Service. With that in mind, more and more businesses and educational institutions are turning to ACE to help assure the quality of that training, she noted. In addition to the Paul Hall Center, the United Auto Workers, AT&T, and Union Pacific Railroad among many other organizations offering ACE college credit-recommended courses. School Welcomes UAs from Puerto Rico Among the Paul Hall Center courses _....""""""""""',.,,,..,""""""'"""""= newly approved for college credit recommendations are (clockwise, from upper left) First Aid/CPR, Bridge Resource Management, Certified Chief Cook and Basic Fire Fighting. Apprentice's 1st Trip to Washington Includes Introduction to Pres. Bush Union, Administration Officials Discuss Energy Policy Assisted by a career-placement program run by the commonwealth, two Puerto Rico residents are enrolled in the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Unlicensed Apprentices Beato Diaz (left) and Antonio Mendez (right)-pictured Jan. 7 at the school with SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez-are the first students to utilize Puerto Rico's vocational placement structure to attend Piney Point. The apprentice program blends hands-on training with classroom instruction, preparing students to begin sailing aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Another International Deadline: IMO Issues ISM Code 'Warning' The Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for complying with the amended STCW convention understandably has commanded much attention throughout the maritime industry-but it is not the only closing date scheduled. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) last month issued what it called a "warning" for compliance of phase two of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. "Shipping companies need to plan and schedule their implementation activities without delay if they are to meet the impending deadline of July 1, 2002," the IMO noted. "Governments have been urged to take 'urgent action' to ensure sufficient time is allowed for the verification process to be carried out." In a communication sent to all nations that are signatory to the ISM Code (including the United States), the IMO stated that "verification of compliance with the ISM Code should include objective evidence that the Company Safety Management System (SMS) has been in operation for at least three months and an SMS has been in operation on board at least one ship B Seafarers LOG of each type operated by the company for at least three months prior to the issue of valid Documents of Compliance and Safety Management Certificates." The IMO release also pointed out that the ISM Code was adopted in the early 1990s "to provide a blueprint for the way shipping companies manage and operate their ships and to promote the development of a widespread safety culture and environmental conscience in shipping. By defining the company's responsibility for safety and ensuring that senior management were committed to enhanced safety and environmental protection and could more easily be held accountable, the code seeks to ensure that safety should be given top priority." On July 1, 1998, the code became mandatory for passenger ships, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and other cargo vessels of 500 gross tons or more. Beginning in July, it also will apply to cargo ships "other than those liable to the first implementation date and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage and above." When Ronnie Johnson and Eric Baggs told Jeff Faulkner about all the opportunities the young Texan would gain by attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, he never in his wildest dreams expected what happened to him on Jan. 17. On that day, Brother Faulkner stood for all Seafarers and American merchant mariners when he met President George W. Bush. Along with the 19-year-old Phase I apprentice from Class 623 were SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Political Action and Government Relations Director Terry Turner. Also attending the private gathering in Washington, D.C. wereAFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department President Edward Sullivan, Teamsters President James P. Hoffa and Carpenters President Douglas Mccarron. In his khaki uniform, Faulkner informed the president he was looking forward to sailing for years to come thanks to the many jobs that would be created with passage of a National Energy Policy that includes the environmentally safe exploration and development of oil within Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "I got nervous for a little bit," Faulkner admitted shortly after the meeting in the Teamsters building. "It was really interesting." Faulkner and Sacco joined the other union presidents at a table where President Bush met with them. Seated across the table from both Sacco and Bush, Faulkner was asked what he wanted to do when he started drawing his paychecks. "Buy a car," he told the president to smiles and laughter. Bush asked the Galveston County native if he went to Galveston Ball High School. "I told him, 'No, sir. You probably haven't heard of it. It's Hitchcock High School in Galveston County. '" Bush smiled like he had heard of the school and reminded Faulkner, "I was the governor of Texas." Faulkner said the president was very laid back. "He joked with everybody. He even made a joke about my SIU President Michael Sacco (left) reassures hair, but 1 don't Unlicensed Apprentice Jeff Faulkner before the meeting with President Bush. remember what he said." (Like all male unlicensed apprentices Andrew Card (who served as in Phase I, Faulkner wears a burr Transportation Secretary for haircut.) Bush's father). He noted Bush listened to all "I met so many people, I don't the union presidents, "especially know who all of them are," added when President Sacco talked. He Faulkner, who was still reeling knocked him dead." from his first-ever visit to The SIU president explained Washington. to the president that inclusion of As noted, two Seafarers from ANWR in the National Energy the Galveston area convinced Policy would mean jobs over the him to come to Piney Point after next 30 years for American ship- he graduated from high school yard workers, mariners and their last summer. Johnson sails with suppliers. He said a young per- G&H Towing, while Baggs son, like Faulkner, could start a works aboard Crowley tugs. career now as an apprentice, "I like being on the water and upgrade throughout his career, they told me I could get trained, get married and raise a family, get a job and get paid good with work steady, then retire on a good benefits. It sounded good to me," pension during this 30-year peri- Faulkner said. Faulkner was in his last days od. (Bush interrupted Sacco to ask Faulkner if he was ready to as a Phase I apprentice when he get married. The apprentice was told to report to the apprenreplied, "No, sir. Not yet!" to tice commandant's office. "They asked me, 'How'd you laughter.) "Jeff was wonderful," noted like to meet the president of the Sacco. "He showed the president United States?' I thought it was a what this bill will mean to just joke or something. But I knew it one of the hundreds of thousands was for real when I met Mr. of American workers who will be (Don) Nolan (vice president of affected by it. He had the presi- the school). I was shocked." He had less than 24 hours to dent's attention and those who think about what he was about to were with him." Besides President Bush, go through. When the visit was finished, Faulkner met Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of Energy Faulkner was asked what he Spencer Abraham, Secretary of thought he would remember from the Interior Gail Norton and the day. "I talked to the president White House Chief of Staff and he joked with me." February 2002 �Welcome USNS Pomeroy Namesakes AboardSbip Members of the Pomeroy family gather on deck to hold the name board of the vessel (below) bearing the name of their relative, Army Pvt. First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, who was killed in Korea in 1952 and posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Photo by National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. When the SIU-crewed USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR 316) was christened last March in San Diego, Calif., members of the Pomeroy family were on hand for the ceremonial breaking of a bottle of champagne over the ship's bow. And last November-as the ship was to be deployed for the first time-they traveled to the other side of the country, to Charleston, S.C., for a day aboard the vessel bearing their name. The USNS Pomeroy is the seventh ship completed of eight Watson-class large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off ships built at National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. in San Diego. It was named in honor of U.S. Army Pvt. First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, who posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions in Korea in October 1952. More than 80 members of the hero's family were treated by the Military Sealift Command to a day aboard the 950-ft. long vessel that has more than 390,000 square feet of cargo space. They were given a full tour of the bridge, engine room and helicopter decks and were then feted with a specially prepared luncheon, complete with a cake decorated with the likeness of the USNS Pomeroy. After all the festivities, the ship loaded up U.S. Army equipment in Charleston and departed for Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, where it will spend about 30 months on station. It is perhaps some comfort to the Pomeroy family that they got to know the crew members aboard the ship that will sail as a monument to their brave loved one.' Gathering for a group shot are members of the Pomeroy's steward department. From left are Chief Cook Lewis Johansen, SA Connie Tarplin, Chief Steward W.H. Watson 111, SA Lisa Knight and SA Ivan Perez (and in front, on loan from the deck department, is George Lavender Jr.). The Galley Gang Preparing everything from the condiments to the baby back ribs to the mounds of coconut shrimp to the hors d'oeuvres-and more-are (clockwise from top left) Chief Steward W.H . Watson Ill; SA Ivan Perez and Watson; SA Lisa Knight; Chief Cook Lewis Johansen; and SA Connie Tarplin. Thanks to Chief Steward WH. Watson Ill for the photos on this page. Mike Finnegan, captain of the USNS Pomeroy, poses with some of the children in the Pomeroy family (from left) Autumn Crow, Emily Kadar, Laura Crow and Ashley Crow and a cake, specially decorated for the occasion. Enjoying the luncheon buffet with the Pomeroy family are QMED Eric Rodgers (left) and Storekeeper Joseph Zagrocki. Februa,, 2002 Seafarers LOG 9 �Tampa Bay Pilots Follow Historic Route Throughout the alwaysevolving maritime industry, from the smallest tugboat to the largest cargo ship, high-tech equipment is the norm. Such is the case at SIU-contracted Tampa Bay Pilots, based in Egmont Key, Fla., near St. Petersburg. The eight SIU boat- men at Tampa Bay Pilots utilize the newest gear in performing their jobs. Despite the contemporary surroundings, piloting is an old component of Tampa lore. As the company notes, "From the earliest records of civilization, man has traveled the waters and relied upon the expertise of pilots to assure safe passage . ... Pilots are Among the SIU-crewed pilot boats docked at the station on Egmont Key, Fla. is the Manatee. an important aspect of the history of Tampa Bay. One of the earliest pilots, identified as Anton De Alaminos, explored both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. He established the existence of the Gulf Stream and is credited with the discov- Located near St. Petersburg , Fla., the pilot staery of Tampa Bay. tion on Egmont Key offers a practical site for The pilots who fol- awaiting incoming vessels. lowed played a vital role in the settling the land, sea. and the ever-changand growth of Tampa and the ing elements as have pilots since entire bay area." the dawn of history." The Tampa Bay Pilots Late last year, SIU members Association was founded in 1886. employed by Tampa Bay Pilots Notwithstanding technological unanimously approved a threeadvancements, "the profession of year contract that calls for signifpiloting remains relatively un- icant gains. Highlights of the changed," the association noted. agreement include increases in "Today, the Tampa Bay Pilots wages and overtime, improved offer the same critical judgment pension benefits (in the form of and unsurpassed familiarity with pension credits), and increasing Editorial Praises Merchant Mariners Editors note: The following protected by no law. The laws made editorial appeared in the October in Washington were designed to 2001 edition of the Bonnes protect the ship owners and their Nouvelles, a monthly newspaper profits. The laws encouraged based in Ville Platte, La. Written by . degradation, brutality and corrupPascal Fuselier, it is reprinted here tion. with permission. As late as 1897, the U.S . Supreme Court ruled that the BONJOUR MES AMIS: Thirteenth Amendment, which outDuring World War II, I served lawed involuntary servitude, did with the U.S. Naval Amphibious not apply to American seamen. Forces in the Pacific, and on two Until the mid-1930s the seamen occasions I was transported from were a class apart; outcast and one base to another · by merchant unwanted ashore except by those ships manned by merchant seamen. who were out to rob them. At sea I was first transported from San they were under the tyrant's heel. Bruno, Calif. to Pearl Harbor on the There was no one to speak for former luxury liner, SS Lurline, them, and if one did speak about which was converted into a troop conditions, he did so at great risk. carrier after the Japanese attack on It would be a long time before Pearl Harbor. America's seamen would reach the Since I was very young growing status they enjoy today. The up on the Mamou Prairie I had a National Labor Relations Act of deep admiration for the courage, 1935 (also known as the Wagner ingenuity, skill and stamina of the Act) was a big boom for American workers, including seamen. American merchant seamen. The history of the treatment of Like in the rest of the country in American seamen is not a pretty the mid-'30s, the Great Depression one. The men who sailed our early, was at its worse in Evangeline beautiful packets and clippers were Parish. Many sharecroppers' sons were becoming of age and ready to leave home and start a life of their own, but what to do? Jobs were scarce. In March 1933, Congress had passed FDR's Forestation Act, establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which provided work for many young men 18 to 25 years old. Many young chaps from Evangeline Parish joined the C.C. Camps, but each state had ·a quota and there was not enough work for all, so our young men began to look towards the sea to go and make enough money to possibly marry their sweethearts and buy a team of horses or mules to go into sharecropping au troisieme (giving the owner one-third of the harvest). Through the efforts of the National Maritime Union (NMU), the Seafarers International Union (SIU), and other unions, the ship owners were getting jittery, and began paying seamen $50 to $62.50 a month in the late 1930s. This was fabulous pay for the young lads of Evangeline Parish. A wedding during ses hon vieux . temps, (these good ol' times) would cost as little as twenty bucks including a honeymoon at Kinder Pump. A few young men from Ville Platte, Mamou, and surrounding coves and communities got a few bucks together and headed for Port Council, its affiliate members, Arthur to obtain their merchant and the workers at Avondale for marine documents (les Papers de their perseverance and support bateaux). during this difficult time. We Like wildfire, through prairies commend the company for its and across bayous, by word of willingness to resolve these mat- mouth, the message went out to our ters and move toward a positive, young men that a good place to go productive and long-term rela- was Mr. & Mrs. Michel's tionship into the future," Meese Boardinghouse on Houston said. Avenue in Port Arthur. Mrs. Michel The agreement also stipulates would not only help you obtain that- in addition to reinstating your seaman's papers, she would the 54 employees illegally fired help you to sign on a ship and for their union activities-the would let you room and board until records of numerous other you faire un bateau (make a ship), employees who were illegally before you paid her (if the walls of sanctioned, suspended or other- that boardinghouse could talk, wise disciplined for pro-union they' d have many stories to tell about the Cajuns of Evageline activities, be expunged. Parish.) "This agreement effectively During those hard times a mad resolves the hundreds of charges dictator in Germany had dreams of that emanated from our long conquering the world. On March campaign at the New Orleans 14, 1939, Hitler's German Army shipyard," Meese added. "It ends invaded Czechoslovakia, and on the extraordinary litigation that September 1, 193 9, German forces resulted in thousands of pages of invaded Poland. By June 22, 1940, transcripts, testimony and end- France capitulated to the Germans, less hours of hearings and court and that same month President proceedings." Roosevelt declared that U.S. policy Union Perseverance Pays Off Avondale Workers Returning With Full Back Pay, Benefits The AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department recently announced that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accepted the settlement agreement negotiated between the New Orleans Metal Trades Department (AFL-CIO) and Avondale Shipyard to formally end long-running litigation over massive unfair labor practice charges stemming from the 10-year battle for union representation at the yard, now owned by Northrop-Grumman. The NLRB order provides that the company returns 54 employees to their previous positions with full back pay and benefits. The union estimates the back pay involved will reach $2.15 million. John Meese, national president of the Metal Trades Department, praised the workers for their determination and faith in the process, and commended the company for its cooperation. "The department salutes our New Orleans Metal Trades 10 Seafarers LOG was changing from "neutral" to "non-belligerency." With the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Sunday, December 7, 1941, which left 2,403 soldiers, sailors and civilians killed and 1, 178 wounded, America was suddenly faced with two wars- the one in Europe which we had been supplying under the pretense of neutrality and another to the farthest reaches of the Pacific. Our shipyards expanded the production of new ships. Miracles were demanded of our merchant marine and they were delivered through courage, sweat and blood. In the course of the war, 5,600 ships were produced by workers in American shipyards and our merchant seamen were there to sail them when they came off the assembly line. Seamen from Evangeline Parish and the rest of the U.S.A. were the first Americans to experience the war. During the early days of the war, where American armies were being formed in Fort Polk and other training camps, and our allies fought at Stalingrad and El Aleman, the U.S. Marines were establishing our first beachhead at Guadalcanal. Our merchant seamen were waging a grim race between sinkings and deliveries of ships. German submarines were well aware that merchant shipping was the vital backbone of warfare, and like hungry sharks, German Uboats roamed the sea and laid in wait at the mouth of our harbors for their prey. Just like the World War II veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, the merchant seamen who so gallantly sailed the ships that carried their cargoes of troops, ammunition, tanks and other necessary material during those desperate times, were dying in great numbers every day. There are still a few left in Evangeline Parish who remember, and it is to them I want to pay tribute. For much too long the part they played in winning the war has been ignored and underrated. From 1941 to late summer 1945, to our American seamen, the Atlantic coast became known as "Gasoline Alley" and they slept in life jackets while passing through "Torpedo Junction" off the tip of Florida. Torpedoed tankers off the New Jersey coast were not uncommon and those brave men were dying with scorched lungs in seas of blazing oil barely a mile off the U.S. coast, while others were going down in the icy waters of the Arctic, others in the Pacific and off SIU Port Agent Tony McQuay (standing) delivers copies of the new contract to Boatman Jeff Hilliard at the Egmont Key facility. health benefits to the same levels as those in the standard contracts. Seafarers working for the association include Kevin Whispell, Randy Huth, Stephen Jean, Greg Keelean, Russ Garner and Ron Calbert. the coast of Africa- the Seven Seas were a combat zone, and they ran red with the blood of our merchant seamen. Of the hundreds of seamen from Evangeline Parish who manned our vital ships during this critical era in our country's history, some who were killed on flaming vessels include Dowell and Edward "Dole" Chapman (brothers of the late Moise Chapman), who went down on two different ships; Joe Hollier, from the Reddell area and my fellow L'Anse Johnsonne comrade, Davis Veillon. Just like those who died in uniform, those unsung heroes gave their lives for their country. Tallying the achievements of the American merchant marine, the figures are very impressive. In the three-and-a-half years the United States was in combat, they had moved more than 268 million tons of cargo overseas. The great majority of America's 7 million overseas troops and 150,000 civilians had been transported by merchant ships ; and fully 80 percent of all the supplies needed by our allies were carried on American vessels. But the price was heavy-5 ,579 seamen were killed and thousands wounded. 773 of our merchant ships were destroyed. It was the greatest effort and the greatest sacrifice by any civilian group in American history. It had been achieved by a group of people, who, · a few years earlier, had been scorned in the press, harassed by police, exploited by ship owners and looked down upon as second class citizens by their fellow Americans. At White House ceremonies they were praised by President Roosevelt for their courage and dedication, and he told them they would not be forgotten when the war ended. But on April 12, 1945, FDR died at Warm Springs, Ga. and the war formally ended September 2, 1945. The nation thanked the merchant seamen for a job well done and promptly forgot about them. My second and final transport by a merchant ship was when I was in the U.S . Naval Amphibious Forces. It was in early Spring 1945, from Hawaii to Okinawa, to participate in the last battle of World War II, where like all of us in the Armed Forces, merchant seamen had to face suicide attacks by kamikaze planes. While engaged as a smokeboat operator to confuse the kamikazes by making smoke around the Continued on page 17 February 2002 �Good news is always welcome! On this page, we would like to share some happy events in the lives of our fellow Seafarers. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. February 2002 Seafarers LOG 11 �·TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS WHAT'S NEW? On June 7, 2001, new tax legislation, The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, was signed into law by President Bush. Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2001 and 2002. TAX RATE REDUCTION - Individual income tax rates will be reduced. In 2001, the rates will be 10%, 15%, 27.5%, 30.5% and 39.1%. The new 10% rate applies to the first $67,000 of taxable income for single taxpayers, $10,000 of taxable income for heads of household, and $12,000 of taxable income for married couples filing jointly. For supplemental wage payments, such as bonuses, the withholding rate is 27.5%. For 2002 and 2003, the tax rates will be 10%, 15%, 27%, 30% 35% and 38.6%. CHILD TAX CREDIT - The child tax credit will increase from $500 per child to $600 per child for tax years 2001 through 2004 for a qualifying child under age 17. The child credit will gradually increase to $1,000 per child in 2010. ADOPTION CREDIT - The current maximum adoption credit for qualified adoption expenses which can be claimed for an eligible child is $5,000 ($6,000 for a special needs child). In 2002, the credit will increase to $10,000 for any child including special needs children. The income phaseout range will increase from $75,000 to $150,000 of modified adjusted gross income. EDUCATION IRAs - The current annual contribution of $500 that can be made for a designated beneficiary will increase in 2002 to $2,000. Qualified expenditures, which can be paid tax free from an education IRA, will now include those from elementary and secondary public (including kindergarten), private or religious school tuition and expenses. In 2002, joint filers with adjusted gross income below $190,000 can make a full contribution and those below $220,000 can make a partial contribution. QUALIFIED TUITION (Section 529) PROGRAMS - Under the new law, distributions made after 2001 from qualified state tuition plans will be fully excluded from gross income. Private educational institutions will also be able to establish prepaid educational services accounts and sell credits or certificates for the payment at a future date of qualified higher education expenses. Beginning in 2004, qualifying distributions from those will be excluded from gross income. STUDEVT LOAN INTEREST - The 60-month limit on interest paid for qualified education loads after Dec. 31, 200 l, is repealed. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE - After Dec. 31, 2001, the annual ex,clusion of up to $5,250, is permanently extended to cover both undergraduate and graduate level courses. DEDUCTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES - Eligible taxpayers will be able to claim a deduction for up to $3,000 beginning in 2002 ($4,000 in 2004) of qualified higher education expenses. This deduction is also adjusted to gross income and is available even if you do not itemize your deductions. IRA CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS - The maximum annual contribution limits for both traditional and Roth IRAs will increase from $2,000 to $3,000 for 2002 through 2004. Also, taxpayers who have attained age 50 by the end of the year will be able to make additional catch-up contributions of $500 for 2002 through 2005. The maximum annual contribution for those taxpayers will be $3,500 until 2006. TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN RETIREMENT DEFERRALS - Starting in 2002,joint filers with adjusted gross income below $50,000, single filers and married filing separately with adjusted gross income below $25,000, can qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,000, for contributions or deferrals to retirement savings plans. The maximum credit is 50% of the contribution or deferral (up to $2,000). behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the tollfree number 1-800-272-9829 or 1888-255-8299. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 68b, 68c and 68d on their Form 1040. Line 68b is for the bank's routing number. Line 68c indicates the type of account, and line 68d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount The HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Fill in the return. Step 3. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form l 040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms STANDARD DEDUCTION deduction for each exemption- for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,900 per person. In 2001, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Standard Deduction ~ Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2001 , per onal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and per anal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mort- This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deduction ($900 for a married couple or $1, 100 for an unmarried per on). Note that the personal gages or investments is 100 percent deductible. exemption deduction is $2) 900. Union Dues Deduction: Union Filing Status Standard Deduction Single .......................................... $4,550 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependen children ........................... $7 ,600 Married filing separate return ....................... $3,800 Head of household ............................... $6,650 12 Seafarers LOG dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 p ercent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Club Dues Deduction: No deduction i 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: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting W01k-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses- either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 34.5 cents per mile for all miles driven in 2001. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including intere t, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. There has been a recent tax court case (jolmson v. Comm. TC No. 5114-98) where a merchant seaman was denied a frill deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situation where meal are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $2 (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from 1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Llmit on Itemized Deductions: In 2001 , itemized deductions may be limited for individual earning more than $132,950 of federal adjusted gross income (or $66,475 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit Presented on these two p are handy tax tips-so specifically tor mariner, deduction amounts tor 20 additional i WHERE TO GE General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order cur and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available i try to help with tax questions that ca To find the location of an IRS office, l States Government, Internal Revenu Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer agency's taxpayer information servic tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system ha about 150 topics. 1-800-829-44 77 is When calling from a touch tone pho repeat the topic and the letter "C" or To listen to a directory of topics after 123. You can also check the status of This telephone service is available time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS's Internet Web Si forms, instructions and publications; questions; search publications on-line holding allowances using their W-4 requests for help via e-mail; and sign news by e-mail from the IRS Digital Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the t IRS District Director (listed on the number with the letter. (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2001 , an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10, 710 and no qualifying children- $364 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $28,281 and with 1 qualifying child-$2428 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $32,121 and with 2 or more qualifying children- $4,008 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EiC to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 2001, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are OVERSEAS Ii. Should a Seafarer find himself or h forms or assistance, U.S. embassie n vide some taxpayer-related service . -\ able at all U.S. embassies and con 11 Caracas, Venezuela; London, Engl n Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Pari Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydne, February 2002 �ges of the Seafarers LOG e of which are intended . Included are the new 1 as well as where to get rformation. INFORMATION ~eneral information. IRS staff answer ent and prior year forms, instructions many IRS offices around the counmot be answered easily by telephone. :>ok in the phone book under "United Service." 1 questions by phone. Through the :, publications covering all aspects of recorded tax information covering 1e IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. te, the letter "R" or number "7" will number "2" will cancel the message. he introductory message finishes, dial your refund. rom 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. ~ocal : at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download see answers to frequently asked tax )y topic or keyword; figure your withcalculator, send them comments or ;p to receive the latest tax issues and )ispatch. x returns can be sent directly to an ax form). Include a Social Security entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $600 per ild. The credit begins to phase out hen modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $5,500 for married taxpayers filing separately. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the "HOPE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1 ,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 2001, axpayers can take the "Lifetime earning Credit," that is a credit of 0 percent of qualified tuition exenses paid by the taxpayer for any ear (after that date) the HOPE credt is not claimed. This credit is not 'mited to the first two years of postecondary education. Also, no credits re available for expenses of a stuent in any year that tax-free distribtions from an education IRA are sed to pay the student's expenses. hese credits are subject to income imitations. The phaseout of the redits begins for most taxpayers hen modified AGI reaches $40,000, nd completely phase out when modfied AGI reaches $50,000. For joint ilers, the phaseout range is $80,000 o $100,000. The HOPE and ifetime Learning Credit are not vailable to taxpayers married filing eparately. TAX TIME erself overseas and seeking IRS consulates are equipped to proa minimum, IRS forms are availtes located in: Berlin, Germany; ; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, ranee; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; , Australia; Tokyo, Japan. February 2002 TAX TIPS· FOR SEAFARERS Student Loan Interest Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid after December 31, 1997 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs- Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a contribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs- The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. Penalty-Free IRA Distributions- The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Expre s and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2001, 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 gain , dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). • Ti r 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • 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 income. or other illegal WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: 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 kep t for about 6 years. • Benefits from government welfare programs. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one li ted on that person' last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, m edical costs. • Maintenance and Cure. • Worker ' compen ation benefits, insurance damage , etc. for injury or ickne . • Disability retirem en t p ayments (and other benefits) p aid by th e Veterans' Administration. • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2002 to file his or her 2001 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then Form 2688, known as file '1\.pplication for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. TAXES DUE APRIL IS, 2002 An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is i7n.portant to bear in 7n.ind that the filing of For7n. 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook fro7n. having to pay any taxes due. For7n. 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due the U.S. government from, the individual filing the extension. TAX RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF SEPTEMBER 11 Victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks have until February 12, 2002 to file Federal returns for 2000. WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from v.rithholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law (46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer." The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman- de pite 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 uch 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 Fairne s Act a measure aimed at providing "equitable treatment with re pect to tate and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessel ." The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulate that pilots and other mariners "who perform regularly a igned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State" shall be ubject to tate income tax only in his or her residential tate. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, 1nariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Seafarers LD6 13 �OUR NEVV YEAR'S RESOLUTION The Seafarers LOG is updating and validating its monthly mailing list. This update should not affect active SIU members or pensioners. nor should it impact SIU-contracted companies. government representatives or agencies. media. educational institutions. port authorities or other unions who receive the LOG. However, if you: ~ Currently receive a single monthly copy of the LOG via mail, and ~ You are not an active SIU member or an SIU pensioner, and ~ You also don't fit into any category mentioned in the underlined sentence above, and ~ You want to remain on the mailing list, Please let us know by completing the form on this page and mailing it to: Data Management/Address Corrections Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 OR Contact us via email at kclements@seafarers.org. r--------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS LOG ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone No.: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Social Security No.: _ _ _ _ __ Thank you for your assistance and for your continued interest in the Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seafarers LOG. L--------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG Febmary 2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 2001 - JANUARY 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam HonoluluHouston Jacksonville -~obile New Orleans 3 4 2 7 29 35 23 25 . ~~1¥ yqrk 30 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point ?·Puerto Rico San Francisco St Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 15 4 3 10 25 l 34 23 273 1 1 2 4 6 13 3 1 5 8 28 14 12 12 10 16 7 3 8 3 5 7 5 2 17 13 159 14 0 2 0 4 5 10 10 92 Port ;1A!gonac 0 Baltimore 5 ·Guam 0 6 9 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville ·Mobile l 5 0 2 3 0 2 1 TOTAL SffiPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 0 7 22 18 16 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 2 6 0 9 2 13 17 8 19 9 5 6 22 9 2 23 13 9 8 15 5 4 3 4 2 18 10 126 5 6 12 6 2 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 9 2 19 46 56 25 31 50 24 10 2 :i:i'fliieifo llfco San Francisco St ~ouis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 2 6 2 9 9 111 4 3 10 4 0 2 l 2 1 0 10 103 7 5 53 0 3 0 0 0 10 _2 9 11 0 1 l 6 9 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans - ~ewYork Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Pu.erto Rico ~an Francisco 17 2 8 12 5 3 0 1 28 St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans . !'l~wYork 15 24 0 0 6 2 5 2 13 1 14 2 19 8 12 24 12 2 4 4 17 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 3 2 0 7 3 39 15 7 161 Totals All Departments 563 469 1 3 3 4 15 9 22 0 12 36 6 0 2 2 Norfolk ................... Thursday: March 7, April 11 8 0 0 7 0 0 1 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: March 6, April 10 0 4 3 5 8 9 32 5 17 13 Port Everglades ....... Thursday: March 14,April 18 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 7, April 11 5 0 7 2 3 3 100 8 7 59 0 11 2 27 13 10 94 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 2 2 2 11 10 11 1 0 3 7 0 8 4 1 0 0 3 0 I 0 0 6 3 2 4 58 0 1 8 0 27 22 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 1 2 2 3 3 5 -10 4 6 14 3 0 23 3 14 6 5 11 0 4 10 3 1 19 1 9 0 11 2 5 0 7 5 2 1 0 0 0 1 4 1 3 1 2 0 0 403 319 11 7 49 2 0 373 23 3 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 202 11 0 3 9 2 13 22 6 5 11 3 New York ................Tuesday: March 5, April 9 San Francisco .........Thursday: March 14, April 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 17 11 208 17 8 169 13 4 80 0 6 0 17 24 29 4 l 0 Personal 0 11 3 34 4 7 6 6 8 21 16 4 2 3 10 10 0 7 0 6 42 RICHARD P. HITCHCOCK III 0 2 14 2 7 4 0 2 1 41 3 6 1 0 4 3 256 80 71 0 0 0 15 3 4 5 6 , 5 3 30 1 3 11 2 1 5 10 0 l 3 9 58 24 246 22 30 8 40 3 17 17 50 21 3 17 6 25 66 22 26 9 10 7 33 15 87 0 0 73 321 14 1 40 28 550 194 207 974 792 824 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. February 2002 1 6 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: March 12, April 16 10 1 9 4 70 7 1 96 6 2 0 4 17 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: March 19, April 23 ··t5·~ 0 0 0 l 1 0 8 3 28 40 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 13, April 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 3 4 0 10 5 3 2 1 20 0 11 11 105 2 25 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: March 20, April 24 123 4 5 2 222 2 0 2 0 2 2 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: March 7, April 11 437 6 0 3 0 0 12 2 Houston ............. :.... Monday: March 11, April 15 11 12 5 4 19 7 Honolulu ................. Friday: March 15, April 19 17 19 0 0 20 20 1 6 6 (} 0 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 13, April 17 9 7 9 18 54 45 1 15 9 176 4 46 3 l 0 3 0 Boston ..................... Friday: March 8, April 12 0 16 5 140 10 0 Baltimore ................ Thursday: March 7, April 11 4 4 10 0 19 2 ,..;;~ew York 9 4 2 7 19 11 9 6 3 2 12 19 44 12 12 3 5 5 N~Orleans Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Algonac .................. Friday: March 8, April 12 0 41 0 • Piney Point .............Monday: March 4, April 8 20 5 18 • lfan:ll &April 2IJIJ2 lfe!Jlbersblp Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 Please contact your sister at (904) 733-1882. Correction A caption on page 7 of the January 2002 LOG stated that a lifeboat endorsement is part of the Basic Safety Training (BST) required of deep sea mariners under the STCW convention. IT IS NOT. While BST does include four elements, lifeboat is not one of them. Scholarship Deadline Just Around Corner Two months remain until the deadlineApril 15-for receipt of scholarship applications from Seafarers as well as from their spouses and children who wish to continue their education at the college level in the fall of 2002 Three scholarships are being set aside for SIU members--one for $20,000 and two each for $6,000. Additionally, five grants will be awarded to SIU dependents, each for $20,000. Time is running out to take advantage of this generous benefit, provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Application booklets (which contain eligibility requirements, application procedures and an application form) are available in any SIU hall. Also, applicants who were not selected for a scholarship in the past may want to consider reapplying this year. You have nothing to lose-and no time to waste! Seafarers LOG 15 �• Seafarers International Union Dlrer:tary l\TmU monthly Shipping cf/; Registration Report DECEMBER 2001 Michael Saccot President • Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services . Rene Lioeanjie, Vice Presidem at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at large ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 AU Groups Group I Group II Group III Group I Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH TOTAL SIDPPED TOTAL REGISTERED John Fay, Executive nee President David Heindel, Secrelary·TreasiJrer Augustin Tellez, nee President Contracts All Groups Group II Group ID Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 2 0 0 0 1 15 6 7 53 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 11 6 8 6 5 1 0 52 106 30 10 2 0 0 2 7 0 2 0 3 6 6 0 9 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 12 2 0 0 4 0 2 4 0 1 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 17 0 1 43 0 0 0 4 3 14 4 9 0 3 0 3 1 3 0 2 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market Sc, Suite B,Alton, lL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 121 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O, Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 969 J l (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalibi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 {504) 328-7545 NEW YORK Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 Harvey, LA New York 4 2 0 1 Norfolk 2 0 0 0 Q Boston Houston San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 0 5 Q 0 3 1 1 3 0 21 7 Harvey, LA New York 1 0 9 0 1 2 1 0 0 Norfolk 0 San Pedro Savannah 4 2 0 0 0 Tacoma 16 2 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harvey, LA New York 0 0 1 3 0 4 3 7 Savannah Tacoma 0 Totals 8 21 88 34 Totals All Departments 0 ,2~ 8 6 2 0 0 46 13 0 0 2 2 11 0 20 76 0 0 8 0 0 0 2 4 6 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 0 13 0 14 0 36 9 14 0 9 3 0 10 6 0 0 13 2 6 0 2 5 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 2 2 3 13 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 Norfolk San Pedro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Port Boston Houston 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 l Totals 0 4 5 0 Port Boston Houston 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 22 35 1 4 0 0 0 20 13 5 34 30 0 23 0 0 0 28 4 39 0 14 5 10 23 59 123 74 109 277 208 111 2 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK U5 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADEL.PBJA 2604 S. 4 SL, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S.AndrewsAve.,Ft. Lauderdale, FL 31316 (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE l057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOB PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner I 1L"'~ Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, NY They were taken aboard the SS Steel Voyager on Sept. 20, 1972. In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying these pictures, Porcari wrote that the captain decided that the ship--on its way to Vietnam-was not going fast enough and ordered three sails put up (above). Made from new tarpaulins, two were hoisted forward and one was put up on the #4 hatch (right). According to the captain, the ship picked up one knot in speed with the sails. "Ships that passed us could not believe what they were seeing ," Porcari added. "And I'll bet some, if not all the old-timers, will find this hard to believe. But seeing is believing (far right)." Porcari, now 72, joined the SIU in 1947 and retired in 1991. The sails stood up for about 12 days in the trade winds of the Pacific. The trip took 108 days in all. February 2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. recertified bosun is among the nine Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Recertified Bosun John E. Stout completed the highest level of training available to members of the deck department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Stout, six of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retirees worked in the deck department, one shipped in the engine department and two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA MANUELE. CAMARA, 64, hails from Portugal. He started his SIU career in 1978 in the port of New York. Brother Camara first sailed in the inland division aboard the Bradford Island, a Steuart Tanker Co. vessel. The deck department member later transferred to the deep sea division and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship in 1984 and 1996. He last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Spirit. Brother Camara resides in Warren, R.I. r:-7'.W!E::::~~• PEDRO JUAN LaBOY, 62, was born in Ponce, P.R. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1967, joining in the port of New York. Brother LaBoy first shipped aboard the Detroit, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The steward department member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Cntsader. Brother Editorial Continued from page 10 fleet, I saw many merchant ships there and got to know many of the crew members. I had so much admiration for the merchant seamen who sailed our tankers and freighters during the war. In less than a month after I was discharged from the military, I obtained my seaman's document from the U.S. Coast Guard in Port Arthur. In early January 1946, I signed on as a crew member on my first merchant vessel, and for the next 21 years I sailed all over the world with the finest people on earth. When I was discharged from the military in Nov. 1945, I had two choices-go to college under the G.I. Bill or join the merchant marine and see the world. I never regretted that I chose the latter. I had the pleasure of sailing with men who sailed the great clippers around Cape Hom (off Argentina) before the Panama Canal opened in August 1914 and many who had sailed during the recent war. I had the honor of meeting Nick February 2002 JUANA. LOPEZ, 57, began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Avenger a Marine Carriers Corp. vessel. The deck department member, who also sailed as a steward, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Lopez lives in Utuado, P.R. GABER MOHAMED, 65, was born in Arabia. Brother Mohamed started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Anniston Victory, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Mohamed most recently worked on the USNS Chesapeake, an Interocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. He now makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. VICTORM. PACHECO, 71, began his SIU career in 1970 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1955. Brother Pacheco first sailed on the Monticello, operated by Monticello Tanker Co. The deck department member also shipped as a steward. He upgraded his skills in 1970 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Hoogendam, who was too young for military service but had survived 83 days on a life raft. By the way, as far as I know, the only merchant seaman from Evangeline Parish who was a prisoner of war during World War II was the late Hilton "Solqui" Blanchard of Duralde. His ship, a Texaco tanker, SS California, was captured early in the war by the Germans and traded for with the Japanese. For almost four years, Blanchard and his shipmates suffered untold hardships at the hands of their captors. Ironically, it was over four decades after World War II ended that the U.S. Congress, realizing a great injustice had been made to these brave men who had served their country so well in wartime, granted them full veteran's status. Many had died and most were too old to take advantage of all the benefits, but at least they know they can be buried with full military honors. On this Veterans' Day 2001, I hope all my military veteran friends will join me in saluting these brave men for a job well done Bien merci, mes amis. Brother Pacheco last worked on Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. 's Humacao. He resides in Santurce, P.R. JOHNE. STOUT, 59, was born in Savannah, Ga. He began his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Stout served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1961. He first sailed aboard a Hercules Steamship Corp. vessel. The deck department member shipped as a bosun. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md., where he also graduated from the bosun recertification program. Brother Stout last worked on the Innovator, a U.S. Ship Management vessel. He is a resident of Magnolia, Texas. GREAT LAKES ALBIN J. FILARSKI, 65, started his SIU career in 1988 in Detroit. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958. Brother Pilarski first shipped aboard the Paul H. Townsend, an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Born in Michigan, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Pilarski upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1991. His most recent voyage was aboard the Presque Isle. Brother Pilirski makes his home in Hubbard Lakes, Mich. r--~,...,,....,,.,..,,.r---, MUSAIDA. ISMAIL, 65, began his SIU career in 1966 in Detroit, shipping in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Ismail 's first ship was the Reiss Brothers. Born in Arabia, Brother Ismail last worked aboard the John Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He lives in Yemen. ABDO M. YAHYA, 64, joined Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension during 2001. Their names appear alphabetically and according to the month in which their retirements became effective. July 2001 Warner Crawford Austin Gates Peter Juba Guessler Linwood Robert Requa Enrique Silva Robert Simpson John Zanjabil August 2001 Joseph Brooks Joe Everhart Rubildo Garcia Herman Harrison Howard Lopes Arvin Musil Karl Reese Carlos Rosado Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1942 the Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. His ~ initial voyage was aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. The ...........~.____, deck department member, who also worked in the engine department during his career, was born in Arabia. His last voyage was aboard the Walter J McCarthy, an Armstrong Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Yahya lives in Dearborn, Mich. September 2001 Ivan Benham Edward Foster Robert James Raymond Mikell Ronald Robinson Pablo Solis October 2001 Armando Aguilar Jerry Booker James Burrow Levi Chase Roberto Hernandez Wilfred Jones Mohamed Madhigi Leonila Manning Antonio Pizarro George Santiago James Tripp Warren Knight officers and members of the SIU voted protest to all levels of government. to During the last week of February, the S.S. 1946 Marore was attacked about midnight by three The membership voted overwhelmingly for a German submarines. Even though she was tor· resolution that authorized the election of a pedoed and hit by over 100 shells, the entire committee to investigate the possibilities and crew escaped in rr.=:==============================::;i advisability of establifeboats. One of the lishing an upgrading boats rigged a sail and school in the Port of made port at Cape New Orleans. The Hatteras. The other membership felt very two boats, containing strongly that the 25 men, were spotted union should establish by a Navy plane and operate its own which directed a ship training schools rather to their rescue. than have schools controlled and operated by the government. An additional reason is that there is a shortage 1944 of qualified ratings in all departments. In the midst of World War II, a war in which the merchant marine suffers greater proportional casualties than any of the military ser1991 vices, the Maritime War Emergency Board has As of February 4, the U.S. government had proposed a cut in pay for merchant seamen. s~nt 5 billion pounds of dry cargo and 8.6 bilAlthough the average wage for a Seafarer is lion pounds of fuel by ship-many of them only $1,6 77. 14 a year including bonus and crewed by Seafarers- to the allied armed overtime pay-which breaks down to $32.25 forces stationed in the Persian Gulf. Converted per week-the board is trying to cut the pay into short tons, the logistical supply line has of the men who risk their lives in submarine transferred 2.5 million short tons of dry cargo and bombing attacks for 24 hours a day. On and 4.3 million short tons of fuel to the gulf receipt of a letter from the board secretary since the United States began its military announcing the government's intentions, the deployment last August. THIS MONTH IJ'I SIU HISTORY Seafarers LOS 17 �DEEP SEA ROBERT ANDERSON Pensioner Robert Anderson, 73, died Oct. 15. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in Lake Charles, La. ~_....lllL..-.J Born in Evansville, Ind., Brother Anderson shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Producer. He started receiving his retirement stipend in 1986. Brother Anderson lived in New Orleans. GENARO ARROYO Pensioner Genaro Arroyo, 74, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Arroyo • began his SIU career in 1956, joining in the port of New York. Born in San Juan, P.R., Brother Arroyo shipped in the steward department. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Arroyo began collecting his retirement compensation in 1979. He made his home in Puerto Rico. VERNON BARFIELD Pensioner Vernon Barfield, 90, died Nov. 11. Born in Georgia, he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Barfield first went to sea aboard the North Platte Victory, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The steward department member's final voyage was on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Thomas Lynch. Brother Barfield started receiving his pension in 1983. Mobile, Ala. was his home. OTIS BLACKWELL Pensioner Otis Blackwell, 87, passed away Dec. 2. Brother Blackwell began his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards """""""-........_;~_..,- (MC&S) in I 945 in San Francisco. The Texas native first sailed on American President Lines' (APL) Cape Sandy. Brother Blackwell shipped in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the President Grant, another APL vessel. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1969. Brother Blackwell called San Francisco home. FELIPE CLOTTER rA~~~;:-1 Brother Felipe Clatter, 66, died Dec. 3. A native of Honduras, he joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His initial voy'-----''---"""--....-...__, age was aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Clatter shipped in the engine department, last sailing on U.S. Ship Management's Sea/and Pride. He made his home in Houston. WARREN CONNER Pensioner Warren Conner, 83, passed away Dec. 20. Brother Conner, a charter member of the 18 Sealal'el'S LOB ~-Bi~ SIU, joined the union in 1938 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Bath, N.Y.,he shipped in the deck department. Brother L....~""=~_..._---l Conner first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's De Soto. He last went to sea on the Bradford Island, a Steuart Tanker Co. vessel. Brother Conner began receiving his pension in 1980. He was a resident of New Orleans. JAMES CORDER Pensioner James Corder, 75, died Dec. 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Corder served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. Born in Rock Hill, S.C., he first sailed for the SIU aboard Ore Navigation's Export Leader. A bosun, he last went to sea on the Sea-Land Economy. Brother Corder started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. He lived in South Carolina. CHARLES CORRENTE Pensioner Charles Corrente, 75, passed away Oct. 6. Born in Louisiana, he started his SIU career in 1951, joining in the port of New Orleans. Before becoming a Seafarer, Brother Corrente served four years in the U.S. Navy. His initial voyage under the SIU colors was aboard the John Evans, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Corrente shipped as a chief cook and completed the highest level of training available to members in the steward department. He was a member of Steward Recertification Class #9, which graduated from the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1980. Brother Corrente's final SIU voyage was aboard the Lake, an American Overseas Marine vessel. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. Brother Corrente lived in Bogalusa, La. EDWARD LEON DePARLIER Pensioner Edward DeParlier, 76, died Sept. 16. Brother DeParlier started his SIU career in 1948, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. Brother DeParlier first sailed aboard the Fort Bridge, operated by T. J. Stevenson NSA. The steward department member last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Valley. Brother DeParlier started receiving his retirement income in 1989. He resided in Mobile, Ala. in 1948,joining in the port ofNew York. Brother Floyd first went to sea on the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Management, Corp. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked on Crowley American Transport, Inc. 's Senator. Brother Floyd started receiving his retirement income in 1986. He made his home in Savannah, Ga. EDWARD GLAZDER Pensioner Edward Glazder, 74, died Nov. 11. Brother Glazder started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port .__.._____ _ __...____ of New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947. Brother Glazder's initial SIU voyage was aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The steward department member last worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Cruz. Brother Glazder began receiving his pension in 1992. He was a resident of New Jersey. HERVEY HAMILTON Pensioner Hervey Hamilton, 87, passed away Dec. 5. The Louisiana native joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1948. Brother Hamilton's first ship was the President Jackson, an American President Lines vessel. A member of the steward department, he last worked on Interocean Management Corp. 's Cape Fear. Brother Hamilton began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. He lived in California. JOSE MELENDEZ Pensioner Jose Melendez, 77, died Sept. 20. He started his career with the MC&S in 1945, joining in the port of San Francisco. His first trip was aboard Matson 's Thomas Hart Benton. The steward department member, who was born in Puerto Rico, last shipped on the ~oming, a States Shipping vessel. He started receiving his pension in 1974. Brother Melendez resided in Bayamon, P.R. DORIS MOODY Pensioner Doris Moody, 77, died Aug. 11. Sister Moody started her career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Olympia, Wash., she worked in the steward department and began receiving her pension in 1977. Sister Moody was a resident of Eugene, Ore. .---..-ln"'!"1'l!l""I~--, THOMAS MYLAN Brother Thomas Mylan, 53, passed away Nov. 7. He started his SIU career in 1968, joining in the port of New York. A native ~------.... ofNewYork and a member of the deck department, he first went to sea aboard a Cosmos Navigation Corp. vessel. Brother Mylan last worked on Liberty Maritime Corp. 's Liberty Sea. He made his home in Springfield, Ore. TERRELL NESBITT Pensioner Terrell Nesbitt, 84, died Sept. 30. Brother Nesbitt started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New Orleans. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 ~-----~ JOHN FLOYD / Pensioner John Floyd, 73, passed away Jan 9, 2001. Brother Floyd was born in Horry County, S.C. He started his SIU career to 1945. Born in Gretna, La., Brother Nesbitt's first and last SIU voyages were aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels. The engine department member started receiving his pension in 1978. Abita Springs, La., was his home. LEONARD OLBRANTZ Pensioner Leonard Olbrantz, 68, passed away Nov. 22. The Wisconsin-born mariner started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the San Marino. A bosun, he last worked on Vivian Tankships Corp. 's Overseas Vivian. Brother Olbrantz started receiving his retirement compensation in 1991. He called Olongapo City, Republic of the Philippines home. MICHAEL ORTIZ Brother Michael Ortiz, 40, died Oct. 10. He joined the SIU in 1982 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Ortiz's initial voyage was aboard the Santa Mercedes, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The California-born mariner shipped in the deck department. He last worked on Alaska Tanker Co. 's Overseas Washington. Brother Oritz was a resident of Ventura, Calif. -----'--=------ JOSEPH PAZOS Pensioner Joseph Pazos, 60, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Pazos started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961. His first ship was the Ft. Hoskins, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. The New York native shipped in the engine department. He last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Robert E. Lee. Brother Pazos began collecting his pension in 1993. He resided in Astoria, N.Y. RENE PELLICCIA Pensioner Rene Pelliccia, 90, died Dec. 12. He began his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Pelliccia first .___..-.:..---=----a---' went to sea aboard the Bethore, an Ore Navigation Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in both the steward and deck departments. His final voyage was on Hudson Waterways Corp. 's Transcolorado. Brother Pelliccia started receiving his pension in 1976. He was a resident of Santa Cruz, Calif. ROBERT RAFF Brother Robert Raff, 61 , passed away Oct. 4. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. Brother Raff L____:~liiiooli.~___..L.LJ served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962. He first sailed on an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Michigan, Brother Raff shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Raff lived in Los Angeles. CASIMIRO RAMOS Pensioner Casimiro Ramos, 74, died Nov. 3. Brother Ramos started his career with the MC&S in 1945 in San Francisco. He first sailed aboard the Thomas Johnson, a Marion Sulphur & Oil vessel. Born in Guanica, P.R., Brother Ramos was a member of the steward department. He last worked on Bulk Food Carriers' Rice Queen. Brother Ramos started receiving his pension in 1970. He resided in his native commonwealth. MONSERRATE SALIVA Pensioner Monserrate Saliva, 93, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Saliva began his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. A native of Ponce, P.R., he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Saliva started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1972. He was a resident of Ponce. GEORGE SLACK Pensioner George Slack, 76, died Sept. 4. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Slack served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1950. He first sailed on the Sea-Land Adventurer. The Oxford, Miss. native shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Stonewall Jackson. Brother Slack started receiving his pension in 1991. He made his home in Jackson, Tenn. POLICARPIO TAMBIO Pensioner Policarpio Tambio, 94, passed away Oct. 20. Brother Tambio began his career with the MC&S in 1946 in San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the Aleutian. Born in the Philippines, Brother Tambio shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Mariposa. Brother Tambio began receiving his pension in 1973. He lived in his native republic. WILBUR TAYLOR Pensioner Wilbur Taylor, 96, died Dec. 10. Brother Taylor started 1 his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. The deck department member was born in New Jersey. Brother Taylor started receiving his pension in 1970. He made his home in Honolulu. DONALD THOMPSON Pensioner Donald Thompson, 80, passed away Nov. 20. He began his SIU career in 1966 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. Brother Thompson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940 to 1945. The steward department member was born in New York. He last worked on the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Thompson began receiving retirement compensation in 1988. He lived in Antioch, Calif. Febnlary 2002 �Digfft of Shipboard lf':'i•~'~'.-."ss OGatt1111p#tii.pti11f as many tiliiests of union shipboard utes at possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Thoseissues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union .upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded -to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. USNS POMEROY (Maersk Line), Sept. 18-Chairman Mark Coleman, Secretary Christopher Maye, Educational Director Roy Zanca, Engine Delegate Keith Mcintosh. Chairman read president's report from September LOG. Since this is a new ship, he will check with captain regarding amount of funds in ship's treasury. Educational director suggested everyone read LOG to find out about upgrading course schedules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read regarding restriction to ship during national crises. Movies expected aboard ship soon after arrival at Boston shipyard. Secretary will look into library books as per contract. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Management), Oct. 14-Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Richard Casuga, Educational Director Hardin Chancey, Engine Delegate Horst Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 17 in Long Beach, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard to board ship upon arrival. Secretary noted importance of contributing to SPAD. He reminded those getting off in Long Beach and Oakland to clean rooms and get fresh linen for replacements before arri al in port sin teward is very busy at that time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter submitted to captain regarding availability of better shuttle service for crew members. Suggestion made for union to check into telephone service to ships in port. Clarification requested on suiting up for fire and boat drills. New washers and dryers to be installed in crew laundry. EL MORRO (Interocean Ugland Management), Oct. 29-Chairman Steven Copeland, Secretary Kris Hopkins, Educational Director Fredrick Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Isidro Soto Jr., Engine Delegate Levi Rollins, Steward Delegate Duane Washington. Chairman requested crew members separate plastic items from regular trash and keep noise down in passageway. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., especially for completion of STCW training by Feb. 1, 2002. Treasurer stated $80 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members asked to help keep laundry and cleaning gear lockers tidy and to use earphones when listening to radios and TVs. Recommendations made to increase pension benefits and have vacation pay electronically deposited into members' accounts. Clarification requested on Family Leave Act. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship Management), Sept. 28-Chairman Thomas Minton, Secretary Exxl Ronquillo, Deck Delegate John Williams, Steward Delegate David Brown Ill. Chairman read reply from VP Contracts Augie Tellez about extra compensation for feeding riding crews and shoreside contractors. He explained importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and need to have TRBs signed. He noted that the more training you Feb,.uary 2002 have, the more job security. He also explained various SIU business forms available aboard ship. Bosun handed out information on Jones Act. He suggested new members learn more about industry and union and that Paul Hall Center is good source for this education. He explained how motions work and are submitted and explained SPAD procedure. No disputed OT reported. Next port is Guam, at which time Patrolman Matt Holley will visit ship for Q&A session and bring LOGs and insurance pamphlets. Crew members were warned that base security is tight and that Marines are stationed at all check points. The crew of the Gibson wishes to extend condolences to families and friends of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. /TB BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation), Oct. 28-Chairman Jeffrey Kass, Secretary Gary Griswold, Educational Director Brandon Purcell, Deck Delegate Allen Davis, Engine Delegate Ahmed Salim, Steward El Sayed Amasha. Chairman advised crew members of upcoming STCW deadline. He recommended everyone wear safety gear provided by company and try to keep noi e down when returning from shore. Educational director recommended all members attend upgrading courses at Piney Point and donate to SPAD for job security. Treasurer announced $200 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read regarding SIU's involvement in relief efforts following Sept. 11 attacks. Repair of TV antenna needed. Thanks given to steward department for excellent job. JAMES ANDERSON JR. (Maersk Line), Oct. 4-Chairman Wallace William, Secretary Michael Watts, Educational Director Michael Rueter, Deck Delegate James Olando, Engine Delegate Thomas Hawks, Steward Delegate Jonathan Gibson. Bosun received copy of new standard contract. He read and explained some of the changes pertaining to medical and pension benefits and the increase in the SMPPP. He also led discussion about drug testing. Secretary announced $356 in ship's fund. Plan is to purchase DVD player and movies, but if anyone has other ideas, they should let him know. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and reminded them about STCW deadline. Some disputed OT reported in engine delegate. Ship returning to Diego Garcia. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 30-Chairman Samuel Reed III, Secretary Doyle Cornelius, Educational Director Asher Liss, Deck Delegate Earl Sparkes, Engine Delegate Abdul Mosa, Steward Delegate Vincent Igneri. Chairman thanked crew for good trip on maiden voyage of Liberty Grace. Secretary added his thanks to members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. R mm nda i n or ntra department to loo mto changing crew rotation from 120 days to 90 days on Liberty ships. Clarification requested on draws in foreign ports. Next port: Houston. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), Oct. 14-Chairman Brian Fountain, Secretary John Reid, Educational Director Daniel Gibbons, Deck Delegate Leo Sullivan, Engine Delegate Jose David Colon, Steward Delegate William Muniz. Chairman thanked everyone for smooth trip and hard work. He led discussion on cap for OT in unlicensed departments. Secretary noted fresh stores to be loaded in Newark and Newport News, and thanked crew for helping keep mess halls clean. Educational director reminded members about STCW deadline and of educational and upgrading facilities available at Piney Point. Treasurer stated $125 in ship's fund. New movies to be purchased soon. Beef reported in steward department. No disputed OT noted. Communications from headquarters read and posted about restriction to ship. A moment of silence was stood in memory of all those who lost their lives or family members or friends in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Suggestion made to reduce seatime requirements for pension and to look into 401K plan for members. Clarification requested on rotary shipping rules for AB watchstanders, chief cook and OVA on Maersk ships. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done, especially for cookouts. New microwave received in Capetown, South Africa; new toaster now needed. Next ports: Newark; Baltimore; Newport News; Charleston, S.C. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line), Oct. 30-Chairrnan John Zepeda, Secretary Donna Decesare, Educational Director Edward Mancke, Deck Delegate Shawn Williams, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chairman stated members may file for vacation pay after 60 days. Secretary noted everything running fine and gave special thanks to GVA Artis Pilgrim for a great job. Educational director encouraged upgrading at Piney Point to improve skills, pay and job security. Treasurer announced $265 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to reduce age for retirement benefits and reinstate time off on freighters. Request also made for SIU unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Satellite TV would be especially welcome. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port Balboa, Panama. PERSEVERANCE (Mari trans), Oct. 29-Chairman Thomas Lasater, Secretary Catherine Hays, Educational Director Soo II Ahn, Deck Delegate Hector Cumba, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate William Young. Chairman announced arrival and payoff Oct. 30 in Savannah, Ga. He said he received word that contract was finalized and is awaiting a copy. He also noted that STCW renewal time is getting short and advised crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center as soon as possible and donate to SPAD. Educational director urged everyone to utilize the union's school at Piney Point for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members asked to work safely and keep noise down in house since others may be sleeping at any time. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Savannah; Lake Champlain, La.; Houston; Long Angeles, Calif. TELL US (Pacific Gulf Marine), Oct. I-Chairman Michael Brown Secretary Robert Owens, Educational Director Charles A. Perryman, Deck Delegate Edward Ayres. Chairman spoke about recent terrorist attacks on U.S. and heightened security measures when entering port. Educational director reminded crew members about STCW deadline Feb. 1, 2002. Engine department reported beefs regarding security watches in European ports and not being able to work overtime due to standing security watches. Deck department brought up question of equalization of overtime as well as questions about new contract. Steward department director stated that those members who do not yet have required STCW training must get it before Feb. 1, 2002 if they wish to continue sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for computer access by crew (probably in lounge or ship's office) and that all union halls be accessible by e-mail. Suggestion made that members in money purchase pension plan be able to borrow or withdraw company contributed money as needed, or that union establish emergency guidelines to make this possible. Next ports: Elizabeth; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. Feeding the Bob Hope Crew Aboard the USNS Bob Hope are Chief Cook Ernie Aguinaldo (left) and SA Valencia Williams. The vessel, operated by Maersk Line for the Military Sealift Command, was in Norfolk, Va. at the time this photo was snapped. It is the lead ship in the Bob Hope class of sealift vessels built at Avondale Industries in New Orleans and was named in honor of Bob Hope, an entertainer who has given more than 50 years of support to U.S. forces stationed around the world. given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: Baltimore; Charleston, S.C.; Brunswick, Ga. TRADER (CSX Lines), Oct. 22Chairman Robert Wankmueller, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Augustus Udan, Engine Delegate Glenn Henderson, Steward Delegate Alejo Fabia Jr. Chairman announced Oct. 23 payoff in Oakland, Calif. He stated any work done in different departments should be paid at penalty rate and that gangway watch is entitled to coffee break. There will be an ABS ship inspection this voyage and a U.S. Coast Guard drill and inspection the following trip. Educational director reminded crew members to be fully aware of STCW requirements and not to wait until last minute to sign up for basic safety classes. The Feb. 1, 2002 deadline is coming up fast. Treasurer announced $120 in ship's fund. One hundred dollars was donated to the Red Cross NY/DC Disaster Relief Fund from ship's treasury, along with personal crew donations and a CSX company match-for a total of $1,860. All crew members were thanked for helping their fellow Americans in time of need. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to talk with company regarding new policy for paying standby reliefs in steward department. Captain agreed that second dryer should be connected in crew laundry room. Electrician was thanked for solving antenna problem and improving TV reception. Clarification requested on proposed satellite system. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Management), Nov. 11-Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Brian Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Steward Delegate Evans Verveniotis. Chairman reported smooth voyage with no hitches. He announced payoff Nov. 18 in Elizabeth, N.J. Educational LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Nov. 4-Chairman Thomas Grosskurth, Secretary Terry Smith, Educational Director Lionel Taylor, Deck Delegate Carlos McPherson, Engine Delegate Richard Stuverud, Steward Delegate Joseph Brooks. Chairman reminded crew members about need for STCW training before Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. He also asked that everyone clean rooms for next person before leaving ship, including new set of linen. Awaiting arrival of juice machine and washing machine. Educational director spoke about opportunities for upgrading available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on restriction to ship in certain ports. Crew encouraged to contribute to SPAD and to save dues receipts. Next ports: New Orleans, Pakistan. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), Nov. 4-Chairman Ralph Broadway, Secretary James Willey, Educational Director Royce Barrett, Deck Delegate Billy Pinkston. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 12 or 13 in Long Beach, Calif. Those members getting off reminded to clean cabins and leave keys. Thanks given to all for being safety conscious aboard ship. Educational director stated no one will be able to ship after Feb. 1, 2002 without updated STCW. Training classes are filling fast, so be sure to sign up for them now. Treasurer announced $107 left in ship's fund following purchase of $47 for papers and magazines. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for launch/shuttle service in Japan. Crew members urged to contribute to SPAD. "In our government, there are many individuals who try to cut the U.S. Merchant Marine. But through strong lobbying, the SIU is able to fight back. So give to SPAD. It's our future at stake." Thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Portland, Ore.; Long Beach; Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 • �Know Your Rights (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Ill( .. SF Thanksgiving Feast Brings Us Together On 20 November 2001 , my staff and I of the MEBA in San Francisco were invited to the annual Thanksgiving feast hosted by Nick Celona, Nick Marrone and retired West Coast Vice President George McCartney at the Seafarers International Union At this annual affair, labor, management and politicians sat side by side and enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal similar to those same wonderful Thanksgiving meals we have enjoyed in our years going to sea. Thank you kindly for inviting us to what has become the best holiday gathering of the Christmas season. In troubled times, it's nice to know that we can sit down with friends and management to give thanks. Louie "Bud" Jacque Executive VP, MEBA San Francisco, Calif. Ill( .. October LOG Cover Depicts SIU History The front page of the October issue of the LOG was terrific, showing the past and present generations of ships and members. The rendition of the Liberty ship reminds me of Metropolitan Vocational High School, where future mariners such as I were given the John W. Brown on which to train. The Liberty ships were built at the rate of one per day and were to make one trip. Any more than one trip was a miracle. The fact that the Brown is still sailable today shows that "Made in USA" is still the best. The cover also depicts container ships, which replaced hand-loading and unloading by longshoremen. The next generation shows the roll-on/roll-off vessels. But, most important, is allowing women into the union, showing that the SIU doesn't discriminate--just as long as someone is capable of doing his or her job. Whoever was responsible for the front page sure knew what they were doing. Walter Karlak Woodside, N.Y. Person of the Year By Victor S. Kamber Editors note: Victor S. Kamber is president and CEO of The Kamber Group, a communications firm based in Washington, D. C. and New York City. This piece appeared in a number of commercial newspapers in December. It is reprinted here with permission. It's that time of the year again when magazine editors, journalists and television commentators of every stripe start speculating about the Man or Woman of the Year. Time magazine's quintessential Man of the Year award has already been the source of much conjecture over the last three or four weeks. Prior to September 11, some highly likely candidates would have been Senator Jim Jeffords for the role he played in literally switching and overturning the political and policy agenda in Washington. D.C. with profound effect at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue; Bill Clinton for his continued dominance in Democratic party politics and "presence" despite a new occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; Colin Powell as our first black Secretary of State; or on the lighter side, Harry Potter for his (and his author's) cosmic impact on book, merchandising and anticipated movie sales! But September 11 changed everything. Clearly among the leading candidates are George Bush for his transformation in office during this tragically unique period in our history; Osama bin Laden for redefining "evil" in the footsteps of Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot as 'Men of the Year'; Rudolph Giuliani for extraordinary leadership of a broken-hearted New York in his last months of office; Kofi Annan, for the renewal of the role of the United Nations already recognized by the Nobel committee; Tony Blair, for taking up America and the world's cause against terrorism; or the Todd Beamers of September 11 who now symbolize the very essence of bravery embodied in the two words "let's roll!" But with this incredible array before us, my choice for Man of the Year is even more representative of what makes America as strong and as tough and as great as it is. It is the everyman. The bluecollar worker who has defined courage and conviction and perseverance and commitment. It is the firefighter, the ironworker, the plumber, the painter, the sheet metal worker, the hotel and restaurant employee, the airline pilot, the flight attendant, the paramedic and the sanitation worker-all those who died and those who survived and struggled in and with this tragedy. Those who lost their lives as well as those who live with their hearts and lives broken and go on, those who helped save lives and are rebuilding minds and spirits shattered by these scarring events. These are the collective Man of the Year. These are the People of the Year. These are the families and strangers who deserve respect and acknowledgement and support. The spirit they embody is the real message to be absorbed by those who seek to destroy rather than to build. These are the people who built the Towers and who embodied it...and they will build again. It is a message of strength, of courage, of generosity. It is message of fortitude, determination and love. America is its people. And there is no more shining example of what it means to be an American than the blue collar everyman who forges ahead with incredible resilience and faith in country, in his and her fellow workers, and in what it means to be a person of heart, of faith and of peace. Ill( )It MDR Appreciates The Brotherhood Editors note: Last August, MDR James D. Lowell returned to medical practice ashorethough he hopes to return to sea in a year or two. Meanwhile, he shared his impressions of the union, in a letter to SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee. Segments of the letter are reprinted here. When I first presented to the Houston hall, I feared that I might be viewed as an interlopersomeone pursuing a frivolous diversion in seeking a position afloat. Quite the contrary, I was welcomed by your staff and other SIU members, and treated by SIU members as a brother. The SIU truly is the Brotherhood of the Sea. I will miss shipping, and the many shipmates whom I came to admire and respect beyond their belief. I knew, as a member of the American Merchant Marine, however small my contribution, whatever I was doing was part of something important. I pity the individual who has never shipped and known the camaraderie I knew as an SIU member. Everything else I have done in life pales in comparison. I have had shipmates who probably saved my life without my ever knowing it. I am eternally indebted to them. I hope that I was able, in some small way, to return the favor. Life ashore should be reduced to such a measure of personal worth. James D. Lowell, MD Baytown, Texas 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 betwe n 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 containe9 in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207 46 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy ha been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 20 Seafarers LOS 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 he is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should no ify 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. Febmary 2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE tions should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Able Seaman Arrival Date Date of Completion April 1 May 13 June7 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland March30 April 5 Bridge Resource Management March4 March3 (BRM} - Unlimited* (*prerequisite required) GMDSS (Simulator) Lifeboatman/Water Survival pedalty Trained o~ Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler April 29 June7 QMED -Any Rating April 29 July 19 Welding March 4 April 1 May6 March 22 April 19 May24 Course Safety Specialty Courses March 29 May3 (*must have radar unlimited) Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 7. April 26 March 23 April 27 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* March 11 April 15 May20 March 22 March 18 April 15 April29 March 29 April 26 May 10 May13 May24 March 11 March 20 April 1 March 15 April 12 Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting March 18 March 28 Government Vessels March 4 April 1 April 29 May27 March22 April 19 May17 June 14 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 15 April 26 March 4 March 11 M;irch 18 , March 25 April 1 April 8 April 15 April22 April ,29 May6 March 8 March 15 (*must have basic fire fighting) Basic Fire Fighting/STCW April 26 May31 < STCW Medical Care.Provider .M~.rchll . M~r~h~9 March 11 April 1 20 Aprll29 MaY; 27 Academic Department Courses Genera) education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Recertification Bosun Date of Completion Start Date Course The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from March through June 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva- Course . Steward Upgrading Courses April8 May3 -·-~-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-•-·-·-· ·-r-•-•' -~· -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-•-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-•-·-•-Y-•-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their aoolication. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D If the following Lakes Member Date of Birth D BEGIN DATE END DATE - - - -- - - - - - Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes ONo If yes, class#--- - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ February 2002 LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2102 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels - Upgrading SIU members who graduated from the government vessels course Dec. 14 are (from left, kneeling) Anthony Brown, Rodolfo Antonio, James Grubbs, Caswell Simmonds, Joseph Carrillo, Ramon Martinez, (second row) Paul McClatcher, Evan Bradley, John Carr, Jonathan Stringer, Shawn Strand, Mario Ruiz, Donte Martin, Brian Jonsson, Donald Sparks, Jamie Hernandez, James Brockington, Morgarete Carey and Greg Thompson (instructor). Able Bodied Seaman- Dec. 14 was graduation day for upgrading Seafarers in the AB class. They include (in alphabetical order) Emilio Abreu, David Alexander, Henry Brown, William Burnham, Erik Forsgren, Patricia Hausner, Ralph Kirby, Ryan Legario, Tracy Mitchell, Mikhail Pinchevskiy, Hilaro Rochez, Darren Rollins, James Stanford, and George Villalba. FOWT - Welding - Completing the welding course Dec. 14 are (from left) David Watkins, Buzzy Andrews (instructor), Stephen Blanchard, Jeffrey Pope, Donald Tye, Darryl Smith, Eddie Ebanks and Dwayne Perrin. Earning their FOWT endorsements Dec. 14 are (from left, first row) Jimmy Brants, Charles Fitzpatrick, Thomas Hawks, Mark Mosher, Alfred Norris, Karen Aguilar, Milan Dzurek, (second row) Robert Stafford, Gilbert Brown, Daryl Thomas, Robert Scott, Kevin Johnson, Nicholas Jones, Sidney Wagner, Kenneth Green, (third row) Henrique Tavares, Joseph Yamson, Michael Ziegler, Ralph Martin, Anthony Burrell and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Not pictured are Terry Linyear, Wade Randolph, Norman Dauphin and Shawn Alexander. Computer Lab Classes GMDSS- Under the instruction of Brad Wheeler, students completing the GMDSS course Dec. 7 are (from left, seated) Jerome Wong, Robert Pesulima, (back row) Emmanuel Wabe, Joseph Butasek Jr., Douglas Covil, Brad Wheeler (instructor) and Peter Luhn. Kenneth McHellen, Reina Mendez, Ronnie Micklos, William Muniz, Linwood Newsome Jr., Mircea Opriciu, Eric Ortwein, Stephen Osovitz, Rafael Pagan, Randy Pearson , Lucian Plesa, James Porter, Antonio Rivera Jr., Jose Rivera, Diosdado Retire, Carolina Rodriguez, Edison Rodriguez, Roberto Rodriguez, Stephen Roth and Nelson Sala. 22 Sllafa1'81S LOii Pictured at left are recent graduates of the computer lab with their certificates. All completed the Windows 95 Operating System course Dec. 7. Additionally, Jose Ayon-Ayon (left), a steward from Honolulu, mastered the Computer Basics class; Noland Earl (front), an engine department member from Philadelphia, finished the Beginning Excel class; and Larry Bradley (right), a deck department member from Norfolk, completed the Computer Basics course. With them is Rick Prucha, their computer lab instructor. Charles Fincher, Oscar Flores, Bonifacio Fortes, John Frylinck, Ronald Gillette, Joao Gomes, Trawn Gooch, Wayne Green, Jaime Guerrero, Eusebio Gonzalex, William Hahn, Eron Hall, Michael Hass, Alfred Herrmann, Billy Hill, Muharam Husin, Philip Inman, Tyrone Jackson, David Johnson, Robert Johnson and Damon Johnson. (Note: not all are pictured.) Febnla17 211112 �Paul Hall Center Classes Sarni Abdulla, Luis Amadeo, Santiago Amaya, Charles Atkins, Ronald Aubuchon, David Bautista, Claire Benoit, Othman Binchik, Harold Boone, Fitzroy Brown, Howard Bryant, Calvin Burrus Ill, Andres Caballero, Tenereo Cacpal, James Camp, Barry Carrano, Norberto Castillo, Donald Coffee, Charles Dahlhaus, James Davidson and Charles Davis. Basic Safety Training Classes Shawn Strand, Gregory Stone, Alexander Rembert, Irving Carlos Rueda, David Van Natter, Bobby Riddick, Edward Schiller, Roman Zarkiewicz, George Rose, Darryl Smith, Kenneth Sullivan, Darrell Sutton, Karel Sumilat, Donald Sparks, Mario Ruiz and Ronald Ramos. Raymond Alexander, Mann Aroon, Noel Arrieta, Robbie Ballard, Troy Banks, Curtis Barnett, Alan Bickauskas, Natale Binetti, Jose Blanco, John Bodden, Rex Bolin, Severiano Bonafont, Edwin Bonefont, Paul Borg , Carlos Cabezas, Kennard Campbell , Juan Cardona, Dennis Bennett, Andrew Blair and Sarni Abdulla. (Note: not all are pictured .) if:.' ·;!, . ~ : Jerome Torrence, Michael Torrens, Tommy Trader, Henry Tucker Jr., Marvin Tucker, Karl VanFlorcke, Robert Varney, Gabriel Verdejo, Evans Verveniotis, David Wall, Robert Wankmueller, Michael Whitney, Bernard j son Jr., Leroy Wilson, Michael Woolard, Josef Wouthyzen, Andre Wright, Michael Yarbrough and Cecil.Yearwood. (Note: not all are pictured.) Eugene Grantham, John Gray, Ernesto Guarin, Raul Guerra, William Harris, Jack Hart Jr., Howard Hawrey, Ramon Hernandez, Grady Ingram, Robert lvanauskas, James Jetson, Louins Johnson , Gregory Keene, David Kline, Stanley King, Richard Kucharski, Richard Lane, William Lehman, Joseph Letang, Sheila Lewis and Santos Lopez. Richard Abbott, Floyd Acord, John Alamar, Willie Allen , Porfirio Amaya, Evangelista Anaya Jr., Julio Arzu , Andrew Austin , Daniel Becerra, Ronald Belcher, Eric Beltford , Tyrone Benjamin, Oswald Bermeo, Robinson Bidwell, Teofila Blanco, Oliver Bohannon Jr. , David Brown, James Burke, Robert Carlisle, Nathaniel Carr and Charles Carroll. (Note: not all are pictured.) Hugh Catron , Andres Castillo, James Cleland, Wade Conner, Johnny Grinder, Albert DeCruz Jr. , Cruz DeJesus, Michael Dempster, Jorge Desantiago, Steven Dickson , Robert Dixon, James Fekany, Aquilino Fernandez, Alexis Frederick, Robert Funck, Pedro Gago, James Gallant, Rodriquez Gonzales, Nelson Suazo and Justin Bing. (Note: not all are pictured .) Gerald Lunt, Reynaldo Macalino, David Manix, Frank Martin , Kelly Mayo, Donivan Mccants, Thomas Mccurdy, Irving Melton , John Mendez, Renato Miguel, Joseph Mishica, Victor Mondeci, Abdulhamid Musaed, Raymond Naquin , Yvan Nobile, Dorothy Odoms, Miguel Pabon and John Padilla. Febmary 2002 Cynthia Caster, Faustino Castillo, Miguel Castro, Ronald Ceron , Kelvin Cherington, Darlene Cherry, Glenn Christianson, Agustin Clatter, Harvey Colon, Kenneth Croose, Bernabe Crisanto, Raymond Cuccia Jr. , Mathew Dallas, Kevin Dela ittee, Francis DelosAngelos, James Diamond , Kruger Donald, Clifton Favorite and Walter Ferrero Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) -- .. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 64 Number 2 DUE ON APRIL 15: Applications for SID Scholarship -page 15 Income Taxes - • see Jntormatlon for Seafarers on pages 12 and 13 ctivem A ctivity at the SIU hall in Philadelphia continues r--------------r-----, at a fast pace, notes Port Agent Joe Soresi. He, along with the other union representatives, attend to the dayto-day operations of the hall as well as the servicing of ships and other marine equipment in the area. Some SIU At Crowley's Petty's Island terminal in New Jersey, members can be Mike Kirby (left) and John Haller perform some found crewing the ocean-going Deckhands Billy Spirit and Getting the job done in the galley aboard the Mayaguez maintenance work. are (from left) ships, tankers, tugs and barges Ed Zolynski collect tickets Chief Cook Neville aboard McGovern Marine's that sail into the Delaware Hughes, Steward River/ink ferry, which goes River port, which extends to Eva Myers and from Philadelphia to New Camden_, N.J. Others may be UMM Ramon Jersey, bypassing the performing maintenance Hernandez. heavy bridge traffic. aboard ship and on shore or even collecting tickets for the rry, which links Philadelphia to New Jersey. Much of the "behind-thescenes" work is accomplished by the shoregang. In a recent letter from Captain Ed Galston aboard the SS Carolina_, he recognizes the hard work and professionalism of the Philadelphia shoregang. "Tony Leo and his gang . . . SIU Rep Joe Mieluchowski (left) meets with Bill Mccorkle at helped expedite the work of the Crowley's Petty's Island Terminal. shoreside vendors, opening and closing hatch covers and getJohn Wozunk passses out camting the ship ready for tow. paign literature to help the public They were focused on the tasks decide on a candidate during a Linda Kluska is the secretary at the SIU hall in of moving spare parts on recent election. Philadelphia. board, loading and unloading gear, repairing and maintaining machinery and keeping the workplace safe.... They 'put Right: SIU their back into it,' cleaning 2 Yi member Bill Rushen helps tons of mud and trash out of paint lines in the cargo holds and securing the parking lot the ship for sea. at the "This was accomplished Philadelphia while still meeting the needs of hall. our fleet's regular scheduled port calls." Seafarers are active people. And some, when not working, will pitch in at the hall, help on a picket line or campaign for a pro-maritime candidate. The SIU hall is a second home for many, and it's no wonder penEven though they're through with the job call routine, SIU retirees sioners can be found there on continue to come to the SIU hall in Philadelphia-a relaxed and any given day, reliving their friendly environment in which to spend some time. experiences with their brothers and sisters of the sea. AB R.J. Wical works on the Crowley tug Commander. • Giving reports at the monthly membership meeting are (from left) Petty's Island Shop Steward John Gallagher, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi and SIU Rep Jim Malone. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SCHUBERT CALLS FOR COOPERATION AS INDUSTRY SEEKS RESURGENCE COAST GUARD ISSUES 'TAMPER-RESISTANT' LICENSES; AGENCY REPORTS STCW-INDUCED BACKLOG AT RECS SEAFARERS CREW UP IN INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER NEW CABLE SHIP JOINS SIU FLEET NY WATERWAY CHRISTENINGS SIGNIFY NEW JOBS FOR SIU HIGMAN CREW SAVES 2 FROM FOUNDERING SKIFF U.S. UNION MEMBERSHIP STABLE IN 2001 STCW 'IN PLAIN ENGLISH' MAGAW TAKES HELM OF NEW DOT SECTOR RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS IN PLACE FOR PENSION, VACATION BENEFITS LAKES BOATMEN HONORED FOR COURAGEOUS RESCUE SAFETY DIR. JIM STORM DIES BROTHER ABSHIRE MEMORIALIZED BY SEABULK CHALLENGE SEAFARERS RETIREE ENJOYS PRESIDENTIAL ENCOUNTER 11 MORE COURSES APPROVED APPRENTICE'S 1ST TRIP TO WASHINGTON INCLUDES INTRODUCTION TO PRES. BUSH ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL DEADLINE: IMO ISSUES ISM CODE 'WARNING' SEAFARERS WELCOME USNS POMEROY NAMESAKES ABOARD SHIP TAMPA BAY PILOTS FOLLOW HISTORIC ROUTE EDITORIAL PRAISES MERCHANT MARINERS AVONDALE WORKERS RETURNING WITH FULL BACK PAY, BENEFITS SEAFARERS STAY ACTIVE IN PHILADELPHIA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/1/2002 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. 64, No. 2 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/44e0960b568594dff746ad47d0086d90.pdf 824f4b38441f7bcc0ba31fc862d2f51d PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 3 March 2002 ... Seafarers crewed up the newly reflagged Industrial Challenger last month in Houston. The 393-foot heavy lift vessel, built in 2000, formerly flew the flag of the Bahamas. It is operated by SIU-contracted Pacific Gulf Marine for Patriot Shipping LLC and is enrolled in the U.S. Voluntary lntermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) program, designed to provide a smooth transition between peacetime and contingency operations. Pictured above, and proudly displaying the American flag during the initial crewing, are (from left, back row) Bosun Kyle Schultz, QMED Electrician Glenn O'Leary, DEU Gene Couvillion, Asst. Cook Marco Guity, Recertified Steward Kim Dewitt, AB Dave Hetrick, AB Fitzgerald Joseph, (front) AB Chris Campos and SIU Asst. VP Gulf Coast Jim McGee. Hands-On Training Buoys Curriculums At Paul Hall Center Practical training is a key component of most courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, as evidenced in the photos above. The school, located in Piney Point, Md., offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes. Hands-on training figures prominently in the various curriculums. Page 10. Construction Continues on Hotel Annex STCW Deadline The building that will offer single-occupancy rooms for students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educa.tion is on schedule for completion later this year. The three-story structure, located behind the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum, will include approximately 100 rooms. This photo shows construction taking place in early February. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 3 CIVMAR Updates Page 4 New Ferry Page 3 Slogan Contest Page B �President's Report The Latest on STCW Within our industry, the International Maritime Organization's recent recommendation concerning the amended STCW convention was big news. It also led to more than a little confusion, both here and abroad. In late January, initial reports from London were sketchy. First, we heard rumors that the STCW treaty itself would be delayed for six months. Then came another tale: The convention would be implemented on time, but only U.S. Michael Sacco mariners would have to comply at first. Even when the facts finally became known, the situation wasn't immediately crystal clear. In part, that's because the IMO's advisory-suggesting that STCW-signatory nations hold off on detaining vessels due to lack of STCW certifications among the crew- is just that: advice. It's up to each nation whether or not to follow the IMO guideline. (The details are reported on page 3.) For SIU members, the bottom line is that this latest twist on STCW really doesn't change anything. Whether or not you technically need STCW certification right now, the reality is that you need it. It would be nothing less than shocking if any U.S .-flag ship operator allowed non-certified crew members to sail overseas. There's no reason for them to take the risk of having their ships detained by a country which, for whatever reasons, decides to stick with the original STCW enforcement deadline of February 1. With that in mind, I say to any members who need STCW Basic Safety Training and/or an STCW 95 certificate- you're late. Get in touch with the Paul Hall Center right away, and protect your job security by fulfilling the STCW requirements ASAP. Security Still at Fore The other hot issue in maritime continues to be port and shipboard security, which has come under tremendous scrutiny since September 11. (A brief update is printed on page 5.) Obviously, the circumstances that currently drive this subject are tragic. Yet, it may be another example of something good arising from the awful attack on America. Our industry has been forced to reckon with the enormous complexities that surround maritime security. It is a massive undertaking, but we're moving forward. With men like Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Min eta and Maritime Administrator William Schubert (among many other friends of the industry) tackling this tough topic, I'm confident in the results. And of course, as always, the SIU will continue doing its part, through training as well as other measures. Seafarers and Polltlcal Action For as long as I can remember, one of the greatest strengths of the SIU has been our members' enthusiastic participation in political activities, including the voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD). This is something that our longtime members probably have heard again and again, but it's worth repeating, especially for the benefit of newer members, including our brothers and sisters who came aboard last year from the NMU. Political activity is the lifeblood of our union. Because the maritime industry is so heavily regulated, politics is as important to our survival as securing new contracts and upgrading. A quick look toward current debates on Capitol Hill reinforces this point. Both the national energy plan (including proposals for the safe development of ANWR) and port security are issues which may impact Seafarers' livelihoods. Additionally, talks are under way to expand and extend the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), the cornerstone of the American-flag liner fleet. These are just the latest examples of how politics dominates our industry. It has been that way since our union's founding in 1938, and it won't change. That's why it's up to Seafarers to stay involved. Volume 64, Number 3 March 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB 'Slave-Like' Conditions Exposed Aboard Runaway-Flag Cargo Ship Inspectors from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) on Jan. 24 reported an atrocious state of affairs on a runaway-flag cargo vessel they boarded in Cape Canaveral, Fla. ITF Inspector Scott Brady of the SIU, who said he ' d never seen anything like this in his 20 years in the transport industry, described conditions aboard the MV Ismael Express as "slave-like." Crew accommodations on board the Panamanian-flagged vessel were crawling with rats, according to Brady. The only food was supplied by the local Baptist Seafarers Ministry. From late January at least through early February, the crew-from the Philippines, Chile and Haiti-lived on rice, and there was no water for washing, even though grease and oil cover most walls, Brady said. The 10-person crew sleeps two to a bunk, with little or no bedding, according to Brady. They share a single bathroom with a shower and have an inoperable refrigerator in the kitchen. It smells of rotten food and is held closed with cord. Bare wires have been spliced together to provide lighting. Water is leaking into the living space. Crew members had hoped things would get better upon their arrival in Cape Canaveral, according to the ITF, but the ship's Miami-based owner has refused to make any improvements or to pay owed wages until the crew completes a long list of repairs required by the Coast Guard. "The owner brings us spare parts to fix the engine but no food ," one crew member told ITF Inspector Jim Given. "How can we work with no food?" Published reports say the Ismael Express ' owner, Philipe Germain, hired the crew to bring the vessel from Haiti to Port Canaveral for repairs. According to the ITF, this is not the first time it has seen these kinds of problems on ships they call "Miami River Boats." Brady said these vessels trade between Florida and Haiti, and the crew often are treated very poorly and then abandoned in Haiti when the vessel is of no more use. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, the fate of the crew and vessel had not been resolved, although the ITF fervently was working on their behalf. Updates will be published as they become available. SIU-Crewed Pless Carries U.S. Navy Cargo to Cuba The SIU-crewed Maj. Stephen W. Pless on Jan. 16 delivered cargo to the U.S . naval base at Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba, where detainees from the war on terrorism are being held. Delivered were a containerized fleet hospital and more than 60 pieces of rolling stock, including vans, buses and field ambulances. The fleet hospital, built of container structures and tents, was a 500-bed facility equipped with a surgical suite, casualty receiving area, intensive care unit, lab and pharmacy. The entire shipment was handed over to Task Force 160, the joint-service military unit heading up the detainee operations at the base. GTMO is being used as a temporary holding facility for al Qaeda, Taliban and other captives who come under U.S. control during the war on terrorism. The 821-foot Pless loaded the Navy fleet hospital- stored in 70 containers- and the rolling stock at Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. on Jan 11. It departed Florida Jan. 13 and arrived at the GTMO pier side during the early morning hours of Jan. 16. Prior to the GTMO mission, the Pless was tied up in Norfolk, Va. where it had undergone routine maintenance. Seafarers aboard the vessel during the operation included ABs Ian Ferguson, Raymond Cooley, Larry Stevens, Brian Jones, and Alton Glapion; QMED Muniru Adam, QMED Electricians Frederick Petterson and Jan Morawski, GUDE Brian Manion, Steward/Baker Douglas Hundsbamer, Chief Cook Prescillano Gamboa, Steward Assistants Valentino Vila and Ahmed Saidi, and ACU Claire Benoit. The Maj. Stephen W. Pless is one of the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) 16 container and roll-on/roll-off ships and is part of the prepositioning program. Waterman Steamship Corp. operates the Pless for the MSC. The Pless, a prepositioning ship, transported a containerized fleet hospital and other cargo to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay. Burmese Mariner Welcomed By Brotherhood of the Sea When Shwe Tun Aung arrived in Houston this past December, he discovered that the SIU's motto -Brotherhood of the Sea--extends well beyond any perceived boundaries involving nationality or union affiliation. Shwe, 29, is a merchant mariner from Burma - not exactly union-friendly territory. In fact, Shwe's pro-union efforts for all intents and purposes left him exiled; he reports that at least two other pro-union mariners recently were given sentences of life in prison when they returned to Burma. Even one of the mariner's wives reportedly received a I 0year sentence for "union activity." Understandably leery of alleged attempts by Burmese officials to lure him back, Aung suddenly found himself without a home. He tried to get back on his feet in at least two other nations, but had little luck. That is, until he sailed to America. "When you have the chance to help a fellow trade unionist and mariner like Shwe, you do it," stated SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. ''Nobody else could help this guy, but, with the assistance of the SIU, he's on the right track. We 're pleased to have given him a hand." Corgey recalled a moving speech by Aung during a recent meeting of the Harris County Central Labor Council. Aung described the difficulties faced by pro-union citizens in his homeland. "We just want to do what you 're doing-have freedom of association," he told the crowd. In addition to receiving support from the SIU, Aung also was aided at various points by the office of U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) and by the International Transport Workers' Federation. "I can't thank them enough," Aung noted. "I especially want to thank ITF officials (General Secretary) David Cockroft, (Seafarers' Section Secretary) Stephen Cotton, (Inter-American Regional Secretary) Antonio Fritz and (Seafarers ' Section Second Vice Chair) David Heindel." "When you have a chance to help a fellow trade unionist like Shwe, you do it," states SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right), pictured with mariner Shwe Tun Aung in Houston. March2DD2 �STCW Deadline Hasn't Changed Despite IMO Request, U.S. Mariners Still Need BST, Certificate Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) basically asked flag states to Look the other way for six months when ir comes to enforcing new STCW standards for certain crew member certifications, U.S. mariners still must comply with the original deadline of Feb. 1, 2002. In a circular dated Jan. 25, the IMO, citing a potentially widespread failure to secure STCW-mandated certifications by Feb. 1, asked port state control officials not to detain vessels even if officers or crew members don 't have their STCW certifications. Partly because of separate conditions stipulated by the International Safety Management Code, the IMO recommended delaying full enforcement of the amended STCW convention until July 31 of this year. The U.S. Coast Guard (among many other nations) quickly accepted the IMO's request, but also pointed out, "The STCW 95 standards will be in effect as of Feb. 1 and will be vigorously enforced. The decision to forego detentions as an enforcement measure applies only to the STCW 95 standards regarding crew certification and endorsement requirements. Vessels may still be detained for other reasons including demonstrated crew incompetence such as failure to perform critical drills." SIU members and other U.S. mariners need their STCW credentials for at least two very practical reasons. First, U.S.-flag shipping companies have been virtually uniform in their unwillingness to risk any sort of complications which may stem from an individual's lack of STCW certification. This was true even before the Feb. 1 deadline-companies simply wouldn't accept crew members who didn't comply with the amended convention, for fear they would tempt vessel detentions by remaining on board past the cut-off date. Second, as this issue of the LOG goes to press, there is no official list of nations that have agreed to forego detentions related to STCW 95 certification. Even if such a list existed, it potentially would be open to frequent and sudden changes, thereby magnifying the risks of carrying uncertified crew members. Media reports surfaced early this year about potential difficulties for some nations to issue current STCW certifications by Feb. 1. For instance, one article stated that more than 38,000 Malaysian mariners would not be certified by the deadline. The IMO's Announcement ·The U.S. Coast Guard's Response IMO has issued advice to port State control officers that, for a period of six months after the 1 February 2002 implementation deadline for the revised Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95), ships whose officers do not hold STCW 95 certificates or flag State endorsements need not be detained. The move comes in recognition of the fact that many seafarers have not yet been able to obtain the necessary certification required by the Convention and that Parties to the Convention have had difficulties in concluding the arrangements required to process reciprocal recognition endorsements. In a circular issued by the 33rd Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), it is recommended that, until 31 July 2002, port State control officers issue only a warning in cases where a seafarer's documentation complies with the requirements immediately before 1 February 2002 but is not in acco~dance with the requirements of STCW 95. Port State control officers are recommended to issue the warnings to the shipping companies concerned only and to notify the seafarers and inform the flag State accordingly. Many delegations expressed their disappointment at the measure, but there was agreement that it in no way altered the implementation date of the Convention and was simply a pragmatic response to what had become a lengthy administrative process. The Sub-Committee was particularly concerned and regretted the fact that, so close to the end of the transitional period, seafarers were reportedly unable to obtain STCW 95 certificates and/or the necessary flag State endorsements required by regulation 1/10. However, it was recognised that the 1995 amendments had introduced radical changes to the STCW Convention and that these had been a significant factor in the delay. The Sub-Committee also recognised that major ISM Code non-conformities could be raised if a seafarer's documentation is not in accordance with STCW 95. It therefore recommended that flag States should inform recognized organizations responsible for issuing ISM Code certificates that, until 31 July 2002, it would be sufficient to inform the flag State of such cases when assessing compliance with the ISM Code. Certificate-issuing Parties and flag Administrations were urged by the Sub-Committee to do their utmost to ensure that seafarers are issued with the appropriate certificates and necessary endorsements with the minimum of delay. The United States will follow a recommendation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that prevents U.S. and foreign ships visiting U.S. ports from being detained for lack of certification of merchant mariner training standards which go into effect on Feb. 1. The IMO Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping ·recently recommended Port State Control authorities warn, rather than detain, vessels not in compliance with provisions of the International Convention on Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW 95), until August 1, 2002. The U.S. recognizes that a number of nations have had difficulty meeting these provisions or processing requests from mariners for STCW credentials and will observe the IMO's recommendation. Because a large number of mariners worldwide must update their credentials, many nations have had difficulty issuing the documents needed to confirm that their seafarers comply with the STCW 95 requirements. STCW 95 requirements are among a wide range of international safety standards, maritime regulations, and security matters the U. S. Coast Guard is concerned with during merchant vessel boardings. In the wake of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks the Coast Guard increased it's safety, law enforcement and security boardings and that heightened level of security remains in effect. The STCW 95 standards will be in effect as of Feb. 1 and will be vigorously enforced. The decision to forego detentions as an enforcement measure applies only to the STCW 95 standards regarding crew certification and endorsement requirements. Vessels may still be detained for other reasons including demonstrated crew incompetence such as failure to perform critical drills. Beginning August 1, vessels associated with flag Administrations who are either not signatory to STCW 95 or are not on the IMO "White List" will be subjected to increas~d scrutiny and possible detention when arriving in U.S . ports. "White List" nations are those nations whose STCW implementation schemes have been reviewed by an IMO panel of competent persons and found to have given full and complete effect to the Convention. Vessels associated with non-signatory and "Non-White List" nations will experience increased boardings, validation of crew competency, and a review of how Administrations have carried out their responsibilities under STCW. The original international convention aimed at improving crew training entered into force in 1984 and the United States ratified it in 1991. In an effort to address weaknesses in the convention the IMO developed STCW 95. These amendments established "standards of competency" for seafarers, in seven functional areas and three levels of responsibility. They also required basic safety training for all seafarers with safety or pollution prevention duties, and established new rest period requirements for watchkeeping personnel. Austin Tabin Joins NY Waterway Fleet SIU-contracted NY Waterway christened the new passenger ferry Austin Tobin on Jan. 24 in New York. The company also was scheduled to welcome two more new boats last month (after the LOG's deadline). The additions will give NY Waterway 37 ferries. Christened during a steady rain, the Austin Tobin is named after the man credited with building the World Trade Center. It was built by Allen Marine of Sitka, Alaska. Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand for the ceremony. The Austin Tobin as well as the other new boats each can transport 97 passengers at more than 30 knots. As previously reported, the ferries will be used in the company's new East River commuter service, carrying passengers from East 901h Street to Pier 11 at the foot of Wall Street. That trip will take 15 minutes aboard the new boats. SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries transport commuters between New York City and New Jersey. Altogether, the boats carry approximately 60,000 riders daily. Seafarers Max Munnigh ·(port side) and Sal Reyes (starboard) are ready to greet the first passengers aboard NY Waterway's newest boat, the Austin Tobin. Construction Continues on Orea-Class Ships for SIU-Contracted TOTE The MV Midnight Sun is the first of two roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships for SIUcontracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) now under construction at National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) in San Diego. The two builds, designated as Orcaclass dry cargo ships, each will be 839 feet long and have a beam of 118 feet. They will carry 600 cargo trailers apiece as well as 200 automobiles, a 50 percent capacity improvement over existing ships. Designed for the rigors of Alaskan service, the RO/ROs will be powered by twin propulsion plants, each having its own propeller and rudder system, and will be the first ships in the U.S. powered by an integrated diesel-electric propulsion system which will achieve speeds up to 24 knots. •an:h2002 "This is the first commercial dry cargo vessel to be built in the United States in I 0 years," said Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO. "We applaud TOTE for buildin~ these ships under the provisions of the Jones Act, legislation that has helped preserve strong U.S. shipping and shipbuilding industries for ·nearly three-quar- ters of a century." The Midnight Sun is slated for delivery in October 2002; the second vessel is due in April of the following year. <as Photos of the MV Midnight Sun under construction at NASSCO show, from the left, the port bow, the fo"rward 19-foot side port and an internal ramp headed toward final asembly. Seafal'el'S LOS 3 �Union Assists Former American Classic Crews The travel and tourism industries were especially hard-hit in the aftermath of Sept. 11 , and SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages didn't escape that trend. The company, which still is attempting to rebound, last year filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Meanwhile, the SIU has offered fairly wide-ranging assistance to Seafarers who were laid off because of the company's reorganization. This especially has been true in Hawaii. According to Neil Dietz, the SI~'s Honolulu port agent, the un10n: • Participated in two fooddistribution projects made possible through the SIU's positive relationship with the Hawaii State AFL-CIO Community Services Program. More than 200 SIU families received free food at these distributions. • Encouraged eligible members to apply for appropriate upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education so that they can enhance their qualifications for sailing aboard other vessels in the SIU-contracted fleet. • Hosted a free credit-counseling seminar at the union hall that drew a capacity crowd. Arranged through the community services program, the session included presentations on credit reports, paying bills, credit history and more. • Conducted two mailings to affected members on Oahu with updated information on State of Hawaii programs for extended unemployment benefits, rent/mortgage assistance, and COBRA premium assistance. • Assisted numerous qualified members in completing the various security clearance applications that are required to obtain employment with various contracted operators. • Promptly posts the "all ports" list with jobs available to SIU members. • Posts "help wanted" announcements for non-SIU work in the area. As previously reported, American Classic is the parent company of United States Lines, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., American Hawaii Cruises, and Delta Queen Coastal Voyages. The company said it believes the Chapter 11 process "will allow us to rebuild our business in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and continue our proud tradition as America's cruise line." The reorganization at least initially included shutting down many of the company's vesselsthe ms Patriot and Independence, American Queen, Mississippi Queen and Columbia Queen, and the Cape May Light. The result was approximately 2,150 layoffs, including roughly 1,700 shipboard jobs. Seafarers sti 11 are sailing aboard the Delta Queen riverboat, and the company has stated it is working to reintroduce the Mississippi Queen this year. SIU efforts to assist former American Classic crews have included (below) food donations and (above) a free credit-counseling class, both organized through the state AFL-CIO Community Services Program. Pictured at the food drive are (from left) Seafarers Laverne Berasis, Tracy Crum, Julie Ann Teruya and Cynthia Espinda. CIVMARNoaces-----------------Contract Update Recently, a communication was sent to all delegates and members aboard MSC vessels from Government Services Division Representatives Chester Wheeler and Kate Hunt. The letter includes the following: We would also like to update you on the current situation regarding the union's efforts concerning collective bargaining negotiations with Military Sealift Command. As you know, the SIU and the NMU merged in June 2001. This was a historic moment in American maritime history. This event also presented the union with an opportunity to begin the process of negotiating new collective bargaining agreements for MSC unlicensed mariners. In addition, the union began the legal process that would recognize the name change of our union. To do this, we filed a petition with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). This is normally a very simple process. Unfortunately, the Command complicated the matter by arguing that unlicensed crewmembers are employed not by MSC, but by the APMC (Afloat Personnel Management Center). MSC insists that SIU/NMU would only have recognition at the APMC/Camp Pendleton level, not at the Headquarters level in Washington, D.C. This makes no sense from a legal or practical standpoint. APMC is not your employer, MSC is. Additionally, it is contrary to the status of the licensed officer's unions. The Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) representing licensed deck officers and the Marine Engineers ' Beneficial Association (MEBA) both have recognition at the MSC headquarters level. Unlicensed CIVMARS comprise the single largest group of workers aboard MSC vessels and your union should receive recognition at the MSC headquarters level. In October, the union withdrew its petition and asked MSC to begin bargaining. While this request was made in October, it took MSC until the end of December to agree to negotiate. In the meantime, the union continued its work preparing fair and equitable proposals for contract talks. We intend to submit these Being informed of current collective bargaining negotiations for MSC members is the unlicensed crew of the Army Corps of Engineers' dredge Wheeler. proposals shortly. The SIUINMU does not understand the Command's position regarding recognition. Our unions fought for decades to insure equality and justice for unlicensed seamen and we will continue to do so. This means gaining the appropriate recognition and negotiating strong, comprehensive contracts protecting our members. The SIUINMU is confident the recognition issue will eventually be resolved in our favor. We will continue to work and focus on collective bargaining and negotiating CMPI revisions. We appreciate the support and input of our members as we go through this process and will keep you informed of our progress. and premium pay disputes. • Ensuring procedural protections for all employees when transferred between coasts. • Review and negotiation of all proposed CMPI changes. Undoubtedly, 2002 will provide many new challenges for MSC, the union, and civil service mariners. New ships, new missions and other changes will require the union to work hard to protect the interests of the membership while continuing to work with the agency to ensure it can successfully fulfill its mission. Dues Dues for Government Services Division members have been brought in line with those for other members of the SIU AGLIWD/NMU. Above left, Gov't Services Rep Kate Hunt meets with Donnie McKinley and, above right, Gov't Services Rep Maurice Cokes talks with Carlos Casanova. Below, Hunt updates Seafarers aboard the Oregon II at a union meeting in Pascagoula, Miss. Other CIVMAR News: Many Accomplishments in 2001 With the solid support of the membership, the union accomplished a great deal in 200 I on behalf of our MSC/CIVMAR members. Among many other ongoing efforts, here are some of the highlights: • Supporting measures to achieve wage parity for all unlicensed mariners. • Negotiating an agreement for the crew of the USNS Supply to improve habitability conditions and provide supplemental compensation for habitability conditions. • Encouraging the implementation of four-month tours. • Ensuring mariners will not have to stand security watches outside the lifelines of the vessel. • Assisting mariners with grievances 4 Seafarers LOG Fred Wheeler (center) is retiring after more than 50 years in the NMU. With him are Delegate Andre Black and Gov't Services Rep Kate Hunt. They are aboard the dredge McFarland in the Philadelphia District. MSC members pose aboard the USNS Leroy Gruman. March2002 �Federation Calls for SEC To Ban Enron Directors From Serving on Boards Rallying for Energy Independence More than a dozen SIU members and officials showed their support for the national energy plan-including safe development of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)-during a Jan. 22 rally in Philadelphia. The event, conducted in front of the Liberty Bell pavilion, featured remarks by U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.); Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters Pres. Ed Keyser; and representatives from other unions and local businesses. Recently, Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott said he hoped the Senate would vote on the measure by mid-February, before the President's Day recess (too late for this edition of the LOG), although the timetable for such a vote wasn't certain. In photo above, SIU members and officials give a thumbs-up for safe development of ANWR. Pictured at the Jan. 22 demonstration in Philadelphia are (front row, from left) Patrick Lavin, Port Agent Joe Soresi, Luke Wells, Michael Wittenberg, (second row) Oliver Balico, UIW Rep. Rob Wisler, SIU Rep. Joe Mieluchowski, Michael Joel, John Cameron, (back row) Jose Vasquez, John Gallagher, Jerry Foley, John Wozunk and Scott Musick. Among the Seafarers in attendance were (from far left) John Wozunk, Rob Ward, Kenny Arnold and Scott Musick. Seafarer John Gallagher listens intently as Ed Keyser, president of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters, explains how opening ANWR would create jobs for Americans. MarAd Report Delivers Data on U.S;. Port Calls The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) last month announced the release of a new annual publication that features loads of statistics pertaining to U.S. port traffic. In publicizing the accounttitled Vessel Calls at U.S. Ports. 2000--MarAd stated the report's purpose "is to bring together data on vessel capacity and the number of vessels calling at major U.S. ports, by major type, size and age of the vessels. The underlying data permits creation of port and coastal range profiles in terms of the major characteristics Double hull tankers, including the SIU-crewed HM/ Ambrose Channel, of the active world fleet." accounted for 43 percent of the tanker calls at.LJ.S. ports in 2000. According to the Department of Transportation agency, the report "contains summary tables world fleet called at U.S. ports in • The average size of vessels that present a profile of calls at 2000--a total of 6,353 vessels. calling at U.S. ports was 14 perU.S. ports in terms of active fleet • The top 20 U.S. ports cent larger than the world fleet characteristics (vessel type, age accounted for 77. percent of the average. and size), and a three-year time overall vessel ·capacity calling at • In the auto industry, series of calls at U.S. ports by U.S. ports, with the top five imports are up. From 1998-2000, vessel type. Detailed tables pre- accounting for 49 percent. calls at U.S. ports by vehicle carsent calls at major (top 50) ports, riers increased by 46 percent. • Of the 59,955 port calls, by vessel type and. size." Copies of the report, prepared Among the notable figures 29 percent were by containership, by MarAd's Office of Statistical contained in the 56-page commu- 24 percent by tankers and 21 per- and Economic Analysis, may be cent by dry bulk carriers. nication: obtained in printed format from • Double hull tankers are that office by calling (202) 366• In 2000, vessel calls at U.S. ports accounted for approxi- becoming more prevalent. In 2267 or by accessing the mately 10 percent of such calls . 2000, 43 percent of the tanker agency's web site: worldwide. calls at U.S. ports were made by http://www.marad.dot.gov, • 48 percent of the active double hull tankers. under Publications & Statistics. Man:h2002 On behalf of the working families who lost everything in the Enron (NYSE: ENE) bankruptcy, the AFL-CIO on Feb. 4 asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to determine whether Enron 's directors should be banned from all service on corporate boards. The SEC can ask federal courts to permanently bar directors from serving on boards of public companies if their actions have served to undermine the integrity of the capital markets. The AFL-CIO 's action came in response to the Powers report issued by the Special Investigative Committee of Enron 's Board of Directors. "The Powers report shows that the board of directors knowingly authorized Enron executives to participate in the business partnerships that led to Enron's downfall. The SEC now must investigate the role of each individual Enron director in the company's collapse and move to bar those responsible from other boards," said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka. In a letter to the SEC, the AFL-CIO argues that Enron's board failed to meet its legal obligations to shareholders and therefore the SEC must determine if the individuals who served as Enron 's directors are fit to serve as an officer or director of' another public American corporation. "Enron's directors are currently overseeing billions of dollars in workers' retirement savings in more than 20 public companies. In our view, this is an imminent danger to workers' retirement savings and the SEC must act immediately to do their part to make sure there are no more Enrons," Trurnka explained. According to the federation, AFL-CIO affiliate union-sponsored benefit funds have more than $400 billion in assets and hold an estimated 3 .1 million Enron shares. Pilot Program in Place For Health Benefits Eligibility The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has announced a pilot program with the NMU Welfare Plan which is intended to benefit Seafarers. When the NMU merged into the SIU-a move which overwhelmingly was ratified last year by both memberships-one union was created. However, in accordance with the merger agreement, the benefits plans of each union (as they previously existed) remain separate. In the case of the health plans, eligible members who before the merger were covered by the SIU plan, continue to receive coverage under that plan. Similarly, eligible members who were covered by the NMU, still are with that plan. The six-month pilot program (which ends in July) essentially gives full credit for sea time toward members' health-benefits eligibility, regardless of which plan they are covered by. As long as a member has enough sea time to qualify for health benefits., it doesn't matter if that time was accumulated on SIU- or former NMU-contracted ships, or a combination of both. The member gets credit toward eligibility under his or her plan. The pi.lot program will be reviewed by trustees after its expiration. Additionally, as noted on page 5 oflast month's LOG, the Seafarers Vacation Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan have announced reciprocal agreements with their NMU counterparts. Those agreements fundamentally allow members to receive credit toward their pension and vacation benefits based on their total days worked, even if their sea time is divided between companies that are signatory to the plans. Maritime Security Measure Awaits Action in Congress The Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001 (S.1214) unanimously was passed by voice vote Dec. 20 by the U.S. Senate and forwarded to the House of Representatives for its action. The adopted version contains significant differences from. that introduced in the spring by Senator Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) and co-sponsored by Sens. John Breaux (D-La.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas). The latest adaptation focuses on anti-terrorism. If enacted, the measure would, among other things: • Authorize $390 million for ports to improve security infrastructure, and guarantee $3.3 billion in loans for future infrastructure upgrades, ~ Establish a National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, • Require security evaluations and port vulnerability assessments of major U.S. ports, • Create new sea marshal ini- tiatives, • Establish local port security committees, • Require port authorities and operators of waterfront facilities to develop security plans, • Require background · checks on persons who enter waterfront controlled-access areas, and • Provide for the assessment of security measures at foreign ports. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, the bill still was awaiting further scrutiny by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to enforce a wide range of security measures on all ships entering U.S. ports. In addition to the nationwide measures at all local ports, each Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) may employ any security measures they deem necessary to ensure the safety and security of their particular port. Seafarers LOG 5 �Lakes Crews Busy Despite Steel Woes When the Great Lakes shipping season ended on Jan. 29, it marked the conclusion of an unquestionably difficult year. The steel crisis and, to a lesser extent, low water levels conspired to keep Lakes cargoes at their lowest overall amounts since 1991. Nevertheless, Lakes crews transported 102.2 million net tons, and SIU crews stayed quite busy in moving their share. Iron ore was the most popular commodity (47.2 million net tons), followed by limestone and gypsum (27.3) and coal (21.4). One of the season's bigger stories involved SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) of Buffalo, a GATX subsidiary. ASC and Oglebay Norton in early January announced a multi-year agreement under which they will pool their fleet operations. The pact doesn't entail the transfer of any assets. Because of mild weather, an early fit-out is expected for next season. The cement carriers tentatively were due out in late February. The SIU-crewed Iglehart heads for Toledo, Ohio. AB/Conveyorman Jeff Lalande MV St. Clair Left: DEU Charles Bearman MV St. Clair Right: DEU Richard Cole MV Buffalo Porter James Beaudry MV Buffalo DEU Frank Parnham MV Buffalo Left: Wheelsman Fred Biesecker enjoys a round of solitaire during a break that followed a union meeting in which crew members discussed an upcoming contract. When it comes to the SIU-crewed Southdown Challenger, Oiler John Cull knows his history. Cull sent the photos accompanying this text to the Seafarers LOG, along with an informative note about the venerable vessel. As the Seafarer pointed out, the Southdown Challengers extensive history includes being converted to a self-unloading cement carrier. The ship is the longest cement carrier on the Great Lakes (552 feet), and it also boasts the longest ongoing service record among active Lakes vessels. These days, the Southdown Challenger transports powdered cement from a production facility in Charlevoix, Mich. to various ports including Chicago; Cleveland; Detroit; Manitowoc, Wis.; Milwaukee; Toledo, Ohio; and Owen Sound, Canada. The Southdown Challenger first entered service as an iron-ore carrier. Today, it can transport more than 10,000 tons of cement at once. Right: Deckhands Bonita Vineyard and Ahmed Alaidaroos are part of the Southdown Challenger crew. Below: Giving a nod to healthy menus, Chief Steward Abdullah Al-Samawi serves fresh squash. Below: Detroit is the backdrop for this photo of Oiler Andy Egressy. Oiler John Cull tests water before it goes into the boilers. 6 Seafarers LOG Man:h 2002 �GLOBAL MARINER HOUSTON o Chief Cook Flory Farquhar (right) helps decorate the small Christmas tree aboard the Global Mariner. The cake below was made-decorations and all-by Recertified Steward Brian Gross to help celebrate a fellow crew member's birthday. Joe Webber (left), an engineer with G&H Towing for 23 years, receives his first pension check from SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee. GLOBAL LINK Preparing Thanksgiving dinner at the Houston hall are retired Chief Cook Joe Clark (right) and Chief Cook Santiago Martinez. Aboard Ship and Asbore USNS BOB HOPE . Steward James Ryder is ready to use thecomputer on board the USNS Bob Hope. SA Rafael Alvarez finishes making beds aboard the Global Link. C.S. LONG LINES , AB Benjamin Barnes AB Phillip Yaros FOWT Jason Roate PERSEVERANCE SIU Representative Bryan Powell (center) meets with Recertified Steward Ken Roetzer (right) and Chief Cook Marvin James aboard the Perseverance at payoff in San Pedro, Calif. March2002 Seafarers LOG 7 �Endurance Galley Gang .Makes F,ach Day a Celebration SIU crew members aboard the Endurance are fortunate to have Chief Steward Russell Beyschau and his gang working in the steward department. Beyschau (who sent these photos) always finds a way to celebrate each day on the U.S. Ship Management vessel, whether it's a special menu at Christmas (left) or presenting a decorated cake for one of his shipmates' birthdays. In center photo, he surprises AB Walter Weaver (seated) with a cake, and, at right, OMU James Sieger's cake is decorated to look like a toolbox. WE'RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD --'-" WORDS ~--- ~~~~~-L_ _ _ ..._....4. .. ~~~~& APIWide World Photos Announcer Johnny Addie raises the gloved hand of Sandy Saddler after Saddler scored a fourth-round knockout of featherweight champ Willie Pep in their scheduled 15-round bout in Madison Square Garden, New York, on Oct. 29, 1948. At right is Bernie Pristo, one of Saddler's handlers. Boxing Champ Saddler Also Sailed With NMU A new SPAD T-shirt is in the works, but there's one holdup. Namely, the need for a new slogan. Years ago, "Politics is Porkchops" was the union's catch-phrase that reflected the importance of political action for Seafarers. It's a short way of saying, "What happens in the political arena can make or break not only our jobs, but our entire industry. Politics affects our ability to put bread on the table." Today, that sentiment still rings true-maybe more so than ever. A contest is being conducted to come up with a new phrase that signifies the importance of political action to the SIU membership. This modern-day equivalent of Politics is Porkchops (and no, we don't mean Politics is Microwaved Soybeans) will be printed on the new T-shirts. Details on the shirts' availability will appear in future issues of the LOG. Meanwhile, this contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three slogans. Entries must be received no later than June 10, 2002 for consideration. The judges' decision will be final. In case the same slogan is submitted and selected for the new SPAD T-shirt, the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. The winner will receive an SIU jacket, an SIU cap and an SIU shirt. That individual, along with the winning entry, will be announced in a subsequent issue of the LOG. To enter, please complete the form printed below and mail it to the address indicated. When former featherweight boxing champion Joseph "Sandy" Saddler passed away last September, the sporting press remembered him for his 103 knockouts and his well-chronicled bouts against Willie Pep. Few, if any of the write-ups mentioned another part of Saddler's resume- his voyages as a merchant mariner. Saddler sailed with the NMU in the late 1950s, after retiring from the ring. He was a gym attendant aboard the S.S. United States and also briefly worked for the union in a shoreside capacity. Saddler passed away in his sleep Sept. 18, 2001, at age 75. He died at the Schervier Nursing Care Center in the Bronx, where he had spent his final years. Saddler suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Born in Boston and raised in Harlem, Saddler became a pro boxer in 1944, at age 17. He defeated Pep for the featherweight title in 1948. Saddler's days in the ring ended because of an eye injury he sustained in 1957 as a passenger in a taxi. His career record was 144-16-2, and his 103 knockouts are the most of any featherweight champ. Saddler won three of four fights against the heralded Pep. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, NAME THAT T-SHIRT CONTEST Here are my ideas for a new SPAD slogan: (You may submit up to three ideas) 1. 2. 3. Name: Address: Telephone Number: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ D I am an active Seafarer D I am a retired Seafarer Send completed form to SPAD Slogan Contest, Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. L---------------------------------------------------------------------------B Seafarers LOG AP!Wide World Photos Saddler (left) delivers a punch to the jaw of Charles Riley during a 1Ground fight in November 1950. Saddler won the bout by decision. March2002 �A Shipboard Learning Experience In the September and November 2001 issues of the Seafarers LOG, Pensioner Walter Karlak wrote about catching his first two ships-the SS Greeley Victory and the North Platte-both on runs to the Persian Gulf. What follows is a continuation of his learning experiences aboard ship and of his seafaring adventures. W eeks went by since my last voyage. There was nothing much to do but hang out in a pool hall all day. I found myself thinking about shipping again. The union rules stated that a member had to ship out within 90 days of his last trip to keep his shipping card active-or reregister. My card was getting near the expiration date, so each morning I'd go down to the hall on Beaver Street before the 9 a.m. call and stay until after 4 p.m. for a possible pier head jump, which meant that a member was getting off a ship at the last minute and needed a replacement. I believe it was in October 1951 that the T-2 tanker Paoli needed three wipers. So, along with John St. John and Jimmy Vitale, I got one of those jobs. The ship was going, where else, but India. It seems I was destined to be an India Run man. St. John's father drove us to Linden, N.J. As we neared the port, we could first smell and then see the huge stacks burning off gases. We boarded the ship and were shown to our room, which was huge. We were given bedding, etc., and the next day we turned to doing whatever the first engineer told us. The vessel finished loading in New Jersey, and we headed to Aruba to complete the load. A T-2 tanker, at that time, was a giant of a ship. Compared to today's tanker, though, it is a dwarf. At that time, tanker articles were for 18 months. That meant I had to remain on board until the ship returned to a U.S. port or pay off in a foreign country under mutual consent-and pay my fare back to the U.S. as well as the replacement's fare to the ship. As we left New Jersey, I was surprised at how smooth the sailing was. With this full load, the ship went right through the waves rather than riding them up and down. Aruba was a nice place for a stopover, and everyone enjoyed the sandy beaches. After completing the load, we headed for India by way of the Suez Canal. I can't recall how long it took to reach Port Said, the entrance to the Suez Canal, where, as in the past, we anchored while awaiting more ships to form a convey. Again, the bumboats were alongside to sell their wares. This was my third time through, and I already had gotten to know a few of them by name. Once through the canal and into the open seas, it was cooler-which was a relief to everyone, most of all the engine department members. Throughout my career with the SIU, I felt that my fellow crew members were like one big helpful family. This was particularly true on the Paoli. I was s s PAOU · · wno aY OMPANY ams so.vKE 01L c 16,600 10N 1ANKEk O\'/NlD ANO Of }.iR.VlAL'l'ER A.KiUUJ.K• Of.AenlA PINEIU'PLB JUIC~ Pi.clde:5 & Olives Cream o! Tomato Soup S . Grav-:r - Cranberrey auce t 'furkey - Dresswg Roas . • • Hain Ii Pineapple Sauce Ba.keel. Virgl.IUa Roa.st Bee! & o.ravy Bu.ttred Brocoli ).lash@(! Potatoes Candied SVleet Pot. - Gr,Peas _ Hot Rolls "'·-• 8 lila:ihed ..u..-.u.P . Pie lU.nce }.lea.ta Pie - • """t' &: C00ki.es - Cake Ice Cream · h Peaches _ Appricots ' C die & Nuts - Fres nst. an Coffee * Tea. Orange & Apples ~ "'·-kin ~-.!.:-------------Stevia.rd. SlU steward departments, even back in 1951, went out of their way to make the holidays special, as is evidenced in this Thanksgiving Day menu from aboard the Paoli. March2002 just 21 years old-out to see the world-out to party. I never thought of upgrading. But then a couple oilers kept after us three wipers and urged us to make rounds with them, showing us the ropes in being an oiler and an FOWT. As we checked the temperatures and recorded them, I was told to use the back of my fingers (which are very sensitive) to feel the motors. The oilers explained the oil system and the FOWTs talked about the steam and water cycle and its purpose. I'd take notes, change burners, clean. It was a good feeling to actually get hands-on training. Reading from a book is good, but there's nothing like actual experience. To this day, I'm grateful to them-and others-who took the time to teach me other ratings on my own time. I will never forget them. The members today have the Paul Hall Center in which to learn. In my time, we had to do it on our own, either aboard ship with the help of other crew members or pay some school ashore to attend classes. Today's members should always be grateful for the schooling they receive. It can help them in their jobs at sea and even after they leave the SIU for whatever reason. This was the first time I was away from home over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays. And while it was a bit gloomy at first, thinking of my mom's roasted turkey and homemade stuffing, the steward department went all out to bring us the spirit of home. They really took pride in their meals and in making the holidays special. After arriving at the mouth of the river to Calcutta, India, we waited for a pilot to take us to where the cargo was to be unloaded through long pipes to huge tanks nearby. I watched as women carried five-gallon tin cans of gasoline on their heads with only a cushion between their heads and the cans, going back and forth all day long. I thought about how we live in the USA and what different lifestyles exist around the world. Sometimes, when we ate astern, we would see birds circling above for scraps of food. We'd toss up bits and pieces and watch them swoop down and catch them. One took a scrap from the fingers of one of us; that's how close they came. Once the cargo was discharged, we headed for Bahrain for a full load. Again, it was a smooth ride, cutting through the heavy seas. After the ballast tanks were pumped out, cargo was then loaded for Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. In Cape Town, I went ashore with Frank LaRosa, John St. John and Jimmy Vitale. Since it was our first time, a steer (someone who takes you where by Walter Karlak you want to go) latched on to us, talking about a place to have drinks, etc. LaRosa urged us onward, so we all followed the steer. Well, it was true; there were women, drinks, soda and music. But it was-of all places-a seamen's mission, the Flying Dutchman. As a grade school student, I had read about Table Mountain in Cape Town. And now I was seeing it. Years later, on a trip aboard the Robin Hood, I actually got to the top of the mountain. What an unbelievable, beautiful view. We departed Cape Town empty, heading for Beaumont, Texas-a trip of about three weeks. All this time, the oilers and FOWTs were teaching us their jobs. When we got off in Beaumont, the three of us wipers went to Port Arthur to take the test-and passed. Now, with an FOWT and oiler's ratings, I felt like a million bucks-and wanted the world to know it. We caught an express bus home to New York, thinking an express route would be a short ride. Boy, how wrong I was. It took something like 4Yi days. The first few hours gazing out the window at the view were fine. But after being cooped up in the same seat and position, it became unbearable, even though we able to get off for Yihour breaks at various times. As we neared the Lincoln tunnel, the Empire State Building was a welcomed sight. After that trip, I swore never to travel by bus any great length again. Trains were just fine. Within a week, I went to the hall to register for a ship. There were two changes this time. The first was that the hall was now in a converted public school in Brooklyn. The second was that I was now in Group 2, not Group 3. It felt good knowing that I now had a choice of an oiler's or FOWT job that book members refused. The new hall was quite something. The shipping board was so big and listed the three departments and the names of the ships, their companies and their runs. There were spaces where a number was placed as to how many men were needed under each department aboard each ship. There were many chairs and tables in the new hall for members to play cards or pass the Now 71 and an SIU pensioner, Walter Karlak was just 21 when he began his career in the SIU. He is pictured here aboard the deck of the Paoli in late 1951. time while waiting for a job call. It was an especially great p]ace to attend the monthly meetings. Whenever Paul Hall spoke, the entire membership listened very carefully. He had a way of getting everyone's attention. With a third trip now under my belt, it was time for a little R&R before shipping out again. I believe that if a member doesn't quit after the first trip, it will be their career, one from which they will retire. There's something about the calling of the sea that can't be explained. Above, birds circle the vessel in search of a few scraps of food. Below, Table Mountain in Cape Town , South Africa, is now a national landmark. The view from the top is something to behold. Seafarers LOS 9 �HANDS-ON TRAINING: Vital Part of Paul Hall Center Courses From its founding in 1967, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has emphasized hands-on training for mariners. In fact, while the recent international trend toward practical demonstration of skills for certification may have caught others off-guard, the Paul Hall Center deftly handled the changes. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. Virtually all of those classes include hands-on training. The Paul Hall Center features comprehensive training for mariners in all three shipboard departments-deck, engine and steward. This includes a widely respected entry training program, plus vocational upgrading courses, academic support and more. Among the school's most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (located on a nearby satellite campus) and the culinary lab. For more information on the school, see page 17 of this issue of the LOG; contact the Paul Hall Center admissions office at P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 206740075; or call (301) 994-0010; or go on-line at http://www.seafarers.org/phc/index.html. ABOVE: David James, Don Midgette (instructor), Jeffrey Pope and others pull a generator rotor. RIGHT: Marcus Peters chips old paint from the bow of a rescue boat. RIGHT: Antonio Torres sports safety glasses and a mask for this assignment. Don Midgette (instructor), Charles Sneed and David Vega check a generator for possible shorts. 10 Seafarers LOS Practicing first aid, Larry Childress wraps a bandage on the wrist of classmate Jon Beard. Chief Cook/Baker Kathleen Johnson prepares lunch with the assistance of phase 3 Unlicensed Apprentice Marvin Smith. Man:h2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups TOTAL SHIPPED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore 2 7 3 12 24 26 10 15 14 17 8 0 8 21 2 31 31 231 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups 1 4 0 6 7 22 6 15 8 11 2 3 7 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 l 1 0 0 0 2 1 3 11 7 1 12 10 4 7 13 18 33 12 6 0 1 9 Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ............. Monday: April 8, May 6 2 11 l 4 1 Algonac ,. ................Friday: April 12, May lO I 9 3 1 8 Baltimore ................ Thursday; April 11, May 9 13 19 41 18 10 19 9 20 11 13 21 11 3 3 12 8 8 0 3 3 16 38 43 25 3 13 32 20 12 8 6 9 3 36 23 17 21 19 5 1 0 1 17 15 6 4 11 12 0 0 1 3 4 8 15 1 0 1 4 3 12 0 1 2 4 2 0 4 43 12 14 9 22 20 10 10 10 5 8 0 14 125 84 194 105 52 4 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, takes, Inland Waters 3 15 57 50 19 17 101 409 218 3 3 0 9 Boston.....................Friday: April 12, May 10 Duluth ..................... Wednesday; April 17, May 15 Honolulu .................Friday: April 19, May 17 10 1 Houston ..................Monday: April 15, May 13 2 2 Jacksonville ............ Thursday; April 11 1 May 9 5 6 12 15 135 Jerse_¥City ...........1~.Wednesday: April 24, May 22 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 O 8 18 9 7 5 11 6 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York ·~ Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltiinore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point · Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Guam Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals FEBRUARY 13, 2002 April &May 2llOZ 2 6 5 6 6 13 2 4 li 10 2 2 0 5 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 I 0 5 l 0 9 0 1 0 6 0 2 0 5 11 4 9 1 15 15 3 3 5 l 3 6 6 22 8 10 33 28 0 1.5 5 2 7 3 4 18 22 10 3 15 1 2 5 10 0 0 0 0 4 2 4 0 2 i 0 2 13 2 2 4 9 2 17 9 63 26 44 188 0 2 5 5 13 6 12 6 6 2 12 3 106 86 49 94 O 2 1 9 11 12 9 6 12 10 0 5 2 15 0 22 19 135 0 1 1 2 3 5 2 7 2 0 4 14 I 5 3 6 0 6 4 5 4 5 9 0 16 2 I 6 14 14 0 5 11 19 7 5 6 2 5 10 1 4 15 1 3 0 11 12 5 164 84 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 7 4 2 0 1 7 0 0 1 2 5 0 5 3 10 1 3 0 7 0 3 9 56 l 2 l 24 8 8 o· 0 10 3 8 1 2 0 0 0 0 I 9 3 0 0 2 3 16 9 2 4 5 9 5 6 0 4 10 0 2 2 0 I 1 3 36 l 3 3 24 14 20 0 0 ' 3 7 1 2 13 0 12 17 4 2 4 3 8 0 1 0 3 0 4 4 0 0 l 2 0 I 0 1 0 13 2 9 0 10 3 59 254 77 53 0 0 0 0 4 7 5 3 6 0 10 0 2 0 0 3 0 2 11 6 4 8 12 3 10 5 24 8 5 15 2 10 6 6 0 1 39 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 6 0 113 36 36 1 8 1 2 0 11 0 42 10 6 3 2 0 0 1 4 37 25 23 60 26 42 11 17 48 20 68 4 3 4 11 0 l 7 1 7 1 3 28 26 4 12 1 5 0 0 16 7 7 4 0 0 1 1 0 1 24 2 9 0 0 5 l 8 0 12 19 1 16 3 25 0 4 21 4 13 1 37 10 159 184 3 5 0 3 2 33 509 426 353 434 19 11 0 17 15 0 8 4 22 1 27 9 4 0 9 0 5 5 24 0 0 1 0 6 3 0 10 6 33 14 86 60 0 56 300 29 376 293 151 204 907 759 648 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Man:h2002 0 8 1 29 0 0 1 0 5 0 18 16 0 0 0 13 4 8 2 3 6 6 0 2 0 l 1 4 0 17 0 37 Personals JAMES LLOYD DAVIS JR. Please contact Carolyn Keen at (757) 543-9343. ERIC J OSEPH OF ELIZABETH, N.J. Please contact Suzy Joseph at (818) 509-1659. llY Gav. Pataki Signs 'Card Check' Measure New York Gov. George Pataki (R) in December made American labor history when he became the first governor of any party to sign into law a streamlined method of unionization-"card check" or "card check recognition." Pataki inked the card check bill Dec. 4 while addressing (via satellite) the nearly 1,000 delegates-including SIU President Michael Sacco-who attended the AFL-CIO Convention in Las Vegas. Denis Hughes, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, introduced him to the federation. Under card check, workers can choose a union to represent their interests simply by signing cards saying they favor unionizing. Once a majority of employees at a workplace signs these cards, they gain union representation. The new law became effective Jan. 28. "The process of unionization is not always easy and easily accomplished," Pataki told the delegates. "It can be thwarted by unscrupulous employers." Before affixing his signature to the legislation, he added, "The card check bill is an important step toward eliminating unnecessary hurdles while also ensuring fairness." Pataki received a standing ovation from the delegates. Seafarers LOS 11 �l\T1'1U monthly Shipping A Registration Report JANUARY 2002 Michael Sa«<» President AU Groups Group I Group II ' ·David Heindelr Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, /lice President Contracts REGISTERED ON BEACH TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED John F11y;ExeCJ1,ttve Vice President Group III Group I AU Groups Group II Trip Group III All Groups Group I Group II Group III Reliefs Tom Orzedlowski, ' fi'lu Pre$ident Lakes and Inland WCiters Dean Corgey, rice President Gulf Coast Nkbolas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at large II( HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaz.a, Sujte 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 969 l l (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU . . 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St, Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY _99¥ontgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BtDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 LapaJco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., .Brooklyn, Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk 0 Savannah Tacoma 2 12 7 10 10 4 9 Totals 55 San Pedro • DECK DEPARTMENT Port 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 6 5 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 4 5 1 2 4 2 27 Totals 0 2 10 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 4 6 0 2 0 2 2 18 0 0 0 3 Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro 5 1 Totals All Departments 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 7 23 0 8 11 0 10 49 0 0 0 3 15 7 10 119 0 0 1 6 6 7 44 3 1 9 0 10 0 2 1 3 0 1 3 27 2 1 0 9 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 11 0 0 19 3 3 35 3 0 10 0 16 1 0 0 0 1 6 7 4 3 3 14 2 0 3 2 ,~.~~ .. ;..,..;;..._._.-~ 1 12 22 89 0 2 3 1 0 19 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 JI 3 15 2 3 0 2 3. 0 1 8 0 2 3 18 6 0 40 5 5 2 16 0 0 0 l 2 3 0 1 2 2 11 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Totals 2 4 3 0 Port Savannah Tacoma 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Savannah Tacoma 25 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro 0 7 3 5 2 2 4 2 4 0 3 2 2 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 l 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 3 3 17 20 6 0 0 117 40 11 49 0 0 0 6 7 0 2 2 2 21 2 23 107 0 13 7 36 0 0 24 2 30 0 4 50 4 4 40 104 77 298 177 106 0 2 5 12 Y 11232 1 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third SL, Norfolk, VA 23510 (7 57) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Di vision: (415) 86 J-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 458 I Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South UnionAve., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave_, Wilmington, CA 90744 (3 10) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by James Norris of Manchester, N.H. The one at right was taken of the captain, maitre'd and waiters in the dining room of the SS Yarmouth, an Eastern Steamship Lines vessel which sailed from Boston to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The year was around 1951. The other photo was snapped in Okinawa, Japan in 1945 aboard the SS Typhoon, a troop carrier. From the left are Ken Paine, Jim Norris and Eddie Carvalho. Norris worked as a butcher aboard that ship. Trained at Sheepshead Bay, Norris sailed with the union from 1945 until the mid1950s, primarily in the steward department. After his maritime career, he went into the landscape contracting business. March2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne captain and a recertified steward are among the 14 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Joseph M. Bethel sailed as a captain in the inland division while Alexander P. Reyer completed the highest level of training available to members who sail in the steward department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Reyer, seven of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Six others, including Bethel, navigated the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. Seven of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA RICHARD ALMOJERA, 61 , started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. The New Orleans native first shipped on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Almojera sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1995 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard Puerto Marine Management's Elizabeth. Brother Almojera lives in Philadelphia. JAMES BRINKS, 61 , joined the SIU in 1963 in Houston, after serving in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The deck department member last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Stonewall Jackson . He is a resident of Picayune, Miss. WILLIAM BLAND, 60, was born in Illinois. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. Brother Bland served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1964. He first sailed aboard the Amerigo, a Crest Overseas Shipping Co., Inc. vessel. Brother Bland shipped in the engine department. Santurce, P.R. is bis home. GEORGE CAL LARD JR., 64, joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. Born in Baltimore, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. Brother Callard's initial voyage for the SIU was aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1976. He last went to sea on the Franklin J. Phillips, a Maersk Line vessel. Brother Callard makes his home in Atlanta. MASUD ABDUL LATEEF, 64, bails from Independence, La. He began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Lateef served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He first went to sea aboard the Topa Topa, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked on the Stonewall Jackson , another Waterman ship. Brother Lateef lives in Arabi, La. KENNETH C. McGREGOR, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother McGregor served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1957. His initial SIU voyage was aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. The deck department member upgrad- Welcoming Rep. Pelosi ed his skills in 1996 and 1998 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He last worked on the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother McGregor makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. ALEXANDERP. REYER, 51, was born in Baltimore. He joined the Seafarers in 1978 in San Francisco. His first ship was Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Magdalena. The steward department member upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. and completed the steward recertification course there in 1985. His most recent voyage was aboard the LNG Taurus , a PRONAV Ship Management vessel. He lives in San Francisco. MOHAMED H. SHAIE, 64, began his SIU career in 1967 in San Francisco. He first shipped aboard the Warrior, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in Arabia, he worked in the engine department. Brother Shaie's final SIU voyage was aboard the Producer, a CSX vessel. San Francisco is his borne. INLAND JOSEPH M. BETHEL, 61 , hails from Pennsylvania. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Bethel served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He first shipped on a Taylor Marine Towing Co. vessel. He sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1989. Boatman Bethel last worked at the helm of a Moran Towing Co. of Philadelphia vessel. He resides in Richboro, Pa. ROBERT M. illEL, 65, began his SIU career in 1978 in Detroit. He first shipped aboard the Niagara, operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. Boatman Hiel worked in both the steward and engine departments during his career. He last sailed on a vessel operated by OLS Transport. Boatman Hiel lives in Troy, Mich. DAVIDF. LAFFAN, 55, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Rhode Island native served in the U.S . Navy from 1962 to 1976. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing Co. Boatman Laffan shipped in the steward department and upgraded bis skills at the Seafarers training school in 1997. He calls Mapleville, R.I. home. JOHN N. LINDWALL, 61 , joined the SIU in 1973 in the port Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 The first annual convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America was held in San Francisco. In addition to acting on a large number of proposals designed to strengthen the international, the convention unanimously chose Harry lundeberg as president of the SIUNA. Elected as executive secretary· treasurer was Tex Skinner. 1960 ceiling. Man:h 2002 HENRY WILLIFORD, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1969. Boatman Williford L--1-.:::..~~~L-....J worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. The Alabama-born mariner shipped in the deck department. He resides in Mobile, Ala. GREAT LAKES DAVID KLOSS, 65 , was born in Erie, Pa. He joined the Seafarers in 1988 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Kloss worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Upper Lakes Towing Co. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills often in Piney Point, Md. Brother Kloss makes his home in Fairpoint Harbor, Ohio. 1992 A loophole in maritime safety standards of the nation 1s rivers and lakes endangers the lives and working conditions of crew members aboard tugs and towboats, and Congress should enact legislation to rectify the situation, the SIU told a congressional panel last month. There is a lack of uni· formity between the requirements that must be met by individuals employed on various vessels, the union said in testimo· ny before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation. The union noted that on the one hand, individuals working aboard deep sea ships and Great Lakes vessels must carry a Coast Guard document and, in some cases, a license. On the other hand, crew members on tugs and towboats plying the 25,777 miles that make up the nation's inland waterways and on boats under 100 gross tons in coastal waters are not required to hold Coast Guard documents. From the SIU's standpoint, every individual working aboard any vessel must have confidence in his fellow crew members and their ability to handle the vessel in any situation, including emergencies that may arise. THJSMONTH JN SIU HISTORY The new schedule of increased surgical bene· fits for Seafarers, dependents and SIU oldtimers was authorized by union and shipowner trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The increases are retroactive to March 1, 1960 and represent higher payments of as much as 50 percent within the existing $300 benefit U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the House Democratic Whip, attended the annual Thanksgiving festivities at the SIU hall in San Francisco this past November. Pictured with Rep. Pelosi are (left) California State AFL-CIO Pres. Emeritus Jack Henning and retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney, who still serves on the executive committee of the San Francisco Labor Council. .. of Philadelphia. Boatman Lindwall served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961. He worked primarily aboard Maritrans vessels. The deck department member was born in Philadelphia, but now calls Vineland, N.J. home. This was the first increase in the surgical schedule since the program began almost five years ago. The complete medical, surgical, hospitaJ program covering Seafarers' wives, dependent children and dependent parents, as well as SIU old-timers receiving disability benefits, has paid out a total of $997,206.39 since it began. Seafarers LOS 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JAMES ALEXANDER Pensioner James Alexander, 78, died Nov. 2. Brother Alexander began his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in San ..-......_.........:ii..ili:..i.~L..d Francisco. Born in the Philippines, the deck department member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Portland. Brother Alexander retired in 1983. He made his borne in the Philippines. RICHARD CASTERLIN Pensioner Richard Casterlin, 73, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Casterlin started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The Pennsylvania native shipped in the steward department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1971. Brother Casterlin was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. IVEY COX Pensioner Ivey Cox, 73, died Oct. 18. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. The Florida native first sailed aboard an Isco vessel. A member of the deck department, his final sea voyage was aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Cox started receiving his pension in 1992. Vesuvius, Va. was his home. ALBERTO "AL" FRAN IA .-----==-----, Pensioner Alberto "Al" Francia, 77, died Dec. 17. Brother Francia started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born ........a~i£..._--- in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1978. Brother Francia was a resident of Cypress, Calif. SEON GREAVES -------, Pensioner Seon Greaves, 77, passed away Nov. 20. Born in St. Vincent, Grenadines, he began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1976. Brother Greaves lived in Foley, Fla. DAVID HESTAND Brother David Hestand, 48, died Dec. 21. The Denver native started his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. ~~-~~-~ Brother Hestand sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. His initial voyage was aboard the JB. Ford, an Inland Lakes Management vessel. A bosun, he last went to sea aboard Pacific GulfMarine's Diamond State. Brother Hestand called Galveston, Texas home. REVELS POOVEY Pensioner Revels Poovey, 76, died 14 Seafarers LOG Dec. 13. The Hickory, N.C. native joined the Seafarers in 1966 in San Francisco. Brother Poovey served in the U.S . Army as 1--~-~=--___J well as the U.S. Navy. His first voyage for the Seafarers was aboard the Fairport, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The steward department member last went to sea on Westchester Marine Corp. 's Charleston. Brother Poovey started receiving retirement stipends in 1993. Greenville, S.C. was his home. JAMES LAWSON JOE ALLBRITTEN IRA SAWYER Pensioner James Lawson, 64, died Nov. 22. Brother Lawson began his SIU career in 1977, joining in Detroit. Born in St. Ignace, Mich., he shipped in the deck department. Brother Lawson last worked aboard the John Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He started receiving compensation for his retirement last year. Brother Lawson was a resident of Clay, Mich. Pensioner Joe Allbritten, 79, passed away Sept. 7. Boatman Allbritten joined the Seafarers in 1962 in St. Louis. A veteran of the U.S. Army, the Murray, Ky. native first sailed for the SIU aboard an Eagle Marine Industries, Inc. vessel. Boatman Allbritten shipped in the deck department. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Boatman Allbritten resided in Kentucky. Pensioner Ira Sawyer, 79, passed away Dec. 19. The Beaufort, N.C. native joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. Boatman Sawyer first sailed aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp vessel. The steward department member started receiving his retirement stipend in 1984. He called Belhaven, N.C. home. J OE SPAK J OHNTAMAN Pensioner Joe Spak, 80, passed away Oct. 27. The Ohio native joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deep sea as well as Great Lakes divisions. Brother Spak's initial SIU voyage was aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. 's Lemmerhirt. An engine department member, he last worked on the San Juan , a Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. vessel. Brother Spak started receiving his pension in 1987 and resided in Puerto Rico. Pensioner John Taman, 77, passed away Dec. 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Taman served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. The deck department member last worked on the Nicolet, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Taman started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989. He called Marathon, Fla. home. JOHN SWIDERSKI Pensioner John Swiderski, 86, died Sept. 12. Brother Swiderski started his SIU career in 1948 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army and first sailed for the SIU aboard Isco's Steel Apprentice. The New Yorkborn deck department member last worked on the Tamara Guilden , a Transport Commercial Corp. vessel. Brother Swiderski began receiving his pension in 1977. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. DONALD THOMPSON Pensioner Donald Thompson, 80, passed away Nov. 20. He began his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Thompson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940 to 1945. His initial SIU voyage was aboard a Columbia Steamship Co. vessel. The steward department member was born in New York. He last worked on the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Thompson, who lived in Antioch, Calif, began receiving retirement compensation in 1988. JESSIE VOLIVA Pensioner Jessie Voliva, 78, died Nov. 29. Brother Voliva joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was born in North Carolina and worked in the deck department. His final sea voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Voliva began receiving his pension in 1977. He called Edenton, N.C. home. L.,.,oj_ _ ...._......__ . . _ GREAT LAKES SAMUEL BOSSARD Pensioner Samuel Bossard, 80, passed away Oct. 6. The Wisconsin native started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in Duluth, Minn. Brother Bossard served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941to1945 . A member of the deck department, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Co. Brother Bossard started receiving his pension in 1988. He made his home in Oakland, Wis. CARMEN THOMPSON Pensioner Carmen Thompson, 77, died Dec. 17. Brother Thompson started his SIU career in 1957 -~ in Cleveland. He served in the U.S . Navy from 1941 to 1947. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the deep sea vessel Del Mar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. The steward department member transferred to the Great Lakes division, last working aboard Pringle Transit Co. 's William Roesch. He started receiving his pension in 1989 and lived in Newton, N.C. INLAND ROY ALCOCK Pensioner Roy Alcock, 75, died Nov. 19. Boatman Alcock started his SIU career in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Born in Pamlico County, N.C., he shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Alcock started receiving his pension in 1997 and made his home in Harkers Island, N.C. WILLIAM AUCOIN Pensioner William Aucoin, 62, died Dec. 5. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1964. The Lake Charles, La., native served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Boatman Aucoin worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines, Inc. He started receiving his retirement stipend in 1996. Boatman Aucoin was a resident of Evangeline, La. CHARLES FLETCHER Pensioner Charles Fletcher, 79, passed away Nov. 15. Boatman Fletcher started his SIU career in 1974, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Alabama native shipped in the deck department. He last worked on a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Fletcher started collecting payments for his retirement in 1986. He made bis home in Bay Minette, Ala. EMIL KOMINSKY Pensioner Emil Kominsky, 83, passed away Nov. 13. Boatman Kaminsky began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of Philadelphia. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. His initial voyage for the SIU was aboard a Moran Towing Co. of Philadelphia vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Taylor Marine Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Kominsky started receiving his pension in 1987. The Pennsylvania-born mariner lived in Philadelphia. ELDON MARSHALL Pensioner Eldon Marshall, 76, died Dec. 19. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1967inSt. Louis. Boatman Marshall served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 . Born in Palmyra, Ind., he shipped in the engine department. Boatman Marshall started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994. He was a resident of New Albany, Ind. HUBERT LANDRY Pensioner Hubert Landry, 82, passed away Oct. 4 . He started his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. The Port Arthur, Texas native's first voyage was aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Landry shipped as a master. He last worked at the helm of a Hvide Marine vessel. Boatman Landry started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1981 . He made his home in Vidor, Texas. ROLAND SEYB JR. Boatman Roland Seyb Jr., 46, died Nov. 25. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1982 in the port of Algonac, Mich. The deck department member was born in Illinois. He made his home in Beverly Hills, Fla. JOHN WHITTINGTON Pensioner John Whittington, 72, passed away Sept. 18. Boatman Whittington started his career with the Seafarers in 1969, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. He served in the U.S . Army from 1956 to 1964. Born in Hopewell, Va., Boatman Whittington worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Cg. of Vi~gi!\t~ s st~_s receiving·his pension in 1992. Boatman Whittington was a resident of Claremont, Va. DANIEL YOUNG Boatman Daniel Young, 75, died Sept. 19. He began his SIU career in 1958 in the port of Houston. Boatman Young first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Suwannee Steamship Co. Born in Illinois, he worked in the engine department. His last voyage was on a G&H Towing vessel. During his career, he sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Boatman Young lived in Uriah, Ala. AnANTIC FISHERMAN CARLO MOCERI Pensioner Carlo Moceri, 80, died Nov. 9. Brother Moceri started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in Gloucester, L.....;..lio.-...::::..._.i;;:=:..£::...__J Mass., before it merged with the AGIWD. Born in Detroit, Brother Moceri was a resident of Gloucester and started receiving his pension in 1983. RAILROAD MARINE MICHAEL POWELL RALPH SCOTT Pensioner Michael Powell, 57, died Dec. 27. Boatman Powell began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native first sailed on a vessel operated by Michigan Tankers, Inc. A captain, he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Powell started receiving his pension in 1999 and made his home in Poqouson, Va. Pensioner Ralph Scott, 77, passed away Dec. 23 . Brother Scott started his career with the Seafarers in 197 0 in the port - I E : . . - - - ' - - " " " - - . 1 of New York. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by the marine division of Penn Central Railroad Co. A member of the deck department, he started receiving his pension in 1994. Brother Scott made his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. Man:h2002 �pigcst of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space /imitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), Oct. 28-Chairman Jack Walker, Secretary Elmo G. Malacas, Educational Director LeBarron West, Deck Delegate Christopher Kicey, Engine Delegate Bob Santos, Steward Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman announced receipt of new TVI satellite dish. He also stated coveralls available. If members want to be paid in lieu of day off, they should complete the appropriate paperwork. Payoff is every 15th of the month. Automatic deposits are sent twice a month. Anyone wishing to start the process should give void check (which includes necessary bank information) to captain. Thanks given to all members who donated to the World Trade Center fund. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and of completing required STCW training by Feb. 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime requirement for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Nov. 28-Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Brandon D. 1i~ur.1a<ru2:1 .. · nal Director Clive A.~Stew~rd Sr., 'Engine Delegate Wilmer B. Mccants. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 11 in Houston. Treasurer stated $145 in ship's fund and $71 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew held discussion on handling and care of DVDs and videotapes. ENTERPRISE(CSX Lines), Nov. 22-Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Mohsin Ali, Engine Delegate Charles Johnson, Steward Delegate Don Spangler. Chairman spoke about tax allowance benefit and how it can help crew members. Secretary reminded everyone of Feb. 1, 2002 deadline to comply with STCW convention. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $49 left in movie fund after purchase of 18 new videos. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and discussed pertaining to OT, vacation time, good & welfare and amendment questions. Requests made for painting of crew laundry, chair for ABs in bridge, and new mattresses and pillows for entire unlicensed crew. Thanks given to steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving holiday feast. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), Nov. 25-Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgardo M. Vaquez, Educational Director Reginald Abrams, Deck Delegate Roger J. Reinke. Everything running smoothly, according to chairman, with payoff scheduled Nov. 30 in Jacksonville. Secretary reminded crew members that they're running out of time to comply with STCW. Educational director stressed importance of applying to Piney Point to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew happy with health and benefit plan's new prescription drug coverage. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), Nov. 11-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Peggy A. Wilson, Steward Delegate Stephanie B. Smith. Chairman advised everyone to read Seaf arers LOG as it is the official line of communication between the union and its members at sea and ashore. He also announced payoff on arrival in San Juan, P.R. Educational director talked about opportunities for upgrading at Paul Hall Center and about upcoming STCW compliance deadline. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Reminder given that USDA-approved salad bar is to continue as per union agreement when vessel is reduced to three-person steward department serving two, not three, entrees. Steward Doffoh, on behalf of crew, thanked Fernando L. Vega for wonderful work and for being good shipmate. "We will all miss him and wish him well." Next port: Philadelphia, Pa. ITS PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), Nov. 28- Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Kenneth L. McHellen, Educa- Gemini Crew Readies to Dock Some of the crew members aboard the LNG Gemini pose on deck in December 2001 as the vessel approaches the dock in Osaka , Japan. From the left are AB Charles D. Ja.mes, Bosun Jack J. Cooper, GUDE G. Mason, AB Mark S. Smith and QMED S. Hoskins. tional Director Jose M. Ramirez, Deck Delegate Homar L. McField, Engine Delegate Carlos A. Arauz. Chairman announced ship back on Texas City to South Forida run. Everything going smoothly. He reminded crew they will need current STCW training to continue shipping after Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Anyone who needs new mattresses or pillows should check with captain. All showers to be repaired. Crew aboard !TB Philadelphia requests satellite service. Next ports: Jacksonville, Port Everglades, Texas City. SEALAND ACHIEVER (Maersk Lines), Nov. 11-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Michael H. Shappo, Engine Delegate Ronnie Hamilton, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chairman led discussion on STCW deadline. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade to better jobs at the school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to send newsletter by e-mail to vessel. TV reception in crew lounge in need of improvement. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Savannah, Ga.; Portsmouth, Va. USNS SUMNER (DynMarine Services), Nov. 4--Chairman Arthur W. Cross, Secretary lsoline Major, Educational Director Jerald Young, Deck Delegate Charles Mull, Engine Delegate Michael Hinton, Steward Delegate Greg McHugh. Chairman and educational director spoke about need for STCW compliance by Feb. I, 2002. While in Hawaii, bosun will check if those who have not taken the required training may do so while ship is in port. Everyone asked to post sign whenever wet paint is on any surface. Secretary asked for suggestions (likes and dislikes) for menuplanning purposes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer announced $352.11 in ship's fund. Crew members were informed ship will receive $50 bonus for every month without an accident. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Dec. I-Chairman Michael Eaton, Secretary Mary Lou Smith, Steward Delegate Audry C. Flemings. Chairman announced payoff in Savannah, Ga. He urged crew members to comply with STCW training requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. Clarification requested by secretary on premier health plan for family members. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HM/ DEFENDER (Seabulk), Dec. 4--Chairman Jam es E. Reed, Secretary Gwendolyn Shin".' holster, Deck Delegate Tan Joon. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 5 in Lake Charles, La. Secretary reminded crew about approaching deadline for STCW training. Some disputed OT noted by deck delegate. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great menu and fantastic meals. Thanks also given to deck department for good job on deck. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Dec. 9- Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Romalies J. Jones, Educational Director Marcos Hill, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Robert L. Stevenson. Chairman stressed need for mariners to com- ply with basic safety training requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 in order to continue sailing. Educational director reminded crew members to upgrade at union's school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made for LOGs to.be sent to ship as well as new ice cream box in pantry and water fountain on main deck. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lines), Dec. 16--Chairrnan Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Alfredo 0. Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Robert J. Hamil, Deck Delegate Eric Vonzell, Engine Delegate Warren H. Wright. Chairman noted no complaints or injuries this voyage. He stressed safety in work areas, including wearing proper gear. Secretary said he was happy to be aboard over Christmas holiday and reminded crew members to upgrade skills for better jobs working in the maritime industry. Educational director talked about upcoming STCW deadline and advised crew to think "safety" at Christmas Eve in China This photo was taken Christmas Eve, 2001, after the Defender, a U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel, docked in Ningpo, China, one of its regular ports of call. Taking in the city's sights are (from left) BR Ahmed M. Mozeb, Deck Cadet Jeffrey Kirby, AB Raymond P. Vicari and AB Frank Cammuso. (It was Cammuso who sent this picture to the LOG.) Cuevas, Deck Delegate Kevin K. O'Neill. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 31 in Callau, Peru after stops in Panama and Colombia. Secretary thanked ship's crew for keeping rooms clean. Educational director talked about educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,220 in ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT e ed. All ew e b rs reminded to wear hard hats when walking through port areas during cargo operations. Thanks given to steward department for "awesome job." · MOTIVATOR (USSM), Dec. 3-Chairman Edward C. Winne, Engine Delegate Sheldon S. Greenberg. Chairman led discussion of new contract from articles · in LOG. Ship awaiting actual copy of agreement. Some disputed OT reported in steward department. Recommendation made to get copy of payroll voucher two days before payoff. Clarification requested on allowable transportation. Crew members would like to have customs clear ship in hour after docking in Rotterdam. Also requested shuttle service from ship to gate. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas Corp.), Dec. 27-Chairman Gary L. Dates, Secretary Earl N. Gray Sr:, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate Linton L. Reynolds Jr., Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Chairman thanked crew for cooperation in keeping ship clean and advised them to get STCW training completed by Feb. 1, 2002. Secretary cautioned that those Seafarers who don't receive STCW training by deadline will not be allowed to sail. He also stressed importance of supporting SPAD-now more than ever. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on pension credits and transportation eligibility. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: New Orleans, La. RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Dec. 22-Chairman Lance X. Zollner, all times. Treasurer (bosun) stated $160 in ship's fund to be used for purchase of movies in Taiwan. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward/baker for a great job on holiday preparations, including Christmas tree and decorations. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEALAND PRIDE (US-SM], Dec. 16--Chairman Jessie L. Thomas Jr., Secretary Alphonso L. Holland, Educational Director Grant W. Schuman, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced payoff in Houston. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $90 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for refrigerator in each member's room. Steward department given vote of thanks. SPIRIT(CSX Lines), Dec. 9Chairrnan Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Deck Delegate Andre J. Bernard, Engine Delegate Guy Leary, Steward Delegate Musaid Abdulla. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 14 in Tacoma, Wash, then on to Honolulu, where the ship will probably spend a few days, including Christmas. He thanked members for good trip and for following safety procedures. He advised them to have TRBs signed before leaving vessel. Educational director noted time is running short to comply with required STCW training. He noted Piney Point facility has good instructors and will help members attain their educational goals. Treasurer (bosun) stated $140 in video funds. Crew members approved purchase of new TV next trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks to steward department for delicious barbecue. Thanks also to chief engineer for making two picnic tables and for supplying crew with daily news from the internet. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. Seafarers LOG 15 �Know Your Rights 'i ~ . Co eand see ow wrkers and campuies cooperate tu make goad America products. f m steelworkers to stage ands, computer tee nicians ta autmna ers, bakers to brieklayers, see killed nrurs i t•e Jes lbat prad ce tbe ' st products and semen aa eartb. APRll 5-8 Friday, April 5, 12 •a lt 1p.m. lat.· Sn. · 181., April H 11 a.m. to 1,.11. MINNEAPOLIS CDNVINTIDN CENTER FAMILY fUN • fRH ADMISSION MIRE THIN 300 EXHIBITS Riff LIS • PRIZIS Produced and managed by the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO Scholarship Applications Due April 15 Have you been putting off applying for college because you just don't have the money? If you are a Seafarer or a dependent child or spouse of an SIU member, that is not an excuse because the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will award $132,000 in scholarships this year. Since the union began its scholarship program in 1952, many Seafarers and their · family members have been awarded higher education grants and gone on to realize their educational goals. This year, one Seafarer will be eligible to receive a $20,000 scholarship for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other Seafarers will have the opportunity to be awarded $6,000 each for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining five scholarships will be presented to the spouses and dependent children of SIU members. Each of these $20,0QO awards is for use at a four-year college or university. Because the Health and Benefits Plan receives many applications for the scholarships, it is often quite difficult to determine t~e eight recipients. Therefore, all applicants should fill out the application form as thoroughly as possible and provide all the requested information by the due date. Deadline The completed applications ~UST be mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE April 15, 2002. Some of the items that need to accompany the written application form are transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, scores from college entrance examination tests, a photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Also, those who have previously appli d for a S afarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. (Eligibility requirements are spelfod out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The program booklets also are available.at the SIU halls.) April 15 is only one month away! But there still is time to send in your application. Good luck! Complete the coupon below and mail to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2002 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P Mariner's Social Security Number - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street Address Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: 0 Self 0 Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 3/02 16 Seafarers LOii FINANCIAL REPORTS. The carry out this responsibility. Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, PAYMENT OF MONIES. No Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters monies are to be paid to anyone in District makes specific provision for any official capacity in the SIU safeguarding the membership's unless an official union receipt is money and union finances. The con- given for same. Under no circumstitution requires a detailed audit by stances should any member pay any certified public accountants every money for any reason unless he is year, which is to be submitted to the given such receipt. In the event anymembership by the secretary-trea- one attempts to require any such surer. A yearly finance committee of payment be made without supplying rank-and-file members, elected by a receipt, or if a member is required the membership, each year examines · to make a payment and is given an the finances of the union and reports official receipt, but feels that he or fully their findings and recommen- she should not have been required to dations. The annual financial com- make such payment, this sh.ould mittee will be elected during the immediately be reported to union March 4, 2002 headquarters mem- headquarters. bership meeting to review the 2001 CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specif- AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of ic recommendations and separate the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should findings. obtain copies of this constitution so TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of as to familiarize themselves with its the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and contents.· Any time a member feels Inland Waters District are adminis- any other member or officer is tered in accordance with the provi- attempting to deprive him or her of sions of various trust fund agree- any constitutional right or obligation ments. All these agreements specify by any methods, such as dealing with that the trustees in charge of these charges, trials, etc., as well as all funds shall equally consist of union other details, the member so affected and management representatives and should immediately notify headquartheir alternates. All expenditures and ters. disbursements of trust funds are EQUAL RIGHTS. All members made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust are guaranteed equal rights in fund financial records are available employment and as members of the at the headquarters of the various SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in trust funds. the contracts which the union has SHIPPING RIGHTS. A mem- negotiated with the employers. ber's shipping rights and seniority Consequently, no member may be are protected exclusively by con- discriminated against because of tracts between the union and the race, creed, color, sex, national or employers. Members should get to geographic origin. know their shipping rights. Copies of If any member feels that li: e these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members is denied the equal rights to which he believe there have been violations of or she is entitled, the member should their shipping or seniority rights as notify union headquarters. contained in the contracts between POLITICAL SEAFARERS the union and the employers, they ACTIVITY DONATIO should notify the Seafarers Appeals SPAD. SPAD is a separa e segregatBoard by certified mail, return ed fund. Its proceeds are used to furreceipt requested. The proper ther its objects and purposes includaddress for this is: ing, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interAugustin Tellez, Chairman ests of maritime workers, the preserSeafarers Appeals Board vation and furthering of the. 5201 Auth Way American merchant marine with Camp Springs, MD 20746 improved employment opportunities Full copies of contracts as referred for seamen and boatmen and the to are ·available to members at all advancement of trade union contimes, either by writing directly to cepts. In connection with such the union or to the Seafarers Appeals objects, SPAD supports and conBoard. tributes to political candidates for CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU elective office. All contributions are contracts are available .in all SIU voluntary. No contribution may be halls. These contracts specify the solicited or received because of . wages and conditions under which force, job discrimination, financial an SIU member works and lives . reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or aboard a ship or boat. Members as a condition of membership in the should know their contract rights, as union or of employment. If a contriwell as their obligations, such as fil- bution is made by reason of the ing for overtime (OT) on the proper above improper conduct, the memsheets and in the proper manner. If, ber should notify the Seafarers at any time, a member believes that International Union or SPAD by ceran SIU patrolman or other union tified mail within 30 days of the conofficial fails to protect their contrac- tribution for investigation and approtual rights properly, he or she should priate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support contact the nearest SIU port agent. SPAD to protect and further his or EDITORIAL POLICY ~ THE her economic, political and social SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers · interests, and American trade union LOG traditionally has refrained from concepts. publishing any article serving the NOTIFYING THE UNION-If political purposes of any individual at any time a member feels that any in the union, officer or member. It also ~as refrained from publishing of the above rights have been violatarticles deemed harmful to the union ed, or that he or she has been denied or its collective membership. This the constitutional right of access to established policy has been reaf- union records or information, the firmed by membership action at the member should immediately notify September 1960 meetings in all con- SIU President Michael Sacco at stitutional ports. The responsibility headquarters by certified mail, return for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President an editorial board which consists of Seafarers International Union the executive board of the union. The 5201 Auth Way executive board may delegate, from Camp Springs, MD 20746. among its ranks, one individual to March2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from March through June 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course~s. start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. . Deck Upgrading Courses Arrival Course Date Date of Completion Ahle Seaman April 1 May13 April 26 June7 Automatic Rad,a r Plotting Aids* March 23 April 27 March 29 May3 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland March 30 Aprils Bridge Resource Management March4 March 8 . (*tnl4t l~e. ""~ar 11nl'!niJed) (BRM) - Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week begjnning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 7. Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler April 29 June 7 QMED -Any Rating Aprll29 July 19 Welding March 4 April 1 May6 March 22 April 19 May24 Course Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting March 18 March 28 ·. March 4 April 1 April 29 May27 Government Vessels l!nl~ited* Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*pnrequisiilt tefiiirtd) March 22 MarchU Aprll 15 May20 April 26 May31 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 18 April 15 April 29 Mayl3 March 29 April 26 May 10 May24 Radar March 11 March 20 Specialty Trained OS March4 April 1 April 29 May27 March 15 ' A.pril 12 STCW Me!fj~_a!_~are Provider May20 June7 Aprll 15 April 26 March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25 Aprill April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 May6 March8 March 15 March 22 · March29 April 5 April 12 April 19 April 26 Ma 3 _MaylO March 11 - April 1 March 15 Aprils Academic Department Courses General educatio_µ and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. May3 April 8 March 22 April 19 May17 June 14 (*must have basic fire fighting) Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Recertification Bosun Date of Completion Start Date Course - - - --.;_~;.;;:., .._,.__,_, .... ,_._,_,_~-~·--· ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aQPlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The pavment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ __ __ Telephone _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # - - - - - - - - - - Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ __ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes ONo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken Man:h2002 D No CPR: D Yes DNo LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and . Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable Jaws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 3102 Seafarers LOG 17 ... �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrical Maintenance - Graduating from the marine electrical maintenance course Feb. 15 are (from left, front row) Scott Lucero, Samuel Kramer, David Jones, (second row) Louis Champa, Neil Carter, Brooks Gault, (back row) Jeffrey Pope, Dwight Ward, Charles Sneed, Don Midgette (instructor) and David Vega. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Upgrading SIU members who completed the water survival/lifeboat co Feb. 1 are (in no particular order) Kenny Gaston , Abraham Medina, Eric Norales, Trevorous Ellison, H umba, Bernard Clark, Fred Litsch, David Martz, Travis Hosea, Joseph Tier, Harlan Hulst, James Morris, Christopher Dunn, Michael Knitter, Sean Farra, Jeff Bruton, John Daunoras, Ronnie Jackson, Michael Thomas, Isaac Spencer, Mark Cooper, Willie Harrington and David Lund. Computer Lab Classes ARPA-_- Completing the course in automatic radar and plotting aids Jan. 25 are (from left) Wayne Berry, Rick Cavalier, Mike Schmidt and their instructor, Mike Smith. I>: Thomas Fiorella shows off his certificates of achievement in computer courses as instructor Rick Prucha looks on. Fiorella mastered Beginning Excel and Windows 95 Operating System Jan. 18. While at the Paul Hall Center, he also completed the Galley Ops and Government Vessels courses. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Mark Halberg, Omar Hasson , Teddy Hendricks, Mario Henriquez, Dawn Hill , Mark Hoffman, Neville Hughes, Frank Illuzzi , Gregory Jenkins, Victor Jimenez, Kevin Jones, Romalie Jones, Amed Kety, Donald Klopp, Michael Krechel , George Lee, Carlos Lewis, Daniel Lovely, Breon Lucas, Michael Lulley, Lebindra Maharaj, Albert Maietti, Felix Martinez and Jose Mendez. Varney Milner, Max Munnigh , Wayne Naysnerski, Rusty Norman , Lorenzo Nunez-Cacho, Charles Pleasant, Steven Rivera , Priscilla Rodriguez, James Romeo, Mohamed Salem, Selahattin Savak, Eugene Scandurra, Samuel Scott, William Scott, Clyde Smith, Terry Smith, Ahmed Sultan, Michael Sutton , Anthony Townes, Joe Tuata, Julio Witty, Roberto Zepeda and Francisco Calix. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Training ClaSS8S ~ 18 Seafarers LOB Man:ll2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Frank Sison, Wesley Smith, James Souci, Yokie Sudjono, Tyrell Thabit, Alexandru Tolnaci, Stephen Trotman, Claudio Udan Jr. , William Vargas, Luis Vasquez, Paul Wade, John Walsh, Francis Webster, Charles Whitehead Jr., Walter Wilde, Joseph Williams IV, Paul Williams, Gerald Stevens, Richard Worobey, Wallace Williams and Alfred Mcintyre. (Note: not all are pictured.) Basic Safety Training Classes John Smith, Kenneth Smith, Angel Soto, James Soto, Karl Stallings Sr., Tammie Stallworth, Joseph Stella, Eddy Stwaeard, Randolph Tannis, Dmitri Tartskov, Frank Thompson Jr., Ronalda Torres, Timothy Vaefaga, Milton Walters, Michael Watts, Gerald Wells, James Williams, Kevin Williams, Jan Willis, Wendell Wilmoth, Robert Wright Jr. and Yelena Slyusar. (Note: not all are pictured.) Earl Jones, Jessie Jones, Keith Jordan, Michael Kirby, Charles Kunesh, Oscar Lacayo-Ruiz, Delia Lambert, Mustan Lalong, Kim Lantz, Robby Lapy, Jorge Lawrence, John Lewis, Asher Liss, Cesar Lopez, Bonifacio Lozada. David Mathis, Daniel Maxie, Kevin McCagh, Lyle McCorison, Dock McGuire Jr. and Michael Fadden. Wilmer Alvarez, Joseph Arch, Johney August IV, Janet Baird, James ates, Nelson Bernardez, Glenn Bertrand, George Burgos, Dennis Byrne, Ronald Byrd, Mario Clatter, Frederick Collins, Lawrence Craig, Charles Dallas, Lloyd David , Mark Davis, Joseph Colangelo, Keynon Bragg, Juan Arzu and Mohamed Selem. (Note: Not all are pictured.) David Cort, Donald Douglas, Edley Foster, Lyn Frei, Terry Gilliland, Jose Gomez, Allen Green, Tracy Greminger, Frederick Grosbeier, Dominador Guerrero, James Henry, Timothy Holmes, F. Stanley Hunt, Nellie Jones, John Lada , Joseph Lebeau, Michael Fowler, Aljohn Fernandez, Erasmo Guavara and Oerrick Gates. Paul Mccready, Maamor Mia, Jay Moorehead, Vargas Morales, Stephen Murray, Sylvia Niemi, Michael Noble, Dwaine Nolte Jr., Gebar Ogbe, Joe Ortega, Ruben Padilla, Jack Pegram Jr., Mieczyslaw Pekalski, Arsen Perhat, Jeffrey Potter, Chancie Ransom, Salvador Reyes, Kenneth Roberson, Clarence Robinson and Terrence Ryan. (Note: Not all are pictured.) March2002 Juan Palacios, Paul Paszkiewicz, Michael Phy, Artis Pilgrim, Errol Pinkham Jr., Paul Purugganan, Victor Quioto, Romulo Racoma Jr., Benjamin Reid , Calvin Reid, Jose Reyes, Winton Rich, Anthony Rosa, Elias Ruiz, Matthew Sagay, Frank Sena, Kris Setterington, Michael Seyler, Frederick Shannon, Michael Shelley, James Sloan and Anthony Smith. (Note: not all are pictured.) Joey Acedillo, Ahmed Ali, John Allison, James Alston, Alvarado Vidal, Ramon Borrero, Kim Brown, Robert Brown, Lebaron Bumpers, Susanne Cake, George Caragunopolos, James Cedeno, Sergio Centeno, Jermaine Coakley, John Coleman Jr. and Antonio Amaya . Seafarers LOS 19 �Attention Seafarers: One month remains until the April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. See page 16 for additional information. Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (in Santa hat) meets with crew members aboard U.S. Ship Management's Explorer. From the left (back row) are QMED David Watkins, QEE Daniel Taggart, Cox, AB Amin Hussein, (front row) AB Abdulhamid F. Musaed and Bosun Dan Ticer. In the photo at right, a fire and lifeboat drill is held aboard the docked vessel. CME George Cox climbs aboard one · of the port The second annual Christmas party held in the Wilmington SIU hall was a great success. Enjoying the festivities are (clockwise, from left) CME Tony Smith, retired AB Cesar Ramos, and DEU Debra Johnson (and Haaley). Recertified Bosun John Stout relaxes in the crew's mess aboard U.S. Ship Management's Innovator. This was the last voyage for Stout before retiring from the SIU. All's well aboard the CSX Trader, which recently called on the port of Long Beach. At near right, Oiler Eddy Newman gets some lunch while (far right) Chief Cook Henry Wright starts working on preparing the next meal. Below, crew members look over copies of the most recent LOG. From the left are Steward/ Baker Susan Moe, Recertified Bosun Loren Watson and AB Ervin Davis. ~ Posing at Brusco Barge & Tug in Port Hueneme are (from left) Deckhand Kasanova Langi, SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Engineer Willy Brown and Deckhand Mike Van Gelder. " � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: 'SLAVE-LIKE' CONDITIONS EXPOSED ABOARD RUNAWAY-FLAG CARGO SHIP SIU-CREWED PLESS CARRIES U.S. NAVY CARGO TO CUBA BURMESE MARINER WELCOMED BY BROTHERHOOD OF THE SEA STCW DEADLINE HASN'T CHANGED AUSTIN TOBIN JOINS NY WATERWAY FLEET CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON ORCA-CLASS SHIPS FOR SIU-CONTRACTED TOTE UNION ASSISTS FORMER AMERICAN CLASS CREWS FEDERATION CALLS FOR SEC TO BAN ENRON DIRECTORS FROM SERVING ON BOARDS PILOT PROGRAM IN PLACE FOR HEALTH BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY MARITIME SECURITY MEASURE AWAITS ACTION IN CONGRESS MARAD REPORT DELIVERS DATA ON U.S. PORT CALLS LAKES CREWS BUSY DESPITE STEEL WOES SOUTHDOWN CHALLENGER CEMENTS REPUTATION FOR RELIABLE SERVICE SEAFARERS AT WORK ENDURANCE GALLEY GANG MAKES EACH DAY A CELEBRATION BOXING CHAMP SADDLER ALSO SAILED WITH NMU A SHIPBOARD LEARNING EXPERIENCE HANDS-ON TRAINING NY GOV. PATAKI SIGNS 'CARD CHECK' MEASURE WITH THE SIU IN THE PORT OF WILMINGTON Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/1/2002 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. 64, No. 3 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/bb0c1b95e2de884de659c54c7101df2e.pdf a17dd3e7cfc5df6e772e830bd998a973 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 4 Seafarers Crew Up New Dredge Seafarers are sailing aboard the new dredge Liberty Island, which is in service near Palm Beach, Fla. Page 3. MTD Executive Board Meetings Powerful Case Made for Extending, Expanding Maritime Security Program Port, Shipboard Security Among Other Key Topics THE SIGN displayed by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton (top photo) says it all: Safe development and exploration of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) will create good jobs for Americans. Part of the president's proposed energy plan, ANWR exploration also will lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Seafarers took that message to Washington, D.C. last month, where they were joined at demonstrations by (among others backing the plan) President Bush (pictured at left, greeting SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel), U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) (lower left, with Unlicensed Apprentice Felipe Zepeda) and U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) (lower right, with more apprentices, including some from his state). Page 3. Supporting Steelworkers Members of Congress and the administration voiced strong bipartisan support for the American maritime industry when they addressed the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board Feb. 21-22 in New Orleans. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka (top photo, second from right) also expressed the federation's backing for the U.S. fleet. Greeting Trumka are (from left) MTD VP Ernie Whelan, MTD Pres. Michael Sacco and MTD Executive Sec.Treasurer Frank Pecquex. In the other photo (from left), SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, U.S. Rep. David Vitter (R-La.) and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey discuss the U.S. Merchant Marine's role in national defense. Pages 3, 6, 7. Dozens of Seafarers turned out Feb. 28 for a massive rally near the White House supporting the U.S. steel industry. Days later, President Bush enacted interim tariffs ranging from 8 to 30 percent on most varieties of steel imported into the United States from Europe, Asia and South America. Page 2. �President's Report Pensioners Get $1,000 Bonus Bonus Is Well-Deserved Last month, I had a chance to spend time at the Paul Hall Center with a number of SIU pensioners and other retirees from the industry who were involved in meetings of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. What a terrific group! Chatting with the AMMV members reminded me of catching up with retired Seafarers at our various union halls throughout the country. By and large, those union brothers and sisters are bright, funny and engaging. Sure, some of them may have tough exteriors-but, once the ice is broken, they're as friendly and helpful as anyone Michael Sacco you'll ever meet. That's one reason why I'm so pleased with the announcement that eligible SIU pensioners this month will receive a bonus check for $1,000. Talk about Christmas in April! In past years when bonuses have been approved, they usually have been sent around the end of the year. I trust that no one will mind the early "present" this time. And I'm hopeful and confident the pension plan will continue its successful performance at levels which, at least periodically, permit bonuses in future years. Speaking of SIU pensioners, here's something else I've noticed: They stay involved with their union long after retiring. They care about this organization. They care about their country and the U.S. Merchant Marine. Without a doubt, their presence at the halls-and their willingness to pitch in with whatever project is next-has helped the SIU remain strong, despite the serious challenges confronting our industry. So I thank our retired brothers and sisters, and I strongly encourage their continued involvement. Their experience and knowledge are assets we cannot afford to waste. Along those lines, I recommend to our younger members that you take advantage of the chances to learn from more experienced Seafarers, both active and retired. Whether you're on a ship or at a hall or at Piney Point, get to know the people who helped lay the groundwork for many of the opportunities and benefits you now enjoy. Ask questions, and soak up as much of their wisdom as you can. Strength Through MTD This issue of the LOG contains several articles about the recent meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board. The topics covered at those meetings should greatly interest Seafarers because they directly impact your livelihood. Naturally, one of the main themes involved new security measures for ensuring protection at U.S. ports and aboard vessels entering the country. It is, to say the least, a giant task. It's also being duly recognized on Capitol Hill and in the press (including a segment last month on "60 Minutes") as an urgent matter which requires decisive, thorough action. The SIU is working with the Coast Guard and its National Maritime Center, the Maritime Administration, the National Defense Transportation Association, the U.S. Transportation Command and other segments of the industry to help ensure that realistic, effective steps are taken to improve port and shipboard security. This is a huge issue for our entire nation, not just our industry. The SIU will continue to work as a part of the solution. Another major theme at the MTD meetings was the need to expand and extend the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Although it contains the word "security," the MSP predates America's war on terrorism by five years. Nevertheless, the MSP specifically was designed with U.S. national and economic protection in mind. It was crafted to help ensure that America could call upon U.S. crews and U.S.-flag vessels to carry out its missions, whether in peacetime or in times of conflict. In the tragic circumstances of September 11, and to some extent during the ensuing months, we as a nation were reminded that we cannot automatically rely on support from others. We'd better be prepared to stand alone, if necessary. As noted by many of the MTD speakers, a strong U.S. fleet is a vital part of our arsenal. It's worth remembering that the SIU's affiliation with the MTD significantly boosts our capacity to promote an effective U.S. fleet. Altogether, MTD affiliate unions represent about 7 .5 million members. When so many voices unite behind a cause, they cannot be ignored. With that in mind, I ask the membership to participate in local MTD port councils. It's a great way to learn more about the U.S. maritime industry and to help advance not only the merchant marine, but also related industries including shipbuilding, steel, stevedoring and others. Volume 64, Number 4 April 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a bonus check of $1,000 this month. The Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved the payment after union representatives to the group recommended the bonus. This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The board of trustees, consisting of representatives from the SIU and its contracted companies, decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's successful investment performance. "They're really taking care of the retired people," stated SIU pensioner Gerard Cifarelli, who lives in Baltimore. "I don't know of another union that would do something like this bonus. It feels really good." Cifarelli sailed in the inland and coastwise trades for 33 years, both in the deck and engine departments. He said the bonus is just the latest example of "how the union has done wonders for me. I can't say enough good things about the SIU." More information about the Retiree Gerard Cifarelli (top photo, second from left) said the bonus is an unexpected but welcome surprise. He is pictured with {from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Sec-Treasurer David Heindel and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. bonus or the pension plan in general may be obtained by contacting any union hall or by calling a plan representative at l-800CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may write to the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Right: SIU President Michael Sacco (right) is thanked by pensioner Gerard Cifarelli for the bonus checks being sent to all eligible SIU retirees. Steel Industry Receives Some Relief Seafarers Support USWA at Massive Demonstration President Bush on March 5 enacted interim tariffs ranging from 8 to 30 percent on most varieties of steel imported into the United States from Europe, Asia and South America. The tariffs- some of which were scheduled to go in effect March 20--will last for three years and are intended to afford the ailing American steel industry an opportunity to modernize operations and halt layoffs. Since Dec. 31, 1977, 31 U.S . Steel companies have filed for bankruptcy protection, 16 companies have closed down and nearly 47,000 steelworkers and iron ore miners have lost their jobs. Bush ruled that the tariffs would start March 20 on many steel products. The nations expected to be most affected by the new taxes are Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Germany and Brazil. There will be no duties on steel from Mexico, Canada and developing nations. According to a release by the United Steel Workers of America (USWA), steel imports subject to the tariffs include flat steel, semi-finished steel, hot and cold bar steel and some tubular steel and specialty steel. SUPPon ' CJn1tQ11 StceJwork Among the SIU members who supported their fellow union brothers and sisters during the rally were (foreground, from left) Leticia Perales, James Willey, Veronika Cardenas, Ed Tully and Rolando Lopez. The president referred to the levy measures as "temporary safeguards to help give the steel industry and its workers a chance to adapt to the large influx of foreign steel. This relief will help steel Financial Committee Okays 2001 Records Seven Seafarers serving on the union's annual financial committee have reviewed the SIU's financial records for the year 2001 and found them in good order. The committee of rank-andfile members, elected by their fellow Seafarers at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., consisted of John Bukowsky, Patrick Farley, James Kidd Jr., John Smith, Edward Tully, Gregory White and Cecil Williams. "We have examined the procedure for controlling the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly," the committee noted in its report. "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 Continued on page 4 increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation." Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution stipulates the use of an annual financial committee. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." Reviewing the union's financial records for 2001 are (from left) Pat Farley, James Kidd Jr., SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, John Smith, Gregory White, Ed Tully, C.J. Williams and John Bukowsky. Apdl 2002 �War on Terrorism Heightens U.S. Merchant Marine's Value National Defense Role Emphasized to MTD With the war on terrorism accentuating the merchant marine's vital role in national defense, the executive board of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) during its winter meetings spelled out strategies to strengthen the U.S. fleet. Members of Congress and the administration also voiced strong U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert (left) and Vice Adm. Al Herberger (USN-ret.), who served as head of MarAd during the Clinton administration, both called for an extended, e~­ panded Maritime Security Program. bipartisan support for the American maritime industry when they addressed the board Feb. 21-22 in New Orleans. Throughout the sessions numerous speakers stressed the need to immediately extend and expand the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Shipboard and port security also were prime topics. MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, opened the meetings by urging all concerned to advance the industry's causes as well as those of all working families as the nation regroups from the economic hardships caused by September 11. "As we move further along in the year 2002, I think we're coming out of our mourning period, to some extent," he stated. "Obviously, we'll never forget what happened. And clearly, our nation has changed in more ways than we could have imagined. "But it's time to roll up our sleeves and move forward," he continued. "We owe it to all concerned, especially those who have suffered through the economic decline that is gripping this country. As our good friend and leader, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney put it: Let us pay tribute to our heroes, but also let us forge a memorial to their sacrifice by translating our grief and anger into action." Board members, representing the 30 unions and 24 port maritime councils that compose the MTD, approved 11 policy statements covering subjects including the MSP, the fight against terrorism, shipbuilding, cabotage laws, runaway flags, port and shipboard security, organizing and other labor issues. Addressing the executive board were (in alphabetical order) CFDT Maritime Union of France Secretary General Jean Marc Barrey, Louisiana AFL-CIO President John "Red" Bourg, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), former Maritime Administrator Vice Adm. Al Herberger (USN-ret.), U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (DLa.), U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.), U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Director Capt. Tony Maritime Regalbuto, U.S. Administrator Capt. William Schubert, Norwegian Oil and Petrochemical Workers Union Vice President Torbjom Teigland, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and U.S. Rep. David Vitter (R-La.). Jefferson, in remarks echoed by others during the meetings, stated that the MSP "has delivered for our nation by keeping the U.S. flag on the high seas and helping maintain a presence in international commerce while strengthening our pool of skilled marine workers and marine crews. I want to make sure that it is not only extended, but it is also expanded-that it gets extended perhaps not just for 10 years but for a longer period. That includes MTD Pres. Michael Sacco more ships and more workers and a more secure nation for us in the future." SIU Hits the Hill For Energy Plan The Liberty Island is the newest dredge in the SIU-contracted fleet. New Dredge Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers are sailing aboard the newly built Liberty Island, the eighth hopper dredge in the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. fleet. Touted by the company as "the most efficient dredge of its kind in operation in the United States," the new addition is in service near Palm Beach, Fla. with a crew of 16. "The Liberty Island is a state-of-the-art vessel signifying new jobs for SIU members," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "It is a welcome addition." According to the company, the Liberty Is land "can dispose of material by bottom-dumping, and can also discharge material through its on-board bow pump-out system. The dredge is well-suited to work in harbors and inland waterways as well as offshore. Her maneuverability and hopper capacity make her an efficient and flexible dredging tool for both capitaJ and maintenance projects involving excavation with disposal either at sea or ashore." The dredge's potential uses include harbor development, channel maintenance and beach replenishment, among others. Manufactured by Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., the Liberty Island is 315 feet long, with a beam of 59 feet and a 25.5-foot draft. The vessel's total horsepower is listed as 16,566. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock reports that the Liberty Island is classified as an ABS@Al Dredger, ACCU, and can carry 5,000 m3 of dredged material. Other SIU-crewed dredges in the company's fleet include the Long SIU members and officials took part in rallies at the White House and at Teamsters headquarters March 7 in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate their support for a national energy plan that includes the safe exploration and development of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Immediately after the rallies, Seafarers individually delivered letters on Capitol Hill to senators from their respective states, asking them to support such an energy plan. The letters pointed out that safe development of ANWR will mean good news for the U.S. Merchant Marine by helping "provide strong, good-paying job opportunities aboard new double-hulled tankers for people like me to support a family in years to come. I would appreciate your support for this important issue for America's future and mine." President Bush spoke at the White House rally, which also featured Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card. The event at Teamsters headquarters included remarks by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (RTexas ), Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) as well as Laborers President Terence O'Sullivan. The Senate is considering passage of the president's energy plan, which includes provisions for exploring ANWR. White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card Laborers Pres. Terence O'Sullivan U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) Soresi Appointed SIU Atlantic District VP The union's executive board recently approved SIU President Michael Sacco's recommendation Island, Northerly Island, Padre Island, Manhattan Island, Sugar Island, Dodge Island and Victoria Island Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 27, 2002 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Joseph Soresi Apri/2002 Listening to President Bush during a March 7 gathering at the White House are (from left) Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel and Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. that Joseph Soresi become the vice president of the SIU's Atlantic District. The appointment was made in accordance with Article X of the union's constitution. It followed the retirement last year of Jack Caffey, who had served as Atlantic District vice president since 1988. Soresi had been the SIU's port agent in Philadelphia since 1996. He worked as a patrolman in Philadelphia in l 993, then was active in organizing campaigns in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana involving the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). Soresi, 32, is a native of Staten Island, N.Y. He joined the SIU in 1990 and sailed until March 1993, when he signed off the !TB Groton. An AB, he upgraded several times at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Beyond his work with the SIU, Soresi has been active in other parts of the labor movement. He is a vice president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and serves on the executive board of the Philadelphia Central Labor Council. He also is the secretarytreasurer of the Delaware Valley and Vicinity Port Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. Seafarers LOii 3 �U.S. Steel Industry Gets Relief Continued from page 2 workers , commumttes that depend on steel and the steel industry adjust without harming our economy," he said. Reactions to the president's decision generally have been mixed. For the most part, Americans backed the action as being an appropriate and longoverdue relief for the steel industry. Abroad, however, reaction was harsh with many nations billing the Bush decision as a setback to so-called free trade. Steel Industry Grateful U.S. Steel industry management, union officials and politicians from steel-producing states by and large applauded the chief executive's action despite the fact that it fell short of what they wanted (40 percent tariffs had been asked for). Bush 's move was the most forceful taken by the executive branch to shield a domestic industry from unfair imports since the Reagan administration levied restraints on steel imports in the mid-1980s. USWA President Leo W. Gerard said the president's decision "raises our hopes that America's steel industry can be saved and set the stage for legislation necessary to protect the health care benefits of 600,000 steelworker retirees whose benefits remain at risk. "While the decision is not as comprehensive as we hoped," he continued, "it certainly is the first time we've seen some light at the end of a long dark tunnel." Gerard attributed the president's action to grassroots activism, noting, "Literally tens of thousands of citizens from steel communities throughout the nation's industrial heartland made it crystal clear that the day is done when American workers will stand for being victimized by violations of our trade laws. We congratulate President Bush for hearing that urgent message and on taking another crucial step toward leveling the playing field in steel trade." Members of the Lake Carriers' Association partly were pleased with the president's plan, but were disappointed that it did little to address the import of steel slabs. The association represents 12 American corporations that operate 58 U.S.-flag vessels exclusively on the Great Lakes. These vessels-many of which are crewed by Seafarers-and others on the Great Lakes were carrying about 125 million tons of cargo each navigation season before the dumping of foreign steel and declining water levels slashed cargo totals. Last year, U.S.-flag carriage totaled 102.02 million net tons of dry-bulk cargoes. "Every ton of slabs imported into this country takes cargo off the Great Lakes," said George l Ryan, president of the association. "The production of one ton of raw steel in a blast furnace requires 1.3 tons of iron ore, plus quantities of flux stone and coking coal." Ryan continued, "The president's plan not only allows imports of slabs to stay at their current high level, but also actually permits increased imports in the second and third years of the tariff program and reduces the tariff in those years for imports in excess of the quota." Ryan said the association supports efforts to return America's steel industry to profitability and sanctions the tariffs imposed on various steel imports, "but we feel our valid concerns were not addressed. It is doubtful that the president's plan will increase Great Lakes iron ore shipments." International Reaction Elected representatives from around the world-many of them U.S. allies-have taken turns voicing what they regard as Bush's employment of double standards by mandating the tariffs. The U.S. 's largest trading partner-Europe-has threatened retaliation by imposing its own tariffs. Choosing not to be left out of the trade brawl that's brewing, Japan, Australia, South Korea and Brazil all have stated their intentions to seek legal action against the United States. The Geneva-based World Trade Organization likely will act as judge during the proceedings, should they occur. Bush signed the memorandum sanctioning the tariffs on the heels of a Feb. 28 massive rally at the Ellipse on the south side of the White House. Forty-two Seafarers were among the estimated crowd of30,000 steelworkers and their union supporters from around the country. Upgraders attending the rally -all recertified stewards- were Veronika Cardenas, Darryl Goggins, McKinley Jones, James Kidd Jr., Rolando Lopez, Thomas Milovich, Nelson Morales, Leticia Perales, John Notices NMU Vacation Apps As of April 1, there is a new vacation application for the NMU vacation plan that includes authorizations for working dues and the vol~ untary Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD). Members who were in the NMU when that union merged into the SIU last year, now are eligible for the first time to participate in SPAD. The authorizations need only be signed once each. Additional SPAD contributions also may be authorized by the individual member. (For more on SPAD, see page 11 of this issue of the LOG.) Registration. Manpower Offices As of April 1, members who sait under the NMU shipping rules will register electronically and be integrated into the SIU system. This is expected to result in quicker registration and better record-keeping. NMU shipping rules and separate SIU shipping rules will continue. Additionally, the NMU manpower office will move from Washington, D.C. to Piney Point, Md. The move will further ensure that the union can answer the call to surge sealift. 4 Seafarers L06 Platts, Edward Tully and James Willey. ed Other students who participatwere Daniel Amesbury, Austin Ayers, Christopher Bartholmey, Jade Belt, Jonathan Carter, Trevor Cohn, Shareef Dahlan, Beato Diaz, Raul Duarosan, Harold Gerber, Javier Gonzalez, Robert Grable, James Grasseth, Larry Howard, Autumn Kippen, Thomas Lovern, Aaron Matuszny, Brian McAllister, Joshua McDaniel, Jill McGeorge, Gregory McKinon, Antonio Mendez-Cruz, Brent Midgette, Lon Molnar, Jayson Ray, Jerry Solangon, Ahsha Staiger, Kevin Steen, Kenneth Taylor, Jeffrey Thomas and Demorio Wilcox. Several of the Seafarers shared their impressions about the plight of the Steelworkers and what attending the rally meant to them. " I participated to demonstrate support for my fellow union brothers and sisters," said Kidd who sails out of the port of Baltimore. "I'm a union man through and through, and I think it's good for unions to unite behind a common cause to show those in power that we mean business. "As a union member, I personally am affected by the plight of the Steelworkers," the Seafarer of 10 years added. "They, like us, are trying to keep our jobs here in the United States ... . It's really kind of funny when you think if it. Politicians always want our support for one thing or another, but when we as unions need theirs .. . it takes rallies like this to get their attention." New Jersey native Tully shared Kidd's sentiments. "I felt good supporting the Steelworkers and really hope the president signs the legislation they want. The rally made me realize how foreign companies are coming into the U .S., adversely affecting the economy and taking away jobs," he said. "The bottom line is that if they [the administration] don't defend our industries, we're all in trouble Unlicensed Apprentices Beato Diaz, left, and Antonio Mendez-Cruz proudly display the American flag during the rally. because that opens the door for foreign countries to come in and make huge profits at the expense of American workers. We all know that foreign labor is cheaper and some companies get richer because they take advantage of it. Look at the companies who are going with foreign crews under FOCs. They do it because they can get off without paying us the wages we demand when sailing under the American flag," Tully concluded. "This whole situation should teach us that we have to stay strong as a union," offered Kippen, an unlicensed apprentice. "That way we'll be in a better position to protect our interests if confronted by similar circumstances." The 20-year old native Hawaiian has experienced firsthand what it's like to be laid off. "I used to work on a cruise ship (the Patriot), but was laid off following the events of Sept. 11 ," she said. Gerber, a 26-year old apprentice from Port St. Lucie, Fla., also supported the Steelworkers' cause. "This rally was my first, but I really wanted to take part so I could experience what it's like when unions come together and show their strength," he said. "Our presence as Seafarers showed the Steelworkers as well as other unions that we are behind them. "Without their steel, we can't build our double-hull vessels, we can't ship our cargo, our containers, fuel, etc.," Gerber said. "That all translates into my not having a job as well as them not having their jobs. So their standing up for themselves really means that they are standing up for us all as union members." The Feb. 28 event also was Grable 's first rally. The 29-yearold trainee participated "because it was for a good cause: supporting our brothers and sisters of the United Steelworkers. The last time I was home in East Pawas, Mich. , I saw a lot of Steelworkers picketing on the Sinclair River because 50 percent of their jobs had been cut. The cause the Steelworkers currently are fighting for definitely is good because it will create more jobs for us and them in that area," he explained. "A lot of the steel that I will be working with in the future will be shipped on the Great Lakes," he added. "My presence at the rally made a difference because mine was another voice, my sign another sign, and my face was another face. And that's what its about- power in numbers." "I was proud to read in the papers that the bill has passed and that the Steelworkers at least got some of what they wanted, "Grable concluded. "It made me feel good that I was there, a part of what was going on and that the president heard our words of protests and took positive action." Arnold, Luedtke Seafarers Approve New Contracts "Significant strides were made in providing the highest benefit levels to members on the Great Lakes," noted Tom Orzechowski, SIU vice president Lakes and Inland Waters, in announcing the recently approved contracts with Arnold Transit Co. and Luedtke Engineering Co. The three-year agreement with Arnold Transit Co. (which operates the second oldest ferry company in the United States) runs from Feb. 1, 2002 through Jan. 31 , 2005. Ratification of the pact, which was negotiated by Orzechowski and SIU Rep Todd Brdak, was unanimous. Highlights include an increase in wages for each year of the contract, a raise in the health and benefit plan level, and maintenance of the uncapped wage-related pension plan contributions. Additionally- and for the first time-contributions were secured to allow SIU members to attend training and upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. "The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship was an issue for the members as well as the company," noted Orzechowski, "due to increased regulations that may soon apply to the Great Lakes. Training at the school will keep Arnold Transit Co. one of the safest and most efficient passenger ferry companies in the United States." The three-year pact with Luedtke Engineering Co. , which performs dredging and marine construction, runs from Jan. 1, 2002 through Dec. 31, 2004. A number of gains were negotiated by Orzechowski and SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton. Seafarers will see a 3 percent wage increase for each year of the contract as well as a raise in the level of their health and benefit plan. "Luedtke Engineering, work- Keith Dufton is a pilot aboard the Straits Express, an Arnold Transit Co. passenger ferry, which runs between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, Mich. ing in a specialized industry," stated Orzechowski, "sees the benefit of utilizing all aspects of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to keep Luedtke Engineering ahead of the curve in the industry." Apri/ 2002 �Container Security, Employee IDs Receive Congressional Attention Passed by the Senate in January, the Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001 was scheduled for mark-up by a House of Representatives panel late last month. Meanwhile, representatives from the White House, transportation industry and labor are continuing their march forward addressing concerns about the protection of America's maritime assets from terrorist attacks. Transportation employee credentials and marine container security were the focus of three recent congressional hearings in which representatives from this consortium participated. The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Feb. 13 investigated the implementation of a nationwide security system which requires transportation workers to hold secure identity cards. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) chaired the proceedings. Secure Credentials "Our goal is to fashion a nationwide transportation worker identification solution that verifies the identity of transportation workers, validates their background information, assists transportation facilities in managing their security risks, and accounts for personnel access to transportation facilities and activities of authorized personnel," U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. James Underwood told the subcommittee as he gave details on the administration's objectives. Underwood serves as director of the Office oflntelligence and Security for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Senate-approved Port and Maritime Security Act also mandates investigations and criminal history checks of certain individuals and prohibits a person from being employed in a security-sensitive position at a waterfront facility if previously convicted of certain crimes during a specific period. John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), told the gathering that his union supports increased security on the waterfront, but cautioned against measures that would harass or harm innocent, honest employees. "The overwhelming majority of ILA-represented longshorepersons are hard-working, responsible family members and loyal citizens," he testified. "The standards for restricting access to facilities in this as in other industries must not be crafted in terms of any prior run-ins with the law that in essence have no realistic relationship to an individual's proclivities for committing terrorism or crimes of opportunity on the waterfront." The Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information's Feb. 26 hearing explored waging war against terrorism by pre-screening marine 'Emp/Oyinent Report Sends Mixed Signals AFL-CIO President Sweeney Cites 'Contradictory Economic Reality' The head of the AFL-CIO said that the U.S. employment report issued March 8 is a mixed bag. The document "continues to show the contradictory economic reality for working families," stated AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "There is good news in the drop in the February jobless rate to 5.5 percent and the slight rise in payroll employment. But the number of part-time workers who would rather work full time but cannot find full time jobs went up. The number of discouraged workers who stopped looking for work because they believe AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney says the nation's workers do not yet have confidence in an employment recovery. no jobs are available went up as well. And manufacturing continued its abysmal decline-1.3 million manufacturing jobs lost from a year ago." Sweeney added that other recent economic news has "painted a similarly mixed picture. Some indicators show a turnaround, such as a reduction in the pace of announced layoffs, rising factory orders, and a [slight increase] in construction spending. On the other hand, consumer confidence has dipped even with these reports." The federation president noted that the true measure of economic recovery is good jobs that pay enough to support families-jobs that provide stable benefits and promote economic security. "For families out of work or struggling to find full-time work, abstract indicators do not decree a real economic or employment recovery," he concluded. "Those workers need a reversal in the decline in manufacturing, an increase in the minimum wage, a national budget that improves worker protections and benefits, a functioning unemployment insurance system and affordable health care. The recession will be over for them when they feel it on the job and in the pocketbook, and when politicians put working families first." containers at foreign ports of origin rather than at destination ports. Committee Chairwoman Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) voiced concerns that bribes accepted abroad could invalidate the prescreening process at nonU. S. ports. "Our protection lies in our own port structure," she said. U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert endorsed origin-point prescreening as an avenue for preventing destructive devices from reaching ports in the U.S . "We are working jointly with U.S. Customs, exporters, importers, carriers and governments to establish business and security practices which will push the nation's virtual borders outward to the point of loading of the containers," Schubert said. "Security must be established before the vessel carrying the container or cargo begins its international travel." Bonni Tischler echoed Captain Schubert's position on originpoint prescreening during her address to the committee. Tischler is assistant commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service. "As the primary agency for cargo security, I believe U.S. Customs should know everything there is to know about a container headed for this country before it leaves a foreign port . . . for an American port," she said. "Customs wants that container prescreened there, not here." Several other officials from different segments of the industry also testified. More on Containers The House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation heard further container security testimony March 13. Photo by James R. Tourtellotte Containerships account for almost one-third of the estimated 60,000 annual U.S. port calls. World Shipping Council President Christopher Koch told the committee that there must be a unified, coordinated strategy to address container security. The real challenge with container security, he said, is to build on the efforts of the Coast Guard and Customs Service in the postSeptember 11 environment to create a more complete, unified and permanent set of security procedures and systems that can better ensure the safety of America's foreign trade. Koch said America should lead the way in building a permanent system but of course cannot extend security to foreign ports and places without the participation and agreement of other nations. Concurring with Koch, Brian Maher told the committee, "The best method of achieving better container security is to have the port of origin or shipper certify the contents of the container before it is loaded on a ship bound for the United States." Maher is president of Maher Terminals, which represents the National Association of Waterfront Employers and the United States Maritime Alliance. "In return," he continued, "this country would have to implement a similar system for our cargo destined for foreign markets." The involvement of shippers, marine terminals or other designated entities may be required for this type of arrangement, he testified. Adm. Collins Cont irmed to Direct USCG Vice Admiral Thomas H. Collins has been chosen to become the next commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. President Bush on Feb. 6 revealed the nomination, and Collins last month was confirmed by the Senate. He becomes the 22nd individual to occupy the Coast Guard's highest post. Collins, who had his confirmation hearing March 19 in the Senate, served as the agency's vice commandant, a position he has held since June 2000. Previously, the Stoughton, Mass. native worked for two years as the agency's commander of both the Pacific Area and the Eleventh Coast Guard District in Alameda, Calif. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta applauded the nomination. "Admiral Collins reflects the best leadership traits of the dedicated men and women of the United States Coast Guard. He is the right person to lead the modern Coast Guard through today's challenges to tomorrow's promise of a safer, more secure American coastline and maritime transportation system," Mineta stated. "Tom Collins brings a combination of scholarly intelligence, practical experience at sea, and Washington policy expertise to the critical job of commandant at a time when the Coast Guard is facing a host of new missions," Secretary Mineta continued. "I look forward to working with . " hlill. Collins will relieve the current commandant, Adm. James M. Loy, who has served in the post since May 1998. A change-ofcommand ceremony is planned for May 30 in Washington, D.C. Loy-a 42-year Coast Guard veteran-plans to officially retire during the ceremony. Collins graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., in 1968 and served as a faculty member there from 1972-76. He earned a master of arts degree from Wesleyan University in 1972 and a master of business administration from the University of New Haven, Conn., in 1976. The admiral began his Coast Guard career in 1968. During his first assignment, he was a deck watch officer and first lieutenant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant. Later, he completed a two-year tour as commanding officer of the patrol boat Cape Morgan in Charleston, S.C. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thomas H. Collins From 1980-83, Collins served as deputy group commander in St. Petersburg, Fla., and he was captain of the port, Long Island Sound, from 1987-90. Collins served as chief of the office of acquisition at Coast Guard headquarters from 1994-96. The admiral's military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (three awards). Seafarers LOS 5 �MlETRADESDEPARlMENf Key Support Voiced For MSP, Jones Act Members of Congress and the administration, expressing strong backing for the U.S. maritime industry, described the merchant marine as practical and vital to national defense. During the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings in New Orleans, U.S. Reps. William Jefferson (D-La.) and David Vitter (R-La. ), Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert and former Maritime Administrator Vice Adm. Al Herberger (USN-ret.) explained how the nation benefits from a strong U.S. fleet. They particularly were adamant about the need to extend and expand the Maritime Security Program (MSP), which helps ensure availability of militarily useful U.S.flag commercial vessels in times of war or national emergency. 'The Maritime Security Program has been a success," stated Jefferson. "MSP has delivered for our nation by keeping the U.S. flag on the high seas and helping maintain a presence in international commerce while strengthening our pool of skilled marine workers and marine crews. I want to make sure that it is not only extended, but it is also expanded -that it gets extended perhaps not just for 10 years but for a longer period. That includes more ships and more workers and a more secure nation for us in the future." Jefferson also focused on the U.S. Rep. David Vitter (R-La.) 6 Seafarel'S LOB need "to make sure that our tax laws that pertain to U.S.-flag commercial vessels are modernized and rationalized and that they give opportunity for U.S. crews and the U.S. merchant fleet to be competitive." Among other steps, he supports "granting American merchant mariners working on U.S.-flag vessels in the foreign trade the same exclusion from taxation on the first $80,000 of income as is available to every other U.S. citizen working overseas." Jones Act, 11lle XI Other maritime agreements also are valuable for our nation, noted Vitter, including the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program and the Jones Act, which requires that goods transported between domestic ports are carried aboard vessels that are built, flagged, crewed and owned U.S. "The Jones Act is important on the economic side, but it is also vitally important for national defense because we need to maintain that industrial base," Vitter stated. "It allows us to maintain, throughout peace time, that key industrial base which we need in times of crisis like today. It also bas a positive national economic benefit of over $15 billion annually (contributed to the economy)." Title XI, he said, has received undue criticism. "The program has a very strong financial record," Vitter pointed out. "It Former Maritime Administrator Vice Adm. Al Herberger (USN-ret.) has one of the lowest default rates of any government loan program: 3 percent. It is a tremendous help to the maritime industry and maritime workers, and it's crucial for small and medium-size ship operating companies to secure commercial financing on reasonable terms." He reported that applications are pending for six double-hull tankers and a chemical tanker, and described "potential for 20 to 40 double-hull offshore shuttle tankers, along with many, many other opportunities that · significantly depend on the Title XI program. "Since fiscal year 1993, over $4 billion in commercial ship construction has been generated through commercial loan guarantees under Title XI," he concluded. "It's vital to helping preserve the industrial base which we need, even in peace time, in case we need it in war time for national defense." Jet-Fuel Inell nfty Schubert illustrated the challenge of revitalizing the U.S. fleet. During America's current military engagement in Afghanistan, foreign-flag tonnage bas been chartered to carry jet fuel ultimately bound for American military planes "because there weren't any product tankers available in that part of the world. We're talking about moving jet fuel into some of the most secure places in the world on foreignflag ships with unknown crew members on board, in terms of where they came from." Citing the security risk, MarAd and the Coast Guard "worked together, and we're going to be announcing, very soon, steps to make it a lot less bureaucratic and less expensive MTD Pres. Michael Sacco (left) welcomes Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert to the MTD executive board meetings last month in New Orleans. Schubert said U.S. maritime unions provide "a key voice in the industry." to reflag some ships to fill that gap," Schubert said. Sizing up the U.S. fleet, he stated, "We cannot change the worldwide shipping recession facing fleets across the globe, but we can help to level the playing field for our U.S.-flag operators so that we can encourage the profitability of our fleet." The maritime administrator, who described U.S. maritime unions as "a key voice in the industry," said that while extending the MSP is important, "we also need to address the manpower issues that could potentially cripple a large-scale, sustained overseas conflict like the Persian Gulf War. Addressing this problem is one of my highest priorities and we bope rto soon release more comprehensive and fully accurate databases of licensed and unlicensed mariners." Equal Treatment Herberger served as maritime administrator during the Clinton administration, and since then has remained an ardent backer of the nation's merchant marine. Last month, he said the maritime industry deserves greater support in Washington. "We are a proven defense industry. We should get the same attention that some of the others get," he stated. "There's little hesitation to continue subsidies for the farmers, airlines, other defense industries. But we start talking about the maritime industry, and somebody pops up and says, 'That's corporate greed.' Nobody looks behind it to see how valuable it is in terms of our ability to stay both in the economic and in the defense arena." Herberger also reminded the audience that America's national defense requires maintaining a strong U.S. fleet, because "there will not be time to build additional ships, recruit and train mariners or shipyard workers or skilled dockworkers" in times of conflict. "The success of future battles or campaigns will depend upon the U.S. capability to project major military forces, just as it has been throughout our history," be contin~ed. "The lJ1§ ~e~- j chant Manne-all parts o It -Is the fourth arm of defense. That title was given by General Eisenhower himself, right after the World War II victory in Europe, and it still applies today." He added that America needs "a new and larger MSP. The commercial fleet portion of our strategic sealift is the only element that can provide, in an efficient and cost-effective way, the sustainment capability [required for military success]. And it's also the only element that provides the most important element: the skilled mariner manpower. There are no other sources for that. It's just so apparent to me that the value is there." The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department consists of 30 affiliate unions (including the SIU) representing an estimated 7 .5 million members. Those unions participate in 24 port maritime councils located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The articles on this page and page 7 are based on remarks presented Feb. 21-22 during the MTD executive board meeting in New Orleans. Apri/2002 �<. . . . . . . . . . . ES DEPARTMENT Port, Shipboard Security Take on New Urgency MTD Pres. Michael Sacco (left) greets Coast Guard Port Security Director Capt. Tony Regalbuto. It has been said again and again that "everything changed" on September 11, and while the literal application of that twoword phrase is open to quibbling, there's no doubt that the maritime industry faces major shakeups. In broad terms, the task is to ensure security in U.S. ports, including aboard the vessels that account for approximately 60,000 annual port calls in this country. -.~ al6rtg i appen 1s both complex and urgent, according to several speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings in New Orleans. "It doesn't take a lot of imagination to think what could happen with the kinds of materials that we know come in and out of our ports in thousands and thousands of ways, through containers as well as other ways," stated ·u.s. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.). "Our technology has not really caught up yet, nor has, I think, our political will or our vision with meeting that challenge." Landrieu urged the MTD and its affiliates to" stay involved in the process of identifying and implementing new security methods-an undertaking that began almost immediately after the attacks on America. "There are challenges as well as opportunities for this industry in this post 9-11 world, with security front and center on all our minds," she noted. "I hope that this industry and all of you-the labor leaders and other leaders who understand the maritime industry- will realize that there are some tremendous opportunities (for input with the government). And I am going to do my very best to make sure that whatever decisions are made, you all have a seat at the table and your voice is heard." U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (RTexas) pointed out that port security legislation already has passed in the Senate and is being considered in the House. The Port and Maritime Security Act has been referred to three House committees- Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Apri/2002 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation-because certain provisions fall within their respective jurisdictions. He said that the bill seemingly would improve communication between the many maritime entities. "We've got a hundred different Washington and federal agencies to deal with maritime, in one way or the other, plus the state, plu~ _ the port, plus the local agencies," Brady stated. t'This bill sets up port security committees to coordinate better between all these agencies. These committees would hopefully help everyone work together better." Another key component of the legislation, he said, "would mandate that all ports have a comprehensive security plan. It requires that ports limit access to securitysensitive areas and that includes an evacuation plan and background checks on everyone that works in those areas. "It also requires ships to electronically send their cargo manifest to port before they gain clearance to enter and prohibits unloading of improperly documented cargo," he continued. "The bill improves the reporting of crew members, passengers and imported cargo to better track suspicious activity. It creates a sea marshal program that more specifically .authorizes the Coast Guard to board and deter hijackings and other terrorist threats. It directly grants about $700 million to help the ports build new infrastructure [and gain] new inspectors, agents, screening and detection equipment." U.S. Coast Guard Director of Port Security <;apt. Tony R~gal­ buto detailed his agency's actions U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) since Sept. 11 aimed at improving security. They included requiring longer advanced notice of ship arrivals and more information about crews, as well as implementing boarding parties, among many other steps. Regalbuto said that it will take international cooperation to effectively address maritime security. "We want to work in partnership in developing regulations throughout the world. We're going to have better success in some parts of the world than others, but if they don't set the bar high enough, internationally, then we will unilaterally do the right thing for our country." He referred to newspaper reports which estimate that al Qaeda is operating anywhere from 13 to 20 ships, yet "internationally, we don 't have a good indicator as to who is the owner and (front) operator of those ships. Ideally, what we want to do is link the people, the cargo and the vessels, and even the shippers, back to terrorist groups and criminal activity." Nevertheless, Regalbuto underscored the need for strong efforts beginning in the U.S. "Fourteen out of every 15 ships coming into the United States are foreign flag. So, in my mind that raises some concerns right off the bat," he said. "Because we really don't know about the people, the cargo and the vessels that are coming into our country. "We need everybody to be a sensor out there and to report any suspicious behavior. This is not one person's job, it is everybody's job in the United States." Emphasis on Organizing Gulf Campaign Illustrates Importance, Challenge Delivered in a region that is home to an intense campaign involving "oil patch" mariners, labor officials' comments about organizing and solidarity seemed especially resonant during the MTD meetings in New Orleans. Echoing the need to organize were AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka; Louisiana AFL-CIO President John "Red" Bourg; Torbjorn Teigland, vice president of the Norwegian Oil and Petrochemical Workers Union; and Jean Marc Barrey, secretary general of the CFDT Maritime Union of France. "I commend you for your efforts," Trumka said to those involved in the Gulf mariner campaign, including U.S. maritime unions and delegations Jean Marc Barrey, secretary general, CFDT Maritime Union of France Louisiana AFL-CIO Pres. John "Red" Bourg (right) had a simple message: "Organize, organize, organize!" MTD Pres. Michael Sacco (center) and MTD VP Ernie Whelan applaud his arrival. from overseas. "I think you have done a marvelous, marvelous job. It's hard work. There's no shortcut to it. It costs literally tons of money. And you're up against some of the nastiest anti-union companies and anti-union law firms anywhere in the world." Teigland and Barrey said the Gulf mariners who are seeking union representation can count on their continued support. "We share our solidarity with your struggle for trade union rights," stated Teigland. "Trade unions have long traditions of giving support to each other across the seas and national borders. We would like to build on those long traditions and underline the importance of stronger interna- tional trade union ties and solidarity in a world that becomes smaller and smaller." Barrey noted that, during a tour of Houma, La. the previous day, the foreign group was "shocked'' by anti-union billboards "saying that unions are the source of all evil .... Simply, you should know that on an international level, the organization I represent stands by you in this campaign." Bourg's colorful speech included a recap of the long, ultimately successful fight to organize workers at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans. Though the latest effort began in the early 1990s, other attempts date much further back. "The first project I Torbjorn Teigland, VP, Norwegian Oil and Petrochemical Workers Union had as a staff member of the state AFL-CIO was to organize Avondale. That was in 1967," Bourg said. The triumphant outcome provides hope for those involved in Continued on page 10 Seafarers LOS 7 �Coming Full Circle What a Difference 15 Like many high school graduates, Chris Fox headed straight for college. But after hearing from a couple friends who had been through the trainee program at Piney Point, Fox suspended his studies and headed for the southern Maryland training facility. It was there, in 1979, that he graduated from class 293. He was scheduled to catch his first ship in January 1980. But one month before that- Dec. 16, 1979, to be exact-there was a GSU opening out of Boston. The ship was the LNG Virgo, and Fox was on it. For the 19-year-old native of Waltham, Mass., working in the galley wasn't his idea of a real good time. A rotation in the deck department, however, changed all that, and Fox was hooked on the life of a Seafarer. He took advantage of the upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point and completed his AB endorsement and then, in 1988, got his third mate's license. He credits Bobby Selzer (now New York port agent) with always being there to help and point him in the right direction, even after he got his license. After his SIU days were over, he joined the American Maritime Officers union and worked as a third mate, second mate or chief mate aboard tankers. In 1994, after only 15 years in the indus- try, Fox captained his first vessel, the Cove Trader. "It's good to be king," Fox kidded, when asked how it felt to captain his first ship. But having worked his way up from the bottom, he knows both sides of shipboard life. "Everybody has a job to do," he stated, "but we try to have fun, too." Fun includes such things as organized softball games with the crew members of other vessels in the Indonesia-to-Japan run. Just recently, Fox, now 42, was captain aboard the LNG Virgo, the very ship on which he made his first voyage. It used to be operated by Energy Transportation Corp. and is now operated by Pronav- but the vessel is the same. After a short vacation of skiing and relaxing on Cape Cod, Fox will rejoin the LNG Virgo or the LNG Libra in Indonesia. Fox is grateful to the SIU for opening the door to his seagoing career. He is proof of the results of the excellent programs available to all Seafarers at the Paul Hall Center and urges SIU members to take advantage of the school every chance they get. "We must all keep a close watch on American shipping," the captain stated, "as we are being attacked from all angles. American seamen are the best in the world, and we should be proud of it." Deter1nined Seafarer Earns Mate's License Earning a mate's license is a notable accomplishment, but it is particularly worth mentioning in the case of one Philadelphia Seafarer who recently passed the test. That's because, in securing her license, Stella Zebrowski joined a select few women who have advanced that far in the merchant marine. "There are some female mates, but not too many," notes Zebrowski, a 1982 graduate of the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. "It's a small percentage, though it's starting to grow. And there certainly are more women in the industry, compared to when I started. It's not uncommon now to have two or three women sailing on a ship." Zebrowski has sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions, including time working for Maritrans, Crowley and McAllister. She has upgraded numerous times at the Paul Hall Center (including all of the prep work for the mate's exam) and plans to stick with the SIU, sailing inland. SIU Retiree Stanley Zebrowski, Stella's father, also sailed in the union's deep sea and inland divisions for more than 30 years, from the early 1950s until 1983. He is understandably pleased by his daughter's most recent accomplishment and her overall career. "I'm very proud of her, so proud. She learned more than I ever did," Stanley Zebrowski, 80, said with a chuckle. "If the opportunity is there, you might as well take advantage. I know the school has good teachers, and you can learn anything you want to." Stella Zebrowski says she has stuck with her chosen profession "because of the money and the benefits, and the opportunities to upgrade and advance. The opportunities are there-the union B Seafarers LOB Years Makel gives them to you, and the school gives them to you." Studying at Piney Point for the mate's license reinforced her already strong belief in the school. "It was tough, but the instructors helped me a lot. They do a really good job." She adds that she hopes her experience may give confidence to other women as they enter the industry. "I've advanced, and I know other women can do it, too. It may be a little intimidating, but you've got to put your mind to it. "I'd also like to thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco for having faith in me," Zebrowski adds. "He motivated me, and without him I wouldn't be where I am today." Stella Zebrowski has advanced from trainee to mate. "I know other women can do it, too," she says. Captain Chris Fox (right) accepts the gift of a lucky doll from a Japanese representative after taking the LNG Virgo into the port of Kawagoe, Japan for the first time in the history of the LNG vessels. A reception on the bridge helped commemorate the new port of call. Recertified Steward Gamen New Honor, Credits Piney Point As Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda steadily climbs upward on the culinary ladder, he appreciates more and more the steadying influence of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Augmenting his vocational training with the SIU, Maeda recently earned recognition from the highly regarded American Culinary Federation (ACF) as a certified chef de cuisine. This is believed to be the first time that the ACF awarded such an endorsement to a mariner working solely on commercial cargo vessels. In any case, Maeda says the support he has received from Paul Hall Center instructorsparticularly Chef Ed Whitegreatly aided him throughout the long process of becoming acertified chef. "Using the tools and opportunities provided by this union to construct a better life for myself and family has been the greatest reward." "His support was invaluable," Maeda said of White, who initially encouraged the Seafarer to join the ACF in 1992. "There were college-level books, exams to study for, and of course the big 'C.C.C.' test itself. Chef White was always there to coach and assist me whenever it was necessary." The hard work paid off. Using a shared system that essentially functions as a ranking mechanism, culinary associations assign a wide range of categories for chefs and cooks. Experience, skill and knowledge are factors in attaining the various designations (such as third cook, specialty chef, executive chef, etc.). Certified chef de cui- Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda (right) credits Chef Ed White, a Paul Hall Center instructor, with helping prepare him to earn the certified chef de cuisine credentials displayed in this photo. sine, the rank achieved by Maeda, is one of the uppermost titles. Maeda notes that he is hardly the only Seafarer to secure certification through ACF or through other professional culinary associations. "Many come into the SIU with certifications, and still more earn them on cruise ships. Still, I'm happy to finally get this little piece of paper." While Maeda sets his sites on another goal-becoming certified as an executive chef--even as he continues sailing with the SIU, he remains thankful for the times he has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center, based in Piney Point, Md. "All of the instructors have my undying respect and gratitude," he declares. "They are a credit to their profession. "I have always thought highly of the school and its purpose for being," he continued. "Mainly, training and educating those who would otherwise have no such opportunities. For myself, using the tools and opportunities provided by this union to construct a better life for myself and family has been the greatest reward. We should all keep learning, growing and upgrading." The ACF was founded in 1929 in New York City. It is a non-profit association which bills itself as "the largest and most prestigious organization dedicated to professional chefs in the United States today." April2002 �Diverse Group Discovers Common Path to Success Stewards Say Union, School Are Winning Combo One by one, the union's newest class of recertified stewards accepted their graduation certificates at the March 4 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. As they addressed their fellow Seafarers, the graduates described how they had seized the career opportunities available through the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Diverse in many ways, the group nonetheless shared the belief that the union and the school offer viable means to worthwhile vocations at sea. Successfully completing the one-month course were Veronika Cardenas, Darryl Goggins, McKinley Jones, James Kidd Jr., Rolando Lopez, Thomas Milovich, Nelson Morales, Leticia Perales, John Platts, Edward Tully and James Willey (who provided several photos accompanying this story). The class is the Paul Hall Center's top curriculum for members of the steward department. It includes fire fighting and basic safety training, a range of lessons in the galley facilities, meetings with SIU department representatives, and other studies. Turning Point Tully, who sails from the port of Baltimore, said that joining the school's unlicensed appretice program in 1992 marked a turning point for him. "Before then, I was lost in life, had no job and no future," he recalled. ''Now I have a new car, a house and other things. The SIU helped me get where I am today, and I give thanks for it." For Perales (port of Houston), sailing has been a good fit from the beginning. A 1979 graduate of the trainee program, Perales summarized her time with the union this way: "It's been fun, it's been great, I have no complaints!" She also noted the numerous improvements at the school that have taken place throughout the years. Addressing the membership next was Morales (San Juan, P.R.), a Seafarer for the past 28 years. He complimented the Paul Hands-on training is a key part of most Paul Hall Center courses, including steward recertification. In these three photos, students hone their skills at the fire fighting and safety school, in the galley and in the computer lab. Hall Center staff, and described the overall facilities as "among the best in the world. My experience in Piney Point was good and very interesting." Jones (Norfolk, Va.) described himself as "living proof that this is the best school in the nation." He said he has upgraded six times in a 14-year career, "and each time I'm here, there's something new, whether it's the fire fighting school, the new hotel (annex) or some other improvement." Like Morales, Jones also urged his fellow Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. The union's newest class of recertified stewards joins SIU officials after last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. (top photo) and, earlier in the course, takes a quick pause in the lecture/demonstration galley (below). 1 Great Organlzatien' Cardenas (Tacoma) began sailing in 1983. "It has been a pleasure to work for this great organization," she stated. "Our union will be even greater with the hard work we must put into it. As for the school, it is wonderful, and everyone helps a lot." Goggins (Jacksonville, Fla.) said he especially enjoyed the computer classes and learning more about the SIU. A frequent upgrader and 22-year Seafarer, Goggins said the Paul Hall Center "is a great school for maritime and for young people. I definitely would recommend it." Lopez (San Francisco), a Navy veteran, said the recertification class "made me more aware of the inner workings, how the SIU functions-everything from contracts to the health, vacation and pension programs. It also made me more knowledgeable about dealing with shipboard emergencies." He added that Piney Point "offers a relaxed environment. It's a good place to get away from the rigors of sea life. The facility and the curriculum are all excellent." Platts (Jacksonville) went more than 30 years between visits to Piney Point, but he, too, said the initial trip helped put him on the right course. "I came to this school in the late 1960s, and I was a bad boy then," he said. "Before, I was always in trouble. Now, I have a family and I'm doing just great. I thank the SIU and the school officials and staff. The union truly helped me change my life." Encouraging Words Nearly all the stewards directed some of their respective comments toward the unlicensed apprentices in attendance, encouraging them to stick with the program. The remarks of Willey (Tacoma) were representative of the others'. "This is the greatest opportunity for you to go as far and as high as you set your sights in this industry," he declared. "From OS to captain, from wiper to chief engineer. Study hard, ask questions when you are at sea during phase II-and if you don't understand the answer, ask again." He added, "The union has always been there for me, and I have always had a job. I thank the SIU, its officers, the school and its staff for their efforts." Also addressing the apprentices, Milovich (Brooklyn, N.Y.) stated, "Remember that this is a union-a whole from the sum of its parts. The SIU is a testament to strength and diversity, and the school has been the biggest part of my success. I appreciate all the opportunities and thank our officials for looking out for our best interests." Wrapping up the graduation was Kidd (Baltimore), who completed the trainee program in 1993. Speaking to today's apprentices, he said, "Listen to your supervisors, do the best job you can and ask questions. And then get back here and upgrade." Finding time to support fellow trade unionists, James Willey (center, with sign above head) and other Seafarers demonstrate in Washington, D.C. for Steelworkers. Apri/2002 Seafarers LOS 9 �Merchant Mariners Included in Veterans History Project The varied contributions of thousands of U.S. Merchant Mariners, including those chronicled by multitudes of veterans from the armed forces during our nation's wars, soon will be given the praise they merit, thanks to an endeavor led by the U.S. Library of Congress. Hailed as the Veterans History Project, the effort's aim is to afford veterans-and those who served in support of them and with them- the recognition they are due by creating a lasting legacy of their wartime service, memories, accounts and documents for future generations. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Feb. 12 became part of the venture. The project will cover World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. It will include representation for all participants of those hostilities-men and women, civilian and military. "We are pleased to endorse the Veterans History Project and become a partner with the Library of Congress and its American Folklife Center in this important effort," Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert said. "It is important to all veterans, but especially so to merchant marine veterans of World War II whose heroic service is too often overlooked." Including merchant mariners, there are 19 million war veterans living in the United States today, according to the Department of Veterans' Affairs . Every day, however, 1,500 of them die. Motivated by the urgent need to collect the stories and experi- First-Time MMD Applicants Must Take Oath in Person First-time applicants for merchant mariner's licenses and merchant mariner's documents (MMDs) now must be sworn in before a designated U.S. Coast Guard official before being issued their credentials. According to Coast Guard Policy Letter 05-02 dated Jan. 14, this new requirement became necessary in light of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Individuals must appear in person for validation of their identity. The guidance emphasized that the change applies only to applicants seeking MMDs or licenses for the first time. Oaths are not required for renewals or upgrades. In another change, certified notary publics no longer may administer the required oaths for original licenses or certificates of registry. Oaths to applicants for licenses and certificates of registry may be administered by: • Officers m charge, Marine Inspection ences of war veterans while they are still alive, the United States Congress on Oct. 27, 2000 unanimously passed legislation to create the Veterans History Project. Public Law 106-380-sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis. ), Amo Houghton (R-N.Y.) and Steny Hoyer (DMd.) in the House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland (D-Ga.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.)-charged the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to collect and preserve audiotaped and videotaped oral histories, along with documentary materials such as letters, diaries, maps, photographs and home movies, of America's war veterans and those who served in support of them. According to the Library of Congress, the goals of the project are: Offices (OCMI) • Commissioned and warrant officers of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to duty in a regional examination center, and • Other officials employed by the Coast Guard, either civilian or military, who are authorized in writing by the OCMI to administer such oaths. Included are Coast Guard auxiliary personnel while they are engaged in official Coast Guard duties. First-time applicants for MMDs must swear oaths in the presence of: • OCMis, or • Commissioned officers of the U.S. Coast Guard authorized to administer oaths under the United States Code, or • Other officials employed by the Coast Guard, either military or civilian, who are authorized to administer oaths. The foregoing modifications will be incorporated into the Marine Safety Manual. • To stimulate opportumt1es for public learning, by inviting, advising, and supporting individuals and groups as participants in the Veterans History Project. • To engage veterans associations, military organizations, institutions of higher learning, historical societies, civic groups, and ongoing veterans' oral history projects as partners in the effort to identify, interview, and collect documents from war veterans and their supporters. • To preserve and present the collected materials to the public, through the National Digital Library Program, exhibitions, publications, and public programs. • To identify existing and ongoing veterans' oral history programs and archives, and recognize and work with them to International Solidarity Voiced to MTD Continued from page 7 the current drive, Bourg noted. Avondale workers secured union representation in December 2000, and early this year "54 people who had been fired because of union activity were put back on the payroll with back pay," he said. "If we're going to move this state in the right direction, we have got to organize, organize, organize!" Bourg added. Trumka pointed out that despite increased emphasis on organizing by the AFL-CIO and many of its affiliates, "we're still barely holding our own as a percentage of the American workforce. The truth is, we need bigger numbers if we're going to help workers speak with a stronger and stronger voice. To NOnCE TO INTERESTED PARTIES I. Notice to: All Participants of the Pension Fund ("the Fund") An application is to be made to the Internal Revenue Service for an advance determination on the quallfica. tion of the Restated Plan of the following pension ben- efit plan: 2. Name of Plan: MCS Supplementary Pension Plan 3. Plan Number: 001 4. Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees MCS Supplementary Pension Plan 520 l Autb. Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 5. Applicant EIN 51-6097856 6. Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Mr. Lou Delma, Administrator MCS Supplementary Petision Plan 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 7. The application will be filed before February 28, 2002 with the Key District Director, Internal Revenue Service, at: EP Determinations Internal Revenue Service :P.0.Box 192 Covington, KY 41012-0192 For an advance detennination as to whether the plan meets the qualification requirements of section 401 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with respect to the plan's qualification. 8. The employees eligible to participate under the plan are: All employees working in job clas ifications for which contributions are required to be made to the Fund pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. 9. The Internal Revenue Service bas previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification of this plan. RIQll1'S OF INYERESTED PAR11ES 10. You have the right to submit to the EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as to whether this pl.an meets the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Department of Labor to submit., on your behalf, comments to the Key District Director regarding qualification of the plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the io Seafarers LOS matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these mauers directly to the Key District Director. REQUESTS AIR wans " THE DEPAR1llEll1' OF LAIOB 11. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of the interested parties wi.less requested to do so by the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this plan is JO. If you request the Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify lhe matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include: (a) the information contained in items 2 through 5 of this Notice; and (b) the number of persons needed for the Department to comment. A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: Deputy Assistant Secretary Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration ATTN: 300 l Comment Request U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 COMMENTS TO 111£ lffTERllAL REVEJIUf SERVICE 12. Comments submitted by you to the EP Determinations must be in writing and received by him by April 15, 2002. However, if there are m11tters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to the Key District Director to be received by him within 15 days from tb.e time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a particular matter. or by April 15, 1995, whichever is l11ter. but not after May 1. 2002. ADDmoNAL INFORMATION Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in Revenue Procedure 2001-6. Additional infonnation concerning this application (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the plan and related trust; the application for determination; any additional documents dealing with the application that was submitted to the IRS; and copies of Revenue Procedure 2001-6) are available at the offices of the Fund, during the hours of9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for inspection and copyirtg. (There is a nominal fee for copying and/or mailing.) expand the Library's Veterans History Project initiative. • To create a comprehensive, searchable national catalog of all oral histories and other documentation collected as a result of this project. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta serves on the Veterans History Project's FiveStar Council, a group of prominent leaders invited by the Librarian of Congress James H. Billington to provide counsel to the Veterans History Project and bring it increased visibility nationwide. MarAd will send information about the Veterans History Project to maritime unions, museums, industry associations, educational institutions and merchant marine veterans' organizations. The agency also will post information on its web site and provide a link to the Library of Congress site. succeed, we're going to have to bring in almost a million members every single year." Trurnka said that the way to advance working families' agenda "is with the clout that comes with far more members working harder, and not just at their jobs but in the legislative and political arenas. The way to slow the tide of good jobs leaving our shore is with the increased clout that it takes to enact trade laws that respect the rights of workers instead of protecting the profits of business. And the way to stop the union-busting tactics of business, to protect workers' pensions from more Enrons, to secure the right of every worker to health care is by mobilizing our numbers and putting in public office people who understand the needs of working people." NOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Notice to: All Participants of the Pension Fund ("the Fund") An application is to be made to the Internal Revenue Service for an advance determination on the qualification of the Restated Plan of the following pension benefit plan: 2. Name of Plan: Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan 3. Plan Number: 001 4. Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 S. Applicant EIN 13-1953878 6. Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Mr. Lou Delma, Administrator Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 7. The application will be filed before February 28, 2002 with the Key District Director, Internal Revenue Service, at: EP Determinations Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 192 Covington, KY 41012-0192 For an advance determination as to whether the plan meets the qualification requirements of section 40J(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with respect to the plan 's qualification. 8. The employees eligible to participate under the plan are: All employees working in job classifications for which contributions are required to be made to the Fund pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. 9. The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification of this plan. RIGHTS OF INIEREmD PARTIES l 0. You have the right to submit to the EP Determinations, at the above address , either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as lo whether this plan meets the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Department of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to the Key District Director regarding qualification of the plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters directly to the Key District Director. REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS BY THE DEPARtllEllT OF LABOR 11. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of the interested parties unless requested to do so by the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this plan is 10. If you request the Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include: (a) the information contained in items 2 through S of this Notice; and (b) the number of persons needed for the Department to comment. A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: Deputy Assistant Secretary Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration ATIN: 3001 Comment Request U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 COMMENTS TU THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE 12 . Comments submitted by you to the EP Determinations must be in writing and received by him by April 15, 2002 . However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to the Key District Director to be received by him within 15 days from the time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a particular matter, or by April 15, 1995, whichever is later, but not after May 1, 2002. ADDmONAL INFORMATION Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in Revenue Procedure 2001-6. Additional information concerning this application (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the plan and related trust; the application for determination; any additional documents dealing with the application that was submitted to the IRS ; and copies of Revenue Procedure 2001-6) are available at the offices of the Fund, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for inspection and copying. (There is a nominal fee for copying and/or mailing.) Apri/2002 �rtOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES 1. otlce to: All Participants Fund") of lhe Ptnsion Fund ("the An application is to he made to the Internal Revenue Service for: an advance deter:mination on the qualification of the Restated Plan of the following pension benefit plan: 2. Name of Plan: Sea.farer& Money Purchase Pension 4. Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 5. Applicant EIN 52-1994914 (a) the information contained in items 2 through 5 of this otice: and 6. Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Mr. Lou Delma, Administrator Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (b) the number of persons needed for the Department to commenl A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: 7. The application wiU be filed before February 28, 2002 with the Key District Director, Internal Revenue Service, at: Deputy Assistant Secretary Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration ATTN: 300 l Comment Request U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 EP Determinations Internal Revenue Service P,O.Box 192 Covington, KY 41012--0192 For an advance determination as to whether the plan meets the qualification requirements of section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with respect to the plan's qualification. 8. The employees eligible to participate under the plan are; All employees working in job classifications for which contributions are required to be made to the Fund pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. 9. The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a deteanination letter with respect to the qualification of tbisplan. ' REQUESTS FOR COMMQTS BY 1HE DEPAR'IMENT OF LABOR 11. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of the interested parties unless requested to do so by the lesser of JO employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The nwnber of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this plan is 10. If you request tbe Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include: Plan 3. Plan Number. 001 .,. matters you raise, you may, individually. or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters directly to the Key District Director. COMMfliTS 10 m UMRllAL REVENUE Si8VICE 12. Comments submitted by yon to the EP Determinations must be in writing and received by him by Apri.l 15, 2002. However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to the Key District Director to be received by him within 15 days from the time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a particular matter, or by April IS, 1995, whichever is later, but not after May I, 2002. RIGHIS OF llTEllES'l'ED PARYIES ADDmOIAl INfORMATIOlt 10. You have the rigbt to submit to the EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as to whether this plan meets the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in Revenue Procedure 2001-6. Additional information concerning this application (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the plan and related trust; the application for determination; any additional documents dealing with the application that was submitted to the IRS; and copies of Revenue Procedure 2001-6) are available at the offices of the Fund, during the hours of9:-0Q a.m. to ~,:OOp.m. for inspection and copying. (There is a nominal fe~ for copying and/or mailing.) You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Department of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to the Key District Director regarding qualification of the plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the NOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Notice to: All Participants of the Pension Fund ("the Fund") An application is to be made to the Internal Revenue Service for an advance determination on the qualification of the Restated Plan of the following pension benefit plan: 2. Name of Plan: Seafarers Pension Plan 3. Plan Number: 001 4. Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 5. Applicant EIN 13-6100329 6. Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Mr. Lou Delma, Administrator Seafarers Pension Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 7. The application will be filed before February 28, 2002 with the Key District Director, Internal Revenue Service, at: EP Determinations Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 192 Covington, KY 41012-0192 For an advance determination as to whether the plan meets the qualification requirements of section 40l(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with respect to the plan's qualification. 8. The employees eligible to participate under the plan are: All employees working in job classifications for which contributions are required to be made to the Fund pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. 9. The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification of this plan. RIGHTS Of lfflHEmD PARTIES 10. You have the right to submit to the EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as to whether this plan meets the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Deparunent of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to the Key District Director regarding qualification of the plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters directly to the Key District Director. REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS BY TIIE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR I 1. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of the interested parties unless requested to do so by the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this plan is 10. If you request the Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include: (a) the information contained in items 2 through 5 of this otice; and (b) the number of persons needed for the Department to comment. A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows : Deputy Assistant Secretary Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration ATTN: 3001 Comment Request U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, .W. Washington, D.C. 20210 COMMENTS TO TIIE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE 12. Comments submitted by you to the EP Determinations must be in writing and received by him by April 15 , 2002. However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to the Key District Director to be received by him within 15 days from the time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a particular matter, or by April 15, 1995, whichever is later, but not after May I, 2002. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in Revenue Procedure 2001-6 . Additional information concerning this application (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the plan and related trust; the application for determination; any additional documents dealing with the application that was submitted to the IRS; and copies of Revenue Procedure 2001-6) are available at the offices of the Fund, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for inspection and copying. (There is a nominal fee for copying and/or mailing.) Arrests Made in Alaska Pollution Case Involving Two Runaway-Flag Vessels The U.S. Department of Justice last month announced that a ship captain and chief engineers of two runaway-flag vessels have been arrested and charged with keeping false log books to conceal the dumping of waste oil and sludge from two ships; obstructing a Coast Guard investigation; and obstruction of justice for allegedly telling crew members to lie to a federal grand jury. The arrests, supported by criminal complaints, were announced March 14 by Timothy M. Burgess, United States attorney for Alaska, and Thomas L. Sansonetti, assistant attorney general for the environment division of the Department of Justice. The defendants are Doo Hyon Kim, captain of the Norwegian-owned, Panamanian-flagged M/V Khana; In Ho Kim, chief engineer of the Khana; and Min Gwen Go, chief engineer of the Panamanian-flagged, Korean-owned MIV Sohoh. According to the criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Anchorage, the Khana and Sohoh are freighters operated by a Korean company (Boyang, LTD) that carries frozen seafood to Asia. In February, the U.S. Coast Guard detained the Khana, the Sohoh, and two other freighters under common management, in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, for possible violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. During Coast Guard inspections, agency officials found oil-laden bypass hoses on the two ships which they believed were used to circumvent the oil-water separator, a required pollution-prevention device. Oil was found by the Coast Guard in the overboard discharge valve where only clean water would ordinarily be located. Special agents from the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation subsequently executed search warrants on the ships, according to court documents. According to the criminal complaint, not only was oil-contaminated bilge waste and sludge dumped overboard without the use of the separator, but the captain and chief engineers of the two ships conducted meetings at which the lower level crew members were told to lie. This allegedly took place even after the crew members had been served with grand jury subpoenas. Crew members on both ships identified rubber hoses with metal fittings attached on each end that were used to bypass the oil-water separator. The criminal complaints further allege that the defendants maintained false oil record books, a required log in which all overboard discharges are to be recorded and which are relied upon by the Coast Guard. If convicted, the defendants could face up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 criminal fine for the alleged false statements and obstruction of an agency proceeding. The alleged obstruction of justice by ordering subpoenaed crew members to testify falsely, known as witness tampering, carries a maximum term of 10 years. Selecting a SPADSlogan In the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, we announced the start of a contest being conducted to come up with a new catch-phrase that signifies the importance of SPAD to the SIU membership. This new slogan, similar to the "Politics is Porkchops" of the past, will be printed on Tshirts. (Details on the shirts' availability will appear in future issues of the LOG.) But first, we need a slogan to put on the Tshirts. Some very good entries already have been received, but we welcome even more. This contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three slogans. Entries must be received no later than June 10, 2002 for consideration. The judges' decision will be final. In case the same slogan is submitted and selected for the new SPAD T-shirt, the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. The winner will receive an SIU jacket, an SIU cap and an SIU shirt. That individual, along with the winning entry, will be announced in a subsequent issue of the LOG. To enter, please complete the form printed below and mail it to the address indicated. r------- - ---------- - -------- - - - - --- - - - ---- - - - - -- - --- - ------ - - ------- - ---- ---- , NAME THAT T-SHIRT CONTEST Here are my ideas for a new SPAD slogan: (You may submit up to three ideas) 1. 2. 3. Name: Address: Telephone Num ber: D I am an active Seafarer D I am a retired Seafarer Send completed form to SPAD Slogan Contest, Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. -- - -- - -- - ---------------------- - --------------------------- - - -- - ----- - -- ---- ~ April2002 Seafarers LOS 11 �AB Joseph Carrillo (below) has a new-found respect for the jobs performed by engine department members. When he recently joined the Sea/and Florida (USSM) for a 35-day riding gang assignment, he fully expected to do some painting and chipping, but instead was told to report to the first engineer. Along with Wiper Jeremy Duncan (left) and AB Kenneth Carruth (not pictured) , he set to work spray-painting the bulkheads, rolling out the decks, and painting the emergency generator room , as well as the C0 2 , incinerator and purifier rooms. "You have to be tough to withstand the heat in the engine room," he acknowledged. The Moira Smith (above) is one of three new passenger ferries recently christened for the SIUcontracted NY Waterway fleet. Attending the ceremony in New York are (from left) SIU Rep Ed Pulver; SIU President Michael Sacco; Joseph Soresi, vice president Atlantic Coast; and Don Nolan, vice president Paul Hall Center. The boat was named in memory of Police Officer Moira Smith and all her colleagues who perished Sept. 11 , 2002. When the Chemical Pioneer (Maritime Transport Lines) stopped off in the port of Philadelphia recently, the crew members were met by SIU Rep Joe Mieluchowski (signing papers) . With him are Pumpman Utility Floyd Ellis (left) and AB Carl Motley. At the stern of the Sea/and Florida, AB Sirio Centino (left) gives the hull a coat of paint. Above, AB Shaib Juma (left) and Bosun Jerry Borucki perform some maintenance work on the anchor. Borucki sent these two photos to the LOG. STONEWALL JACKSON ~--· · Chief Cook Fernando Guity (who sent these photos to the LOG) rides the launch ashore to do some shopping . : ,- - - 1. Posing on the deck of the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel are deck department members (from left) DEU Brendan Malone, AB Ato Aikins, AB Finn Jakobsen, Bosun David Leachman and AB Joel Carlson . Recertified Steward Albert Fretta takes inventory aboard the Stonewall Jackson. QMED Julius Williams rolls up the hose following a boat drill on the Stonewall Jackson. The ves- sel was en route to the Suez Canal from a Far East run . Meals are delicious aboard ship, states QMED Ace Kirksey. 12 Seafal'el'S LOB SA Abdul Saleh (left) cleans the mess hall before the next meal while SA Bon Vannaxay prepares ingredients for a salad . April 2002 �Dilf&St of SlliPboard- g.,ion Meetings ' Tile Seafatel$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 ~f the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ;:\to the Seafarers LOG tor publlcation. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), Dec. 30--Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Rahul Bagchi, Deck Delegate James Browne, Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman thanked everyone for great job cleaning cargo hold. Secretary added his thanks to all for helping keep mess hall clean. He asked that rooms be left in good order for next person and that plastic refuse be separated from regular trash. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney .Point, Md. and reminded crew members of Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for compliance with STCW training regulations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on company hiring of Polish nationals aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Next port: New Orleans. ITB BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Dec. 26-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Mohamed Nour, Educational Director Brandon T. Purcell, Deck Delegate Allen C. Davis, Engine Delegate Ahmed Salim, Steward Delegate Yussuf Ussi. Chairman reminded crew members about upcoming STCW training deadline, about importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading at Piney Point. He added that passageways should be kept quiet and that shower shoes are not appropriate attire for mess hall or galley. He also encouraged separation of plastic items, batteries and paper from regular trash. Educational director stated that facilities at Piney Point are for all Seafarers and that they should take advantage of that benefit. Treasurer announced $200 each month for the movie fund (use it or lose it). No beefs or disputed OT reported. TV reception now excellent, following captain's purchase and installation of new television antenna and coaxial cable. Following reading of president's report from LOG, discussion ensued on legislation associated with ANWR. Steward department thanked for excellent job, especially for Christmas dinner. Next ports: Port Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash.; Portland, Ore. Kenneth Whitfield. Bosun reported payoff Dec. 31 in Lake Charles, La. Crew members will find out more about new contract at that time. Educational director reminded Seafarers of STCW training deadline and suggested they upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report from captain that DirecTV channel will be back on line in Fort Lauderdale. New mattresses received; captain will put them in rooms needing them most. Special thanks given to steward department for super Christmas dinner. USNS POMEROY (Maersk Lines), Dec. 13--Chairman Mark A. Coleman, Secretary Waymond H. Watson III, Educational Director Roy Zanca, Deck Delegate Kenneth L. Cuffee, Steward Delegate Lewis E. Johansen. Chairman talked about fantastic performance of ship's crew during docking and loadout-57 minutes for docking and three days to load. Secretary added his thanks to steward department for great job in Charleston, S.C. loading stores and consumables virtually alone since deck department was busy elsewhere. Educational director reminded crew members about STCW training deadline and importance of upgrading skills and ratings at Piney Point facility. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT reported. Bosun led discussion about massive U.S. layoffs but that SIU continues to provide jobs for its members. He stated importance of contributing to SPAD to help in that effort. Everyone advised to keep safety in mind at all times, especially on "B" deck with fork truck tines. "Tremendous vote of thanks" given to steward department for wonderful job and variety of menus. Next port: Diego Garcia. USNS STOCKHAM (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 21Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Sergio Castellanos, Educational Director Richard A. Sargent, Deck Delegate Martha A. Wall, Engine Delegate Alan H. Nelson, Steward Delegate Vicki L. Holloway. Chairman led discussion on various aspects of shipboard living. Educational director stated that crew members need to work 60 days before they can get a vacation check. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point. Secretary announced $1 ,025 in ship 's fund. Suggestions on ways to spend it are welcome. Christmas dinner will be held ashore at one of the parks (in Diego Garcia). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from headquarters state that members may be asked at payoff to update their dues-so all were advised to keep dues current. MAERSK ALASKA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Dec. 29-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Ronald J. Davis, Educational Director Ralph S. Baker. Chairman talked about smooth voyage to and from Beirut. In the wake of Sept. 11 , he didn't know what to expect, but everything went well. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read regarding importance of - ENDURANCE (USSM), Jan. complying with STCW training. 22--Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Vote of thanks given to steward Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, department for job well done-and Educational Director Tesfaye best wishes for Merry Christmas Gebregziabber. Chairman reportand happy new year to all Seaed smooth voyage with payoff farers and staff. Next port: Galscheduled Jan. 22 in Long Beach, veston, Texas. Calif. He urged crew members to SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk upgrade at Paul Hall Center and Tankers, Inc.), Dec. 30-Chairman stay current with latest regulations. Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary He also wished nice vacation to Aprl/2002 departing crew. Secretary stressed importance of union involvement aboard ship and ashore. He thanked all departments for teamwork during voyage. It reminded him of when he was a trainee in 1984. He also advised everyone that upgrading skills is the key to a secure future. Educational director talked about necessity of upgrading and of importance of contributing to SPAD. With SPAD donations, the SIU can work hard on Capitol Hill to secure jobs for the future. Beef reported in engine department pertaining to clothing allowance; otherwise, everything running well. Steward reported new chairs for messhall and lounge are due in Long Beach. Crew is looking into some new gym equipment. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job during voyage. INDEPENDENCE (USSM), Jan. 3--Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Stephen R. Garay. Chairman stated year-end payoff went smoothly. He noted that with Chinese New Year coming up, flight delays to be expected. Secretary and educational director talked of need to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point and get necessary STCW training. Treasurer announced $120 in crew fund. No beefs; some disputed OT reported in deck department. Suggestion made to streamline contracts to make them easier for members and officials to understand. Everyone asked to comply with vessel's smoking policy. Request made for launch service. Vote of thanks given to steward department, especially for delicious Christmas meal. Next ports: Singapore and Hong Kong. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Jan. 6--Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Leoncio A. Castro, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman noted several crew members getting off in Balboa, Panama, and he welcomed new GVA, Daniel Beshears from Louisiana, on board. He also said ship is awaiting copies of new contract. Educational director recommended everyone comply with STCW training requirements by Feb. 1,2002. Treasurer announced $600 in ship 's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower retirement age to 50; also to have patrolman in Panama stay with crew members at airport until departure to pay travel taxes. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Jan 23--Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Oscar A. Palacios, Deck Delegate Shawn Williams, Steward Delegate Malcolm C. Holmes. Chairman stressed that Maersk Texas is a union ship and everyone should follow union shipping rules. Educational director talked about need to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $265 in ship 's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made for new VCR for crew lounge as well as stereo and satellite TV. Would also like to have a couple SIU unlicensed apprentices on board. Suggestions made to increase retirement and health benefits. Vote of thanks to steward department, especially to Chief Cook Holmes and GVA Manuel Daguio for excellent jobs. MOTIVATOR (USSM), Jan. 14Chairman Norman K. Armstrong, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Prescilo P. Zunige, Engine Delegate Sheldon S. Greenberg. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 16 upon arrival in Houston. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading opportunities at union's Piney Point facility and of upcoming deadline for STCW training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Matter of chief mate not signing off on TRBs to be taken up with boarding patrolman. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Christmas dinner. PERFORMANCE (USSM), Jan. 5--Chairman Ross F. Lyle, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, union agent upon arrival in Tacoma and to leave room clean and with fresh linen for next person. Secretary advised members to upgrade at Piney Point and take advantage of all the courses they have to offer. He also reminded them to help clean ship and keep all documents up to date. Educational director expressed importance of keeping abreast of union and industry business. Reading LOG is good way to get that news. Treasurer announced $256 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members who signed on June 16 requested Keeping Current on the Perseverance Tacoma SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell (second from right) reviews STCW training requirements with crew members aboard the Perseverance (Maritrans) in San Pedro, Calif. He also stressed the need for Seafarers to write their elected officials in support of an energy policy that includes development of ANWR, which would create a substantial number of jobs in the maritime sector. Educational Director Nicholas A. Vieira, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega. Chairman, secretary and educational director spoke about need to upgrade skills at Piney Point and get STCW training. Treasurer announced $140 in ship's treasury. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dryer has been replaced in crew laundry. Suggestion made concerning procedure for room inspections/searches. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Houston. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND (ATC), Jan. 20--Chairman Al L. Caulder, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Steward Delegate Lucille Ryan. Chairman stated Port Agent John Cox visited ship in Long Beach, Calif He brought new tanker agreements on board and explained some contract changes. Crew members advised that ship's chairman is an elected position and not automatically the role of the bosun. Bosun suggested everyone work together for stronger ship and stronger union and keep ship's business down below, first taking any problems to department delegates. Secretary talked about upcoming STCW training deadline. No disputed OT reported; beef noted in steward department. Deck delegate reminded everyone to get letter from captain for extra day's vacation. Complaint made that prices at Paul Hall Center slop chest are too high. Bosun to discuss disbursement of monies from ATC safety fund with captain. Thanks-and job well done-given to steward department for excellent Christmas meal. Next port: Cherry Point, Wash. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Jan. 6-Chairman Rufino J. Giray, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Frank J. Bakun, Engine Delegate Knolly T. Wiltshire, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman read letter from headquarters answering many questions previously posed by crew members. He also talked about importance of contributing to SPAD and how that donation benefits the membership. Bosun advised crew to check in with customs and immigration and with clarification as to whether they are under old or new contract. Clarification also requested on reliefs and tours of duty. Crew members gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Steward department, in tum, thanked deck department for their help and assistance. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif; Hawaii; Guam, Hong Kong. SEALAND PRIDE (USSM), Jan. 19--Chairman Robert B.F. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Roderick K. Bright, Educational Director Ronald M. Pheneuf. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 21 in port of Houston. New SPAD poster received from headquarters to be put in crew lounge. Educational director talked about need for STCW training by Feb. 1, 2002. Bosun announced $90 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for USSM to return to old rules regarding transportation. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. Before heading to Rotterdam, ship will stop in Houston; Savannah, Ga.; and Norfolk, Va. SPIRIT(CSX Lines), Jan. 13Cbairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 19 in Tacoma, Wash. He stated that noise heard at night when ship rolls will be fixed in port. He thanked crew for good trip and for following safety procedures and reminded them to read president's report in LOG each month. Secretary stated new mattresses should be on board next trip. Educational director talked about 12-week QMED course for qualified members available at Paul Hall Center. He also reminded them of upcoming STCW compliance deadline. Treasurer announced $530 in ship's fund and $140 in video fund. Plans may include purchase of larger TV and build cabinet to store TV, VCR and DVD equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman to talk to patrolman about getting copies of new contract. Thanks given to steward department for good food and clean messhall. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. Seafal'fll'S LOS 13 �T he Piney Point Lighthouse is known as the Lighthouse of Presidents because, beginning with our fourth commander-in-chief, James Madison, many presidents and other notables of American history spent their summers in Piney Point, Md., away from the stifling heat of Washington. It's too bad they didn't have the fantastic facilities available to them that today's SIU members have, namely, the Paul Hall Center. Each summer, a number of rooms in the training and recreation center are set aside for vacationing SIU members and their families. Ideally situated on the banks of the St. George's Creek in Southern Maryland, the Paul Hall Center is the perfect place from which to base a family vacation. The center, which houses the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and educational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and a six-story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and there are certainly enough amenities and activities to keep everyone in the family happy. At the center, you will find a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health spa (including Nautilus, free weights, universal gym, sauna and steamroom) and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides opportunities for both water- and landbased expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. But there is plenty to do outside the gates of the Paul Hall Center as well. A drive of less than two hours will bring you into the nation 's capital and all it has to offer- a fabulous zoo as well as museums and monu- • • • ' ' ' ments galore, just for starters. Or you can catch an Orioles' ball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. But you don't even have to go that far. History is just down the road. The Piney Point Lighthouse- the oldest of four lights on the Potomac River- is located 14 miles upstream from its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. It was built in 183 6 by John Donohoo of Havre de Grace, Md. and was in operation until 1964 when it was retired by the Coast Guard. The unique brick tower is 35 feet tall and is painted white with a red lantern. Upon its completion, a fixed white light was installed, which was visible for 11 miles. A Fresnel lens was installed in 1855 (it has since been removed). In 1880, a fog bell tower was constructed next to the lighthouse tower. The bell, which was operated mechanically, sounded every 20 seconds on foggy nights. The bell was replaced in 1936 with the installation on the lighthouse tower of a reed horn. The tower was severely damaged in a storm in the mid 1950s and was dismantled soon after. In 1980, the Coast Guard transferred ownership to the St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks. The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum is housed in a separate building. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk to view exhibit panels on the history of the area. The grounds of this six-acre park are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, and the museum offers exhibits related to the history of the lighthouse and of area life in the early 1900s. There are lots of places of historical significance as well as other attractions nearby, including seafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows and theater productions. The choices are unlimited, depending on your interests. And the Paul Hall Center is the link to all of them. Your stay at Piney Point, which can last up to two weeks per family, also includes three delicious meals each day. To take advantage of this unique benefit to SIU members and their families, send in your reservation form now. ·The Vacation Spot o Presidents PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Name: Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number: Address: Telephone number: Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ __ 4/02 Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. J ·--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ ·14 -Seafarers LOG Apri/2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ............. Monday: May 6, June 3 DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 g 3 6 2 0 5 25 6 16 19 6 IO 35 13 15 23 10 5 l 5 16 1 30 25 220 1 0 2 3 5 3 2 2 3 15 19 8 10 9 6 2 20 21 8 6 6 7 8 7 6 2 16 16 12 1 5 8 7 1 9 8 8 2 0 8 7 l 0 7 7 0 0 0 11 6 18 10 4 5 11 10 3 0 6 6 0 145 106 9 12 3 14 2 5 0 3 7 21 6 3 10 0 1 2 12 4 3 1 6 8 5 2 8 12 7 10 123 102 12 13 18 Mobile 7 14 4 5 5 6 New Orleans 14 l N~wYork 14 5 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 10 5 3 ~ San Francisco St Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 20 31 18 186 5 3 3 13 8 104 9 1 0 St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 16 7 1 3 Q' 10 3 2 5 58 "Jr 7 0 2 7 9 9 65 0 0 2 4 7 0 1 1 5 5 7 7 1 4 69 25 36 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 5 5 t 5 3 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 1 7 I l 0 0 2 2 3 2 1 7 4 3 3 7 13 14 18 2 4 I 1 0 0 3 5 9 3 6 7 4 2 6 2 2 0 6 8 l .-~--- 0 8 11 2 3 77 54 0 1 1 0 2 5 2 11 0 1 0 9 1 2 0 2 4 0 0 0 4 0 4 1 0 0 2 ~ 9 2 4 0 12 10 4 22 20 35 11 25 6 30 37 19 8 15 19 13 17 20 22 16 4 2 4 2 14 14 3 36 17 5 23 4 5 14 398 19 232 19 148 2 3 0 7 1 8 25 29 5 0 8 12 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 9, June 6 29 0 0 6 17 14 8 6 17 3 4 12 Port Everglades .......Thursday: May I 6, June 13 20 4 San Francisco ......... Thursday: May 16, June 13 6 9 3 2 1 2 San Juan .................. Thursday: May 9, June 6 17 8 3 14 7 0 15 16 194 16 7 167 94 48 48 15 17 21 8 4 5 6 12 8 7 6 17 18 27 13 . 6 3 8-- 17 22 13 5 5 3 14 4 19 0 3 I 12 ~~ &.f~ 1 0 6 2 1 9 1 ~~-~ 1 1 2 3 0 20 4 1 4 38 l 1 0 0 0 19 20 163 1 4 0 0 15 3 3 13 53 36 20 119 4 31 0 16 4 48 38 33 253 87 61 l 8 7 0 0 0 8 2 5 3 36 3 4 3 25 23 17 40 19 60 25 77 21 6 18 3 25 8 25 0 10 8 60 3 32 20 324 413 905 810 716 2 13 2 16 3 0 2 4 0 1 0 3 3 0 2 0 0 5 0 9 9 2 3 0 0 17 2 11 10 0 9 2 0 2 0 7 12 2 2 1 5 34 7 1 36 3 0 16 11 0 0 14 3 0 9 3 1 11 0 5 0 11 1 0 4 12 0 4 1 19 4 4 2 21 90 78 403 294 177 6 5 33 9 174 539 474 415 19 ' 0 2 12 0 0 9 16 2 10 1 17 11 219 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 l 0 0 3 7 0 0 23 34 30 Honolulu ......... ........ Friday: May 17, June 14 Houston .................. Monday: May 13, June 10 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: May 9, June 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: May 22, June 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: May 15, June 12 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 21. June 18 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 14, June 11 New York ................Tuesday: May 7, June 4 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: May 8, June 5 St. Louis ............ .....Friday: May 17, June 14 Savannah ................Friday; May 10, June 7 Tacoma ................... Friday: May24, June 21 0 7 4 6 2 159 o: Personals 3 7 3 0 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 15, June 12 16 5 24 0 0 4 Boston .....................Friday: May 10, June 7 Wilinin&IDn ................Mon~ay: May 2?• June 17 ·o 0 2 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 9, June 6 47 55 0 0 Algonac .................. Friday: May 10, June 7 Eat:ll port's llllldng starts at 10:30 a.m. 3 0 2 1 7 2 1 0 1 0 9 2 6 3 13 1 o Port Algonac Baltimore ~· 9u~m Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco 0 3 Port . . Algonac · Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 1 2 2 3 3 13 1 0 8 1 7 0 7 17 12 8 8 5 18 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals ·. Puerto:Rico Trip Reliefs May & June 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 4 11 58 56 2 JAMES C. DAVIS Please contact Harry McDaniel at 18 Cottonwood Lane, Merrimack, NH 03054; or telephone (603) 424-9483. GLENN BAKER JR. Please get in touch with your friend from 10 years ago, Misty Daubert. You may write her at 6318 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205; or telephone (904) 693-3204. CAPE FAREWELL REUNION Retired Seafarer Chuck Klim is helping coordinate what hopefully will be a reunion of the breakout and first replacement crew of the SS Cape Farewell from the Persian Gulf War. For more information, please contact Klim at: Chuck@DragonAdventures.com. Klim sailed with the SIU from 1963-69 and again from 1990 until 2000. 0 17 10 18 I 39 31 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. .April 2/JIJ2 Seafarers LOG 15 �N1'111 Monthly Shipping • Registration Report Seafarers International Union Directory FEBRUARY 2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, ExecutNe Vice Pre..sident David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group ID A1Jgttstin Tellez, Vice ]',resident Contracts Tom Orzechowski, J!Jce President Lakes and Inland Waters " J)e~Q Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vwe President West Coast Jo$eplt T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Ren~ Lioea.njie, Jlice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large • • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899--0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr.. Algonac, Ml 48001 (SJ 0) 7944988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1 C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 5614988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 3274900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston. MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722--4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-:1.350 HONOLULU 696 Ka1ihi St., Honolulu, H1 (808) 845-5222 ~6819 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 ~· ~APJ:{SQN)71J,LJ! _f~ .ms Liberty St., J'ack;0:nvllle, p-ift3z206· ·;; .- (904) 3:53-0987 JE..RSEY CITY Q9 Montgotfiery St. 1 Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-091Q NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (5-08) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 39ll. upalco Blvd., l:Iarvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 6~S NEWYO.RK Fourth Ave,, 8rooklyn, NY 1123:2 (7 I 8) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third-St., Norfolk, VA (757) 622-1892 ~3510 PHlLADELJ>IDA 2604 S. 4 St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (3-0l) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale; FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Frt!mont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Govetn:tnent Services Division: (4 L5) 861-3400 SANT URCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752.-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St-. Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 wtLMlNGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington. CA 90744 (3.10) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOS Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 8 8 7 12 6 11 3 0 5 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 9 2 0 34 130 28 11 0 2 0 4 0 11 0 19 0 2 55 0 5 3 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pe<lro Savannah Tacoma Totals San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 4 2 4 0 6 2 21 0 1 0 0 0 A 1 ~~~~- 2 0 l 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 2 0 1 <t 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 3 2 16 0 3 1 8 4 19 5 0 0 3 5 0 10 -0 ~=O~."""""..-..--~ 0 2 0 0 0 4 4 5 11 23 79 0 9 2 1 36 1 18 0 0 1 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 5 2 0 0 0 4 0 tt 1 Q 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 ~.-..-~~~~---9 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 3 3 22 4 0 0 .d~L,.O, . o~ o 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 13 0 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 12 3 25 17 50 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk 30 5 5 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 13 0 0 9 45 11 15 5 3 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 4 6 3 I 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 9 1 0 0 1 ~ 1 1 0 3 0 0 1 10 20 0 12 0 1 0 5 108 32 18 64 0 4 3 17 16 7 7 41 21 0 0 14 8 41 12 10 3 2 70 131 97 76 324 206 141 4 Pl CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Gordon P. Driscoll of Warren, Ore. Driscoll has many memories-and a few photos-of his 33 year career at sea. In the far right photo, taken in 1949 aboard the SS Sonoma, he is making friends with Maggie, one of a load of camels being shipped from Australia bound for Los Angeles. He was just 22 at the time. With him is another crew member, Jack Smith. The young boy looking on was one of the passengers aboard the vessel . In the near right photo, Driscoll, now 75, poses at home with his wife, Betty, and dog, Ginger. The large garden, he notes, "keeps the old man going." Driscoll keeps abreast of SIU activities by reading the Seafarers LOG. He is sometimes amazed at all the advances that have been made since he last sailed. "Would you believe that a trip to Australia on a C-2 cargo ship took four months," he stated in a letter accompanying these photos. And he notes that the training he received on the SS Mariposa in the galley "was a great education." Apri/2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A captain, two recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captain Harald Sevland worked at the helms of inland vessels for more than 20 years. Bosuns James L. Camp and Edwin G. Gambrel completed bosun recertification programs at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This program is the highest level of training available to members who sail in the deck department. Chief Steward Kenneth D. Rosieck completed the equivalent program for steward department members. Including Camp, Gambrel and Rosieck, eight of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Four others, including Seveland, navigated the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retirees worked in the deck department, three shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA JAMESE. BILLING- TON, 68, » started his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Billington served in the U.S Army from 1950 to 1961. He worked in the SIU's deep sea as well as inland divisions, first sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. The New Jersey native upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1985 and 1986. Brother Billington shipped in the steward department and last went to sea on Maersk's USNS Charlton. He is a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. JAMESL. BROCK, 57, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Baltimore. The Tennesseeborn mariner served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He first sailed on an Isthmian Lines vessel. Brother Brock worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers school in Piney Point. His last ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.'s Major Steven W Pless. Brother Brock makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. CAMILO CAMARENA, 65, hails from Texas. Brother Camarena began his SIU career in 1981 in the port of Houston. His initial voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Apri/2002 Del Sol. The steward department member last worked on the SeaLand Discovery. Brother Camarena lives in Houston. the Tyco-operated Globe Senti- nel. INLAND JAMES L. CAMP, 61, was born in North Carolina. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. Brother Camp served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship on five occasions. He completed bosun recertification training in 1979. Brother Camp last sailed aboard the Chemical Explorer. He calls Mooresboro, N.C. home. ROBERT ENKE, 65, began his SIU career in 1978 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Enke first sailed on the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. Born in Brazil, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1982 and 1984. His last voyage was on the Overseas New Orleans. Brother Enke is a resident of Kenner, La. EDWIN G. GAMBREL, 48, started his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. Brother Gambrel worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school and completed bosun recertification training in 1998. Brother Gambrel last went to sea aboard the Liberty Wave, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. The Alabama-born mariner lives in his native state in the city of Mobile. GEORGEM. COLLIER, 56, is a native of Pasadena, Texas. Boatman Collier started his SIU career L---~~.......... in 1963 in the port of Houston. He worked in the deep sea as well as the inland divisions, initially sailing aboard Isthmian Liness Steel Rover. A member of the deck department, Boatman Collier last worked on a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Cisco, Texas. 1 -,.___j HOMERL. SIDPES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Houston. A native of Georgia, Boatman Shipes served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center Last year. He worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. Boatman Shipes is a resident of Odum, Ga. GREAT LAKES NORMAN FITTAHEY, 61, hails from Yemen. Brother Fittahey joined the Seafarers in 1965 in Detroit. He sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Fittahey last went to sea on the H Lee White, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He lives in Detroit. AMMV Visits Piney Point LEWISS. FARROW, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Farrow was born in North Carolina and sailed in the engine department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Cape Fear Towing Co. Boatman Farrow still resides in his native state in the city of Wilmington. HARALD SEVLAND, 65, started his SIU career in 1979. Born in Germany, he shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Sevland, who resides in Lake Worth, Fla., worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. Members of chapters composing the Valley Forge Region of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) conducted meetings last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. SIU President Michael Sacco (top photo, right) addressed the group of approximately 75 AMMV members, officials and their families. Valley Forge Region VP Don Trimbath (left) presented Sacco with an AMMV jacket March 12. The garment features a remake of the World War II-era "Battlin' Pete" merchant marine patch. In photos below, Sacco is joined by other AMMV members as well as other officials from the union and the school. GUADALUPEN. GARCIA, 71, hails from Mexico. He joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif Brother Garcia first went to sea aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Mercedes. The steward department member last worked on the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruise Lines vessel. Brother Garcia makes his home in Honolulu. KENNETH D.ROSIECK, 65, began his SIU career in 1975 in San Francisco. A native of Pennsylvania, he first shipped on the Santa Magdalena, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1986 and completed the steward recertification program in 1987. Brother Rosieck, who lives in Sparks, Nev., last sailed aboard ) Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA PIOBLANKAS Pensioner Pio Blankas, 82, died Nov. 12. Born in the Philippines, Brother Blank.as joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1955 in San Francisco. The steward department member worked primarily aboard American President Lines vessels during his career. He began receiving his pension in 1981 and made his home in Seattle. STEPHEN BORESKI lllmll!Cl Pensioner Stephen Boreski, 79, passed away Aug. 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in San Francisco. Brother Boreski served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1945. The engine department member initially shipped aboard the Eagle Traveler, a Sea Transport Corp. vessel. He last worked on the Sea-Land Boston. Brother Boreski began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1987. He lived in Las Vegas. ERNEST CANTU Brother Ernest Cantu, 74, died Dec. 17. The California native joined the Seafarers in 1988 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. Brother Cantu's initial SIU voyage was aboard the USNS Kane, operated bY'Lavino Steamship Co. The · deck department member last worked on the USNS Harkness. El Paso, Texas was his home. FRANK CATCHOT Pensioner Frank Catchot, 92, passed away Jan. 10. Brother Catchot started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port ..._____________. of Mobile, Ala. A native of Mississippi, he first sailed on Bloomfield Steamship Co. 's Lloyd S. Carlson. The engine department member last worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. 's Del Mexico. Brother Catcbot began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1975. He was a resident of Mobile. EDDIE CHANG Pensioner Eddie Chang, 88, died Oct. 22. Brother Chang started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member sailed primarily aboard American President Lines vessels. He started receiving his pension in 1978 and lived in Honolulu. PHILIP CHOO Pensioner Philip Choo, 82, passed away Dec. 9. The Hawaiian-born mariner started his career with the MC&S in 1958 in San Francisco. Brother Choo served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 194 5 to 1947. He worked primarily aboard Matson Navigation Co. vessels, including the Lurline and the Manukai. Brother Choo shipped in the steward 18 Seafarers LOS department and started receiving his pension in 1985. Honolulu was his home. EDUARDO COLMENERO Pensioner Eduardo Colmenero, 87, died Dec. 4. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Florida, he first sailed on the Alamar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. A member of the engine department, he last went to sea on the Bayamon, a Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Colmenero began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1982. He lived in Jefferson, La. JAMES H. COLWELL Pensioner James H. Colwell, 65, passed away Dec. 14. Brother Colwell began his career with the Seafarers in ' 1967 in San Francisco. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Amiy from 1955 to 1957. Brother Colwell's initial SIU voyage was on an Isthmian Lines, Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last sailed aboard the USNS Regulus, operated by Bay Ship Management, Inc. Brother Colwell started receiving his retirement stipend last year. He was a resident of Snug Harbor, N.C. KENNETH CRAFf Pensioner J(eoneth Craft, 61, died Jan. 21 . Brother Craft served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1963. He joined the SIU in 1969 in Seattle. Brother Craft first sailed aboard the Raleigh, a Crest Overseas Shipping Co., Inc. vessel. The North Dakota native sailed in the deck department and last worked aboard the SeaLand Innovator. Brother Craft began receiving his pension in 1999 and lived in Winterhaven, Calif. MALCOLM CROSS Pensioner Malcolm Cross, 86, passed away Dec. 18. Born in Minnesota, he served in the U.S. Army from 1938 to 1941. Brother Cross started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Yaka. The deck department member, who sailed as a bosun, last went to sea on a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Cross started collecting payments for his retirement in 1979. He made his home in Torrance, Calif. GUYDEBAERE Pensioner Guy Debaere, 77, died Jan 24. He began his career , with the Seafarers in 1958 in San Francisco. Brother Debaere's first voyage was aboard a Pennsylvania Transport Co. vessel. Born in France, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Debaere's last trip at sea was on Energy Transportation Co. 's LNG Gemini. He started receiving his pension in 1986 and was a resident of Bergenfield, N.J. FESTUS DeLEON 1--;;pl!!'l"ll'•~--i Pensioner Festus DeLeon, 96, passed away Jan. 12. Born in Jamaica, he started his career in 1939 as a charter member of the SIU. Brother DeLeon shipped in the steward department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1971 . He made his home in Baltimore. RICHARD GAMBLE Pensioner Richard Gamble, 74, died Nov. 20. Brother Gamble started his SIU career in 1954 in Seattle. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American President Lines, including the President Harrison and President Madison. Born in Kansas City, Kan., Brother Gamble shipped in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1993 and called Seattle home. CLODUALDO GOMEZ Pensioner Clodualdo Gomez, 67, passed away Nov. 24. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 in San Francisco. Brother Gomez first went to sea on the Santa Maria, a Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. vessel. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. He last worked ~m Bay Ship Management's USNS Chesapeake. Brother Gomez began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1999 and made his home in San Francisco. ELLIOTT GORUM Pensioner Elliott Gorum, 83, died Dec. 27. Brother Gorum started his SIU career in 1942, joining in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native first shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Hastings. Brother Gorum worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Express. He began receiving his retirement stipend in 1985 and lived in Bronx, N.Y. MAYNARD JONES Pensioner Maynard Jones, 92, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Jones began his career with the MC&S. The steward department member started receiving his pension in 1978. He was a resident of Carson, Calif. RICHARD KIM Pensioner Richard Kim, 83, died Nov. 8. Born in Hawaii, Brother Kim started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1969. He made his home in Sacramento, Calif. JOHN LASKY Pensioner John Lasky, 74, passed away Jan 4. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946. Brother Lasky began his career with the Seafarers in 1950 in the port of New York. Brother Lasky was born in New York and shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the SeaLand Value. Troy, N.Y. was his home. DOUGLAS LAUGHLIN Pensioner Douglas Laughlin, 69, died Dec. 7. Brother Laughlin served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950to 1953. The Mississippi native started his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Houston. He first sailed aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The engine department member last worked on the Sea-Land Commitment. He started receiving his pension in 1995 and called Jacksonville, Fla. home. Pensioner Engelbert Lenz, 60, passed away Nov. 11. Brother Lenz joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. The German-born mariner shipped in the deck department and sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Lenz, who started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1993, lived in Las Vegas. !1 _ I, J ~1 ·• Pensioner Alfredo Mora, 82, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Mora started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member L.L.--_............._~-""'=.....L..-l began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. Brother Mora was born in Puerto Rico, but called Bronx, N.Y. home. THOMAS H. O'BRIEN Pensioner Thomas H. O'Brien, 80, died Dec. 27. Born in New Jersey, he served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1962. ~~~~LJ Brother O'Brien started his SIU career in 1970 in San Juan, P.R. He first sailed aboard the Mayaguez, a PRMMI vessel. The steward department member last shipped on the Sea-Land Pittsburgh. Brother 0 'Brien started receiving his pension in 1986 and lived in Luquillo, P.R. WILLIE ORR ENGELBERT LENZ lj ALFREDO MORA ~ ESKOMAKILA Pensioner Esko Makila, 70, died Dec. 20. He started his SIU career in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Makila first shipped aboard the Ponce. Born in Finland, he sailed in the deck department. His final SIU voyage was on the Sea-Land Patriot. Brother Makila began receiving his pension in 1988 anp was a resident of Kissimmee, Fla. AMBROSIO MARTIN Pensioner Ambrosio Martin, 85, passed away Jan. 2. Brother Martin started his career with theMC&S in San Francisco. The Philippinebom mariner shipped in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1970 and made his home in San Francisco. MICHAEL MOORE Brother Michael Moore, 48, died Jan. 20. He joined the SIU in 1979 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Moore's initial voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. The New Jersey native shipped in the deck department. He last worked aboard the Northern Lights, an Interocean Ugland Management vessel. Brother Moore lived in Paulsboro, N.J. Brother Willie Orr passed away Oct. 31. He worked in all three divisions during his career. His initial voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The steward department member last worked on the President Truman, an American Ship Management, LLC vessel. Brother Orr was a resident of San Pedro, Calif. LAWRENCE PORCHE awrence Porche, 50, died Dec. 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Porche's initial voyage was aboard the Carrier Dove, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Louisiana native shipped in the engine department. His final trip was aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Porche lived in Baton Rouge, La . RAFAEL RAMOS Pensioner Rafael Ramos, 87, passed away Nov. 6. Brother Ramos started Ills career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Ramos' initial voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the engine department. He last worked on NPR's Arecibo. Brother Ramos started receiving his. pension in 1978. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Brother Ramos resided in his native commonwealth. ALFONSO RIVERA Pensioner Alfonso_ Rivera, 70, died Nov. 14. He started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Rivera initially went to sea aboard the Dorothy, an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. A member of Continued on page 19 April2002 �Continued from page 18 the deck department, he sailed as a bosun. Brother Rivera last worked aboard PRMMI's San Juan. He started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1986 and lived in Bayamon, P.R. STANLEY SAKUDA Pensioner Stanley Sakuda, 82; passed away Dec. 28. Brother Sakuda started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member began collecting payments for his retirement in 1969. Brother Sakuda made his home in San Francisco. JAMES SINIARD Pensioner James Siniard, 78, died Oct. 22. Brother Siniard started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Siniard's first SIU voyage was aboard Isco, Inc. 's Steel Architect. The North Carolina-born mariner shipped in the deck department. He last worked on the SeaLand Defender. Brother Siniard started receiving his pension in 1983. He made his home in Reno, Nev. ADOLF STAHL Pensioner Adolf Stahl, 96, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Stahl started his career with the MC&S. A member of the steward department, he began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970. Brother Stahl made his home in San Francisco. FIDEVTHOMA Brother Fidel Thomas, 51, died Nov. 3. He joined the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Thomas first sailed aboard American Hawaii Cruises' Independence. Born in Honduras, he shipped in the steward department. He last worked on the HM! Astrachem. Brother Thomas was a resident of Jacksonville. NATHANIEL THOMAS Pensioner Nathaniel Thomas, 66, passed away Dec. 4. Brother Thomas started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco in 1958. The U.S. Army veteran first shipped aboard American President Lines' President Johnson. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Maui, operated by Matson Navigation Co. He started receiving his retirement income in 1992 and lived in San Francisco. GABIER VARGAS Pensioner Gabier Vargas, 70, died July 22. Brother Vargas started his career with the MC&S and shipped in the steward department. He resided in Maywood, Colo. and began receiving his pension in 1978. DOROTHY WILLIAMS Pensioner Dorothy Williams, 74, passed away Dec. 24. Sister Williams started her career with the MC&S. A member of the steward department, she began receiving compensation for her retirement in 1976. Sister Williams lived in Freemont Calif. JOERG WITTE Brother Joerg Witte, 65, died Jan. 28. He started his SIU career in Apl'i/2002 1976 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Witte worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions during his career, first sailingCarriers aboard a •~-··J Dixie vessel. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Witte called Seminole, Fla. home. INLAND RUFUS ATWOOD Boatman Rufus Atwood, 58, passed away July 15. He started his SIU career in 1974 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Atwood worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. Inc. vessels. The engine department member was a resident of Loranger, La. JOSEPH BROOKS Pensioner Joseph Brooks, 78, died Jan. 21. Boatman Brooks joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Matthews, Va., he shipped in the deck department and last worked on an Interstate Oil Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Brooks began receiving his retirement stipend in 1985. He lived in his native state. HENRY COLLINS Pensioner Henry Collins, 70, passed away Dec. 23. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. The deck department member was last employed on a Higman Barge Lines, Inc. vessel. Boatman Collins, who started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988, called Orange, Texas home. WILLIAM DANIEL Pensioner William Daniel, 59, died Dec. 7. Boatman Daniel launched his SIU career in 1967 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. He first worked """"""~_......__........:::.ll on Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, the Virginiabom mariner shipped as a captain. Boatman Daniel last sailed aboard a vessel operated by Allied Towing Co. He started receiving his pension in 1998 and lived in Chesapeake, Va. a RAYMOND DEHON Pensioner Raymond Dehon, 80, passed away Oct. 3. Boatman Dehon served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native first worked for the SIU aboard a Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. Inc. vessel. He shipped in the engine department and last sailed aboard an American Barge Lines Co. vessel. Boatman Debon started receiving his retirement stipend in 1983. He lived in his native state. Dec. 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Ferree last worked on a vessel operated by Orgulf Transport Co. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. CHARLES HERBERT Pensioner Charles Herbert, 73 , died Jan 19. The Maryland native served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953. Boatman Herbert joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. A member of the deck department, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans Operating Partners, L.P. Boatman Herbert started receiving his pension in 1990. He made his home in Pasadena, Md. passed away Oct. 13. The deck department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. ROBERT MELWING Brother Robert Melwing, 81, died Sept. 13. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1945. Brother Melwing joined the Seafarers in 1980 in Long Beach, Calif. and sailed in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions. He first worked aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation-Wilmington/Long Beach vessel. A member of the deck department, the Canton, Ohio native last sailed on the Indiana Harbor, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Melwing resided in Ruskin, Fla. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, passed away during 1001. Their names .appear alphabetically and according to the month in which NMU Pension Trust administrators were notified of their deaths. DATE OF DEA'llt Aug.6 DATE OFl>EATH Aug. 7 Aug.14 Aug.16 July5 June 21 June 19 May17 July 12 Juty24 June4 Aug.3 July22 Aug.2 June 15 JUiy 27 Juae21 9 July 25 J" MICHAEL O'DONNELL July; 19 Pensioner Michael O'Donnell, 58, passed away Dec. 3. He started his SIU career in 1963 in Detroit. Boatman O'Donnell also served in the U.S. Army. Born in Cleveland, he shipped in the deck department and last worked on a vessel operated by Great Lakes Towing. Boatman O'Donnell started receiving retirement payments in 2000. He lived in Cleveland. Ju~17 July 1gJune 30 July 9 July 25 July 15 June 13 M15 """ 2 GREAT LAKES BERT CHAPMAN Pensioner Bert Chapman, 97, died Jan. 27. Brother Chapman began bis career with the Seafarers in 1959 in Detroit. Born in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Gartland, including the Sullivan Brothers and the JC. Miller. The engine department member began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1970. He made his home in Ishpeming, Mich. LEONARD CLARK Pensioner Leonard Clark, 85, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Clark joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Born in Montana, the deck department member worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. vessels, including the Lemmerhirt. ·He began receiving his pension in 1978 and resided in Bonita Springs, Fla. HARRYKAWKA Pensioner Harry Kawka, 77, died Oct. 31 . He began his SIU career in 1968 in Chicago. Brother Kawka served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. He first sailed aboard the Southdown Challenger, operated by Cement Transport Co. The New York native worked in the deck department and sailed in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions. He last worked on American Steamship Co. 's Charles E. Wilson. Brother Kawka started collecting his retirement in 1990. He made his home in Roosevelt Island, N. Y. CYRUS FERREE III LAWRENCE McCOY Boatman Cyrus Ferree Ill, 46, died Brother Lawrence McCoy, 67, October 2001 August 2001 Felix Alicea Michael Allen George Anderson Osvaldo Baetancourt Jose Barahona Joseph Bird John Blount Theodore Bratsos Ernest Clark Mack Cosby Ernest Curry Melvin Evens Jose Garcia Luis Gatoux Joseph Giaccone Robert Gill James Gillespie Manuel Goncalves Alfred Gottschalk August Harmel Albert Harris Forest Harris Homer Kinman Roland Kirby Louis LaPlace Clifton Lee May7 Aug 8 July 23 Aug 11 Aug4 Aug 2 June 21 July 24 Aug 20 July 25 Aug 20 Aug 18 Aug 12 Aug.12 Aug 12 Aug 8 Aug 4 Aug_14 Aug.10 July 27 Aug.18 Aug_9 July 30 July 8 July 17 June 24 T. Lopez July 15 George Martell Esteban Melendez Stafford Mosley Epifania Nolberto Thomas Puharic Francisco Ramos Collins Redmond Herbert Reeves Aug. 10 July 20 Aug. 7 July 23 Aug.17 April 13 Aug.3 Aug.11 Estanistao Abayan Helge Abrahamson Oelane Atkinson Francis Banks William Beasley Ronald Bender Willie Bergans Zenon Bonilla Robert Boyd Vann Bridgeford Edward Broaster John Broddie Charles Bugelli David Buren Pedro Casco John Crimmins Arthur Cyprien C. Dameron Peter Daraio Harry DeMarco Constantine DeRousset Margarito Estrada Dallas Ford Andrew Gardner Valenti Gowlash William Harper Eddie Johnson John Jones John Khan James King Antero Lopes Jose Luna William Mauri Joseph Mazzei John McDougall Norton Mitchell George Ortiz Pedro Pabon Remi Rosario Albert Seiden Floyd Steele William Thomas Donald Vargas Marvin Venable Oscar Vidal Willtam Warbington Earl West John Wisecup Aug. 11 Sept4 Oct.1 · oct.23 Oct.8 Oct.6 Oct.13 Sept.20 Oct.5 Oct. 17 Sept.5 Sept. 23 Oct. 18 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Sept 15 Sept 29 Oct.25 Sept. 28 Aug.20 .. Oct. 19 Sept. 22 Sept. 7 Oct.9 Aug.20 Oct. 20 Oct.1 Oct.20 Sept. 10 May 1 Sept. 11 Oct 16 Oct.17 Sept 17 Oct. 10 Oct.13 Sept 26 Oct.3 Oct. 22 Oct. 12 Sept26 Sept. 7 ~pt.19 Oct. 22 Feb. 1 Sept. 27 Oct.4 Sept. 25 Seafarers LOG ., 19 > �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) SIU Formed Foundation For Good Life at Sea This letter of appreciation is 30 years overdue. I joined the SIU in 1967. From that period on, my life would never be the same. My life took on a very positive approach, not only financially, but also it gave me a sense of adventure that is lacking in most professions today. The men I met aboard ship became my teachers, not only in seamanship, but also in life -men like John Ibraham, Phil Roshee, Gene Nichelson-sailors of distinction. Men like Bosun Scotty Burn and Bill Mortier, who could splice wire like it was string. Many people were led to believe that seamen were ill-mannered and illiterate. But they were wrong. They didn't know that reading was probably the favorite pastime aboard ship. Most seamen could converse on a variety of topics. The financial benefits of being a seaman were overshadowed by the sense of adventure. I left the SIU in 1977 after getting my mate's license, but it was the foundation of my years with the SIU that made me a sailor in the old tradition. Samuel P. Lesko Sarasota, Fla. (Editors note: Samuel Lesko retired from the MM&P in 1999.) •strong U.S. Fleet Yitai to America' This headline, from the January LOG, reminds me of Yogi Berra's "deja vu all over again." The vision of a strong U.S. fleet has been seen for so many years that some people believe it will happen if they think about it long enough. This headline came right on the heels of laying up our last oceangoing passenger ship and adding more foreign-built vessels to our Maritime Security Program. President Eisenhower said the U.S. never again should be caught relying on foreign shipping. President Johnson made an inaugural pledge to draft a realistic policy to revitalize America's merchant fleet. . . . President George W. Bush said, "I will seek to provide the conditions under which the American maritime industry can compete and grow in the 21'' century." These are just a few quotes from the top guys. Many lesser politicians have all had their say about a "strong U.S. fleet." It simply ain't gonna happen unless dedicated people get to the bottom of the problem and rebuild our maritime industry along economic lines. Next year we will read in your paper: "AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department: Strong U.S. Fleet Vital to America." Cal Bourke Walnut Creek, California JFK and the Twin Towers (Editors note: The writer is the medical director at Occupational Health Services in Brooklyn, NY., a facility utilized by SIU members.) 20 Seafarers LOS The event will be remembered better than the date. It will be a date in history like November 22, 1963. Everyone remembers what they were doing and where they were when they heard the NEWS. On that date, John F. Kennedy was shot. I was in the library at Henry Grady High School in Atlanta. Everyone was crying, and th~ country was thrust into a state of shock. This time it was different. Not only one person was brutally murdered on September 11 , 2001. On this ignoble date, thousands were murdered amid airplane crashes, crumbling buildings and shattered lives. No one would have believed the story the preceding day. Two ordinary airplanes could topple the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and a third airline could crash into the Pentagon. We would all say, "IMPOSSIBLE!" It happened. I heard the news while listening to the "eye in the sky" traffic report on the way to work shortly before 9:00 a.m. The helicopter reporter interrupted his report to exclaim, "There appears to have been an explosion at the north tower of the World Trade Center." That this was not an accident was confirmed when about 20 minutes later a second plane crashed into the south tower. Shortly thereafter a third plane crashed into the Pentagon, and a fourth plane crashed in a rural area near Pittsburgh. I am a physician in Brooklyn, New York. When I reached my office, the staff was listening to the radio and the patients were no longer interested in their medical appointments. Several of us went to the roof of the building to witness a scene of horror. The first plane appeared to have struck one of the buildings at about the 80th floor and the other at about the 60th floor. Plumes of fire and smoke were billowing from the site. I reached for my camera only to learn of its dead battery. While on the street returning with my new battery, people started shouting on the street and from surrounding buildings. There was crying and successive "Oh my God!" "Oh my God!" When I reached my perch on the roof of the building, I saw only a column of smoke and dust where the south tower formerly stood. I thought only the floors above the crash site toppled over. The news on the radio was unimaginable-the entire 110 stories of the World Trade Center lay in ruins. About an hour later the twin lay next to its mirror image. UNBELIEVABLE! I heard the call for physicians to report to St. Vincent's Hospital to aid in treating thousands of expected injuries. As I am a runner and have jogged to the World Trade Center round trip from my office, it was difficult to rationalize the "I can't get there" excuse. I packed up two backpacks of medical supplies including surgical masks for the incredible amount of dust and smoke I could see from about three miles away. I then called my wife to advise her of my plans. She only voiced a religious objection to my excursion and made me promise that I, a descendent of the priestly family of Aaron (brother of Moses) who should not be in contact with bodies, would call our Rabbi and ask bis opinion. I did call the Rabbi's office; the secretary said he was not in. I was now in compliance with my spouse's wishes. I then went to the fire station next to my office only to find nobody home. Every available squad in the city bad been called to the scene. Next I went into Dixon•s Bike Shop and requested a bike, lock and helmet as I was going to the disaster to render medical aid. These items were happily supplied, despite my admonition of possibly not returning them. "Just go," I was advised. I loaded up my gear and took off for the Brooklyn Bridge. As my bike left the curb, my bookkeeper, a recent refugee from Croatia to the freedom of America, accosted me with tears in her eyes, "We are with you and appreciate what you are doing. Good luck." People covered with white dust and ash were coming from the city as I approached the bridge. I was directed to a bus transporting medical personnel at the foot of the bridge. Most of the people on this bus were attending a convention for emergency medical responders at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. They were from Canada, Iowa, North Carolina, Vermont and other serene sounding places. "Welcome to New York," I said. The other side of the bridge was a war scene. Ash and dust two inches thick was scattered about the streets for blocks. Papers and building detritus turned the city streets into a giant junkyard. We were transported to the courtyard of the Solomon Smith Barney Building on Greenwich Street, about four blocks from Building 7 of the World Trade Center complex. About six hours later, I watched as this building also collapsed to the ground, a victim of the twin tower collapse and uncontrolled fires. We had everything we needed at our critical care site. Our "MASH" unit included tables to use as beds, police tape tied to building columns for IV poles, Oxygen cylinders, bandages, bum dressings, and a large array of support personnel, including clergy and crisis counselors. There was only a shortage of survivors. Our critical care area did not have a single patient. More than 25 ambulances were waiting to transport our patients who never materialized. The city sent electricians to provide floodlights for our medical unit. Bottled water by the case was donateq along with fresh deli. The facilities of the Smith Barney building were available for our use. An elderly neighborhood lady came to us with her combination shopping cart/walker to donate clean towels. Our medical unit remained puzzled. Where were all the survivors going? After being "ready" for about eight hours, I was now ready to leave. I grabbed my now empty backpacks and rode my commandeered mountain bike back to Brooklyn over the Manhattan Bridge. The news reports answered my questions about survivors. There were very few presenting themselves four hours after this terror first struck. St. Vincent's Hospital, the primary designated receiving area, only reported two new patients from l 0:00 p.m. the evening of the disaster to 4:00 a.m. the next morning. The following day I learned that 12 firemen from the fire station next to my office were among the 300 missing fire fighters. I watched the horror on TV with the rest of the country. People plunging 80 floors to their deaths. Live video of both planes crashing into the Towers. What a nightmare! Five thousand people missing and presumed dead. Particularly disheartening was the interview with the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, a firm that lost 700 employees. The 1,500 children of this firm want to know where their daddies are. The wives want to know where the next paycheck is coming from. Now it is personal. The country wants to know why. JFK advises, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." And the collective conscience of the country sings "God Bless America." Arnold Berlin, MD FACP Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Weill Medical College of Cornell University Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers; they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been 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. Aprll2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from May through December 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skiJls of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritimeindustry and- in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here wrn begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Bosun October 7 November 1 Steward July 8 August 2 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 October 25 December 20 QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December 20 Welding May 6 June 10 July 1 August 19 September 23 October 21 November 18 May24 June 28 July 19 September 6 October 3 Novembers December 6 Marine Electrical Maintenance I June 17 July26 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 13 September 30 October28 June7 October 25 November 22 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* June24 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 14 June 28 July 19 August23 September 27 October 18 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) ~ Inland Julyl September 30 October 21 November 11 December9 July5 October4 October 25 November 15 Decemberl3 ·• Bridge Resource Management (BRM)- Unfunited* May6 August26 May IO August 30 (*mUJ1 have radar uttlimited) (*prereqJtiSµe r~uired) Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting May6 October 7 December 2 May17 October 18 December 13 Government Vessels May27 July8 September 23 June 14 July 26 · October 11 July 15 December 2 July 26 December 13 August 5 September 23 October 28 August 9 September 27 November 1 May:.:t3 May 17 May24 M.-y,31 June 7 . June 21 June 28 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PlC) GMl>ss'/simulator) May31 May20 July8 October7 ··November4 December 2 · .·;~ffeboaiman/Water Survival July 19 October 18 ~ No~~mberlS December 13 Basic Fire Fighting!STCW May20 May27 .June 3 · May13 :May24 September 16 October 14 September 27 October 25 June 10 June14 July 15 August 19 September 36 October 28 July Augnst23 October4 November 1 JuneJ9 . Radar Barge~ (*must have basie fire fighting) August 14 June 17 June 24 . July :1 July 8 July 15 August S STCW Medical Care Provider Steward Upgrading Courses Jan'!~!~. 1. July l2 July 19 ;\.ug.~st .9 · August 12 · _ August 16 (more will be announced next month) June7 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley O~erations modules start ~ eYery week beginni11g ~~nuary 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Ju~<S May20 August 12 October 21 May24 August 16 October 25 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, ..QMED, ,£0WT,. Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction t~ compl!~~r.s co~rse will be self-study. -···-~£:..:·.:.......... -·-·-·-·-: -·-·-·-·-~-·-·-·-·-··-··-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·:_.,_.-..._,_.,_._,_~·-·-·---·~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent_· One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The Payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Deep Sea Member D If the following END DATE Date of Birth _ _ __ __ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ _ LAST VESSEL: - - - -- -- - - -- - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - - -- -- - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken Apri/2002 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo -----------~ Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE.- Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4102 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Bodied Seaman - Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course March 1 are (in alphabetical order) Jeff Bruton, Bernard Clark, Mark Cooper, Hector Cumba, John Daunoras, Christopher Dunn, Trevorous Ellison, Sean Farra, Kenney Gaston, Willie Harrington, Travis Hosea, Harlan Hulst, Ronnie Jackson, Michael Knitter, David Lund, David Martz, Abraham Medina, James Morris, Isaac Spencer, Michael Thomas and Joseph Tier. Able Bodied Seaman - Also in the course which graduated March 1 are (in alphabetical order) Jess Chalker, Christopher Dionio, Paul Gohs, James Hall, Jason Hudkins, Uverna Johnson, William Jordan, Anthony Lieto, Cesar Lopez, Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat, Robert O'Neal, Anthony Pace, Robert Stellon, Gary Toomer, Zachary Toye, Bruce Weathers and Jomo Young. Third Mate - Upgrading Seafarers completing the third mate course in April are (from left, kneeling) Christopher Kalinowski, Eddie Townsend, (standing) John Shivers, Lee Gulley, Mark Stabler, Frank Gray, Stephen Blanchard, Stacy Harris (instructor), Edward Hervias, David Hawkins and William Buhrig. Government Vessels - Graduating from the government vessels course Feb. 22 are (in no particular order) Andy Cukasiewicz, Richard Gould, Niven Hurlston, George Gauggel, Darnell O'Hara, Leander Garrett, Geoffrey Denesse, Mihail Bruck, Tavis Almer, Matthew Kloxin, Anthony Jones, Melvin Espaillat, Jose de Souza Jr., Sidnei Barboza, David House, Dain Medow, Thomas Almodovar, Roger Abramson, Marvin Smith, David Wakeman, Brian Robison, Vicente Magbanua, Charles Lewis , Theresa Ballard, Barry Mccaslin II, Samuel Garrett, Alex Przytulski, Edward Hoover, David Henson, Justo Lino, Erik Lingren and Randall Kramer. ARPA- Upgrading SIU members who enhanced their skills in automatic radar and plotting aids in the course, which ended March 1, are (from left, front row) Phillip Inman, Stella Zebrowski, James Dixon, (standing) William Heu, Lee Henry and Bill Harvell. WeldingInstructor Buzzy Andrews is flanked by his students in the welding class, which graduated Feb. 22. They are Jessie Bongolan (left) and Salvador Baclayon. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In the photo at left are (from left, front row) Phillip Wright. a deck department member who sails from Port Everglades, Fla. and Brian Robison, an engine department member from Hawaii. In the back row are their instructor, Rick Prucha, and steward department member Gerhard Schwarz from New York. Both Wright and Schwarz mastered the Computer Basics course as well as Windows 95. Robison completed Windows 95 and Beginning Excel. Also with instructor Rick Prucha in the photo at right are (seated from left) Earl Hicks, who ships from Algonac, and Walter Napper, who sails from San Francisco. Both received certificates for completion of Windows 95 and Computer Basics. 22 Seafanus LOS �Paul Hall Center Classes Amado Abaniel, Hanif Abdul-Hakeem, Mohamed Abdullah, Robyn Anderson, Robert Arana, John Bennifield, Joseph Brown , Richard Cavalier, Robert Coleman, Juan Colon, Angel Corchado, Emilio Cordova, Denis Cossio, Daniel Crawford, Douglas Davies, Ervin Davis, Richard Davis and Geoffrey Denesse. Basic Safety Training Classes James Doyle, Jorge Ellis, James Fisher, Hector Ginel, Tawny Herron, Arthur Horner, Gregory Jackson, Paul Jagger, Claudia Kammeyer, Peter Littman, Warren Lombard, Harvey McClung, Michael McNally, Gloria Melluish , Ali Mohamed, Ramli Mohamed, Abdul Muflihi, Tracey Newsome, Charles Gooch and Thomas Kingsbury. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Gavina Octaviano, Lester Pace, Jeffrey Parsley, Emmanuel Paul, Roger Phelps, William Powell , Osvaldo Ramos, Samuel Reed 111, Philip Reynolds, Franklin Robertson , Roy Robinson Jr., Jimmie Robles, Gincezar Relogo, Luiz Ruiz, Allen Runnion , Hector Sanchez, Walter Schoppe IV, Cecil Scipio and Mark Smith. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Jonny Cruz, Abraham Daif, John Dassel , Sam Fusco. Cristobal Garcia, Michael Gay, Hugh Gibbs, Robert Hardin, Samuel Harris, Jason Haase, John Hayes, Robert Henriquez, Ricardo Hernandez, Joseph Jenkins Jr., Harry Kimble Jr. and Abraham Lagasca. ~ Sjamsidar Madjidji, Ruben Manalansan, Adolfo Maramba, Louis Mastrototaro, Michael McWilliams, Kevin Nolan, John Palmer, Norberto Prats, Hasan Rahman, Reyes Ramos, Ronnie Richardson , Jayson Rosario, Anthony Lenard, Frederick Saffo, Joseph Saxon, Kevin Shelby, Marcio Silva , Phillip Sistrunk, Celedonia Roman, John Nelson and Kaare O'Hara. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Ahmed Abdullah, Mousa Ali, Frank Anonsen , Guadalupe Banda, Joseph Barry 11, Jon Beard, William Belcher, Donald Benjamin, Joseph Brown, Carlos Cacho, Eric Campbell, Jerry Chelle, Harry Claar II, Brett Clark, Charles Collier Jr., Bruce Collins, Charles Dail, Earl Dail, Donald Davis, William Davis Jr. and David Gordius. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Toney Smith , Will ie Smith , William Synan 111 , Jeffrey Treadwell, Bradley Troutner, Jorge Turcios, Rene Turcios, Stephen Valencia, Michael Warren , Billy Watson, Taylor Watson , Lauren Welch , Kevin Williams , Harry Williams Jr., Franz Winiker, Stanley Vane and David Gordius. Thomas Smith , Jerry Squires, Chris Stearns, John Stolberg, Douglas Swets, Eric Taylor, James Tolan Jr., Luis Valerio, Ernesto Villanueva, Michael Vogell , Vernon Wallen, Deralle Watson, Jimmy White Jr., Stanley Williams, Wilbert Wood Jr., Kadatema Yague, Dean Yannuzzi and Kevin Young . (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �Pension Fund Notlftcatlons: MCS Supplementary Pension Plan - p. 10 Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan - p. 10 Seafarers Pension Plan - p. 11 Seafarers Moaey Purchase Peaslon Plan - p. 11 e Since the Gold Rush days of the 1800s, the San Francisco Bay area has continued to expand its varied operations to the point where, today, it can handle just about any type of cargo. During a recent visit to a number of SIU-contracted ships, both in the port of San Francisco, itself, as well as across the bay in Stockton and Richmond, this diversification was in evidence. SIU representatives met with crew members aboard the Admiral William M Callaghan, the Cape Horn and the Cape Hudson (all ea vehicle cargo ships in the Ready Reserve Force), the Liberty Wave (a grain carrier) and the Coast Range (a tanker). Shipboard union meetings and payoffs provided a good forum for Seafarers to be brought up to speed on the latest news from within the union and the maritime industry. These photos highlight a few of the activities on board those vessels. When you're feeling hungry, these are the men to see aboard the Liberty Wave: (from left) Steward/Baker Joseph S. Smith, Chief Cook Jorge Bernardez and Unlicensed Apprentice John Jackson. Captain Peter Grealy (left) poses with SIU Rep Isaiah William aboard the William M. Callaghan. Right: Lowell Lemm (standing) is the electrician on the William M. Callaghan. With him is the 2nd engineer. . Crew members from the Cape Horn and Cape Hudson joined forces for a shipboard union meeting. From the left (standing) are SIU Rep Archie Ware, Electrician John Ropp, SIU Rep Isaiah William, Steward Cordell Braxton, Utility Messman Kenneth Huddleston, (kneeling) Utility Messman Edison lnuman, Chief Steward Clarke William and DMAC Eddie Harrison . • Working aboard deck on the Coast Range are AB Bernard (left) and Bosun John Mossburger. Above: Bosun Paul Borg makes repairs to a block on the boom of the William M. Callaghan. Below: Phillip W. Widmer, an unlicensed apprentice aboard the Liberty Wave, overhauls the steam line. Bosun Rudy A. Santos (left) , just joined the Liberty Wave and is getting a tour of the Liberty Maritime vessel from the departing bosun, Jim Saunder. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU HITS THE HILL FOR ENERGY PLAN PENSIONERS GET $1,000 BONUS STEEL INDUSTRY RECEIVES SOME RELIEF FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS 2001 RECORDS WAR ON TERRORISM HEIGHTENS U.S. MERCHANT MARINE'S VALUE NEW DREDGE JOINS SIU FLEET SORESI APPOINTED SIU ATLANTIC DISTRICT VP ARNOLD, LUEDTKE SEAFARERS APPROVE NEW CONTRACTS CONTAINER SECURITY, EMPLOYEE IDS RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL ATTENTION EMPLOYMENT REPORT SENDS MIXED SIGNALS ADM. COLLINS CONFIRMED TO DIRECT USCG KEY SUPPORT VOICED FOR MSP, JONES ACT PORT, SHIPBOARD SECURITY TAKE ON NEW URGENCY EMPHASIS ON ORGANIZING WHAT A DIFFERENCE 15 YEARS MAKE RECERTIFIED STEWARD GARNERS NEW HONOR, CREDITS PINEY POINT DETERMINED SEAFARER EARNS MATE'S LICENSE DIVERSE GROUP DISCOVERS COMMON PATH TO SUCCESS MERCHANT MARINERS INCLUDED IN VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT FIRST TIME MMD APPLICANTS MUST TAKE OATH IN PERSON ARRESTS MADE IN ALASKA POLLUTION CASE INVOLVING TWO RUNAWAY FLAG VESSELS SPANNING THE GLOBE WITH THE SIU SIU SHIPPING IN THE BAY AREA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/1/2002 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. 64, No. 4 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ba9ebe2dec9ed4b77f8a45779f35bde9.pdf c19350b399a6c75e17e481ee4bd28fd2 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 5 u# rue unaway-Flag Ships Still Smuggling Refugees Disgraceful Case of 'Monica' Imperiled Children - New Dredge Christened Page 3 40 Years of SPAD Since its founding in 1962, the union's voluntary political action fund has helped protect the SIU's interests. In this 1976 photo, presidential candjdate Jimmy Car:ter:-pledges-Su port for a cargo-preference bill as . then-SIU President Paul Hall (seated to Carter's right) listens. Page 6. The union last month joined Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. in welcoming the hopper dredge Liberty Island, christened April 9 at Port Everglades, Fla. SIU President Michael Sacco, pictured at the ceremony, called the dredge "an allAmerican vessel." ~-- Page4. Midnight Sun Construction Proceeding Well l i Construction that began in June 2001 is entering its final stages as the rollon/roll-off vessel Midnight Sun rounds into shape in San Diego. Page 7. LNG Ships Rescue 12 -----Page4 CIVMAR News -----Page9 Port Security Update _ _ _ _ _ Page5 �ANWR Fight lsn 1t Finished President's Report The Face of Runaway-Flag Shipping The story in this month's LOG about the runaway-flag vessel that transported more than 900 illegal immigrants to Italy casts a revealing light on the lack of accountability that characterizes flag-of-convenience shipping. It's tough to say which is more regrettable in this case-the human suffering, or the fact that it's not all that unusual when it comes to runaway flags. The run-down freighter Monica, flying the flag of a nation that has no business running a ship regMichael Sacco ister, somehow delivered its human cargo. So desperate were the passengers that some actually threatened to throw children into the sea when faced with possible boarding of their decrepit vessel by Italian maritime authorities. Later, with the ship in port and I.he situation relatively more calm, the story took on a face: that of the sick 4-year-old boy, dressed in rags and unclaimed by anyone. Such is the commerce of runaway flags. The Monica episode is eerily similar to one that took place a year earlier in France. In both cases, the refugees paid thousands of dollars apiece for their transport-money that flowed into criminals' hands and fueled the FOC dilemma. If you've followed the International Transport Workers' Federation campaign against runaway flags, you know those aren't isolated incidents. Among other examples, during the 1990s the United States literally faced shiploads of illegal Chinese immigrants who paid their way aboard runaway-flag ships bound for America. The pitfalls of runaway-flag shipping aren't limited to smuggling illegals. In a high-profile case last year, the head of the ITF-with no shipboard experience-purchased a first officer's certificate from the Panamanian registry. That situation symbolized the enormous safety hazards spawned by FOC registers whose monitoring of their socalled mariners begins and ends as soon as the application fees are in the bank. The runaway-flag scam also leads to circumstances like the one recently investigated by SIU ITF inspectors in Florida. As reported on the next page, the inspectors discovered slave-like conditions on the FOC vessel Ismael Express-lack of stores, lack of pay, extremely unsafe conditions. It is so common for crews on runaway-flag ships to be owed wages that ITF inspectors last year recovered more than $1 million in back pay for mariners aboard FOC ships. Additionally, dangers of runaway flags have taken on added urgency in the wake of the terrorist attacks against the U.S. Port security has become a gigantic issue in Washington, D.C. and throughout the nation, due in no small part to the large number of FOC ships calling on our harbors every day. The very nature of runaway-flag shipping-often intentionally elusive- makes it a serious threat to national security. For all of those reasons, the SIU is more committed than ever to supporting the ITF campaign against FOCs. We recognize the threats as well as the extent of the task, and we remain undeterred. Honoring Our Heritage This month, at ceremonies in Washington and elsewhere throughout the country, America will honor its maritime history on National Maritime Day. Appropriately, most of the focus will be on those mariners who gave their lives in the line of duty, especially the thousands who perished during the monumental seali:ft operations of World War II. The ceremonies are important and worthwhile. Still-and this has been said before-the best tribute our nation can pay to those mariners who answered the call is to reinforce our commitment to building and maintaining a strong U.S. fleet. History has demonstrated that maritime is a proven, vital and costeffective defense industry. At a time when America is weighing its safety needs and vulnerabilities, our citizens deserve a robust U.S. Merchant Marine that will continue to protect our national and economic security. Volume 64, Number 5 May 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Senate Fails to Limit Debate on Amendments The U.S. Senate on April 18 failed to secure cloture on two amendments to the Senate energy bill from Alaska's Senators Frank Murkowski and Ted Stevens and Louisiana Senator John Breaux to open the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas development. The ANWR amendments fell 14 votes shy of prevailing over a filibuster, falling on a 46-54 tally. But the fight isn't over. The aforementioned senators as well as other backers of safely developing ANWR vowed to advance the cause. Stevens pledged to introduce an amendment (as the LOG went to press) that would provide native Alaskans living in ANWR the right to drill on the 92,000 acres they own. That expected amendment highlights what some Alaskans reportedly see as a fight against federal lawmakers for states' rights. "They have a right to drill on their own land," Stevens said. "We're just getting warmed up," Murkowski stated. The amendments would give the president the authority to safely explore, develop and produce the Coastal Plain's resources if it serves U.S. national economic and security interests. They also would also designate an additional 1.5 million acres of the refuge to wilderness status. The SIU strongly favors safe development of ANWR. The union has lobbied for opening the Coastal Plain because it would create good jobs for U.S. citizens as well as lessen the nation's reliance on foreign energy sources. "My own state of Louisiana has a 60-year track record of producing oil and gas in ecosystems far more fragile and sensitive than the desolate tundra of the coastal plain of Alaska," said Breaux. "I have visited ANWR in the winter and summer, and I believe limited exploration on the Coastal Plain is consistent with protecting the environment because modern technology drilling and development are sensitive to both ecology and to local concerns. Energy development has the support of the people of Safe development of the Coastal Plain would lessen U.S. reliance on foreign energy sources. Alaska and can be done today without damaging Alaska's ecosystem." Arctic Power, a prominent coalition in favor of safely developing ANWR, said the Senate filibuster last month ignores both "the critical national security implications of our need for increased domestic production" and "the voice of organized labor and the native Alaskans who live and own land in ANWR. By failing to pass these amendments the Senate failed not only the Inupiat land holders in the Coastal Plain and Alaskans who rely on a resource economy, but all Americans who face rising gas prices and greater dependence on foreign and unstable sources of oil." Stevens described ANWR's opponents as "radical environmentalists." He also posed this question: "Why should the Alaska Eskimos be the only indigenous people who own land Sen. Ted Stevens Federation's Lawsuit Challenges Parts of Campaign Finance Law The AFL-CIO on April 22 filed a complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C. challenging the constitutionality of several provisions of the new campaign finance statute signed into law in March. "The AFL-CIO strongly supports meaningful campaign finance reform, including banning or limiting soft money at the national party level, as well as other key parts of the new statute. But this law also unfairly and severely interferes with the ability of unions to communicate with the public and to advance working family interests in the U.S. Congress," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Although other legal challenges to the new law are pending, the labor movement will now be able to advance our own claims and principles directly." The lawsuit challenges three aspects of the new law, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, under the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. It contests provisions that will make it a crime for a labor organization to broadcast a com- that are forbidden from drilling on it, forbidden from using it to provide jobs for their people and jobs for American industry?" Later on April 18, the Senate passed an amendment from Murkowski that bans oil imports from Iraq until the United Nations confirms that the country is adhering to weapons-inspections programs. "We need only look back on the past month to understand the extent of the chaos and uncertainty that exists in the Middle East," Murkowski said earlier in the month. "Iraq increased the reward to each Palestinian suicide bomber to $25,000 and imposed a 30-day oil embargo against us. With labor strikes cutting exports from Venezuela and the Iraqi embargo, nearly 30 percent of our imported oil is now in jeopardy. Saddam Hussein has called on the Arab world to use oil as a weapon against the United States. Are we going to defend ourselves?" Sen. John Breaux Sen. Frank Murkowski munication that refers to a federal candidate, including incumbent lawmakers, in any manner within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary or a convention. The lawsuit also challenges provisions that redefine what kind of "coordination" of a union's public advocacy (by the union on the one hand, and a candidate, including an incumbent office holder or a political party on the other) might be considered an unlawful union contribution to that candidate or party. These provisions will impede the labor movement's efforts to work with legislators and engage in public issue advocacy. Additionally, the lawsuit challenges provisions that compel unions and political committees to make advance public disclosures of possible public communications, broadcast and otherwise, that might refer to candidates or important issues. The AFL-CIO supports strong disclosure laws, but forced publication of the mere intention to speak later will exert chilling effects and impose unjustified burdens and costs. The AFL-CIO lawsuit does not contest significant portions of the new law, including its prohibitions and restrictions on soft money contributions to national, state and local parties, officeholders and candidates, and its extensive other new disclosure requirements. May2002 �Tonga-Flagged Refugee Ship Another Case of FOG Sleaze Incident Shows Role of Runaway Flags as Instruments for People-Smuggling To those unfamiliar with the maritime industry's sordid side, the case of the dilapidated runaway-flag freighter Monica may seem too disgraceful to be true. The story came to light in March, when the Tonga-flagged ship-which has used 10 names and at least seven runaway flags since 1988- was apprehended by the Italian navy after arriving off the coast of Sicily carrying 928 people, most of them Kurdish women and children seeking asylum from Iraq. As in many other well-documented cases involving runawayflag ships (also known as flags of convenience or FOCs ), the details Suspended or Not? Tonga is a South Pacific tsland In Western Polynesia. It's also one of the latest additions to the International Transport Workers' Federation's list of flag-of-convenience (FOC) countries. In just two years, the Tongan registry has gone from zero to 200 ships. Until last month, it had been operated from Piraeus. On April 11, the maritime industry newspaper Lloyd's List chronicled several disturbing developments involving the registry in recent months which underscore the pitfalls of runawayflag shipping. Early this year. Tonga's Karine A was seized by Israeli authorities in the Red Sea carrying 50 tons of weapons for Palestine. The U.S. Navy searched another Tongaflagged ship, the Rasha J. The registry then supposedly suspended the additions, of any additional . ships. According 10 Lloyd's, however, "Agents, based in Sweden and , Syria approached by this newspa- ' per ·under the guise of fictitious UK-based shipping companies seeking to register small ageing tonnage. gave the green light to proceed and presented conflicting stories regarding the flag's sus..: pension." Five days after the story was published) Tonga terminated the contract of Greece-based TIRS to operate its registry. aren't pretty. According to press reports as well as information from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the refugees said they each paid between $2,000 and $4,000 for the transit, which is believed to have originated up to two weeks earlier in Lebanon or Turkey. On March 18, Italian authorities guided the badly overcrowded Mon ica into port in Sicily, even as they refrained from going aboard the rusting vessel because some crew members and passengers had threatened to throw children overboard, to prevent the ship being boarded. (Refugees' legal status reportedly may be stronger, in some cases, if they actually get into the country rather than facing detention at sea.) Considering the extremely congested and dirty conditions aboard the Monica , most of the passengers arrived in decent shape. That was not the case, however, for the 4-year-old boy whom authorities found on the ship dressed in rags, unclaimed by anyone aboard. According to one international news report, the child was suffering fro m a growth-stunting illness and weighed less than 15 pounds. During the ensuing weeks, at least 19 arrests were made, including the captain and five crew members as well as others suspected of involvement in smuggling illegal immigrants. Ali Attia, believed to be the shipowner, also was among those taken into custody. The vessel itself, built in Budapest sometime during the mid-1970s, has been registered with the following runaway flags at various times since 1988: Malta, Honduras, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Belize, Sao Tome & Principe, and Tonga. During that period, it operated under the names Blue Sea, Cynthia, Sanamar, Samar, St. Elias, Lujin, Kasanava, Geni, Nagham and Monica. The ship was in such bad shape that an Italian court last month ordered it scrapped. · The episode was reminiscent ITF Secures Pay, Repatriation For Ismael Express Mariners of a similar case from one year earlier, when 910 other Kurdish refugees (including more than 400 children) landed in France after their decrepit, Cambodianflagged ship East Sea deliberately was run aground. Criminal gangs based in Turkey and Iraq reportedly were behind the smuggling, and charged up to $2,000 per passenger. . Ducking Responsibility A runaway-flag or FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than that of its real ownership. Shipowners register under foreign flags where fees, taxes, trade unions and laws protecting mariners may be minimal or nonexistent. "Criminals smuggling drugs, arms and other illegal cargo, and even terrorists often use FOC ships," the ITF said in a recent statement. "They are also frequently used by people-traffickers-gangs that charge high fees to smuggle emigrants to countries where they can claim asylum." ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said FOCs are part of a shady business which makes it easy for people to conceal their identities, although the new environment post-September 11 is at last focusing government attention on the problem. "This usually involves operating substandard ships without proper regulation, but it could also involve money laundering, gun running, drug trafficking, people smuggling or terrorism," he said. "Later this year the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations body responsible for maritime safety, will probably adopt rules making it compulsory for every ship to display its real owner's identity," Cockroft added. "That will be one important step towards ending a system which encourages secrecy." For more than 50 years, the ITF-to which the SIU is affiliated- has conducted a campaign for the elimination of runaway flags and for a genuine link between a vessel and the flag it flies . Runaway-flag ships long have been known as conduits for smuggling illegal immigrants. Pictured above and below are three runaway-flag vessels in New Orleans earlier this year. Mississippi Que.en Set to Sail; Auction Scheduled for May 3 It's a big month for the Delta Queen Steamboat wants to purchase other American Classic passenger Co. . boats, including the coastal cruise vessels Cape Cod The SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen is scheduled Light and Cape May Light as well as the American The International Transport Workers ' Federation (ITF) in · late to resume service May 7, and the company's prop- Queen and Columbia Queen. March secured $15 ,000 in back pay for crew members aboard the run- erties are scheduled for auction May 3 in Chicago. Waveland is not a lock to win the auction. away-flag cargo vessel MV Ismael Express. The entire crew also was According to news reports, Chicago-based Several other companies are expected to enter bids. repatriated after their medical needs were addressed. Waveland Investments has offered to pay $3. 75 milLate last month, another potential bidder As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, ITF inspectors in January lion for the Mississippi Queen and the Delta Queen emerged when Los Angeles-based Uniworld stated discovered "slave-like" conditions on the Panamanian-flagged vessel during the auction. The company also reportedly its interest in Delta Queen's assets. Uniworld owns when they boarded it in Cape Canaveral, Fla. will put up $10 miilion in operating money and keep Global River Cruises, which offers river voyages in 'Crew accommodations were crawling with rats, according to ITF Delta Queen's headquarters in New Orleans. Europe on a 15-ship fleet. The company reportedly Inspector Scott Brady of the SIU who said he'd never seen anythiiig to · American Classic Voyages, parent company of said New Orleans would become the U.S. headquarrival the vessel's conditions in his 20 years in the transport industry. Delta Queen, recently indicated that Waveland also ters of Global River Cruises. When the Ismael Express was boarded, the local Baptist Seafarers Any uncertainty regarding the auction hasn't Ministry had supplied the only food available to the 10 crew members. slowed preparations for the Mississippi Queen to From late January at least through early February, the mariners-from resume sailing. The boat had been laid up since late the Philippines, Chile and Haiti-had survived on rice. No water was last year, following American Classic Voyages' filavailable for washing, even though grease and oil covered most walls. ing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization that The crew slept two to a bunk, with little or no bedding, shared a single was spurred by economic fallout from September bathroom with a shower and had an inoperable refrigerator in the 11. kitchen. Seafarers began reporting to the Mississippi Even though tfiis was a radical case, according to the ITF, this is not Queen earlier this year. The boat has a full schedule the first time it has seen these kinds of problems on ships they call planned for the rest of the year that includes stops in "Miami River Boats." Brady said these vessels trade between Florida Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Haiti, and the crews often are treated very poorly and then abanKentucky, Minnesota and Ohio . . doned in Haiti when the vessel is of no more use. The ITF constantly is on the lookout for flag 9f convenience vessels The Mississippi Queen has been docked since last year that are fraught with danger, poor working conditions and lack of pay. - but is slated to sail this month . ..,...t::........:...,,..:.....=!::?!!§,~=-::~~ May 2002 Seafarers LOS 3 �Seal arers-Crewed LNG Ships Rescue 12 Twelve people today are safe and out of harm's way, thanks to the efforts of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo and LNG Gemini. Crews from the two Pronav Ship Management vessels saved the dozen individuals-an 11person crew from a sunken Indonesian wooden boat and a Filipino fisherman- from certain doom Feb. 14 and Feb. 24, respectively, in a pair of rescues on the high seas. The LNG Gemini was under way from Bontang, Indonesia to Himeji, Japan and located some 12 miles off the southeast tip of Borneo Island during the early afternoon hours of Feb. 14. The bridge watch observed heavy smoke rising from the forecastle of a nearby wooden boat-the Harapan Bahagia. People on board the vessel could be seen moving their arms and waving colored clothing. After being called to the deck, Captain Anthony G. Papadopou- los safely maneuvered the LNG Virgo toward the wooden craft for a closer look. Once in position, the master and his crew saw that the boat was loaded with livestock (cows) and bagged cargo. Eleven men were on board. Within minutes, the crew saw the boat's bagged cargo as well as livestock being jettisoned overboard. Moments later, the Harapan Bahagia overturned rapidly and all 11 people aboard were in the water without lifejackets. To remain afloat, they were holding onto empty drums and 5-gallon plastic containers. Despite strong winds and rough seas, the LNG Virgo lowered and launched its No. 1 lifeboat and successfully rescued all 11 people. Once aboard the Virgo, each of the survivors showered, had their clothing dried and was served a hot meal. Some five hours later, the survivors safely disembarked to the tugboat Bontang 04 which rendezvoused with the Virgo. AB Chad Cunningham, right, cbats with members of the 11-person Indonesian crew that he and his shipmates aboard the LNG Virgo rescued Feb. 14. Seafarers aboard the LNG Virgo during the rescue operation included Bosun Carlos Pinida, ABs James Eastman, Chad Cunningham, Robert Triano and Peter Wojcikowski, QEDWs David St. Onge and Endang Abidin, Recertified Steward Franklin Robertson, Chief Cook Anthony Jacobson and SAs Carlos Julio and Robby Lapy. Ten days later, at about 6 p.m. near the Philippines, AB Carlos Eclevia aboard the LNG Gemini spotted a small fishing boat with a man standing and waving frantically. Captain John Denton slowed the Geminis engines and moved in closer toward the small craft to investigate. Once within range, Eclevia established communications with the fisherman. Following some skilled shiphandling, the small craft was worked alongside, and Filipino fisherman Jauier Sahibal was brought on board. After providing him with fresh water and dry clothing, LNG Gemini crew members learned that their new guest had departed his home port (Mindanao Island) Feb. 2 with three other fishermen, all in separate boats. Piloting the three other boats were his two brothers and his best friend. After exhausting their respective fuel supplies, the four fishermen tied their boats together to make a bigger target for the radars of passing ships. Over the next two weeks, the four vessels drifted further and further to the open seas after being caught in currents. The other three fishermen died of starvation and thirst; Sahibal kept himself alive by drinking seawater and urine two days before his rescue. He shared that he had to cut himself away from the Aboard the LNG Gemini, Steward Assistants Mohammad Kassem, left, and Thomas Cyrus, right, attend to Filipino Fisherman Javier Sahibal shortly after their shipmates pulled him from the sea. deceased fishermen because the odor-mentally and physicallywas more than he could bear. The Gemini crew made the overnight hours as comfortable as they could for Sahibal. He was dropped off the following day back at his home port where he would rejoin his wife and three young children. In addition to AB Eclevia, Seafarers aboard the LNG Gemini during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Charles Kahl, ABs Zaine Basir, Scott Snodgrass and John Ray, QEDWs Leonides Bacal, J an Haidir and Robert Rester, GUDE Ali Amran, Recertified Steward John Gibbons, Chief Cook Jose Mandie and SAs Thomas Cyrus, Mohammad Kassem and Syed Murtaza. New Dredge Christened The union last month joined Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. in welcoming the hopper dredge Liberty Island, christened April 9 at Port Everglades, Fla. The 315-foot dredge already had been operating near Palm Beach, Fla. "The Liberty Island is an allAmerican vessel- built in an. American yard, crewed by American mariners and owned by Americans," said SIU President Michael Sacco, a featured speaker at the ceremony. "We in the Seafarers are proud to crew this fine dredge," he added. "The SIU members who are working aboard this vessel are among the best-trained, safest and most productive mariners in the world. I know you'll do a great job." The Liberty Island was constructed by Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Its potential uses include harbor development, channel maintenance and beach replenishment, among others. According to the company, the dredge "incorporates technological advances that make it the most efficient dredge of its kind operating in the U.S." It can dispose of material by bottomdumping and also can discharge through a shipboard pump-out system. Right: A bow connector is used to connect dredge off-loading pipelines for delivery of material to the shore. Also, a nozzle allows bypassing the shore-side pipeline system. From here, Seafarers can operate the controllable-pitch propeller propulsion, bow thrusters and steering as well as monitoring systems. "We are proud to see Old Glory flying from the Liberty Island," stated SIU President Michael Sacco at the April 9 christening. 4 Seafarers LOG Sea Star Line Acquires NPR-Navieras Assets Seafarers-contracted Sea Star Line has acquired the assets ofNPRNavieras, another SIU-contracted company which had owned and operated five Jones Act vessels. A court approved the transaction April 8. As reported in past issues of the LOG, Holt Group Inc.-parent company ofNPR-Navieras-last year filed for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, although the move didn't interrupt NPR's ship operations. The newly approved agreement covers the purchase of ships, equipment, assignment of terminal leases, trade names and other assets related to PR's Puerto Rico service. It took effect at the end of last month. In announcing the acquisition, Sea Star touted its expanded service as "the premium intermodal transportation system between the continental United States and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The operation will combine Sea Star's versatile roll-on/roll-off, lift-on/lift-off service with Navieras' market-leading container service." Earlier this year, Sea Star acquired the El Yunque and El Morro from Matson Navigation Co. May2002 �Report: Cabotage Laws Afore Imperative To National Security Than Ever Before Using the tragic events of September as a cue, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), in its recently released 2001 annual report, said the Jones Act and other cabotage rules today are more vitally significant to national security than ever before. Since September 11, according to the report, national security has become not only a matter of protecting U.S. interests abroad, but also here at home. "The flag of the vessel and the crews of the vessels are now under tremendous scrutiny, particularly after revelations that international terrorist Osama bin Laden owned and operated a number of flag-of-convenience ships," the report said. "These events (of September 11) have only strengthened the important role that American-flagged vessels, crewed with U.S. seafarers, and owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, play in the U.S. economic and national security." A presidential commission has recognized domestic marine transportation as part of the critical infrastructure upon which our economic welfare and security depend. The Jones Act and related cabotage laws, stated the report, are a critical first line of defense against foreign control over this key part of our transportation system. In this vein, America's . fourth arm of defense-its merchant rriarinewill continue to play crucial roles in any conflicts involving U.S. interests. The MCTF document noted that America's domestic fleet has grown dramatically in the past 35-plus years. Today, it has more than twice as many large vessels as its 1965 counterpart- vessels that are larger, faster and much more productive. The Jones Act fleet represents 81 percent of all U.S.-flag tankers; 50 percent of all U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off ships; 30 percent of all Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) capacity; and 29 percent of U.S.-flag commercial containerships. Support for our nation's cabotage laws is ·stronger today than ever before, the report continued. It can be found in the White House, in the halls of Congress and within the U.S. military. "Repeatedly, our nation's elected officials and military leaders continue to emphasize their commitment to and support for the Jones Act and other maritime statues," the report said. Presidential candidate Governor W. Bush was unambiguous in 2000 about his position on the Jones Act, stating, "programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act. .. should be maintained." The president's administration has echoed his strong support for the cabotage laws. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta called the Jones Act "an essential element of U.S. maritime policy that provides important economic and national security benefits." Capt. William Schubert, U.S. Maritime Administrator, also is an enthusiastic supporter of the Jones Act. "I am 100 percent in support ... of the Jones Act [and] cabotage laws," he told a congressional audience. The U.S. Congress always has strongly supported U.S. maritime cabotage laws, the report said, noting that few bills challenging the cabotage laws were introduced in 2001 and that none was passed. The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) received the most attention. A bill introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), S. 127, amending the PVSA to temporarily allow foreign-built ships into domestic trades, was reported by the Senate Commerce Committee but received no further action. A companion bill, H.R. 2901, also was · introduced; however, it received no consideration. PVSA will in the coming year, likely remain an issue as opponents consider taking action to capitalize on the adverse impact the terrorist attacks had on the U.S.-flag cruise industry. Moving to the Jones Act front, U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-Mich.) last year renewed his efforts to repeal the Jones Act, introducing a new bill, H.R. 2046. This bill received no other support and remains blocked· in committee. No similar Jones Act bills were introduced in the Senate. Support among Senate leaders remained robust, with both Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) continuing their advocacy of a viable Jones Act fleet. In the construction arena, the Jones Act fleet is undergoing a significant renewal and expansion program. Some 115 vessels with a market value of $3 .4 billion are under construction in American shipyards, with more orders pending financing or completion of negotiations. Included in these U.S.-flag vessels are: § Double-hull tankers to bring Alaskan crude to West Coast refineries; § Roll-on/roll-off trailer ships for the Washington/Alaska trade; § Tank barges and tugs for virtually every waterway; § Ferries for New York Harbor and San Francisco Bay area; and § Offshore supply vessels for the Gulf Coast. While the MCTF has been very successful in defending the nation's cabotage laws, opponents continue to attack thembut in more subtle ways, the report said. Foreign cruise lines have asked U.S. lawmakers to designate Panama a "distant foreign port" for purposes of the PVSA. This would enable them to engage in otherwise domestic voyages from Florida to the U.S. West Coast by way of the Panama Canal. More extensive exclusions of the PVSA have been proposed to allow foreign-flag cruise ships to perform coastwise voyages, an action that would establish an indefensible example for cargo cabotage. Finally, foreign shipping companies also have sought to use a vessel-lease financing law to gain a grip in the domestic U.S. trades. If successful, this loophole could gut the U.S. citizen ownership requirements of the cabotage laws and surely undermine the Jones Act. One of the most significant Some Steps Taken, More Needed for U.S. Port Security Nearly eight months after the tragic events of September 11, a comprehensive plan on how to best fortify security at the nation's seaports-a package on which both the administration and lawmakers can agree-remains elusive. And although the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Customs Service and port agencies collectively have stepped up patrols and increased surveillance measures on all ships entering U.S. ports, many experts believe the nation's seaports remain at extreme risk. "If terrorists found a way to use the U.S. aviation industry against our country, they are potentially capable of exploiting the vulnerabilities in our maritime transportation system as well," Captain Anthony Regalbuto said during recent testimony before Congress. Regalbuto is chief of U.S. port security for the Coast Guard. "We are absolutely convinced that our maritime sector is one of our nation's transportation systems that is the most vulnerable." America's lawmakers in November approved aviation security legislation that spent billions for innovations to more closely scrutinize passengers and baggage. Many procedures which resulted from that legislation are being implemented at air terminals throughout the country. Such measures for the mar- threats continues to come from abroad, according to the report. Powerful nations are attempting to use the World Trade Organization negotiations to eliminate the Jones Act and other cabotage laws. The report warns that these and other threats to domestic cabotage laws are on the horizon, but the MCTF stands ready to ensure the continued viability and growth of the domestic fleet. "September 11 has changed the face of the nation forever," Phillip M. Gill, MCTF chairman, wrote in his letter which accompanied the annual report. "Many challenges confront the nation in the years ahead. But whatever the future holds, the MCTF is poised to respond and will remain the leading voice in support of the nation's vital cabotage laws." The MCTF is the most broadbased alliance ever assembled by the U.S. Maritime industry to promote U.S. cabotage laws. Its membership spans the United States and represents ship and barge owners and operators, labor groups (including the SIU), shipbuilders and repair yards, marine equipment manufactures and vendors, trade associations and pro-defense groups and companies in other modes of transportation. itime industry, particularly in the port security arena, remain in flux. One port and maritime security bill already has been debated and approved in the Senate. Another still is awaiting action in the House. Once the House acts, additional delay likely will take place because the two bodies will then debate to recon~ile the differences in the two pieces of legislation. Issues such as scope, agencies that should be in charge of various security tasks, and funding also will have to be settled. · Aggravated at the sluggish pace at which port security legislation and related measures are taking shape, World Shipping Council President Christopher Koch went on record and expressed what many in the maritime industry feel about the port security quandary when he offered, "We can do a.better job, we need to do a better job, ·and we need to get started on it very soon. We need the federal government to establish its security requirements and we need to get n·ew rules in place," he said. Latest Developments In the latest port security developments, the U.S. Department of Transportation on April 11 advanced its efforts as Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced that TRW Inc. has been selected to perform port vulnerability assessments (PVA) under contract to the Coast Guard for the nation's most critical commercial and military seaports. The selection came in the wake of successful implemenContinued on page 7 Union Industries Show 2002 The Paul Hall Center for Sponsored annually by the AFLMaritime Training and Education as CIO Union Label & Services Trades well as the SIU-affiliated United Department, the well-attended event Industrial Workers (UIW) partici- showcases the jobs, products, skills pated in the annual AFL-CIO Union and services of union workers Industries Show, which took place throughout American industries. April 5-8 at the Minneapolis · Next year's show is scheduled to (Minn.) Convention Center. take place in Pittsburgh. Left: AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka, fifth from left, cuts the ribbon officially opening the 2002 AFLCIO Union Industries Show in Minneapolis. Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charles Mercer, second from right, was among the 10 other union and corporate officials who joined Trumka in the ceremony. May2002 Top left: Manning the UIW booth, which included a display from the Paul Hall Center, are (from left) UIW Representative Emiliano Garcia, retired Great Lakes VP Bill Dobbins, National Director John Spadaro, Great Lakes VP Bill Ellis, West Coast VP Herb Perez and Paul Hall Center Public Relations Director Mike Hickey. Top right: Giveaways that reflect the quality of union-made products are part of the attraction. Seafarers LOG 5 �Protecting Seafarers' Interests for 40 Years In a nation governed by laws, it almost goes without saying that practically every part of our lives, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and far beyond, is affected by government. Still, some things are more closely watched-over than others - and the U.S. maritime industry arguably is one of the country's most regulated trades. At the federal level, there are nearly 150 agencies, bureaus and councils within the government that possess some amount of authority over the U.S. fleet and its mariners. That's not counting the many dozens of committees, subcommittees and panels in Congress which also impact the industry, nor the state and local entities that have maritime jurisdiction. With that in mind, the SIU always has been politically active. In fact, the union's forerunner (the ISU) was a driving force behind the passage of the Seamen's Act of 1915, a law that in many ways revolutionized the industry by setting minimum safety standards and removing many restrictions that had impeded the careers of merchant mariners. More recently, the SIU has played important roles in the enactment of the Maritime Security Program (1996) and the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The union also has been a consistently strong advocate for other laws and programs that help engender a strong U.S. fleet, including the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act, cargo preference, the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, and the export of Alaskan oil, to name a few. SPAD's Roots One way the SIU makes its voice heard on Capitol Hill is through the Seafarers Political Activity Donation, better known as SPAD. The voluntary fund was created in 1962, originally under the name "COPE," which stands for Committee On Political Action. At first, the fund mostly served as a vehicle for the SIU's support of the AFL-CIO's political endeavors. Through the years, it evolved into a program specifically focused on political candi- The SIU's political activities have been buoyed by SPAD since the voluntary fund's inception in 1962. Delivering the union's message are (clockwise, from upper left) Paul Hall to Richard Nixon (1970), Joseph Sacco to Bill Clinton (1992), Frank Drozak to Jimmy Carter (1980) and Michael Sacco to George Bush (1989). (Hall and Drozak are late SIU presidents; Joe Sacco, a late SIU executive VP.) dates and legislative issues of importance to the SIU. Today, SPAD is an indispensable tool in the ongoing effort to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. "Membership participation in SPAD helps give the union a fighting chance to preserve, promote and expand the U.S. fleet and the good jobs that go with it," noted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. "Because such participation is so vital, I thank the membership for their generous involvement in the past, and I encourage every SIU member to sign a SPAD authorization. I particularly welcome the participation of our brothers and sisters who were in the NMU." Get Your Shirt Together The contest to come up with a new catch-phrase that signifies the importance of SPAD to the SIU membership is nearing its end. As reported in the past two issues of the LOG, the new slogan (similar in sentiment to the "Politics is Porkchops" of the past) will be printed on T-shirts. Details on the shirts' availability will appear in future issues of the LOG. Meanwhile, 6 Seafarers LOG active and retired Seafarers are encouraged to submit entries for the contest. Up to three slogans per entrant may be submitted. Entries must be received by June 10 for consideration. The winner will get an SIU jacket, an SIU cap and an SIU shirt. To enter, please complete the form printed at right and mail it to the address indicated. Beginning last month, there is a new vacation application for the NMU vacation plan that includes authorizations for working dues and SPAD. Members who were in the NMU at the time of the merger last year now are eligible for the first time to participate in SPAD. The authorization need only be signed once. Presidents' Insight In a 1976 editorial, then-SIU President Paul Hall noted, "The SIU's past political successes as well as any we will achieve this year or in the future, depend solely on one critical factor-the active support of the SIU membership through SPAD .... It is the individual Seafarer who must carry the weight of the SIU's political programs. Seafarers have always come through before, whether it was walking a picket line or donating to SPAD. I am confident that our members will do so again." Many years later, the union's emphasis on grassroots political action and participation in SPAD remained prominent. In a May 1995 column that preceded a number of key elections, SIU President Michael Sacco wrote, "When your port agent or another SIU official or a fellow Seafarer asks you to help out, please lend a hand. When you are called upon in the upcoming months, remember what you are fighting for: your job, the future of our industry and the security of our nation .... We must make efficient use of every one of our resources in order to protect our jobs and our industry. Along those same lines, it is also important for Seafarers to continue their voluntary support of the Seafarers Political Activity Donation fund." More recently, Sacco observed, "For as long as I can remember, one of the greatest strengths of the SIU has been our members' enthusiastic participation in political activities, including SPAD.... Because the maritime industry is so heavily regulated, politics is as important to our survival as securing new contracts and upgrading. A quick look towards current debates on Capitol Hill reinforces this point. Politics dominates our industry. It has been that way since our union's founding in 1938, and it won't change. That's why it's up to Seafarers to stay involved." r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, I NAME THAT T-SHIRT CONTEST Here are my ideas for a new SPAD slogan: (You may submit up to three ideas) 1. 2. 3. Name: Address: Telephone Number: - - - - - - - - -- -- - -- -- - - - - - - - - - -0 I am an active Seafarer Send completed form to SPAD Slogan Contest, D I am a retired Seafarer Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. L---------------------------------------------------------------------------May2002 �Additional Port Security Needed Continued from page 5 Introduced by Representative tation of the department's new Don Young (R-Alaska), H.R. Port Security Grants Program, 3983 represents the House of which provides funding for port Representatives' reply to the maritime security bill passed at the security enhancements. "Securing our nation's ports end of the last term of Congress and maritime transportation sys- by the Senate. It would require tem is a vital component of our port and facility vulnerability overarching our transportation assessments, catastrophic emergency planning, vessel and facilisecurity mission," Mineta said. ty antiterrorism plans, transportaUnder the recently inked contion security cards for individuals tract, TRW will: § Develop model port securi- entering secure areas on a vessel ty guidelines as recommended in or facility, establishment of marthe August 2000 report of the itime antiterrorism teams, foreign Interagency Commission on port assessments, and developCrime and Security in U. S. ment of an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening sysSeaports; § Develop methods for and tem for containerized cargo. The conduct PVAs for at least 55 ports bill also would mandate installathroughout the United States; and tion of automatic identification § Develop a port vulnerability system (AIS) equipment on variself-assessment methodology to ous vessels operating in U.S. help local port stakeholders evalu- waters and would authorize finanate security conditions and make cial assistance-$7 5 million annually for the next three fiscal improvements within their ports. "This issue is a very high pri- years-for enhanced facility secuority for the Bush Administration, rity to implement a maritime and for the Department of antiterrorism plan approved by Transportation," said Associate the secretary. Financial Responsibility Under Secretary of Transportation Meanwhile, the subcommittee for Maritime and Land Security, Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis. on Coast Guard and Maritime "With more than 25,000 miles of Transportation of the House navigable waterways and over Committee on Transportation and 350 ports, the nation's maritime Infrastructure on March 14, 2002, system presents one of our great- held a hearing on financial responsibility for port security. est security challenges." Commandant of the U.S. Coast The purpose of the hearing was to Guard Admiral James M. Loy examine who is responsible for concurred with Bennis' assess- implementing enhanced security ment and offered, "Model port measures in U.S. ports and conattributes and port vulnerability sider ways to finance the new assessments are critical tools to security equipment that individual ensure industry and government ports and marine terminals must dollars are spent wisely to address install to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack. risks in our ports." Capt. William Schubert, U.S. The foundation for the PVA a wa u in pl e in I 999 maritime administrator, testified of Tran when the Coast Guard reviewed t a h Departm methods used by federal and state portation has implemented a proagencies to gauge the strengths gram to receive and evaluate grant and weaknesses of U.S. ports. The proposals to finance the cost of Coast Guard used this experience enhancing facility and operational and research to finalize the security in critical national searequirements for a comprehensive ports. The maritime chief also analysis of ports and critical infra- noted that the Coast Guard has begun vulnerability assessments structure. in various U.S. ports. Congressional Hearing Joseph Cox, representing the Elsewhere, the subcommittee Chamber of Shipping of America, on Coast Guard and Maritime discussed various security meaTransportation of the House sures intended for implementation Committee on Transportation and on ships, including automatic Infrastructure on March 26 in identification systems, ship secuElizabeth, N.J. conducted a field rity officers, and ship security hearing on port security. During plans. Richard Steinke of the the hearing, Rep. Frank LoBiondo American Association of Port (R-N.J.) and several of his state Authorities noted that protecting colleagues heard testimony from a U.S. seaports is a shared responsiwide range of government and bility and that the monies currentprivate industry experts on the ly appropriated for seaport securiincreased security efforts being ty grants are insufficient to propimplemented in the port of New erly enhance security. Fredrick York and New Jersey. Also Ferrin of the Jacksonville Port addressed were the increased port Authority discussed the vital role security challenges facing the of seaports in the national econoentire maritime industry follow- my and the need for federal and ing the September 11 attacks. state funding to pay for mandated The U.S. maritime industry security upgrades. Paul Richardhandles more than 2 billion tons son of the U.S. Maritime Alliance of freight and 6 million containers stated that Congress should create annually. More than 5,000 ships a dedicated funding mechanism arrive each year at the port ofNew for port and intermodal cargo York and New Jersey alone. security requirements. "Protecting this port area has What Others Are Doing been a top priority since the Los Angeles Mayor James K. September attacks and the efforts Hahn's task force on waterfront under way here are critical to security has formulated a plan to keeping this large port secure and have everyone who visits that port the surrounding region safe from show a valid photo ID. And terrorism," said LoBiondo. Canadian Transport Minister The hearing was the congress- David Collenette announced man's third at the port of New York March 27 that enhanced security and New Jersey since last August screening procedures for ships and came on the heels of the unan- entering the St. Lawrence imous March 20 approval of H.R. Seaway-Great Lakes system have 3983, the Maritime Transportation been updated and agreed to by Antiterrorism Act of 2002. Canadian and U.S. authorities. May 2002 Orea-Class RO/RO Still on Pace for Delivery This Year Construction of the Midnight Sun is entering the home stretch, with the roll-on/roll-off vessel still on schedule for an October delivery. The Midnight Sun is the first of two RO/ROs being built at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard for SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE). Construction began June 4, 2001. Designated as Orea-class vessels, the two new builds are the first U.S. -built commercial dry cargo ships in a decade. They will join TOTE 's Tacoma-toAnchorage service. Ship deliveries are scheduled for October 2002 and April 2003. Each vessel will be 839 feet long, with a beam of 118 feet. Left: TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE? In this case, the house is taken to the top of the Midnight Sun. The maneuver at NASSCO took place late last month. Right: The bow's last section is moved into place. Left: The vessel will be 839 feet long with a beam of 118 feet. Golden Gate Monument Includes Merchant Marine A monument to the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who have sailed past the Golden Gate Bridge in service to their country was dedicated in San Francisco on April 14. Hundreds of people-including VIPs, state and local officials and active and retired military members- attended the ceremony, which was held at Vista Point on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dubbed the San Francisco Lone Sailor Memorial, the monument is a replica of the original Francisco architect, designed portions of the edifice. The memorial recognizes all four of the country's sea services through sculptures in relief: merchant marine cargo vessels being attacked during World War II, an aircraft going airborne from the deck of a Navy carrier, a Coast Guard cutter and helicopter conducting rescue operations involv- Lone Sailor statue situated at the three-year contract. U.S Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Stanley Bleifield, the U.S Navy Memorial's official sculptor, created the latest Lone Sailor version. It stands 7 feet tall and weighs in at a reported 800 pounds. Fred Warnecke, a San The agreement, which goes into effect this month, calls for wage increases as well as better medical and pension benefits. Seafarers covered by this contract will receive "plan G" medical insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage for Crowley Seafarers Approve Contract SIU members who work for Crowley Liner Services at Petty's Island, N.J. have approved a new ing a sailboat at sea, and Marines landing on a beach. The number of sea-service men and women who have shipped out through the Golden Gate over the years is gargantuan by any standard. During World War II alone, more than 1.5 million utilized the route. A plaque on the statue reads: "This is one last chance to look back at the city of San Francisco, shining on its hills, one last chance to look back at the coastline of the United States, one last chance to look back home." members and their dependents. Serving on the negotiating committee were Seafarers John Wozunk, John Gallagher, John Haller, Bruce Swanson and Michael Fay along with SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone. "It's an excellent contract that was approved by a nearly unanimous tally," stated Wozunk. Crowley operates roll-on/rolloff barges that run between Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Fla. and Puerto Rico. Seafarers LOii 7 �2 Die In Cape Horn Fire Two members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) died March 31 in a main engine room fire aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Horn. Chief Mate Tim Bohan and First Asst. Engineer Phil Hellesto perished in the accident, which took place in the Pacific Ocean approximately 800 miles east of Honolulu. The fire's origin is being investigated, although the U.S. Coast Guard has indicated that the suspected cause "is a broken fuel line between No. 8 and No. 9 cylinder heads for the injectors or valve lifters." . The 749-foot Cape Horn, part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF), was transporting military cargo in support of the annual exercise Cobra Gold. A "Class B" fire started in the upper level of the engine room; it was contained and extinguished, thanks to the heroic efforts of Bohan and Hellesto as well as those of other crew members. The USNS Shasta, a U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammumtlon carrier crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division, was en route from Port Hadlock, Wash. to Pearl Harbor on March 31 when it received a distress call about the Cape Horn. Billy Bushey, an AB on the Shasta, reported the following: "Upon receiving the distress call, Shasta immediately diverted and proceeded at full speed to the Cape Horns location. Bosun Pat Arabaca and the deck department broke out and rigged all the ship's towing gear m just six hours. "Shasta arrived on scene early a.m. of April 1 and at sunrise commenced transferring fuel, drinking water and personnel to the Cape Horn to assist in rigging for tow. Eventually, three deck machinists, ship's Cargo Bosun Gary Vargas and Bosun Mate Guillermo Reyes worked very long hours aboard the Cape Horn to break the anchor and rig the chain for tow. "High winds, rough seas and rain made it impossible to get a messenger across until the morning of April 3. Capt. Greg Hague very skillfully maneuvered the Shasta across the Cape Horns bow, and the ship's RHIB boat crew got the messenger across and the tow was rigged. Shasta towed the Cape Horn for about 24 hours until [a locally contracted tug] showed up and we passed the tow to her. "Shasta s last duty was to take on board the remains of the two unfortunate brother mariners who perished in the fire and transport them to Hawaii, where we arrived April 6. "All hands participated at ·one time or another over the four days of this operation." The photos accompanying this story were taken by Carl Go, radio electronics technician aboard the USNS Shasta. They illustrate some of the salvage operations involving the Shasta and the Cape Horn following the fatal engine room fire aboard the latter vessel March 31. In the photos above and below left, the Cape Horn, part of the RRF, is pictured from aboard the USNS Shasta in the Pacific. Below right, crew members on the Cape Hom begin the early stages of the recovery operation. The rescue-boat crew got a messenger across and the tow was rigged (four photos below). Pictured in photo at left, from left to right, are the boat crew and one of the men who rigged the tow on the Cape Horn. They are AB Fred Occular, Jr. Engineer Fred Alexander, Second Officer Alex Munz, Bosun Mate Bob Sanchez and Bosun Mate Gil Reyes. Former Port Agent George Vukmir Dies A former SIU official who came ashore in the early 1980s and then went back to sea has passed away. Brother George Vukmir, 54, died Feb. 16--the victim of a heart attack. Born in Washington, Brother Vukmir joined the SIU in 1969 in Seattle. He shipped in the deck department, first sailing under the SIU colors aboard the Isco-operated Steel Apprentice. No stranger to self-improvement, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1973 and again in 2001. Brother Vukmir came ashore in the early '80s as a patrolman in the port of Tacoma, Wash. Several years later, he was appointed Tacoma port agent. He went back to sea in the late '90s and continued sailing until 2001. His last vessel was the Tacoma , a CSX Lines ship. SIU Tacoma Secretary Brenda Delia had particularly fond memories of Vukmir. "Both my sister and I worked for George over the years," she recalled. "I started working for him in 1989 when I became secretary here, but my sister worked for him in the earlier years. "We both regarded him as a very sweet, fair and outgoing person who was a pleasure to work with and be around," Delia continued. "Beyond all else though, he was union through and through ... . Although some people thought he had a tough exterior, he was really just a teddy bear. He would do anything he · could to help SIU members," she concluded. "He was a real thorough guy from the very first time I met him," offered Harmando Salazar, B Seafarers LOG Brother George Vukmir Jan. 13, 1948 - Feb. 16, 2002 SIU Jacksonville, Fla. representative. "I knew George for a good 25 years, and during that time, I never heard anything bad about him." Salazar initially met Vukmir in New Orleans when he (Salazar) was a patrolman paying off a ship. "George told me that he was the nephew of Steve Troy when we first met, so right away I knew he was all right (Troy is a former SIU official). "He always carried himself well and people thought a lot of him," Salazar continued. ·"I was real hurt when I heard the news about his death. I'll miss him and I'm sure the union will too." SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz also had warm memories of the late Vukmir. "George was quite the character," said Dietz. "He was a lot of fun and a very interesting person to work with." "When I first got hired and sent to Seattle, he was the patrolman out there," Dietz continued. "I guess that was around 1986, and I have known him ever since. He was a loyal SIU member who will be missed a great deal by union brothers and sisters." Vukmir was buried Feb. 25 at the Evergreen Cemetery m Enumclaw, Wash. May2002 �Devil in the Details? Getting mariners to their ships and home again is a time-consuming and complicated job. It's also job that will grow bigger and more complicated because in 2005 the U.S . Military Sealift command (MSC) estimates that there will be more than 5,000 unlicensed civil service mariners operating MSC vessels. For the past several years the union has heard many concerns from mariners about the difficulties they have encountered dealing with Afloat Personnel Management Center (APMC) placement representatives or "detailers." Sometimes detail problems occur as a result of MSC system issues such as the current manpower shortage and recruitment and retention issues. MSC is addressing these issues and the union is working with MSC in several areas to resolve the manpower deficit. The union and Civmars appreciate the efforts of those placement representatives who work hard to communicate regularly with Civmars about their assignments and other requests. Still, pr?blems such as overdue relief, failure to get adequate vacation or training time still exist. MSC and the union are negotiating Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction (CMPI) provisions and will negotiate new contracts this year. It is important for the union and MSC to fully understand these issues and address them. Union representatives have already brought these concerns to the attention of APMC labor and placement team representatives and their supervisors. We have also brought these concerns to representatives at MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The union has proposed several changes that we believe would result in better placement support for mariners. Additionally, the union has established an e-mail address to receive information from Civmars describing your interactions with the MSC placement specialists. Mariners are encouraged to send examples, both positive and negative of their interactions and communications with APMC placement personnel. Please make your message as detailed as possible. Include the dates and times of communications (or dates and times of calls), who you spoke with or who you were trying to reach. Let us know the results of these calls (For example, were the calls returned? Was your call returned in a time1y manner? Was your issue resolved in a satisfactory way?). Please include your name, rating and ship assignment. The union will not share personal information with the agency unless it is authorized by the mariner; and union representatives will ensure that you won't OPM Starts Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on March 25 kicked off a new federal benefit- a long-term care insurance program through which approximately 20 million federal employees and members of the uniformed services, as well as retirees of both groups and certain family members, may apply for coverage. OPM is the insurance program's sponsor. The early enrollment period (which began March 25 and ends May 15) coincides with a nationwide education campaign conducted by Long Term Care Partners, LLC. Long Term Care Partners is a joint venture of MetLife and John Hancock, the program's insurers, and will be devoted exclusively to this insurance plan. During early enrollment, prepackaged policies can be purchased for three- or five-year periods, with daily benefits of $100 or $150. For individuals who want greater flexibility, daily benefits ranging from $50 to $300 (in $25 increments) can be purchased. (Additional plan options, including an unlimited benefit, will be available during the regular open enrollment, which runs from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2002.) be penalized for sharing this information. This e-mail address is established to receive information about placement experiences only. If you do not have access to e-mail, please send a letter to your union representative For grievances or other issues please follow the established procedures for communication with union representatives. Generally, participants in this survey will not receive a response. If you would like a response to your submission, please send your e-mail directly to your union representative. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with the union. Send your information to: civmarsupport@seafarers.org. For individuals ages 18-30, premiums are $8.40 per month for a policy that offers a threeyear, daily benefit of $100 and a 90-day waiting period, or $32 depending on the type of inflation protection chosen. After age 30, premiums will vary based on age, amount of coverage, length of coverage, and other factors. For more inf~ ;,~, Uon q(fa OPM's new insuran progrartt~'s" call 800 582-33S7 or visit - http://www.opm.goyUnsurelttcl.~, or http://www.ltcfeds.c;omf Two methods of inflation protection are offered, according to OPM. The automatic compound inflation option increases benefit levels by 5 percent each year, without a corresponding rise in premiums. Under the future purchase option, policyholders receive benefit increases based on the Medical-Consumer Price Index every two years. An additional premium will be charged and based on the individual's age at the time of the increase. Enrollees can decline increases under this option. The early enrollment period is most appropriate for individuals who are better informed about long-term care insurance. OPM urges those who are not as familiar with this insurance product to use the education period to decide which, if any, long-term care insurance best fits their needs. Oorah! Celona Named Honorary U.S. Marine SIU Asst. VP West ~oast Nick Celena (left) is congratulated by Col. J.L. Ledoux, co_mmandmg officer of the 23rd Marine Regiment, on his honorary apprnntment to the Corps. The U.S. Merchant Marine always has maintained close ties with the nation's military, but for one SIU official the bond recently became even tighter. On March 19, SIU Asst. Vice President Nick Celona was named an honorary member of the 23rd Marine Regiment during ceremonies at ~he Marine Corps base in San Bruno, Calif. The certificate proclaimmg Celona's appointment cited his work with the union and with military ve~erans. It also noted the SIU official's efforts to publicize the Corps (m the context of the merchant marine). "He coi:itinues to display th~ highest degree of patriotism in support of the Umted States of Amenca and America's Corps of Marines," states the document. ~he hoi:ior includ~d a flag-raising ceremony and a reception, the certificate itself, Marme Corps pins and decals and an invitation to the regiment's annual "birthday ball" later this year. "This isn't something the Marines do too often so it means a lot to me," Celona noted. ' ~oth he .and Col. J.L. Ledoux, commanding officer of the 23rd Manne Regiment, used the occasion to speak to the troops about the merchant marine's role in national defense. Ledoux, who has served aboard the SIU-crewed prepositioning ship MV Jack Lummus, noted that the "fourth arm of defense" is vital in delivering materiel to U.S. forces both during conflicts and during peacetime missions. "He was very complimentary toward the merchant marine, and the troops seemed very interested," Celona recalled. "I then had a chance to speak to them, and pointed out that the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Marine Corps have been intertwined since the very first days of this country, all the way through to the present. We've been on the forefront of supplying the cargo so they can get the job done." ~elona conc_luded by reiterating the union's commitment to protectu~g U.S. national and economic security, and the Marines responded with a hearty "oorah," the service's signature call. Celona's father served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-50. With Civmars in Norfolk, Va. SIU Government Services Division Representatives Kate Hunt (top photo, right) and Maurice Cokes (at right, third from right) met recently with members aboard the USNS Mt. Baker and the USNS Supply, respectively. The shipboard meetings took place in Norfolk, Va. May2002 Pictured at the reception are Col. Bill Bremer (Ret.) , Col. Hank Morris (~et.) , SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, Col. Donald Reed (Ret.) and Richmond, Calif. Sanitary Service VP Len Stefanelli. Seafarers LOG 9 �LOG-A-RHYTHMS by Todd M. Curry Teardrops of angels falling from heavens domain Falling to the earth to show all His children His mercy, love and grace. He cries for His children who gave their very lives So others can live once more in His heavenly delight. They show us the path back to Gods holy ways For their sacrifice was given in love and they did not die in vain. They planted a seed that will always grow fast And it is in the simple act of love That their memory will always last. So do not weep out ofsorrow, Do not weep out ofpain Just love others as you have so been loved and their memory shall always go on Forever and a day. (This poem, penned Sept 11, 200 l by SA Todd M. Curry aboard the USNS Shughart, is (•dedicated to the memory of all the brave Americans who gallantly gave their lives for the well-being of others so we can continue to pursue life) liberty and happiness for all." Another poem by Curry follows.) by Todd M. Curry I cannotpredict the future lam unable to change the past I can only live for the moment Loving others as I have so been loved So the memory offallen friends Will always last. An Easter Rhyme for My Angel by Jeffrey A. MatJgold . An Easter rhyme Seafarer Oubre Says Sailing on Friday Worth Reading Any Day of the Week The follo wing book review was written by Rev. Sinclair Oubre, a member of the SIU The volume is "Sailing on Friday: The Perilous Voyage of Americas Merchant Marine, " by John Butler. The book is published by Brassey Books, based in Washington, D. C. When I prepared to ship out on the MIV Seabulk Challenge, I searched my "to-be-read" library, and pulled this little volume out) and threw it in my sea bag. Over the last five days, as we sat at anchor at Galveston Roads mon- . itoring the anchor chain during the 8-12 watch, I have enjoyed this wonderful book. Beginning with the first chapter) Mr. Butler) a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, takes us on a brisk voyage covering more than 200 years of U.S. merchant marine history. He does this by taking sections of maritime history to describe the ups and downs of our industry. At the same time, he provides a cornucopia of maritime trivia and facts to hold our interest. In the opening paragraph, he describes the meaning of the title: "Superstitious sailors, and few are not to some degree, have long believed that if they set sail on Friday something would go wrong and that misfortune almost certainly would befall them if thaf day was also the thirteenth of the month. Yet probably more ships leave port on Friday than on any other day of the week. A merchant ship earns money only while under way) so it makes sense for the captain to put to sea before a weekend to keep otherwise idle crew members occupied in productive work." Over the next 249 pages, Mr. Butler narrates both the high and low points of that 200-year history, and holds the reader spellbound with maritime trivia. For instance) Mr. Butler explains · that the term "packet ship" comes from the canvas and leather packets of mail that were routinely shipped across the Atlantic. He reveals that the ship Alert which Richard Henry Dana Jr. (author of Two Years SailiDll on Friday Before the Mast) returned from California on, was destroyed by the Confederate Naval Ship Alabama under have passed) and so has its marthe amazing command of Commander Raphael Semmes. itime primacy. However) like the As a priest who is very young tanker captain, there will involved with worker issues, and continue to be work to do, organized labor, I most appreciwhether it is Jones Act cargo, ated Mr. Butler's sensitivity to military sealift or PL 480 agrithe working conditions of seafar- culture cargo. However, like the young, optimistic cadet, there ers. He shows a good understanding of maritime labor histo- remain tremendous optimism ry, and the important role it and enthusiasm in our industry. For our nation to see a new played in U.S. seafarer welfare. dawn for its merchant marine) However, he is no apologist for labor) and has no problem we must dedicate our national recounting some of its foibles treasurers of innovation and and shortsightedness leading-edge technology. The book contains a good Mr. Butler concludes the book index which allows the reader to with an epilogue that draws on find people, ships and events the lives of three different seawith ease. The author also farers. One is a mariner at the end of his career, the second is a includes a time line that helps the reader see the historical relayoung tanker captain, and the tionship between events. The third is a young woman cadet at the U.S. Merchant Marine book contains chapter notes, but Academy. These three persons I would have preferred that the author used more conventional symbolize our maritime history footnotes. and national maritime policies. Like the old mariner, the U.S. For those readers of the merchant marine as we have Catholic Maritime N ews who are known it since the end of World interested in understanding where we have been as a marWar II is at the end of its voyage. It has done well, and was itime people, this book is a great · introduction that will lead the the largest and greatest in the world, but many of the historical. reader to further and deeper events that lead to its ascendancy studies. to help our time apart, remain free of disparity. Thanks from Express Marine Jesus will help us claifY the reas_ons why we have a need to always be of.for, with the other, in spirit. Listen! Can you hear it? At this time every year, His message, ever so clear. At distance in flesh, yet still we mesh our hearts, our minds, forever intertwined Our roles, our souls, coincide our goals. with His. Thank God for His promise. thank God for us! (Jeffrey A. Mangold, who sailed as an AB, wrote this poem for his best friend of more than 30 years.) 10 Seafarers LOG Three retiring inland Seafarers each were given a parting gift from New Jersey-based Express Marine, lnc.-a framed photograph of the tugs on which they last worked. Clockwise from above are Charlie Foster at his retirment party on the tug Consort; Stewart Parks and his wife, Connie, with their picture of the tug Escort; and Walton McHorney and his wife, Josie, with their framed memento. Express Marine's SIU-crewed tugs push coal barges from piers in Hampton Roads, Va. up the East Coast to power plants in the Northeast. May2DD2 �USNS Martin OD Duty As part of the Maritime Prepositioning Program of the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, the SIU-crewed USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin (and the other vessels in that fleet) support a full range of activities. They carry everything from tanks and ammunition to food, hospital supplies and fuel for both humanitarian missions and major military operations. With special equipment, the prepositioning ships are able to off-load at piers or from offshore, and their roll-on/roll-off ramps are ideal for loading and off-loading wheeled vehicles and tanks. Each ship has a flight deck for helicopter operations but carries no operational aircraft. The USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin first loaded up at Blount Island, Fla. in 2000 and was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Operated by Osprey Ship Management, Inc., the 754-foot vessel was named in memory of 1st Lt. Harry L, Martin, who posthumously was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 March 1945." Left: Chief Steward Stanley J. , Krystosiak gets a bit tearyeyed as he chops onions. DEU Ali K. Zaidan is ready to replace some of the burned-out light · bulbs aboard ship. Right: With paintbrushes at the ready, ABs Miguelita Salada (left) and AB Wayne Smiley (right) begin work while Chief Mate Christopher Hill looks on. Keeping the vessel ship-shape is SA Saleh Ahmed. In the wheelhouse are Capt. Jeffery L. Sutton (left) and AB James Davis Jr. Left: The engine gang consists of (from left) QMED Sergio AyalaDiaz, DEU Ali Zaidan, 3rd Asst. Engineer Andrew Putski and Engine Cadet Christopher Kapfer. 'Fourth Arm of Defense' Oft'ersJob Opportunities A vital, civilian component of America's national defense structure offers job opportunities for entry-level personnel and military veterans alike. One avenue leading to employment openings in the U.S. Merchant Marine is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The school, open since 1967, guarantees its graduates a job. Offering dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and world-class training equipment, the Paul Hall Center provides the training needed for a successful career in the merchant marine, including a highly regarded entry-level program as well as courses for veterans who have qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating. Although it's not part of the armed services, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been a key part of America's national defense since the country's earliest days. That role never was more evident than during World War II, when General Eisenhower dubbed the civilian mariners America's "fourth arm of defense." Today, the merchant marine consists ofU.S.flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. Some serve in military support roles, while others operate only in the commercial sector. Since its founding, the Paul Hall Center (named for the SIU's second president) has helped tens of thousands of SIU members hone their skills and advance their shipboard careers. Overall, more than 50,000 rated and licensed seamen have completed upgrading classes at the training center; and 21,000 young men and women from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several Unlicensed Apprentice Tiffany Nettles trains U.S. territories have graduated from the on a lifeboat davit at trainee program for those just beginning the Piney Point, Md~ their maritime careers. school. Among the school's most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the marine fire fighting and safety school and the culinary lab. Students at the southern Maryland school may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. For information about the training center and the union, visit the web site www.seafarers.org, or call toll-free at 1-877-2353275. May2002 Joseph Manning (at wheel), guided by his instructor Maurice Chambers, demonstrates the hands-on nature of the apprentice program. Right: Arts and crafts schooling, such as that practiced by Harold Gerber 11 in this photo, is designed to help students develop and refine certain skills that are relevant to their shipboard assignments. Seafarers LOG 11 �From Sea to Sliining Sea Wit.Ii tlleSIU Left: HOUSTON - SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee (left) congratulates Capt. William Fisher (accompanied by his wife, Mary) upon receipt of his first pension check. Fisher worked with Higman Barge Lines as well as Sabine Towing & Transportation Co. for 40 years. DEFENDER - Chief Cook Saundra Leonard prepares her grandmother's southern fried chicken recipe for crew members aboard the Defender (USSM). Left: TAMPA - Jacksonville SIU Port Agent Anthony McQuay (right) meets with Bosun Michael Proveaux (left) and AB Almus Allen aboard the Sulphur Enterprise. NEW JERSEY - SIU Rep Edward Pulver (second from right) lends his support to CWA Local 1034, which is engaged in a bitter organizing struggle with Enable Health Care. Key organizers in the campaign have been summarily fired without justification. The CWA organizing slogan for this campaign is "Jobs with Justice." Pulver also serves as the president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council. Up to his neck in work is AB Travis Jackson on the deck of the Prince William Sound. Left: CME Gregorio Abalos checks to see that the cranes are operating smoothly in port. Above: Richard Barnhart (right) receives his new "A" seniority book from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Right: Sidney Wallace is the bosun aboard the /TB Groton. Stephen Kastel (center), bosun aboard the Innovator (USSM), is pleased to receive copies of the new standard contract from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell. 12 Seafarers LOS May2002 �tions from crew members pertaining to clothing allowances and work performed during meal hours. . The ~eatt1{B~,. LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard · ininiltes as possible~ On occasion, because of space ~ ·liRJilations~ some will be omitted. Ships f!llnutestirst are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upolrrecefpt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ···· to the Seafarers LOG for publication. GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), Jan. 18-Chairman Bernardo Cruz, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Franklin A. Coburn, Deck Delegate Robert V. Bakeman, Engine Delegate John Hoskins. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 31 in Baltimore. Vessel docked in Baltimore; no word yet on future operations. Educational director advised crew members of deadline for compliance with STCW training. He also led discussion on prevention of drug and alcohol problems. Secretary stated $3,000 in ship's fund. Deck delegate noted need for proper relief in his department. No disputed OT reported. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Jan. 6--Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Donald J. Mann Jr., Deck Delegate James T. Early. Chairman thanked crew for good trip. He noted needed repairs to ship and asked crew members to be patient until changes can be made. Educational director urged everyone to watch safety videos on board vessel and attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for revising pension plan benefits. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Ship will pay off in Long Beach, Calif., then sail to Oakland, Calif. before heading to Far East. HM/ DEFENDER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 31-Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Charles K. Dunnavant, Deck Delegate Tan A. Joon, Engine Delegate Demetrius Simmons, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 2 upon arrival in Lake Charles, La. although noted possible delay due to fog. Secretary asked everyone to leave rooms clean and with new sets of linen for reliefs. Educational director talked about STCW training and taking advantage of facilities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. INNOVATOR (USSM), Jan. 13Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Charles A. Medeiros, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Hassin Ali. Chairman thanked crew for professionalism, noting smooth trip and pleasant sailing experience. He stated that former bosun, John Stout, had retired. Entire crew wished Stout a long and happy retirement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses and pillows as well as an article in the LOG about making individual contributions to the Money Purchase Pension Plan. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. KENAI (ATC), Jan. 30--Chairman Eric Berry, Secretary Dorothy M. Odoms, Educational Director Anthony R. Hulsey, Engine Delegate Patrick Lynch, Steward Delegate Self Salvation. Secretary stated galley in need of new equipment, including stoves, deep-fat May2002 fryer, grill, ventilation fans, heating lamp to keep food warm and refrigerator/freezer. Educational director encouraged crew members to attend Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Suggestion made that satellite cables be run into all unlicensed crew rooms. Chief Steward Odoms was welcomed back after being off for five months. Vote of thanks to Chief Cook Salvation for good job as relief steward, and thanks to Patrick Lynch and Ray Ramos for installing TV and refrigerators. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 27-Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Michael L. Baker, Educational Director Erik T. Bradshaw, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Robert L. Stevenson. Secretary asked crew members to leave rooms clean for next arrivals. Educational director advised everyone of STCW enforcement policy. He urged crew to upgrade and take advantage of all Piney Point has to offer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for copies of contract. After Houston, ships heads to Mozambique and Kenya. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), Jan. 27-Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Danny H. Davis, Engine Delegate Daniel A. Beshears, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman thanked ABs for good job. He mentioned that if anyone gets injured aboard ship, the accident should be reported immediately to department head or nearest officer. Change of captains will occur in port of Balboa, Panama. Chairman asked that everyone help keep laundry room clean and in good order. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and of complying with required STCW training. He stated chief mate will fill out TRBs. Treasurer announced $600 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase available items in slop check locker. Suggestion also made to have shipboard water tested. Ship heading to ports in Panama, Colombia, Peru and Chile. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Jan. 23-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Charles Walker, Deck Delegate Bonifacio B. Fortes, Engine Delegate Bryan Wells. Chairman announced arrival Jan. 28 in Cherry Point, Wash. He stated repair list posted and crew should fill it out. Chairman reminded crew members to check with supervisor prior to going on deck in inclement weather and to use centerline walkway. He also talked about separating plastic items from regular trash and about keeping watertight doors dogged. Educational director spoke about deadline for STCW compliance and advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract regarding working in bilges offwatch. Chairman answered ques- OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), Jan. 27-Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Jack A. Hart Jr., Steward Delegate Paul F. Diesner. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 9 in Jacksonville, Fla. He suggested crew read LOG to find out latest union news. Secretary thanked crew for good trip and for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point and make sure all shipping documents are up to date. Treasurer announced $128 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on no-injuries policy aboard vessel. New chairs needed for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine holiday meals and for Capt. Balano's delicious birthday party fare. PATRIOT (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), Jan. 31-Chairman Wayne D. Casey, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Educational Director Lino E. Remorin, Engine Delegate Vicente S. Cacacho. Chairman announced job well done by deck department. Secretary noted successful ship inspection. He advised crew members to watch for lint buildup on overhead exhaust vents. Educational director reminded everyone of deadline for STCW compliance. Treasurer explained two shipboard funds. Movie fund is given $2,000 annually ($166.60 per month) by company. Company also pays $300 each month to ship's fund for every month there are no lost-time injuries. There presently is $1,080 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were asked to return all movies brought to crew lounge. Steward given vote of thanks for great job. Bosun said he hasn't eaten so well in a long time, and day man joked he wants to rent a room when his time is up, just for the good food! Ship heading to Israel. SEABULK MARINER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 28-Chairman Rimvydas Ourbonas, Secretary George Monseur, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Blair C. Baker, Engine Delegate Jerome Dooms. Chairman announced payoff expected Dec. 31 in Norco, La. Crew members reminded to use safety equipment at all times and separate plastic items from regular garbage. Secretary thanked everyone for help keeping house clean. Educational director encouraged crew to be sure sailing papers are in order. No disputed OT reported; beef noted in deck department. Crew members requested union help with processing of Coast Guard paperwork. Also requested clarification on travel (cash vs. tickets) and asked for SMPPP statements. Another suggestion was for all ships to have same medical plan coverage. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CAPE JACOB (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7-Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Lauren J. Oram, Educational Director George C. Cruzen Jr., Deck Delegate Harry Massa, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Chairman reported ship still on heightened alert in Diego Garcia and could deploy at any time. Inspection will occur Feb. 15, and vessel will go on exercises Feb. 18. Secretary noted $500 in ship's fund. Recommendation made to buy software for crew's computer or more videos. Educational director reminded crew members to check shipping documents and make sure all are current. He advised everyone to try and learn something every day. "Whether on board ship or at Piney Point, knowledge is power." No beefs or disputed OT reported. Copy of SPAD poster received and posted in crew passageway. Suggestion made for crew to receive a day's pay for travel when joining ship. Thanks given to steward department for keeping everything rolling, especially chief steward "for mixing it up and keeping everyone upbeat and positive!" CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 28-Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Nelson S. Lazo, Deck helping keep ship clean. He asked crew to use street clothes washer and dryer only for street clothes. Educational director reminded crew members of safety precautions while at sea. Some disputed OT reported by deck and engine delegates. Clarification requested on whether steward department members need STCW training. Suggestion made for ship to have headquarters e-mail address in order to clarify issues aboard ship while at sea. Repairs/replacements requested for chairs and settee in lounge as well as chairs in crew mess hall. Steward department Sailing with the "A-Team" From Recertified Chief Steward Russell B. Beyschau comes this photo of the "A-Team"-the galley gang-on the Endurance. Beyschau (right), who is known for his decorated birthday cakes aboard the USSM vessel, is joined here by Chief Cook Enrique Garrido (left) and SA Jaime Castillo Delegate Michael D. Wittenberg, Engine Delegate Victor I. Mondeci, Steward Delegate Timothy R. Hubbert. Chairman announced March 2 payoff in Savannah, Ga. He expects satellite dish to be fully installed by March 8. Secretary talked about engine room fire aboard ship and expressed his thanks to everyone for fast and professional response. "I would like to thank the union for having all of our crew take basic safety training," he said. "It works." Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $74 in ship's fund. All other funds were used to purchase satellite dish. Beef rep01ted in deck department; some disputed OT reported in steward department. Next ports: Savannah, Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia. EXPLORER (USSM), Feb. 3Chairman Raymond "Skip" Yager, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Kenneth Smith, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Larry Lopez. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 6 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary asked crew members to separate bottles and cans from rest of trash. Educational director talked about compliance with STCW regulations and advised everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $3,600 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase new antenna for crew lounge and upgrade video service to DVDNCD (which would require machines that work in both USA and Asia). Request also made for computer software. Next port: Long Beach. INTEGRITY (USSM), Feb. 30-Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Leopoldo P. Emnace, Engine Delegate Conrado Martinez. Bosun reported wonderful trip and great weather. Secretary thanked crew for praised for fabulous menus and meals. Bosun asked crew to remember to re-wrap night lunch for next person. Crew requested computer for communal use. Wiper suggested refrigerators for each room. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Feb. 24-Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Kevin A. Kellum, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman said crew joined ship Feb. 9 in Singapore. Following March 1 payoff in Tacoma, Wash., vessel will begin Triangle Run (Oakland, Long Beach, Hawaii). He thanked crew for working well together and for help in cleaning ship after period in shipyard. He reminded everyone to keep doors closed while in port and to be sure shipping documents are up to date. Secretary stated $30 in tuna fund was transferred to movie fund. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for higher ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture for crew's lounge and fans and refrigerators for each cabin. Thermostats should be turned off in empty rooms. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas), Feb. 3Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Earl N. Gray Sr., Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate Linton L. Reynolds Jr., Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Bosun informed crew that captain will reimburse everyone who paid for launch services while ship was anchored in Manta, Ecuador. They should bring receipts to captain. Chairman announced Feb. 7 payoff on arrival in Galveston, Texas. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and of upgrading skills in Piney Point for job security. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestion made for next contract to include paid return transportation following fourmonth tour of duty. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 13 • �·. Vacation at Piney Point • • • How people choose to spend their hard-earned vacation time is a scaped grounds. And three delicious meals are provided each day! personal thing. Some may wish to relax and just get away from But, definitely, take a box lunch and a camera and go to the zoo. their busy routines at home or at work. Others may take the opporIf it's relaxation you want, just stroll around the zoological park, tunity to educate themselves by reading, sightseeing or going to looking at the incredible collection of animals and soaking up the museums. Still others may simply just want to have fun. warmth of Washington's summer weather. It's rare you can get all those possibilities wrapped into one If it's educational opportunities you seek, the zoo will fit the bill. The 163-acre Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Rock Creek activity. But we have the spot for you-The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Park was established by an Act When you choose to spend of Congress in 1889 "for up to two weeks of your sum· advancement of science and the mer vacation at the Paul Hall instruct~on and recreation of the Center in Piney Point, Md., people.'' Itis a world leader in the zoo is an easy day trip exhibition, conservation, zooaway, as are many other logical research and education. attractions in the nation's capHome to more than 5,800 aniital or in nearby Baltimore, mals, it was the first zoo estabAnnapolis and northern lished with the purpose of savVirginia. ing animals on the brink of Each summer, a number of extinction. Today, nearly 130 of rooms in the center's training the zoo's species of animals are and recreation center are set endangered or threatened. aside for vacationing SIU If it's just fun you're seeking, members and their families. watch the famous cuddly panda With an ideal location on bears, Mei Ziang and Tian Tian, the banks of the St George's as they frolic about, munching 9reek in Southern Maryland, on vast:quantities of bambq~>. the Paul Hall Center is the .-. -Or check out the baby Suinatran perfect place from which to tiger cub, born Sept. 18, 2001, base a family vacation. as he develops his skills as a tiger. Or wander around the elephant The center, which houses the largest training facility for unlihouse and see Kandula, the male Asian elephant born Nov. 25, who censed deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen is growing fast, gaining from one to four pounds each day. There"s in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and also Kraken, a Komodo dragon, and Mechi and Kali, greater oneeducational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and homed Asian rhinos, and Jana, a giraffe bom Jan. 18, 200 L "a ·six..story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of The zoo is open every day of the year (except Dec. 25). During waterfront property the summer, the grounds are open.f rom 6 a.m. unt-il 8 p.m. and the The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and there are cer- buildings from .-.10 a.m. to ·6 p.m. And-admission is free! (Parking tainly enough amenities and activities to keep everyone in the fami- is $5 for the first three hours and $2 for each additional hour.) ly happy. There is a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tenUse of the Piney Point facilities as a vacation spot is a special nis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health benefit for Seafarers and their families. Why not take advantage of spa and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landit this summer by sending in your reservation form now! • • • and Visit the Zoo ,.-.--- --·----- ------ ___ .. ----------- ---- -- ------- ----- --- ------- --- ----·--- ---- ---- -·------ --- I l ~-- ---- ------ ---- ----- ----,. I i PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information l : l : I I A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. I :I Name: I :I Social Security number: UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Book number: I : Address: I I I I l • Telephone number: Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: _ __ Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 5102 Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG May2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington al 4 3 7 25 28 16 23 26 11 3 3 9 28 4 32 32 255 2 3 1 8 0 6 15 23 10 · 12 ·9. 9 0 9 10 0 12 9 134 0 1 5 2 0 4 9 10 5 19 12 6 6 22 13 20 13 18 5 12 0 0 6 12 2 24 21 167 7 16 27 2 4 4 11 4 3 15 14 21 158 124 0 2 0 3 2 24 2 8 9 9 0 0 5 7 3 15 7 96 l l 0 17 3 7 8 1 2 7, 4 0 0 0 3 9 18 20 8 2 7 14 12 10 7 4 0 12 17 14 4 7 18 5 3 1 2 14 2 25 16 141 · I 2 l 8 4 3 0 2 11 3 6 11 6 6 4 5 8 4 6 0 0 2 9 3 1 ·o 53 25 27 2 q__ 11 26 44 18 6 24 17 5 Honolulu ................. Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston .................. Monday: June 10, July 15 10 3 13 43 3 3 4 9 47 56 82 59 79 422 7 0 12 2 5 0 12 29 9 33 10 16 38 6 8 3 14 20 13 12 4 1 15 0 6 2 4 4 8 5 3 11 2 9 4 66 4 8 2 2 5 4 2 3 1 2 3 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 4 0 6 2 9 2 0 25 45 0 0 0 2 3 4 0 5 4 11 1 2 1 3 0 10 18 18 1 1 0 7 16 16 .2 3 20 206 19 14 167 15 7 97 17 7 44 0 0 . 3 9 o o 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 23 23 2 0 0 l 5 0 9 31 7 7 13 5 19 0 0 0 1 3 13 4 4 3 4 4 1 14 6· 3 26 8 7 lO 19 6 4 0 5 1 5 10 0 l 3 9 2 4 3 6 2 5 0 2 5 1 1 2 l 0 1 I1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 18 9 61 2 0 20 18 7 87 I 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 5 2 6 11 3 4 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 7 28 1 6 0 0 Mobile 0 New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico. San Francisco 3 6 2 0 0 4 8 o 2 4 1 16 9 21 5 14 28 13 2 6 4 9 3 36 l 39 8 1 7 0 2 8 0 84 66 0 0 4 2 5 4 62 46 50 3 31 69 19 1 26 7 19 2 44 36 426 773 1 0 22 0 5 3 12 I 16 2 5 1 16 6 93 2 4 67 0 0 0 0 9 11 66 . 269 157 185 957 828 2 19 3 0 1 2 7 0 0 1 7 6 42 22 8 165 174 0 3 0 4 2 22 572 463 368 363 15 Mobile .................... Wednesday: June 12, July 17 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: June 18, July 23 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 11, July 16 New York................ Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk ................... Thursday: June 6, July 11 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Port Everglades .......Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan ..................Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis ................. Friday: June 14, July 19 Savannah ................ Friday: June 7, July 12 Tacoma ................... Friday: June 21, July 26 0 0 0 0 0 6 3 1 0 5 12 2 0 0 7 10 0 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Luau on the Maui 2 3 29 1 1 39 19 32 13 18 65 19 3 19 9 22 3 33 19 319 18 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: June 19, July 24 0 263 4 0 8 11 8 2 8 12 5 0 17 17 4 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 6, July 11 Wilmington ...............Monday: June 17, July 22 o 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 1 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: June 12, July 17 11 0 4 7 5 21 26 184 ; Boston .....................Friday: June 7, July 12 37 14 2 11 12 3 11 4 4 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 6, July 1 I 15 29 5 10 0 Algonac .................. Friday: June 7, July 12 18 7 6 0 Piney Point ............. Monday: June 3, July 8 48 17 4 27 24 258 2 5 1 47 2 3 3 4 0 11 14 2 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 4 1 1 Totals All Departments 4 5 6 2 3 3 Port Tacoma Wilmington Totals 10 9 5 1 3 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville . $t. Lguis~ 11 2 1 3 3 87 3 4 7 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 50 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT l 0 Port AlgonacBaltimore Trip Reliefs June & July 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Each voyage, on the evening before arrival in Honolulu, everyone aboard Matson Navigation Co.'s SS Maui looks forward to a shipboard luau . This photo of the steward department was taken during a recent luau by the vessel's master, Donald Marshall. From the left are Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed, Asst. Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, Room Steward Mohamed Ahmed and Chief Steward Muhamad Sani. Marshall notes, "This SIU steward department is a credit to the union and has made the SS Maui a real feeder." • *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2002 Seafarers LOG 15 ,.. �Seafarers lntemalional Union Directory N1'111 1'1onthl7 Shipping A Registration Report MARCH2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group ill John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez. Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast .Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Rene Lioeanjfo, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at large • • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 7 7 9 8 2 7 6 7 53 2 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 9 0 1 0 1 0 3 7 3 4 3 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 1 11 5 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 4 11 59 4 0 3 4 53 7 4 2 0 0 16 11 10 16 0 11 130 37 12 2 0 5 0 2 16 15 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr., Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St, Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St.. #1 c. Anchorage, AK 99503 (901) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON ~20 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30 l-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (67l) 647-1350 U:ONOLl.JLU 606 Kalilii St., Honolulu, Bl 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 J 07302 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Jsland Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 {718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box. 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE l057FemandezJuncosAve., Stop !6 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., SL Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WlLMINGTON 510 16 . Broad Ave., Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers LOS Boston 2 Houston 2 Harvey, LA New York 5 0 0 0 2 "-----~ 4 1 0 0 l 0 0 0 0 Savannah Tacoma Totals 3 6 30 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 11 1 Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 3 1 2 1 12 -6 3 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals Totals All Departments """--·~-···~"''''''~ 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 -~~ 4 32 105 50 0 6 0 6 22 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 3 8 3 24 0 18 4 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 ·o 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 19 0 0 o_ 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 6 6 50 2 3 0 . 2 -· 2 12 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Boston 6 27 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Boston 2 2 5- - ·..~-"" . d Norfolk San Pedro Houston JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, (201) 435-9424 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port 1 6 0 0 12 3 0 3 33 19 70 4 6 124 370 0 19 118 26 0 0 3 0 13 0 0 3 3 0 5 15 5 0 5 23 4 3 0 2 16 6 21 1 19 1 19 85 5 1 4 0 0 2 4 4 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 5 0 5 3 5 10 15 8 40 0 0 30 4 34 0 15 7 18 6 15 110 110 209 154 18 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, taken by Seafarer Hector Reyes, was originally printed in the Feb. 19, 1954 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Nino Valdez (seated at right) and his wife were visiting old friends aboard the SIS Florida while the SIU-contracted vessel was in Havana Harbor. The Cuban-born Valdez was a professional boxer from 1941 until his defeat in 1959 by Sonny Liston. At one time, he was even one of the top contenders for Rocky Marciano's heavyweight title, but the fight never came about. The record books state that Valdez fought 69 pro fights in his career, compiling a 49-182 record with 36 KO wins and 5 KO defeats. When heavyweight bouts were hard to come by in the early '40s in Cuba , he worked as a longshoreman and construction laborer, which probably is how he befriended the Seafarers when they arrived in Havana. Nino Valdez died in New York June 3, 2001. May2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below qre 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. n this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. O DEEP SEA FIDELS. BROAS, 65, hails from the Philippines. Brother Broas served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1961. He started his SIU career in 1979 in Seattle, first sailing aboard the Del Sol. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. His most recent voyage was aboard the Liberator, operated by U.S. Ship Management. Brother Broas makes his home in New York. PLARIDEL P. CADIZ, 66, joined the SIU in 1970 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Buckeye Atlantic. The steward department member was born in the Philippines and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1990. Broth diz as wen o sea on the Sea-Land Producer. He is a resident of Sacramento, Calif JACKJ. COOPER, 71, was born in Virginia. Brother Cooper began his SIU career in 1980 in the port of Norfolk, Va., having served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1950 to 1970. His first ship was the Columbia. The deck department member upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md., completing bosun recertification training there in 1992 and LNG recertification instruction in 1998. Brother Cooper's last voyage was on the LNG Gemini. He makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. NORMAN DUHE, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New Orleans. The steward department member frequently enhanced his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, completing the steward recertification program in 1986. Born in Louisiana, he last worked on the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Duhe lives in his home state in the city of Slidell. · EUSEBIO FIGUEROA, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. He started his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Figueroa fust sailed on May2002 the Seatrain Texas. The deck department member's last voyage was aboard the Equality State. Brother Figueroa calls Kirbyville, Texas home. · -~~I JAMES D. HARRIS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. His first ship was the City ofAlma. A member of the deck department, Brother Harris upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1977. His last trip was aboard Newport Tankers' Achilles. Brother Harris calls Wilmington, N.C. home. IGNATIUS MUZICH, 70, began his SIU career in 1994 in the port of New York. The Croatianborn mariner first sailed on the USNS American Osprey. A member of the deck department, Brother Muzich was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. His last voyage was aboard the Integrity. Brother Muzich is a resident of his native country. EUGENIO OYA, 69, was born in Spain. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. The deck department member upgraded his skills at Piney Point, Md. Brother Oya last worked on the Express, a U.S. Ship Management vessel. He lives in Sunnyvale, Calif. LEIFV. PEDERSEN, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Pederson first sailed on the Sealift China Sea. Born in Denmark, the deck department member last worked aboard the Nantucket Shoals. He calls Pearl, La. home. RODNEY J. PENCE, 45, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He "---..I..- - ' first sailed on the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Ship Management vessel. Born in Texas, Brother Pence worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1979 and 1995. His last voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Pence is a resident of Bacliff, Texas. DONALD RUND BLAD, 71 , joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. Born in New York, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Rundblad lives in Tacoma, Wash. HANABLE SMITH, 57, hails from Alabama. Brother Smith started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The deck department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1977. Brother Smith last shipped on the MV Courier. He makes his home in Mobile. FLORENCIO UMALI, 65 , joined the SIU in 1986 in the port of Honolulu following a 20year career in the U.S. Navy. Born in the Philippines, Brother Umali first shipped aboard the UNSN Contender. One of hi daughters was an SIU scholarship recipient who graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in education. Brother Umali sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Constellation, a Maersk Lines vessel. He resides in Newport News, Va. EDGARDO VAZQUEZ, 71 , started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port ofNew York. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1981 and completed the steward recertification program in 1987. He last shipped on the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Vazquez lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. TOMMIE VINES, 47, was born in Alabama. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Vines first sailed aboard the Buckeye Atlantic. The deck department member last worked on Puerto Rico Marine Management's Humacao. Brother Vines lives in Mobile, Ala. GREAT LAKES . JEROLD SAXON, 60, was born in Fayette, Mich. After serving in the U.S . Navy, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Saxon shipped in the deck department, last sailing on the JA. W Iglehart. He makes his home in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. INLAND THOMASJ. CROWLEY, 71 , started his SIU career in 1977 in Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Crowley is a military veteran, serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. A native of New York, he first worked aboard the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1949 The Atlantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers International Union scored a landslide victory in the recently concluded collective bargaining election on nine Cities Service ships, with the company's unlicensed personnel casting 8 9 percent of the valid ballots in favor of the union. Although only 12 of 11 0 ballots were cast in favor of the companysponsored Cities Service Tanker Men's Association, the company again challenged the election before the National Labor Relations Board. A previous election, in which 83 percent of the seamen voted for the SIU, was challenged and another election ordered. Seafarers are urged to stay on their ships until the NLRB sanctions the election, since the company is trying to replace them with "company union" men to reverse the SIU victory. Aquila. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1998. Boatman Crowley makes his home in Moreno Valley, Calif. ~liJ~l WILLIAMS. FISHER, 61, was born in Texas. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. A member of the deck department, Boatman Fisher shipped as a captain. He is a resident of Corrigan, Texas. ALVE CARL HOLMES, 61 , hails from Pennsylvania. Boatman Holmes started his SIU career in 1988 in the port of New Orleans. He worked as a launch operator, last sailing on a vessel operated by Alabama Pilot, Inc. He calls Pensacola, Fla. home. STEVENT. MORTON, 57, joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of New Orleans. Boaman Morton is =-=...._...- .. a military veteran, having served in the U.S . Army from 1963 to 1967. The engine department member last worked on a vessel operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. Boatman Morton lives in Franklenton, La. STEWART W. PARKS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1981 in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. Boatman Parks makes his home in Tangier, Va. ships that are effectively controlled by the United States," Scott said, uare United States-flag vessels." He urged the Nixon Administration to base its decisions on maritime needs solely on "ships which fly the American flag and are manned by American citizens." Scott was the principal speaker at a day-long seminar sponsored in Washington, D.C. by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. The seminar was devoted to the problem of the "runaway-flag" fleet, which is now larger, in terms of tonnage, than American-owned vessels registered and crewed in this country. THIS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY 1969 A long-standing Defense Department theory that American-owned ships, registered under th~ flags of other countries, are under the "effective control" of the United States in time of crisis was sharply attacked by Senator Hugh Scott (R-Pa.). "The only 1989 Navy Secretary William L. Bell Ill said the crews of the Seafarers-manned Pacific T-AGOS fleet "demonstrated exceptional professional competence, resourcefulness, innovation and dedication in support of Pacific Fleet ASW operations while conducting consistently superb daily operations, numerous special ASW tasks and the development and employment of new systems." Secretary Bell's remarks were part of the citation accompanying the celebrated Navy Unit Commendation pennant and certificate presented · to the five SIU-crewed T-AGOS vessels operating in the Pacific. The SIU-crewed vessels play a key role in the national defense of the United States. Seafarers LOS 17 .... �.~nal Departures r ~ , ! DEEP SEA FLOYD ACORD Brother Floyd Acord, 45 , died Jan 28. He started his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The California native first went to sea aboard the William T. Steel, a Richmond Corp. vessel. Brother Acord shipped in the engine department. Brother Acord called Houston home. WOODY AINSWORTH Brother Woody Ainsworth, 55, passed away Jan. 19. Brother Ainsworth began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Houston. He first sailed on the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. Born in Texas, he worked in the deck department. Brother Ainsworth last went to sea aboard the OM! Sacramento. He made his home in Arcadia, Texas. VERNER ANDERSEN Pensioner Verner Andersen, 84, died Feb. 3. He joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. The engine department member last worked on the Cove Navigator, a Cove Shipping vessel. Brother Andersen started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He was a resident of Wayne, Fla. GEORGE BIETE Pensioner George Biete, 88, passed away Jan. 21 . Brother Biete started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). Born in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. Brother Biete began receiving stipends for his retirement in 197 5. He made his home in Sacramento, Calif. CASSEL BRIDGMAN Pensioner Cassel Bridgman, 85, died Feb. 12. He started his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Bridgman served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard. His first SIU voyage was aboard the Bradford Island, operated by Cities Service. The Hyde County, N.C. native shipped in the deck department. He last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's William Harper. Brother Bridgman started receiving retirement compensation in 1972. He was a resident of Elizabeth City, N.C. GEORGE BURKE ~iljifl~~:;:-1 Pensioner George Burke, 74, died March 14. Brother Burke joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Burke's first SIU voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Brother 18 Seafarers LOB Burke shipped as a bosun. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Value. Brother Burke started receiving his pension in 1993 . He called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. BOBBY BUTTS Pensioner Bobby Butts, 76, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Butts started his SIU career in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala, after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. His initial voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Mississippi-born mariner sailed in the deck department as a bosun. He last worked on the OM! Champion. Brother Butts started receiving his pension in 1989. He was a resident of Mobile. JOHN DMOCHOWSKY Pensioner John Dmochowsky, 77, died Feb. 19. Brother Dmochowsky began bis career with the Seafarers in 1977 in Detroit. He was a veteran of the U.S . Navy, serving from 1942 to 1946. The Perryopolis, Pa.born mariner shipped in all three divisions, working in the steward department. Brother Dmochowsky last worked on the Cornhusker State, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. He started receiving his pension in 1991 and made his home in Flat Rock, Mich. JESUS FERNANDEZ Pensioner Jesus Fernandez, 91 passed away March 3. Born in the Philippines, Brother Fernandez started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member last worked on the Sea-Land St. Louis. Brother Fernandez began receiving his retirement stipend in 1976. He lived in Daly City, Calif. OLAV GUSTAVSEN Pensioner Olav Gustavsen, 81 , died Dec. 13. Brother Gustavsen began his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His initial voyage was aboard the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Born in Norway, the engine department member started receiving retirement payments in 1984. Brother Gustavsen made his home in San Francisco. HARRY HAGERMAN Pensioner Harry Hagerman, 87, recently passed away. Born in Samish Island, Wash., he joined the SIU in 1965 in Seattle. His initial voyage was aboard Moore-McCormack Lines' Robin Kirk. The deck department member last went to sea on the SeaLand Newark. Brother Hagerman began receiving his pension in 1989 and lived in his native state. MILTON HENTON LESTER PUGH Pensioner Milton Henton, 76, died Feb. 25. Brother Henton began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The Mississippiborn mariner first went to sea aboard the Gulf Water, a Metro Steamship vessel. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Henton last worked on the OM! Missouri and started receiving his pension in 1988. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Lester Pugh, 87, passed away Feb. 28 . The Alabama native was a charter member of the Seafarers, havL!-C"1<.~....:zi~~_--J ingjoined the union in 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the City of Alma, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Pugh left the SIU briefly to serve in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1944. The engine department member last worked aboard the John Tyler, another Waterman vessel. Brother Pugh started receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in his native state. PAUL HOLLOWAY Pensioner Paul Holloway, 77, passed away Jan. 7. Born in Wilkes County, N.C., Brother Holloway joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed aboard the French Creek, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Holloway began receiving his pension in 1989. He lived in Elkin, N.C. ROBERT LAMBERT Pensioner Robert Lambert, 71 , died March 8. Brother Lambert launched his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The U.S. Navy veteran frrst shipped under the SIU colors aboard a Sprague Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Lambert sailed in the deck department as a bosun and last worked aboard the Sealift Arctic. Born in Florida, he began collecting retirement compensation in 1994. Brother Lambert made his home in Daphne, Ala. Wllllllll••lm ARTHUR MEDEIROS Brother Arthur Medeiros, 49, passed away • recently. Born in Hawaii, he joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Medeiros served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. His initial voyage for the Seafarers was aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence. The steward department member last worked on the SeaLand Navigator. Brother Medeiros lived in Honolulu. CHARLES POLK Pensioner Charles Polk, 60, died Feb. 1. Brother Polk started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked in the inland and deep sea divisions and first shipped aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department and last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. Brother Polk began collecting retirement stipends in 1998. He made his home in Mobile. RUSSELL SHELTON Pensioner Russell Shelton, 83, died March 1. Brother Shelton started his SIU career in 1948 in the port of New York. Born in South Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. His initial SIU voyage was on Ore Navigation's Bethflor. The steward department member last went to sea on the Carolina, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Shelton began receiving his pension in 1976 and made his home in Pumphrey, Md. MICHAEL TRAUB Pensioner Michael Traub, 92, passed away Jan. 25 . Brother Traub started his career with the MC&S . The steward department member ~,..w..-.'"""""==...,.>-..311 was born in Poland, but called Riverside, Calif. home. Brother Traub began receiving his pension stipends in 1974. MARVIN WEST Pensioner Marvin West, 84, passed away March 4. Brother West joined the SIU in 1968 in San Francisco. The Tennessee-born mariner was a veteran of the U.S . Army, serving from 1942 to 1945. Brother West first sailed aboard Newport Tankers ' Achilles. A member of the deck department, he last worked on the Manatee. Brother West started receiving his pension in 1983. He was a resident of Pine Knot, Ky. ALCIDE WILTZ [7-:;illlJll!lii~I Pensioner Alcide Wiltz, 85, died Jan. 8. Brother Wiltz started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in San Francisco. Born in Louisiana, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American President Lines and States Steamship Lines. The steward department member began receiving retirement stipends in 1979. Brother Wiltz made his home in New Orleans. PAUL WOLF Pensioner Paul Wolf, 62, passed away Feb. 13. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Wolf served in the U .S. Army from 1957 to 1960. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Capri. An engine department member, -.........~__...______, Brother Wolf last worked on Pronav Ship Management's LNG Gemini. He started receiving his pension in 2000 and made his home in Melbourne, Fla. INEZ WOO Pensioner Inez Woo, 84, died March 3. Sister Woo joined the MC&S in 1952 in San Francisco. The steward department member sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by States Steamship Co. and American Ship Management. The Colorado native began receiving retirement compensation in 1979. She lived in Honolulu. u INLAND THEODORE BOEHLER Boatman Theodore Boehler, 59, died Feb. 27. He started his SIU career in New York. Born in Newark, N.J., he shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans Operating Co. Boatman Boehler was a resident of Hazlet, N.J. HAROLD DANIELS 1 Pensioner ~µ.;.u•.i...uµ,,1....1 Harold Danid:s, 1 70, passed away March 12. The North Carolina native joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Daniels sailed as a captain, first working aboard a C.G. Willis vessel. His final SIU job was on a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Co. Boatman Daniels started receiving his pension in 1996. He made his home in Atlantic, N.C. LUTHER JONES Pensioner Luther Jones, 74, died March 3. He started his SIU career in 1969 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. The Ohio-born mariner first shipped on a Southern Carriers Corp vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Brother Jones last worked at the helm of an Allied Towing vessel and began receiving his pension in 1990. He made his borne in Pooter, Ga. JAKE E. KEELEY Pensioner Jake Keeley, 75, passed away Feb. 16. Boatman Keeley joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New York. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the inland as well as deep sea division. The engine department member first shipped aboard the Monarch of the Continued on page 19 May2002 �ftnal Departlfres Continued from page 18 Sea, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Boatman Keeley last worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel and started receiving retirement stipends in 1992. He lived in Mobile, Ala. LESTER LEBLANC Brother Lester LeBlanc, 60, died March 13. The Morgan City, La. native joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. A captain, Boatman LeBlanc shipped in the deck department. He worked primarily at the helm of vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Va. Boatman LeBlanc resided in his native state in West Lake. WILLIAM WEISE Pensioner William Weise, 78, died Feb. 11. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. The Phila1...---~---""LJ delphia native worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Weise shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He last worked on a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Brother Weise began receiving pension payments in 1980. He called Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. home. GREAT LAKES LOUIS LOUPE Pensioner Louis Loupe, 72, passed away Jan. 9. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1947 to 1948. Boatman Loupe joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. The captain started receiving his pension in 1991 and resided in Lafourche, La. DOLPHIN MOORES oatman Dolphin Moores, 43, died Feb. 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Houston. The deck department member first worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Born in Pensacola, Fla., he last shipped on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. Boatman Moores lived in Whitney, Texas. RUPERT PERRY JR. Pensioner Rupert Perry Jr., 69, passed away Feb. 5. The Dare County, N.C. native launched his SIU career in 1977 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Perry served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1949 to 1971. He first sailed with the Seafarers aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked on a Maritrans Operating Partners vessel. Boatman Rupert started receiving retirement stipends in 1994. He made his home in Coinjock, N.C. CLIFFORD KRACHT Pensioner Clifford Kracht, 62 passed away Feb. 2. Brother Kracht joined the SIU in 1967 in Frankfort, Mich. The Michigan native first sailed aboard the Milwaukee Clipper. He shipped in the deck department and last worked on American Steamship's American Republic. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of Orlando, Fla. WILLIAM "B RUSH L Pensioner William "Buffalo Bill" Rush, 81, died March 1. Born in WilkesBarre, Pa., Brother Rush started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in Detroit. His initial voyage under the SIU colors was aboard the John Gibbon. The engine department member last went to sea on the City ofAlma. After corning ashore, he worked in the SIU hall in Buffalo. Brother Rush also served as a dispatcher in River Rouge and Algonac, Mich., and began collecting retirement stipends in 1985. He made his home in Bradenton, Fla. ABDULSHAHTER Pensioner Beryl Peterson, 86, died Jan. 20. Pensioner Abdul Shahter, 66, passed away Feb. 4. He started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Cleveland. His initial voy.__......,.........a...;;-.. age was aboard the Consumers Powers, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Yemen, Brother Shahter shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea on the H. Lee White, another American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Shahter began receiving retirement compensation in 2000. He Boatman was a resident of Dearborn, Mich. BERYL PETERSON Peterson joined the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he first shipped under the SIU colors aboard the Floridian, an Ideal Cement Co. vessel. He was born in May2002 Trenton, Fla., and worked in the engine department. Boatman Peterson last sailed on the New Yorker and started receiving his pension in 1980. He was a resident of Houston. port of New York. Boatman ~ Andersen served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. He first shipped for the SIU aboard a '---~-~-~ Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. of Baltimore vessel. A native of Jersey City, N.J., he was a member of the deck department. He last worked on a vessel operated by New York Cross Harbor Railroad. Boatman Andersen called Wayne, N.J. home. JOHN DEFAZIO Pensioner John Defazio, 78, died Feb. 12. Brother Defazio started his SIU career in 1960 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He sailed 1-:;:;;•lllT!ii~-1 as a captain, working primarily for the marine division of the Baltimore &Ohio Railroad. Brother Defazio started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1974. Staten Island, N.Y was his home. EDWARD SIMMS Boatman Edward Simms, 85, passed away Feb. 27. He started his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of New York. The New Jerseyborn mariner shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Erie Lockawanna Railroad Co. operated vessels. Boatman Simms started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He ~ L Plus® Working For Working Families Contact Information, Toll-Free Phone Numbers for Union Plus Insurance Programs •Auto Insurance (AIG)-For AIG claims, call 1-800-4338880 24 hours a day • For AIG customer service, call 1-877-310-5687-Mon- ATLANTIC FISHERMEN EARL WITHEE Pensioner Earl Withee, 61, passed away Jan. 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1984 in New Bedford, Mass. Born in Rock~-"---' land, Maine, Boatman Withee served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Canton, a Western Scalloping Corp. vessel. He last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel and started receiving his pension last year. Boatman Withee made his home in Ocala, Fla. Health Savings Union SIU members are eligible for a number of benefit programs through the union's participation in Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege), a non-profit organization created in 1986 by the AFLCIO. Union Plus aims to provide union members and their families with valuable c · mer bene its. By using the collective buying power of America's union members, Union Plus offers a variety of high-quality, discounted goods and services exclusively to working families. Printed below are toll-free phone numbers and other contact information for some of the programs in which the SIU participates. For additional information, visit Union Plus on-line at www.unionplus.org or call the appropriate, program-specific number from among those listed below: lived in Greensboro, Ga. day-Friday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Apply by phone at 1-800-2949496 • Discounts are available on prescriptions, dental, vision, foot & ankle, hearing care, diabetic supplies and nurse "help line." To find a provider or to enroll, call 1-800-2283523 Car Rental Discounts •Avis (Discount #B723700)Get rate quotes and make reservations online, or call 1800-698-5685 • Budget (Discount #V816100) --Get rate quotes and make reservations online, or call 1800-455-2848 Credit Card Other Programs Union Plus, in conjunction a er H u e Services, has created the Union Plus credit card exclusively for working families. Among other features, the card offers: • Competitive interest rate • No annual fee • Money-saving balance transfer offers • A scholarship program • Free additional cards • No liability if cards are lost or stolen • Strike-payment protection (if applicable) • Skip-payment options • Grace periods on new purchases • Complete online account management • To apply by phone, call 1-800522-4000 • For customer service, call 1800-622-2580 • Education Loans (Sallie Mae) -Apply (;}nline, or oall-1-8 881-1022 • Flower Discounts-Order flowers online, or call 1-888667-7779 • IBM Computer DiscountsCall 1-800-426-7235 ext. 6250 to order • Legal Services-Find a lawyer online, or call 1-888993-8886 • Hotel Royal Plaza at Walt Disney World-Call 1-800248-7890 • North American Van LinesCall 1-800-524-5533 • Union Checks-Call 1-888864-6625 for information and order forms • Vacation Tours-Book tours online, or call 1-800-590-1104 • Workingfamilies.com ISPGo online to www.workingfamilies.com, or call 1-800806-2150. RAILROAD MARINE ANDERS ANDERSEN Boatman Anders Andersen, 72 died May 30. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960, joining in the ~-'-....riliiitiil8i~~ ....... Send your stories, photographs and news items to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Recognizing the Merchant Marine I retired from the National Maritime Union in 1967. At least half of my 20 years in the NMU was as bosun and quartermaster. My last ship was the SS Boise Victory. I was bosun on that ship for eight months and then went to school and got my third mate's license. I sailed with the Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P) for 18 years and took early retirement at age 60. The MM&P sent me a Merchant Marine flag, which I presented to the Veteran 's Band here in Corpus Christi. Whenever the Veteran's Band performs on various patriotic holidays, the Merchant Marine flag flies next to the Army and Navy flags. I met with the mayor of Corpus Christi, and he agreed to recognize the U.S. Merchant Marine. At a special ceremony at City Hall last year, I joined other NMU retired merchant mariners and two retired ship captains as the mayor declared Aug. 21 , 2001 "U.S. Merchant Marine Day." Our city council meetings are televised and rebroadcast twice more during every week, so a lot of people saw this. Phil Rosenstein Corpus Christi, Texas member to stand up to a captain. Jim also was a master craftsman in working with wood. Once, we llE::::~•J needed a podium for a meeting at the Jim Lawson ball. We had rented one, but it was too small. With the meeting scheduled for the following day, we were in trouble. Jim was in the union ball and overheard what was happening. He told us not worry, he would take care of it. He then went home and returned with a podium he constructed. It took him about five hours and looked better than the one we had rented. We still have it! During the Detroit newspaper strike, I remember we had a couple of carloads go down to Detroit to help on the picket line. We stayed for the day and then left. I didn 't see Jim for the next week, and when we finally caught up, I asked what happened to him. He told me that the people on the line needed him, and he had been returning to support them throughout the week. That's the kind of guy Jim was: always willing to help his union brother. Don Thornton, Port Agent Algonac, Mich. ~ (The following letters were among those received at headquarters following last month s mailing of the bonus checks to SIU p ensioner.s.) Straight to the Point (Editor s note: Phil Rosenstein included with his letter a copy of the proclamation declaring August 21, 2001 as "U.S. Merchant Marine Day. " Rosenstein used to write many stories for the NMU Pilot. Now 76, he remains active in senior citizens ' affairs and got married for the first time at the age of 74.) ~ Remembering Brother Lawson I would like to say a few words about Jim Lawson, an SIU pensioner who recently passed away. Jim truly was a friend to the SIU-especially to the staff and members at the Algonac union hall and on the Great Lakes. Jim always helped around the union hall. He didn't hesitate to offer suggestions if there was a problem aboard ship that called for a union Thank you very much. The $1,000 bonus check was greatly appreciated. Arnold Heatherly La Follette, Tenn. .......... Appreciation and Pride I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the check you sent me. It was a pleasant surprise. I am proud to be a part of the Seafarers Union. Troy Dean Smith Rome, Ga. ~ Nice Timing I was surprised and glad to receive the bonus check. It came at a very good time. I have a birthday coming up; I'll be 84 years old. Thanks again and God bless you Know Your Rights and the staff. Roosevelt Robbins Philadelphia (The writer is a charter member of the SIU.) ~ Thanks to All I would like to thank the administrator and the trustees and anyone else who had a hand in sending this bonus check. Those of us who are on a pension thank you so much for everything. Henry W. Miller Mobile, Ala. ~ Counting Blesslngs Thank you very much for the bonus check of $1 ,000 that we received the other day. What a blessing! Again, thank you and God bless the Seafarers Pension Plan. Mr. and Mrs. Jose Torrefiel San Francisco ~ Courtesy and Cash To the administrator and each member of the trustees, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your kind generosity of the thousand-dollar gift. My wife and I have always been treated courteously and well by the members of the health plan, and I send my thanks to them also. Richard J. Conner Boyertown, Pa. ~ Nice Surprise I really had a wonderful surprise when I received a bonus check from the SIU. I count my blessings every day that I spent my career working for such a caring and thoughtful union, and I appreciate the benefits I have received. I thank the board of trustees, from the bottom of my heart, for remembering the disabled retirees. Leonard Paul Belhaven, N.C. ~ Thanking for 2 On behalf of my husband, Antoine W. Allemond, and myself, I want to say thank you for the bonus check. We are delighted to receive it. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. We have always been very satisfied with the Seafarers Pension Plan. You have taken good care of us. Helen Allemond Plaquemine, La. Notice Information Bulletin from the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center RECEllT ACTIONS AFFECTINB IMl'LEMENTAnON OF THE STCW At the recent London meeting of the Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), it was RECOMMENDED that the signatories to the STCW delay port-state control enforcement of the STCW through 31 July 2002 to allow adequate time to process the volume of applications and issue certifications that many Parties reported as outstanding. The convention still came into effect on February 1, 2002. The action taken by the Subcommittee is not binding; it is a recommendation to port-state control officers and recognized organizations only. Mariners not holding STCVV-95 certificates serving vessels calling at a port state that does not accept the Subcommittee's recommendation may cause the vessel to be detained. At present, we do not have any information about which port states, if any, will not accept the recommendation and will not delay port-state enforcement. In a recent message, the Commandant, U. S. Coast Guard established policy for U. S. enforcement of the STCW. The message can be found at: http://www. us cg .mi l/hq/ g-m/ nm cf co mp I/· STCWMessage-lnternet.doc. In general, for U.S.-flag vessels in U.S. ports, the Coast Guard does not intend to hold additional boardings solely for STCW enforcement For U.S. mariners on a ·on 20 Seafarers LOG U.S.-flagged vessel sailing on a foreign voyage, the mariner should hold either an STCW-95 certificate or provide proof that prior to 1 February 2002 they have a completed application on file with the Coast Guard. However, some foreign port states may not accept this arrangement of showing proof of having submitted an application as meeting the requirements of the STCW. If the application is submitted after 31 January 2002, the mariner may not sail on a vessel going foreign until the STCW-95 certificate has been issued, Please visit the Web site and review the message for complete details. Licensed and certificated personnel seeking issuance of an STCW-95 certificate, must complete all gap-closing requirements. Once completed, application for the STCW95 certificate should be submitted to any U. S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center. Until the mariner receives the certificate, he or she may only serve on vessels not subject to the STCW or on vessels in near coastal, domestic trades. Mariners seeking to upgrade a credential or an applicant seeking an original credential, must meet the requirements of the applicable policy letter(s) posted on the World Wide Web at: http:Jlwww.uscg.milJSTCW/m.policy.htm 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 . 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 SHIPPING RIGHTS. A · mem- forth in the SIU Constitution and in ber's shipping rights and seniority the contracts which the union has are protected exclusively by con- negotiated with the employers. tracts between the union and the · Consequently, no member may be employers. Members should get to discriminated against because of know their shipping rights. Copies of race, creed, color, sex, national or these contracts are posted and avail- geographic origin. able in all union halls. If members If any member feels that he or she believe there have been violations of is denied the equal rights to which he their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between or she is entitled, the member should the union and the employers, they notify union headquarters. should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is : Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions. under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 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. May2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of eourses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point~ Md. from June through December 2062. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and- in times of conflict- the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 October 25 December 20 QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December 20 Welding June 10 July 1 August 19 September 23 October21 November 18 June 28 July 19 September 6 October 3 November 8 December6 Marine Electrical Maintenance I June 17 July 26 ../- Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 30 October 28 October25 November22 Advanced Fire.fighting October7 December 2 October 18 December 13 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* June 24 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 14 June 28 July 19 August23 September 27 October 18 Government Vessels July8 September 23 July 26 October 11 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 15 December 2 July 26 December 13 July 1 September 30 October 21 November 11 December 9 July 5 October4 October25 November 15 December 13 August 5 September 23 October 28 August 9 September 27 November 1 August26 August JO June3 June 17 June 24 July 1 GMDSS (Simulator) July 8 October 7 November4 December 2 July 19 October 18 November 15 December 13 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 16 October 14 September 27 October25 Lifeboatrnan/Water Survival (one week) June 10 July 15 August 19 tember 30 June 14 July 19 August 23 October 4 vem June7 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 August 9 August 16 August 23 August JO September 27 October4 October 11 October 18 October25 June 10 June 19 August 14 (*must have radar uhlirniled) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland Bridge Resource Management ,, (BRM) - Unlimited* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerrnan (PIC) Barge* (*must have basicfueflghting) Basic Fire Figbting/STCW ("prerequisite required) Julys Radar August 5 Steward Upgratllng Courses July 15 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 September 23 September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 ovember4 November 18 December 2 December 9 December 16 STCW Medical Care Provider Galley OperationslAdvaneed Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Stew11rd classes start every other week beginning January 7. Recertification Bosun October 7 July 8 _Steward November 1 August 2 November 1 November 8 November 22 December6 December 13 December 20 August 16 October 25 August 12 October 21 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. Io addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers cour~ will be self-study. -·-~-·-~-·-·- ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·---·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·· -·-·-·-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the follo wing must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days s eatime for the prev ious year, one day in th e last s ix months prior to th e Name ----------------------------~ Address - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - -- - - date y our class starts, US MMD (z -card) front and back, front page of y our un ion book indicating y our departm ent and seniority, and qualify ing seatime for th e course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aQplicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a mongy order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE END DATE BEGIN DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ Seniority _ __ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ Department U .S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken May2DD2 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes O No LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5102 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes • PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS 623 ---= ;_=~;?-~~~~3 ~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 623 -· Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 623 are (from left, kneeling) Jason Simpson, Marcus Peters, William Faulkner II, Brian Shaw, (second row) Timothy Tyree, Kennard Taylor, Josette Brown, Jeff Bruton, Robert McFeeley Jr., Robert Norris, (third row) Antonio Torres, Stanley Kordinak II, Robert Odmark, Richard Parks, Caleb Buckley and Jarrod Pestana. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 624- Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 624. They are (from left, kneeling) Antonio Mendez-Cruz, Austin Ayers, Kenneth Taylor, Brian McAllister, Jerry Solangon, (second row) Brent Midgette, James Grasseth, Javier Gonzalez, Kevin Steen, Thomas Lovern, Beato Diaz Jr., (third row) Jayson Ray, Demario Wilcox, Aaron Matuszny, Daniel Amesbury, Gregory McKinnon, Jonathan Carter, Jeffrey Thomas, Lon Molnar, Joshua McDaniel and Christopher Bartholmey. · WeldingGraduating from the welding class March 22 with Instructor Buzzy Andrews (far left) are (from left) Brian Carroll, Dennis Caples, Dennis Middleton, Jorge Turcios, Todd Desrosiers and Andrew Egressy. Tanker Familiariz.ation/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course March 15 are (in no specific order) David Lund, David Martz, Bernard Clark, Jessie Bongolan, Daniel Samson, Ryan Nichols, Joseph Tier Ill, John Paffrath, David House, Marion Cummins, Todd Gatton, Frank Irby, Felipe Zepeda, Stephen Bird, Dustin Gallop, Trevorous Ellison, Brian Robison, Charles Jones, Tiffany Nettles, Abdulla Ali, Mark Cooper, ·Jose Molina, Nicholas Manessiotis, Travis Hosea, Michael Knitter, Isaac Spencer, Sean Farra and Michael Thomas. GMDSS- Upgrading SIU members who enhanced their skills in the GMDSS course which ended March 22 are (from left) Elmer Swarr, Caesar Del Greco , David Steckel, John Bilich, Wes Bertrand, John Comeau, Bruce Comiskey, Peter Funk and Bartolome Romero Jr. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting - Seafarers who graduated from the advanced fire fighting class March 29 are (in alphabetical order) Rommel Artis, Archie Bodden, Lawrence Brissette, Kevin Buselmeier, Margarete Carey, Joseph Cooper, Robert Feltus, Ruben Gamboa, Steven Leschinski, Edward Mancke, James McDonald, James Meyers, Robert Pinkard, Mark Pruitt, Grant Shipley, Luis Sosa, Rafael Suris, Donna Sylvia, Robert Timmons, Edward Whitfield, Michael Woolard, Paul Yose and Robert Young. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Any student who has registered for a class and·finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Giving the Gift of Life ~ Xarry Lumun6erg Scfr.oo[ ofSeamanslii'p Cfass6Z6 Jos6.U11Coo~r 'ftnJOn :Mo5ky !Afa.sUretfsu41Palet.oag~ CameronStlhy Zmli.,SefSy Joli11SUJ1fier=n JOSLpfi 'Wliitmorr '11iis artifa:au is ir1 appnciation ofyour effort ro meet t!W 6f.ooanlllls of patients in our C01Tt111Umty. )f.mffican 1R.ft{(TOSS tfiani.§ you for your C{ceptiona(smia. + 22 Seafarers LOG Members of unlicensed apprentice class 626 recently received a certificate of appreciation from the American Red Cross for their part in ensuring an adequate blood supply to those in need. From the left (back row) are Joseph Whitmore, John Stephenson, Cameron Selby, Joshua Cooper, Trevon Mobley, Masteredseed Paletoaga and (kneeling) Zerek Selby. Presenting the certificate are Wondra Jones and Brian Scully of the Red Cross. Government Vessels - Seafarers who completed the government vessels course April 14 are (from left, front row) John Murray, Jessie Bongolan, William Horton, (second row) Greg Thompson (instructor) Enno Vok, Alba Alfaro, Dennis Middleton and William Miller. May 2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Mario Delacruz, Rodolfo Delacruz, Alphonse Dixon, William Drummond, James Dryden, Ray Garcia, Ellis Gaynor, Silvestre Gonzaga, Thomas Grosskurth, Rance Hadaway Jr., Gerard Hayes, Calvin Hicks, Earl Hicks, Tyrone Johnson, Jeffrey Kass, Thomas Keenan Jr., Alfred Lang, Jong Lee, Erik Leibold, Anthony Leo and Kevin Hall. Basic Safety Training Classes Arnold Lopez, Ernest Martin, Mariano Martinez, Bruce Mesger, Abdullah Mohamed, Daniel Monjarres-Kerr, Ahmed Mozed, Walter Napper, Robert O'Connell, Robert Pabon, Herminio Pagan, John Parkhurst, Michael Penkwitz, Van Phan, Dennis Pickering, Ronnie Powell, Ali Quraish, Roberto Ramirez, Rodney Roberson, Celedonio Roman, Walter Sainvil, John Reber Ill and Horace Rains. Amy Shunkwiler, Jennifer Smith, ~~llJl.IJllllM Theodore Smith Jr., Timothy Smithwick, Curtis Spencer, Daviel Stavron, Elmer Swarr Jr., Manuel Tan Jr., Daniel Teichman, Larry Thompson, Curtis Torres, Samuel Washington, Charles Welsh, Kenneth Whitefield, Subagio Wibisono, Jimmy Williams, Edward Winne, Ellis Wooten, Warren Wright, Mohsin Yafai, Carlos Sanchez, Thomas Woerner, Nicholas Serritella and James Crate. (Note: Not all are pictured.) John Huyett, Jessie James, Lawrence Kunc, Pedro Laboy, Justo Lino, Randy Louque, Michael McAlister, Micah Miller, Bernard Mood, Melvin Morgan, Jawald Pardesi, Michael Pooler, Timothy Porter, Cary Pratts, Jill Prescott, Clyde Smith, Donald Sneed, William Soto Jr., Rodger Taylor, Valentine Thompson, Louis Uleski, Duare Washington, Thomas White, Robert Williams, Scott Zagn and Pablo Rochez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ,.. Victor Acevedo, Luis Almodovar, Raminder Bhullar, Michael Blizzard, Carlos Bonefont, Michael Briscoe, Jaime Cayonte, Adaberto Colon, Arthur Edwards, James Enah, Farook Esa, Jonathan Gibson, Douglas Greiner, Michael Hinton, James Jackson Jr., Gregory Jaegle, Timothy Kotsis, Jorge Lanas , Steven Black, Tony Amaro and Gerard Lanzerotti. Tina Lowery, Harold McAllister, Nebojsa Milosevic, Hassan Oudeif, George Papuchis, John Pena , Edward Perry, Jeffrey Pope, Nathan Rippey, Abdo Saleh, Gerhard Schwarz, Robert Scrivens, John Seibel, Dante Slack, Luis Sosa, Timothy Taylor, Cornelio Vilano Jr., David Warner, John Willette, Philip Wright, Daryl Coleman, Radames Toro and Carlos Lugo. Abdulaziz Alomary, Cornell Andrews, Salah Assabahi, John Austin Jr., Thomas Bain , James Baker, Russell Barrack Jr., Jeorge Barahona, Sara Barahona, Kay Bonilla, Redentor Borja, Wilfredo Caidoy, Dennis Caples, Luis Cercado, Rodney Clements, Eddie Coe, Jose Colon, Leocadio Colon, Norman Cox Ill, Gilberto Torres, Henry Commager and Lawrence Soulier. Seafarers LOB 23 - �Vacation at Piney Point Looking for a great spot for your family vacation this summer? Check out the facilities at Piney Point/ See page 14 tor more information. The East Coast port of Norfolk, Va. sees its share of incoming vessels; everything from container ships and tankers to oceanographic surveillance ships and other military craft. On recent servicing trips to some of the vessels, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny snapped these photos. Of the six ships represented on this page, three were in transit (the Maersk Arizona, USNS Little Hales and Seabulk Challenge) while three others were in ROS status (USNS Impeccable, SNS Mendonca and US Gordon/ waiting called up at any ti support of U.S. mil operations. P~rt of the USNS Little Hales crew includes (from left) GVA Nicholas Murgolo, AB Roger Reinke, CSKS Luis Burgos, Bosun Samuel Duah and AB George Bozman. Chief Cook Harry Brewer (left) and GVA Larry Baker work aboard the USNS Little Hales. - Randolph Scott (above), 2nd pumpman on the Seabulk Challenge, and AB Louis Holder (below) of the USNS Impeccable, take part in their respective shipboard meetings. Above: Chief Cook Max Hassel checks a boiling pot aboard the USNS Mendonca. .. GUDE Louis Gracia climb the gangway Seabulk Challenge. the All's well aboard the USNS Impeccable with Chief Cook Jacquelyn Maclaurin and SA Patty Davison. Right: EU Hussein Kirkland and OS Antonia Martir enjoy a cup of coffee on the USNS Impeccable. Above: Steward/Baker Ben Sivells wraps up the leftover dessert from lunch aboard the USNS Mendonca. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ANWR FIGHT ISN'T FINISHED FEDERATION'S LAWSUIT CHALLENGES PARTS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW TONGA-FLAGGED REFUGEE SHIP ANOTHER CASE OF FOC SLEAZE ITF SECURES PAY, REPATRIATION FOR ISMAEL EXPRESS MARINERS MISSISSIPPI QUEEN SET TO SAIL, AUCTION SCHEDULED SEAFARERS-CREWED LNG SHIPS RESCUE 12 NEW DREDGE CHRISTENED SEA STAR LINE ACQUIRES NPR NAVIERAS ASSETS REPORT: CABOTAGE LAWS MORE IMPERATIVE TO NATIONAL SECURITY THAN EVER BEFORE SPAD: PROTECTING SEAFARERS' INTERESTS FOR 40 YEARS ORCA-CLASS RO/RO STILL ON PAVE FOR DELIVERY THIS YEAR GOLDEN GATE MONUMENT INCLUDES MERCHANT MARINE CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE CONTRACT 2 DIE IN CAPE HORN FIRE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS? OPM STARTS FEDERAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM OORAH! CELONA NAMED HONORARY U.S. MARINE SEAFARER OUBRE SAYS SAILING ON FRIDAY WORTH READING ANY DAY OF THE WEEK USNS MARTIN ON DUTY 'FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE' OFFERS JOB OPPORTUNITIES FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA WITH THE SIU SIU SHIPPING IN NORFOLK 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 5/1/2002 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. 64, No. 5 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ef27764d6bcfb21135c0c8a82364b3a9.pdf e4b9e02fd101b5d346d6e033b3aee77c PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 6 June 2002 ... ',_lMI~ ... ~'pj.. ,. ~~~r-----l~-""'~l.l.a.L.1.L-..-::::;.....a.~~~~~~~~~~~~-L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-. 111 I , Delaware North Companies Inc. on May 4 purchased (from left) the highly regarded American Queen, Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen. The famed steamboats, idle since shortly after September 11, will remain based in New Orleans. A contract between the SIU and the com- r---__... pany was being finalized as this issue of the LOG went to press. Page 3. Seafarers Head to Annapolis, Md. as Townsend Kicks Off Campaign aryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (center) last month announced her bid for governor during a rally in Annapolis, Md. She aims to become the state's first female governor. Joining her are Paul Hall Center students Richard Moore Jr. and Lakindra Williams. For more photos, see page 5. National c-T9~tit! Igo Maritime Day 2002 The SIU participated in National Maritime Day memorial ceremonies May 22 in Washington , D.C. Four days earlier, the union took part in a more informal gathering-"Maritime Night at the Ballpark," a minor league baseball game in nearby Bowie, Md . sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Pictured on the field during the National Anthem are (from left) U.S. Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John Flaherty; U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentices Patrick O'Donnell, Richard Moore Jr., Joshua Robinson, Michael Hall and Francis Dundas; U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco. Pages 12-13. �r-- 1 I I I I Port Security Efforts ·Continue President's Report I I I I New Bills Introduced; Credentialing Program Launched I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I i I a1mmeasurable Contributions' Of all the comments made on National Maritime Day about our merchant marine, none was more persuasive than this segment of President Bush's official proclamation: "Today, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry continue to make immeasurable contributions to our economic strength and our ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world. We must ensure our maritime system can meet the challenges of the 21 • Michael Sacco century." That kind of insight from the chief executive bodes well for the prospects of success in our ongoing battle to strengthen the U.S. fleet. As Seafarers know, it's a big challenge, to say the least. But it's also one which surely depends in part upon strong support from the president-support that naturally should follow such clear recognition of America's ongoing reliance on its mariners. As with practically every other ceremony that has taken place since September 11, this year's National Maritime Day observances had a different feel. As a nation, we have awakened to many realities about our strengths and shortcomings. That awakening slowly but surely includes an increased understanding and appreciation of what the United States Merchant Marine means to this great country. And that insight begins with a history that goes back much further than eight months. It dates back to the very beginning of this nation. From Revolutionary times through the World Wars and Desert Storm, right through to the present, the merchant marine has been a bedrock of America's national and economic security. Of particular note is our performance during World War II. The younger people in our industry may not know that during those years the U.S. fleet pulled off the greatest sealift operation in history. By delivering the goods, usually under the most difficult of circumstances, our mariners made victory possible. It has been said before, but it's worth repeating: Our brave mariners suffered an enormous casualty rate, second only to that of the Marine Corps. It was during that period the merchant marine truly earned its title as the fourth arm of defense. We lived up to that billing again in Korea and Vietnam and, more recently, during the Persian Gulf War. Clearly, history has shown that we inevitably will be called upon again. In fact, even today we are playing a role in the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. That's one reason why I know that our greatest moments aren't in the past. The devastation of September 11 spurred a new, overdue resolve to seriously commit to strengthening our defense capabilities. Much of that commitment, of course, centers around homeland security, but it also involves taking a hard look at what America needs to sustain its forces overseas in an extended fight. At a time when our security is under intense examination, it should be obvious that no plan is complete without a genuine requirement to revitalize our fleet. That must include, among other steps, immediate enactment of an extended and expanded Maritime Security Program. It must include fair treatment of U.S. mariners and U.S.-flag ship operators by our own government. It must include unwavering support for our cargo preference and cabotage laws. And it absolutely must include steadfast investment in the civilian-crewed fleets and programs overseen by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. History has proven again and again that we cannot and must not rely solely on the good will of other nations to aid us, whether in times of war or peace. As America moves forward in the postSeptember 11 era: let us not lose sight of what ~he merchant marine · has meant to our nation. Most importantly, let us never subject ourselves to the unthinkable danger that quickly would follow the disappearance of the American flag from the high seas. 1 Volume 64, Number 6 June 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN l 086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The enduring port security concerns of experts nationwide are addressed in new legislation recently introduced by Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine. The Ship, Seafarer and Container Security Act (S.2329), unveiled April 25, promises better information about shipping and shipping threats, improved tracking of vessels and security of the nation's maritime environment. Those are subjects of apprehension among leading authorities in their quest to craft an all-inclusive and effective port security package. "Port security is one of the most important concerns facing the transportation industry, and one of the most difficult and least understood vulnerabilities to the American economy," Sen. Breaux said in introducing the bill. "Since September 11, I have toured ports and held field hearings, and I've learned we have a lot or work to do to make our ports safer. This Congress must pass a united, comprehensive federal plan to improve security at our seaports where passenger and freight transportation security remain serious issues." Key provisions of the Ship, Seafarer and Container Security Act will: • Require certain vessels to carry transponders to transmit and track their positions so the Coast Guard can track U.S. and foreign vessels. • Require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to negotiate an international agreement in two years or submit legislation to congress to identify mariners with a uniform identification system, provide greater transparency of the ownership of ship registration to track vessel ownership, and mandate stronger standards for marine containers. • Require DOT to better assess the risks posed by certain vessels and ensure enforcement of security zones. Sen. Breaux intends to have the bill's provisions incorporated into any House-Senate conference report on seaport security. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee currently is considering the legislation. Security Administration-acting under a series of congressional mandates to improve security and provide increased safety for the traveling public-launched a widereaching credentialing program. Akey segment of this undertaking is to ensure that only authorized workers (all personnel whose duties require unescorted access to secure areas of the transportation system) are permitted entry into secure transportation areas. The program is designed to establish a standardized transportation worker identification card (TWIC) that is universally recognized and accepted across the entire transportation sector. The credential would protect personal privacy, and be used locally within the facility infrastructure to meet multiple levels of secure access requirements. Generally, the SIU endorses the proposed concept of one standard~ ized, universally recognized and accepted credential for all maritime transportation workers in the form of a "smart card," which meets multiple levels of secure access. A smart card is a credit card-sized device that contains multiple technologies including an integrated circuit chip and one or more of the following: magnetic stripe, bar codes, photo identification, encryption and authentication, biometrics, or a non-contact radio frequency transmitter. The SIU currently is actively involved in the decision-making process that will impact the specifics of TWIC implementation. DOT Credentlaffng Program In other developments, the U.S. Department of Transportation's newly created Transportation The U.S. Customs Service, with its electronic cargo processing systems has the most knowledge about cargo, aircraft and vessels entering and leaving the U,nited States at ports of entry. Vessel movements at ports are controlled through documents filed with the Customs Service. In a closely related area, the Coast Guard is continuing to press the International Maritime Organization to adopt strict new international security standards. Among the proposals submitted recently to the IMO's Marine Safety Council is a seafarer identification card. The U.S. is proposing that these cards include digital photograph, holder 's signature, issuing authority, proof of nationality, positive identification of the mariner's qualifications, permission to enter other countries, and biometric templates (non-invasive physical attributes such as fingerprints, face, voice, etc. that can be used to uniquely identify an individual). Mariners, Cargo Denied Port Entry Meanwhile~ven before Congress enacts new port security measures-security concerns already are resulting in mariners and cargo being denied entry to U.S. ports. The Coast Guard and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), using the authority they already possess, are turning away vessels with suspicious cargo and refusing crew members shore leave. The Coast Guard also is persistent in its effort to persuade the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt sweeping new international port security requirements. In a recent episode, the Coast Guard prevented a French vessel from oftloading container cargo Continued on page 5 Photo by James R. Tourtellotte Scholarship Committee Selects 10 Winners . I The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has arship. They are Allison Kelly Barra, daughter of announced this year's SIU scholarship recipients. inland member Louis D. Barra; Brian M. Bragg, son Selected by a panel of professional educators last of William E. Bragg; Arleen B. Cayan, daughter of month were five Seafarers and five Dencio A. Cayan; Brittany N. }·;,'For a moft ln-depth /ook Stropich, daughter of Steve L. dependents of SIU members-for a total monetary value of $130,000. at each ot,:the scholarship Stropich; and Christopher A. Urti, In past years, Seafarers were eliwinne{S~ see page~- · son of Angelo J. Urti. :c.2, .,., . This year's selection committee, gible for three of the scholarships --0ne four-year, $20,000 award and meeting in San Francisco, was two $6,000 stipends for a two-year course of study at appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers a college or vocational school. This year, however, Health and Benefits Plan. The panel was composed of the following scholnone of the applicants qualified for the four-year scholarship. The scholarship committee instead ars and academicians: Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary's awarded three additional two-year grants, for a total College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of five. of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus The Seafarers selected for the 2002 scholarships Adolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor are Mark A. Dyer, Pamela C. Monaco, Samuel Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community Garrett, Jeanette Montgomery and Fernando D. College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association Mesa. of Colleges and Universities; Father David A. Additionally, five dependents of SIU members Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Keith were selected to receive a $20,000, four-year schol- Schlender, Medical College of Ohio. June2002 �Delaware North Acquires 3 •queens• When a company with 25,000 employees and $1.6 billion in annual revenue shows up at an auction, one would expect a strong bid. Delaware North Companies Inc. delivered such an offer May 4, purchasing the famous Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen for a reported $80 million. Delaware North also bought the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. brand name, and strongly indicated that it will keep Delta Queen's traditional operations in place. That includes basing the steamboats in New Orleans, along with their reservation and sales center. Delaware North also "plans to interview and retain the majority of the operation's em- The American Queen (top), Mississippi Queen (middle) and Delta Queen have new owners following last month's auction. ployees." "We were very impressed with the local management and talent," said Dennis Szefel, president of Delaware North Companies Hospitality and Entertainment Group. "Our hope is that we can preserve this operation's most valuable resource- its employees. Their knowledge of the rivers and the company's history, along with the exceptional skill it takes to operate these vessels, is incredibly important to the ongoing success of these operations." A spokeswoman for Delaware North told reporters that the company in other acquisitions normally has kept more than 90 percent of the employees. The SIU is optimistic about reaching a contract with the purchaser; a tentative agreement appeared imminent late last month. The purchase itself also must be :finalized, but federal regulatory approval was expected by the end of May. Seafarers already are sailing aboard the Mississippi Queen , which had a schedule in place even before the auction. The boat, operating on bankruptcy court :financing until Delaware North formally is approved as the new owner, began sailing May 7. Headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., Delaware North was a surprise bidder for the steamboats. According to press reports, seven bidders participated in the auction, including Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., Waveland Investments, and Uniworld, which operates Global River Cruises in Europe. Delaware North's winning bid reportedly includes an undisclosed amount to be paid to creditors and more than $4 7 million to the U.S. Maritime Administration for loans it made to build the American Queen. The new owner already is a major player in the hospitality, travel, entertainment and food service industries. Delaware North has seven independent divisions whose ventures include -among many other high-profile businesses- operating Boston's FleetCenter, hotels in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, the Grand Hotel near the Grand Canyon, and "recreational hospitality services" at Niagara Falls Sate Park and the Kennedy Space Center. The company's chairman owns the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, a franchise with a long and rich history. The Delta Queen has a prestigious history of its own- it is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1926, the boat is 285 feet long and can accommodate 174 guests. The Mississippi Queen is 382 feet long and capacity for 422 passengers, while the 418-foot American Queen can carry 436 guests. The vessels' routes vary in length and destination, but include historic journeys along the upper and lower Mississippi River as well as along the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Delta Queen's parent company, American Classic Voyages, is reorganizing following the economic fallout of September 11 . Newest LMSR Christened Seafarers-Crewed Soderman Joins MSC Fleet More SIU jobs came on line recently with the christening of the U. S. Military Sealift Command's newest large, mediumpeed. roll-on1roll-off hip, the od mz ·1. ~~~i!i!-t--+he vessel was launched April MSC in 1997. In 200 1, it was transferred to the Maritime Prepositioning Force to preposition U.S. Marine Corps equipment at ea. The ves el was renamed US1 S Gunn ery Sgt. Fred W. Stockham in honor of a Marine 26 during a ceremony at the Corps Medal of Honor recipient. ational S eel and Shipbuilding Co. . CO) in San Diego. The nev e t SIU-crewed member of the MSC fleet is named for Medal of Honor recipient Anny Pfc. William A. Soderman (19121980). The widow of the ship 's namesake, Virginia Soderman, served as sponsor during the ceremony and broke a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally name the ship. Also participating in the ceremony were Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.), who delivered the ceremony's principal address, and Kristina Carson Fletcher, niece of the ship's namesake, who served as matron of honor. President Harry Truman presented Soderman the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 12, 1945 for his bravery in Belgium during World War II. The christening marked the econd time a sealift ship has u ed the Soderman name. The :first Soderman was a commercial container ship that was converted to an LMSR and delivered to The new Soderman will strategically preposition Army equipment, including vehicles and supplies, at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Soderman is designed to transport helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles. It will have a cargo carrying capacity exceeding 394,000 square feet. The ship is 950 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet and will displace about 63 ,000 tons when fully loaded. The Soderman, equipped with two 32,000 horsepower gas tur- bine engines, is capable of sustaining speeds of up to 24 knots. The Soderman is one of the final pieces of a 22-ship fleet mandated by a Pentagon study following the Persian Gulf War that called fo r strengthening America's sealift capabilities. The USNS Soderman's nighttime launch in San Diego, accompanied by fireworks, signaled new SIU jobs and stronger sealift capabilities. Left: The USNS Pomeroy, T-AKR 316, is a sister ship to the recently christened USNS Soderman. Aside from hull number (the USNS Soderman is T-AKR-17), both vessels are identical in appearance and have the same capabilities. ITF Comes Through Again, Secures Back Pay for Crew The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in late April secured nearly $89,000 in back pay for Filipino crew members of the Malta-flagged tanker Bregen. SIU ITF Inspector Scott Brady handled the case, which unfolded April 21-24 aboard the vessel in Freeport, Bahamas. He discov- ered that the ship operator, Tsakos Shipping and Trading (based in Greece), wasn't honoring the terms of the ITF contract that covers the Bregen. The crew included several Greeks, a Cypriot and a Russian in addition to Filipinos, but only the latter were owed back pay. After investigating, Brady spent Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring Halls will be closed ThWS,{Jf;J,Y, July 4, 2002 for the observance of ,, Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal busi.. ness hours will resume the following wot;kday. ,,,:;~.,,,<!~:: June2002 Thankful crew members from the Bregen received their back wages, thanks to assistance from the ITF. two days demanding that the company pay up. "They ultimately concurred with my :findings and paid back wages on board the Bregen of $43,078 and, in accordance with the crew's instruction, wired $45,900 to ITF headquarters in London for distribution to the crew upon their request," Brady noted. The ITF, based in London and founded in 1886, is an alliance of 594 transportation-related trade unions in 136 countries, representing approximately 5 million workers. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. For decades , the ITF has waged a campaign against runaway flags, also known as flags of convenience or FOCs. That campaign, ardent1y backed by the SIU, has resulted in better working and living conditions for mariners of all nationalities. "Without the ITF insisting on regulations aboard runaway-flag ships through collective bargaining agreements, there wouldn't be any protection for thousands of mariners around the world," Brady stated. The federation, in describing its campaign, noted, "Standardization of working conditions is the ultimate goal, and trade unions play a crucial role in achieving this. When national regulation can be so easily undermined by any successful company with branch offices in other countries, international trade unionism is essential. Without it, working conditions will inevitably plummet." Seafarers LOG 3 �Tug Liberty to the Rescue Only with training and repetition can the response to a situation become instinctive. Such was the case recently at Big Stone Anchorage in the Delaware Bay. Like many tankers and oilers, the OM! Sacramento (formerly an SIU-contracted ship, now registered under foreign flag) was coming up the Delaware River too heavy for the 40-foot channel. The Maritrans tug Liberty, which works in combination with the barge Maritrans 300 to lighter crude, was on hand to help in the lightering operation that would then enable the Sacramento to continue upriver. Unfortunately, as the Sacramento s chief mate climbed down the Jacob's Ladder to check the ship's draft, he lost his footing, fell into the water and started drifting downstream. Without a moment's hesitation, the crew aboard the tug Liberty responded instinctively to their training and released one of the tug 's rescue boats to retrieve the wet and embarrassed-but otherwise unharmed-mariner. Maritrans CEO Steve VanDyke (center) joined crew members on board the tug Liberty to congratulate them on their quick thinking in the rescue of a fallen mariner. From the left are Mate Jim Jennings, Assistant Engineer Rod Hood, AB/Tankerman Glenn Naundorf, VanDyke, AB/Tankerman Edmund "Big Ed" Putro and Captain Rich Adams. Pension Plan Issues Check No. 1 Million Cruise-Ship Recruitment Scam Confirmed After ITF Warnings Following warnings from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), a cruise ship recruitment scheme -which has taken more than half-a-million dollars from at least l 0,000 Kenyan job seekers-has been confirmed as an elaborate fraud by the Kenyan government. The move came after the ITF warned that the cruise ship industry could not support the jobs offered by a shady United Arab Emirates-based company, Al Najat Marine Shipping. In mid-May, the federation published the following statement: "The ITF is issuing a worldwide alert to mariners' unions and other organizations to look out for the company, and to report any further moneyfor-jobs schemes. Al Najat Marine Shipping had commissioned five Nairobibased agencies to recruit 50,000 staff for cruise ships, but applicants were asked to pay at least US$58 each for a ' medical examination.' At least 10,000 Kenyans are known to have paid up." Speaking in Nairobi last month, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft warned ministers the scheme "looked like a racket, ,,,,, \ ,,, \ '~ \ an illegal scam. There is simply no possibility that these jobs are out there," he said. Following government investigations, Kenyan authorities on May 16 confirmed the scheme was fraudulent, and halted recruitment by the company's agents. According to the ITF, even before the industry downturn following the Sept. 11 attacks, the number of jobs available on cruise ships would be far less than what Al Najat Marine Shipping portrayed. The ITF contacted the Kenyan government in July 2001 with concerns about the company. According to a Moroccan newspaper report, Al Najat Marine Shipping also has attempted to recruit 20,000 cruise ship workers there. Le Matin reported that thousands of people had signed up for the scheme, paying at least $100 dollars each. In the past, the ITF has successfully assisted the prosecution of companies involved in similar scams in Belgium and Canada. "The ITF warns job seekers not to pay money for jobs, to make sure jobs really exist, and to seek advice from a trade union if at all suspicious," the federation noted. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: ' /11 _., --- ,//,, ~-...... ~ " --::, SIU Retiree Samuel "Hoot" Gibson didn't immediately know it, but he recently became part of the union's history when he received the one-millionth check issued by the Seafarers Pension Plan. "It says a lot about the strength of the pension plan, and I know they've been mighty good to me," declared Gibson, 75, who lives in Gilbertown, Ala. "I have had numerous medical expenses--doctor, hospital and prescription drugs-and the SIU has always been there for me. My monthly retirement checks and the bonuses I have received are all a godsend." The Seafarers Pension Plan is based at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Check No. 1 million was issued in April. Gibson joined the union in 1951 and sailed in the deep sea division until 1981. He often worked aboard Alcoa passenger ships, and also sailed for Waterman, Bloomfield and others. The Alabama nati esail d in the ngin department, including numerous voyages ;, I SIU Pensioner Samuel "Hoot" Gibson, pictured recently (left) and in the early 1950s (right) in April received the one-millionth check issued by the Seafarers Pension Plan. as an electrician or FOWT. He joined the merchant marine because "back when I started, there was nothing to do around here. And then I couldn't quit after staying with it for so many years." Gibson attends the Christmas dinner each year at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. as well as other functions involving retired Seafarers. "I would like to add that the last bonus check, for $1 ,000, came just in the nick of time for expenses that were unforeseen," h n ju b. SIU." Townsend Announces Bid for Governor Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsen~ (top photo, f~ont row, next to. SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz) on May 5 kicked off her bid for governor with a rally in Annapolis, Md. She aims to become the state's first female governor. Mo~e than 1,000 people, including U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.),. ~ov. P.a~ris Glendening and dozens of students from the Paul Hall Center fc;>r Mant1me Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.) attended the gathering at the Maryland State House. CQNrf/11/!£ "la 1il£ SE~~A~E~9 POL.ITICA'ACTION OONAT\ON 4 Seafaren LOG June2002 �Labor Condemns Court Decision Opening U.S. to Mexican Trucks An eleventh-hour legal attempt by groups looking to keep U.S. highways safe by preventing the government from ending the moratorium on Mexican truck border-crossings has been derailed by a federal appeals court in San Francisco. The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals on May 2 denied the request by an alliance of environmental, consumer and labor organizations, which one day earlier sued the Department of Transportation. The group's lawsuit hoped to stop the federal government from implementing regulations for the operation of Mexican trucks in the United States. It also sought an injunction that would have required the administration to conduct an environmental impact statement so that key public health concerns about these vehi- cles could be fully addressed before they were allowed throughout the country. The litigation- filed just two days before the new guidelines were scheduled to go into effect on May 3- alleged that the Department of Transportation did not conduct a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of the Mexican trucks when it made its recommendations earlier this year. The regulations at issuewhich outline safety and operational prerequisites-had to be in place before the president could lift the 1982 moratorium that bans Mexican trucks from the United States. As reported last year in the Seafarers LOG, Mexican trucks were promised full access to U.S. highways under the so-called UN Security Council Calls for 'Transparent' Liberian Ship Registry The United Nations Security Council during its May 6 meeting in New York called on the government of Liberia to institute a "transparent and internationally verifiable audit regime" to ensure that revenues gained from its runaway-flag shipping registry and timber indu try are u ed for legitt ial. rnm· nttanan and opment purposes. The council's decision also repeated a request that the govrnm nt e tabli h an effecti e C rt1ficate of Origin regime for Liberian rough diamonds that is transparent and internationally verifiable. Finally, the council requested that all UN-member states, in particular arms-exporting countries, exercise the highest degree of responsibility in small arms and light weapons transactions to prevent illegal diversion and re-export, in order to stern the leakage of weapons to illegal markets in the region. A panel of UN experts-to be established in three months by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan- will conduct a followup assessment mission to Liberia and neighboring states to investigate and report on compliance with the resolution demands. 10lations, as well as any potential economic. humanitarian and cial impacts of the resolution, al o will be reported .. The foregoing demands were mp nents of the UN's unanim u I) adopted resolution that nd d already existing sancn agai n t the West African n-including an arms em1ha1r~n1 0. a travel ban on a large r of government officials me in the nation's maritime •. and a prohibition on the rt f it rough diamondsther 12 months. The sanc:i. r in tituted last year in n t Liberia's support for olutionary United Front in neighboring Sierra ria recei es an estimated illi n in revenue each year i maritime registry; about i fly the Liberian flag. A UN panel last year reported that Liberia has used funds raised by the U.S.-based Liberia International Ship and Corporate Register (LISCR}-which operates the maritime register on the government's behalf- to finance arms and weapons transport and other anctions-bu ting acti itie . During th ame time frame, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) claimed that revenue from the registry funded pre ident Charles Taylor ' brutal war against Sierra Leone. Transparency of ownership has been a core demand of the United States in the continuing international debate over beefing up maritime security. And although it has stirred sometimesaggressive objections from ship owner groups and a number of delegations to the International Maritime Organization, it still has considerable backing, especially in the United Kingdom. "The clock is ticking for the Liberian register and it should have had its last chance," said Jon Whitlow in response to the UN's decision to extend the sanctions. Whitlow is secretary of the ITF's Seafarers, Fisheries and Inland Navigation Section. "Those who hoped it would somehow emerge looking pure and innocent from the murderous mire of the Liberian state have been made to look at best naive and at worst complicit," Whitlow continued. "The UN's call for the Liberian flag to make its dealings transparent is particularly significant. It means the Security Council accepts that funds have been used for criminal purposes. Common decency surely demands that ship owners ' flag off' and wash their hands of this tainted operation." The UN has given the Liberian government three months to establish and implement auditing procedures for the revenue it receives from its maritime and corporate registry to ensure it is spent on legitimate (social, humanitarian or development) purposes. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994. The U.S. did not meet the March 8, 2000 NAFTA-imposed deadline for opening all U.S. roads to Mexican trucks, but U.S. transportation officials since have been working toward a solution for the impasse. The regulations being challenged in the coalition's litigation are the result of U.S. officials' new policy regarding the trucks. The plaintiffs in the suitPublic Citizen, the Environmental Law Foundation, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the California Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and the California Trucking Association - say the trucks are not clean enough to enter the country and will dramatically increase U.S. air pollution because: • At least 30,000 Mexicodomiciled diesel trucks are set to enter this year, including many Port Security Continued from page 2 that was mislabeled and considered to be dangerous to the port. The containers were deemed "misdeclared and in substandard condition." The ship was ordered out of port where it anchored before departing for a foreign destination. In an April 8 move, the INS announced that it would no longer grant isa \ ai ers or shore lea e to any crew members who did possess valid U.S. visas. Under the procedural shift- made without a change in its formal policythe fNS will detain crew members on board their vessels if they arrive in the U.S. without valid visas. In instances where seamen claim medical emergencies in order to gain shore leave, the fNS would review requests on a caseby-case basis. Published reports say some vessel owners already are experiencing detention of crews aboard ships making U.S. port calls. The INS unequivocally has declined to adopt a uniform policy to administer these actions, stating instead that detention decisions have been left to local INS authorities. In a parallel development, which came after several foreign crew members jumped ship in Norfolk, Va., the INS told ship operators not to lower their gangways until INS agents were present. This policy change was instituted to prevent such incidents in the future. Other ship operators have been required to provide armed guards to stop crew members without visas from leaving vessels. not Security Scanning Device Elsewhere, U.S. Customs officers in Seattle have implemented a new system that makes inspecting the interior of a cargo shipping container as simple as gazing at a computer monitor. According to published reports, the mobile gamma-ray scanning device reveals the contents- cargo, weapons and even people-inside the quarter-inch thick steel walls of a shipping container. The system became operational in Seattle in early April; Tacoma is expected to go on line with units in the near future. It has older, pre- 1944 trucks that are the most egregious polluters. • Within 10 years, diesel emissions from U.S. trucks will be dramatically reduced due to new engine and fuel standards; no legislation is pending in Mexico to require Mexico-domiciled trucks to meet the same or even similar standards. • Trucks from Mexico may not be covered from a settlement that requires U.S. trucks to remove "defeat devices" which enable them to test clean at inspection sites but run dirty on the open road. "Trucks that cross our border from Mexico must meet U.S. emissions standards," said James P. Hoffa, Teamsters general president. "Unless these standards are met, we should not allow these trucks to further pollute the air we breathe." Currently, Mexico does not have strict controls on diesel emissions. According to the Teamsters, Mexico-domiciled diesel trucks already have dramatically increased air pollution in the western border states. Diesel and its component chemi- cals have been linked to cancer, birth defects and asthma, a Teamsters news release said. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, in a prepared statement following the court's decision, voiced his strong displeasure with the judge's ruling. "The decision by the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals to allow Mexican trucks to operate on U.S. roads--even though the trucks do not meet U.S. emissions standards-places a higher value on corporate rights than on the safety and well-being of the American people," he said. "It is appalling that Mexican trucks will be allowed to emit dangerous pollutants on our roadways, exposing our communities and families to increased health hazards, even though U.S. law attempts to protect citizens by limiting emissions from our own trucks," the labor president continued. "Last year, the Department of Transportation said that Mexican trucks operating on U.S. soil must meet all U.S. standards. We believe these standards include laws regarding emissions, as well as labor laws and safety standards." been operational at truck crossings along the country's southern borders for two years. An estimated 1.3 million shipping containers transit the port of Seattle annually. This unit can scan 11 containers per hour compared to the time it takes inspectors to check one unit. Nationwide, the Customs Service has more than 20 systems deployed. meetings with officials from the transportation community, the new security requirements went into effect May 1. They are based on three levels of risk, with measures growing in intensity as the security risk increases. Level 1 - The threat of an unlawful act against terminals and vessels is considered possible, but not likely. Level 2 - Intelligence indicates that terrorist activities in the area are likely. Level 3 - An unlawful act is considered imminent and intelligence indicates terrorists have chosen specific targets. The Coast Guard has outlined specific security measures that must be followed at each level. Terminal operators are charged with implementing the measures as appropriate. When the Seafarers LOG went to press, the captain of the port (COP) had Southern California facilities under a Level 1 alert. Under this level, every person entering the terminal must have business to conduct at the facility and show valid identification cards. Further, all packages and vehicles entering or exiting the terminal area are subject to inspection. On a random basis, five percent of the vehicles are subject to search. More measures are required should the COP call a Level 2 alert. Terminal representatives would be required to escort all contractors, vendors and visitors to their destinations inside the facility. Ten percent of vehicles randomly would be subject to search. In Level 3, all deliveries to vessels must be inspected. In addition, all ship stores must be screened for explosives, and explosive-sniffing dogs must sweep the terminal prior to the arrival of a vessel, as well as other security measures. Port Terrorism Prevention Act In another congressional move, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on April 30 introduced the Port Terrorism Prevention Act of 2002 (S . 2426). This measure- intended to beef up security at all U.S. ports-would provide $150 million during fiscal year 2003 to acquire at least 100 mobile scanning devices; $50 million annually during fiscal years 2003 through 2007 for research and development grants, and $500,000 for a government report to Congress covering automated scanning systems used by the U.S. Customs Service. Under the measure, manifest discrepancies would be eradicated by granting the Customs Service the authority to fine parties (from $10,000 to $20,000 per violation) for failing to correct manifest entries. Additionally, certain merchandise descriptions such as "freight of all kinds," "hazardous not otherwise specified" and "said to contain" would be barred from use. Security at California Ports The Coast Guard has put new security guidelines into place covering marine terminals in Southern California and the vessels and trucks calling at the facilities. The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Port Hueneme are affected. Announced in January after the Coast Guard held a number of Contract Reminder Beginning June 16, under terms of the standard freightship and tanker agreements, members with 3,000 or more days of sea time will receive pension credits for their vacation benefits. For instance, if a Seafarer sails on a tanker where he receives 15 days of vacation per month, and that individual works eight months a year, then he will receive pension eligibility for 360 days. Also, members can include their vacation benefit when determining annual earnings upon which the wage-related pension is calculated. This leads to a larger pension. Seafarers LOS 5 �Article Cites Manpower Crisis Facing U.S. Merchant Marine An article in the May issue of Sea Power magazine warns that the United States would be hardpressed to satisfy armed forces' sealift requirements in the event of a full-scale conflict. The piece also quotes several prominent maritime authorities who emphasized the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The article was written by Robert Little, a Baltimore Sun reporter who authored similar pieces last summer which were carried on the Sun s front page. Sea Power is published by the Navy League of the United States. In the magazine, Little notes that more than 95 percent of the materiel needed by U.S. troops for a normal overseas military mission must be transported by ship. "Sealift remains essential to combat success in virtually any large military operation carried out by U.S. personnel in a foreign theater," he writes. "Smaller regional campaigns, Like the war in Afghanistan, can be supported to a considerable extent by airlift, but aircraft simply cannot carry the huge tonnages of supplies and equipment necessary to sustain a large invading or occupying force like the one amassed during Operation Desert Shield. "The largest airplane in the U.S. Air Force inventory, a C-5 Galaxy, can carry only two Ml-Al Abrams tanks, for example, because of the immense weight of the tanks. A cargo ship could carry ten or 20 times as many tanks, and thousands of tons of other military supplies and equipment as well." U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles "Tony" Robertson Jr. (ret), former head of the U.S. Transportation Command, says the nation "needs a fairly robust, certainly healthy U.S.-flag fleet to do the [Department of Defense's] business. When a crisis occurs-I mean a real knockdown, drag-out crisis-for the country to rely on foreign-flag carriers is something we would not want to do." Similarly, Capt. William Schubert, head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), says that the U.S. fleet's status "is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed right now-today. We don't have time to postpone this issue any longer, or there could be some very serious consequences. I am not very comfortable right now that we have the ability to respond to an emergency." The article examines U.S. sealift assets and many of the challenges facing the industry. For instance, Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, notes that STCW requirements could impact "the surge fleet during a largescale activation." Strikingly absent from the otherwise fairly comprehensive critique was an assessment of runawayflag shipping and its impact on the U.S. fleet. Runaway flags, a sort of waterborne version of NAFTA, unquestionably have harmed not only the U.S. Merchant Marine but also the fleets of many other nations. The writer does point out that the U.S. "has always relied on civilian merchant mariners to move its military supplies and equipment overseas in time of war." Finally, the piece mentions several potential steps for boosting the American-flag fleet. Among them are creating a merchant marine reserve; developing an emergency plan for training and certifying retired and inactive mariners; and initiating various changes at maritime training institutions. Schubert concludes that the challengers are "a real wake-up call that shows how important the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national defense." GMDSS Still Going Strong The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md., offers a 70-hour GMDSS course that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The school began offering the course in February 2001. The class utilizes state-of-the-art training tools, as shown in these photos. GMDSS stands for global maritime distress and safety system. Under amendments to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all cargo ships and passenger vessels greater than 300 gross tons that sail on international voyages must be fitted with GMDSS equipment. Reminder for Government Operations Employees Working for NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers, MSC The "open season" for the Thrift Savings Plan runs from May 15 through July 31. Now is the time to increase or decrease your amount of contributions to the different plans. It pays to contribute as much to the thrift plan as you can afford. This year you can con- base pay. If you contribute money, your agency (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers or Military Sealift Command) will make matching contributions up to a certain amount. These additional agency contributions can really tribute up to 11 percent of your boost the value of your retire- salary. Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) participants can contribute up to 6 percent of your salary. In the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the agency will make an automatic contribution of 1 percent of your ment plan-it's like giving yourself a raise in your pension. That's especially true if you contribute the most you can afford each year and keep your money invested throughout your career. Money in the Thrift Savings Union, MSC Agree on Position Conversions The union's government services division recently reached an agreement with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) to implement an expansion of the existing AB positions aboard its Civmar-crewed vessels. This will increase the number of ordinary seamen positions and reduce the number of steward utilitymen slots. Changes to this program will affect job opportunities and working conditions for Civmars in the deck and steward departments. MSC is experiencing a severe shortage of ABs in its East Coast fleet and a moderate shortfall on the West Coast. This program will require changes to the manning scales of most PMl vessels. As these changes are introduced, more AB billets will open, affording an opportunity for steward utilities to apply for work in AB positions. The union is very supportive of all upgrading opportunities provided through this position conversion program, and encourages those Civmars who are interested in a future in the deck department to make application for transfer. At the same time, the union is concerned about the possible impact to working conditions for remaining 6 Seafal'fllS LOS personnel in the steward department and the overall impact to food service and sanitation due to the manning adjustment. These concerns were raised in bargaining sessions with MSC management representatives. As a result of these talks, the union signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the command which calls for a joint monitoring of the AB/OS-conversion program and its impact aboard MSC ships. The parties will convene within 45 days of implementation to examine input and feedback from the captains and the chief stewards about any changes in working conditions. The union urges all chief stewards (east and west coasts) to keep your union representatives informed about the program's effect on the steward department. Stewards may send their comments to: ci vmarsu pport@seafarers.org. This email address is set to receive comments about detailing issues and reports regarding the conversion program. Please file any grievances through your ship's chairman. Civmars generally will not receive responses to messages sent to this address. Plan may be invested and transferred between five funds. The Government Securities or G fund, the Common Stock Index Investment or C Fund, the Fixed Income Investment or F fund, the Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment or S Fund, and the International Stock Index or I fund. Planning for your financial well-being at retirement is important. Take the time to learn about your retirement benefits. Information for FERS and CSRS programs can be obtained from the Afloat Personnel Management Center or at www.tsp.gov. Notice to Civmars Re: Force Protection Duties Recently, the union has received several messages from Civmars. nutfytrYQ us that they have received orders to perform security duties outside the vessel. These duties have included riding a launch boat, riding a security boat to patrol around the vessel, standing on the pier for ID check, and standing at port entry points away from the vessel to check vehicles and passenger identifications. The union has notified MSC that Civmars should not be required to perform these types of force protection assignments, nor should they be asked to perform these assignments on a voluntary basis. This type of force protection assignment should be performed by military personnel or other personnel working at the direction of the military. These duties are outside the scope of work normally performed by Civmars. Civmars are not adequately prepared to perform these assignments, and these duties place Civmars in positions which pose uncertain risks. If you receive an assignment of this type, please contact your ship's chairman, who should notify the union. We will try to resolve these situations at the lowest operational level to ensure MSC continues to meet its mission requirements and that mariners will not be required to perform these types of duties. Port Council Honors Sen. Carnahan The St. Louis Port Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department last month saluted U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.) (pictured with SIU and MTD Pres. Michael Sacco) during its annual banquet. This year's event took place May 11 in St. Louis. Sacco presented the port council's "Able Helmsman" award to Carnahan, who is the first woman in Missouri history to serve in the Senate. He described her as "someone who has demonstrated a firm, effective commitment to the people she represents. It's very simple: Senator Carnahan supports the goals of organized labor." June2002 �Bosuns: Individually and Together, Seafarers Must Get the Job Done The maritime industry has its complexities, from high-tech equipment to often-voluminous regulations and beyond. Last month, however, the union's newest class of recertified bosuns spelled out some nutsand-bolts truths that are vital not only to the SIU but also, one could argue, to the entire U.S. fleet. Addressing fellow members and unlicensed apprentices during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., the dozen "recertifieds" shared their views on the union's effectiveness and how each individual member must play a role in that success. They also described the importance of different componentspolitical action, training, job performance, contract negotiations, representation in the U.S. and abroad, to name a few. Completing the four-week course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were Abdulla Alwaseem, (from the port of Wilmington, Calif.), Mark Billiot (Norfolk, Va.), Ralph Broadway (Baltimore), Dave Coleman (Mobile, Ala.), Thomas Gruber (Jacksonville, Fla.), Frank Hedge (Wilmington, Calif.), Joseph Olson (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Ricardo Quinones (Santurce, P.R.), Omaha Redda Houston), Francisco Sousa a·., ic a I Watson (Tacoma, Wash.) and Jay White (Houston). The coursewhich blends classroom training, hands-on instruction and conferences with representatives of the union's various departments-is considered the top curriculum for deck-department Seafarers. Early Lesson White, who joined the union after what he described as a disappointing stint aboard oil-patch workboats, recalled a message he heard in 1987 aboard his first SIU ship. "My bosun told me the SIU is all about a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. If we didn't get the work done, we would lose the contracts. I have never forgotten that," he said. "Remember, the ships do not exist to give us a free ride around the world and a paycheck," White continued. "The companies invest in the ships to do a job. The SIU invests in us to maintain the FROM PINEY POINT TO THE WHITE HOUSE-The SIU's newest recertified bosuns spent most of the four-week course on the campus of the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Above, they're pictured with SIU officials right after the May membership meeting at the school. At left, the class included meetings at AFL-CIO headquarters-and a quick stop across the street for this photo at the White House. Graduating from the course (and pictured in both photos) were Abdulla Alwaseem, Mark Billiot, Ralph Broadway, Dave Coleman, Thomas Gruber, Frank Hedge, Joseph Olson, Ricardo Quinones, Omaha Redda , Francisco Sousa, Michael Watson and Jay White. ships and get them from point A to point B. When everyone does a good job, everyone looks good. That's when we get a little extra time off in port or maybe make a little extra money. When everyone does his share, this also gives Mr. (Augie) Tellez and his staff power at the bargaining table. When we don't do our job, we get no extras, we are weak and our union representatives have to go to the table with excuses." Billiot said he was heartened to learn more about "all the hard work that goes into keeping the American flag flying on the ships we have. And I'd have to say my overall experience at Piney Point has been great, starting as a trainee in 1988. It seems as though every couple of years, some new regulation is introduced and new training is needed for us as Seafarers to maintain our ability to sail. The school puts a great deal of effort in keeping up with and staying ahead of the changes, and adding classes." Political Action, Opportunities For Mobile resident Coleman, brushing up on the U.S. maritime industry's heavily regulated makeup-a condition which demands political activity as a matter of continued existenceproved especially worthwhile. "SPAD dollars keep the union wheels turning," he stated, referring to the SIU's voluntary political action fund. "I used to think, 'Oh well, I'll just sign and contribute to SPAD,' but I didn't fully understand its importance. Those dollars are fighting for our survival, from the White House to a small town in Alabama." Alwaseem encouraged his fellow Seafarers to "always remember it is very important to donate to SPAD to support our political activity.... I enjoy being a seaman and I'm very proud to be a member of the SIU, which is the strongest maritime union in the world. I thank the union officials, past and present, for all the hard work that they put forward to make this a true union." Broadway reported that since graduating as a trainee nearly 20 years ago, "I've always been able to find work through the union halls, and SPAD is a major component. It keeps our jobs secure." Sousa and Hedge both touted the opportunities they've found through the union and the school. "I have sailed non-union and with other unions. No one offers the opportunities to advance my career that the SIU offers," declared Sousa. Hedge has been a member of five different unions. "The SIU is the only union that has helped me advance within my industry," he pointed out. "I've always appreciated what our officials do for the membership and the industry. As for the school, it's all positive. SIU members have everything to gain by upgrading." Redda said he is living proof of the chances to better oneself. "I joined the union 20 years ago. Before that, I used to ride two buses to go and work for less than $4 an hour," he remembered. "Today, I have a beautiful wife and kids and all that goes with it. Damn right I'm a union man!" Redda added that the Paul Hall Center "is state of the art. Whatever training is called for in any department, it's offered here. I would recommend upgrading to all SIU members." Safety Training Watson half-jokingly said he found at least one drawback to staying at the school. "I had an excellent experience at Piney Point. I gained a lot of weight and acquired new know ledge and skills," he noted. Like most of his classmates, Watson is a frequent upgrader. He also is a veteran of two shipboard fires (Aleutian Developer and Liberty Bell) and therefore has an acute appreciation of the acclaimed Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. "I believe that you can't get enough practice. Hands-on training is the key part in -fire fighting," Watson said. "The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School was excellent, as was the computer lab." Next Generation A number of the bosuns offered guidance and encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience. "Study at the school, and listen to your supervisors on the ship," said Quinones. "And remember, the only stupid question is the one not asked." "Ask questions and learn," agreed Olson. "You can better your education and job opportunities by taking advantage of what's offered at this school." Gruber suggested that the newest Seafarers can choose from two paths. "You can either attend the school of hard knocks, or the one here before you. The things here at Piney Point will make your life easier." Hands-on training is a big part of most Paul Hall Center courses, including recertification. Honing their skills are (from left) Frank Hedge, Omaha Redda, Mark Billiot (at wheel) with Paul Hall staff member Jack Russell, Francisco Sousa and Joseph Olson. June2002 Seafarers LOG 7 �Guilty Pleas Entered In Pollution Case Involving FOG Ship A ship manager based in Piraeus, Greece and a 56-year-old chief engineer pleaded guilty last month in a New York federal court to falsifying a runaway-flag ship's log to hide the dumping of oil into the ocean. The sentencing hearing for Ionia Management and Christos Kostakis was scheduled for May 24, too late for this edition of the Seafarers LOG. The company may be fined up to $500,000; the mariner faces possible fines and up to five years in jail. The case has been described as one of several recent episodes in which U.S. authorities, unable to penalize those responsible for dumping oil in international waters, instead seek their prosecution for lying in the logs, once the ship reaches the U.S. In a joint announcement issued May 7, the U.S. attorney for New York's Eastern District-along with officials from the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and FBI - noted that the Bahamian- More Pollution tor. An oil-water separator requires regular maintenance, cleaning, and replacement of filters." Federal law requires that vessels document use of the oilwater separator, discharges of processed water and disposal of oily water. The ship's chief engineer is responsible for operating flagged tanker Alkyon, operated the oil-water separator and mainby Ionia, "like other large ships taining and recording information produces waste oil from opera- in the oil record book. The government announcetion of its engineering machinery. ment further noted that on Jan. 8, Much of this waste oil accumulates in the bottom, or bilges, of the Alkyon was en route to New ships ' engine rooms. During rou- York Harbor when its shipping tine operations, ships accumulate agent made a routine request for too much oily bilge water to carry the U.S. Coast Guard to inspect from port to port. Because waste the tanker upon its arrival. The oil is an environmental hazard, inspection, which took place off the Alkyon, like other similar Staten Island, "established that ships, is equipped with a pollu- piping had been manipulated so tion-prevention device known as that the Alkyon s oil-water sepaan oil-water separator. An oil- rator could be bypassed, and that water separator processes a ship's oily bilge water had been disoily bilge water by separating charged directly into the sea .... water containing no more than 15 When a Coast Guard officer parts of oil per million and dis- asked crew members if they used a 'bypass pipe' to evade the oilcharging that water overboard. water separator, Chief Engineer "When an oil-water separator Kostakis produced a pipe and detects water containing more than 15 parts of oil per million, an stated that it was used only for alarm sounds and the oily water emergencies." An inspection of the ship's oil is prevented from being discharged overboard. The oil record book revealed false residue produced by the oil-water entries. Kostakis, a Greek, separator is stored aboard the waived indictment and pled ship for proper disposal in port, guilty to knowingly and willfully or is burned in a ships' incinera- making the bogus accounts . Ionia pled guilty to the same charge. As part of the plea agreement, the parties will recommend to the sentencing judge that the total fine imposed be payable to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a charitable and nonprofit corporation established by members who are material wit- Congress to promote and connesses. The 623-foot Cygnus is serve U.S. environmental reowned by Feng Lee Maritime sources. Additionally, Ionia will Corp. of Panama City and is reimburse the government for its operated by Fujitran Corp. of expenses incurred in prosecuting the case, estimated to be $35,000. Japan. Finally, Ionia must provide the According to press reports, Coast Guard and EPA inspectors Coast Guard with a compliance on April 10 boarded the Cygnus checklist for the "proper care and in Portland and determined that disposal of oily waste" no later the ship's waste oil recovery sys- than four days before any of its tem had been bypassed. They had ships arrives at any port in the received an email from a former United States. The checklist crew member that reportedly requires the company to certify included images of the discon- that each arriving ship has been nected ship's manifold attached properly processing and disposing of its waste oil. to a hose that drains overboard. EPA Charges 2 Engineers from Panamanian-Flagged Car Carrier Two engineers from the Panamanian-flagged car carrier Cygnus have been charged with making false statements in the ship's oil record book. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they allegedly recorded that waste oil was burned in the ship's incinerator when, instead, it was being discharged into the ocean. The mariners-Chief Engineer Pyeong Gab Jeong and First Engineer Duk Jo Jeong, both Koreans- in late April were ordered to remain in Portland, Ore., as were four other crew OMU Cortes' Ashes Committed to the Deep Above: Chief Mate Robin Espinosa (left) and Capt. Peter Sarandinaki prepare to scatter the ashes of Brother Cortes. Below: officers and crew read from Psalm 107: 23-31. B Seafarers LOG As his ashes were being scattered over the Atlantic Ocean, the officers and crew of the CSX Discovery bid a final farewell to their fellow Brother of the Sea, Heriberto Cortes. Capt. Peter Sarandinaki, in a note to Cortes' widow, Teresa, wrote that Sunday, April 7, at 10 a.m., while steaming off the East Coast of the United States, "the ship's main engine was placed on slow ahead and the crew assembled for a memorial service on the fantail." Tributes of remembrance were voiced by Steward Jonny Cruz, SA Erasmo Guevara and QMED/ Electrician Roy Frett. Readings from the old and new testaments followed, after which all hands were joined together in reciting The Lord's Prayer. "We then had a moment of sil- Retired Ohio Legislator Casey Jones Dies at 86 Casey C. Jones, who supported legislation to assist Great Lakes mariners, passed away April 2 in Springfield Township, Ohio, after a nearly yearlong illness. He was 86. Jones, a Democratic state representative for 25 years who retired in 1995, had been active in the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department's Toledo Port Council for many years. He helped enact a bill to extend unemployment benefits to those who worked on lake freighters. Jones also sponsored bills that tackled issues such as migrant labor, literacy, education about minority cultures, sickle cell anemia, crime victims and more. A native of Princeton, Ky. , he once played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters and the Toledo entry in what became the National Basketball Association. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) said Jones' sports background "brought that spirit Casey C. Jones Sr. 1915 - 2002 of teamwork and camaraderie to the political process. He had a way of carrying himself that people were always comfortable with." He is survived by his wife of 38 years, two sons, four daughters, 17 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. Funeral services took place in Toledo. Prison Sentence Delivered In Alien Smuggling Suit When four illegal immigrants from China died aboard a Japanese cargo ship bound for Seattle in January 2000, it illustrated the ongoing problem of foreign-flag vessels serving as conduits for smuggling people into the U.S. Last month, a Chinese man-who himself snuck into the country five years ago-was sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in coordinating the attempted illegal immigration of 18 other Chinese nationals. Chao Kang Lin, 31 , was sentenced in Seattle on May 9. Two other con pirators already had been convicted an entenced t horter terms. While the case of the Japanese-flag Cape May hardly is uniquethe vessel was one of at least 15 found along the West Coast that year with Chinese civilians concealed in containers-the fatalities drew widespread attention. Altogether, 18 people hid in a 40-foot container aboard the Cape May for a 10-day voyage from Hong Kong to Seattle. They paid anywhere from $38,000 to more than $40,000 apiece for the transportation. U.S. immigration officials who had been alerted to the scheme opened the container in Seattle. They found conditions described in press and government reports as horrific and torturous. The bodies of three dead men were stacked in the container's rear; a fourth man died later. They died from starvation and dehydration caused by seasickness. The survivors, cramped and short on stores, endured a predictably brutal, dark journey. News reports stated that, according to newly unsealed court documents, U.S. authorities have connected the Cape May incident and several other smuggling maneuvers to a pair of Chinese "triad" crime operations. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Lin traveled to Seattle to meet the aliens upon their arrival and arrange their transportation to New York City. While awaiting the connection, he was contacted by a China-based alien smuggler (commonly called a snakehead) who told Lin to check the local newspaper for a report on the deaths. Reminder: SIUINMU Reciprocity Steward Jonny Cruz (right) and Captain Sarandinaki participate in the memorial service for OMU Heriberto Cortes. ence," Sarandinaki continued, "as Heriberto's ashes were slowly scattered in the wake of the ship, accompanied by a final farewell salute of three prolonged blasts on the ship's whistle." Cortes, 48, joined the union in 1971. He sailed as an OMU and died March 12 while working aboard the CSX Producer. As reported in previous issues, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is operating a pilot program with the NMU Welfare Plan which is intended to benefit Seafarers. When the NMU merged into the SIU, one union was created. However, in accordance with the merger agreement, the benefits plans of each union (as they previously existed) remain separate. In the case of the health plans, eligible members who before the merger were covered by the SIU plan, continue to receive coverage under that plan. Similarly, eligible members who were covered by the NMU still are with that plan. The six-month pilot program (which ends in July) essentially gives full credit for sea time toward members' health-benefits eligibility, re- gardless of which plan they are covered by. As long as a member has enough sea time to qualify for health benefits, it doesn't matter if that time was accumulated on SIU- or former NMU-contracted ships, or a combination of both. The member gets credit toward eligibility under his or her plan. The pilot program will be reviewed by trustees after its expiration. Additionally, the Seafarers Vacation Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan have announced reciprocal agreements with their NMU counterparts. Those agreements fundamentally allow members to receive credit toward their pension and vacation benefits based on their total days worked, even if their sea time is divided between companies that are signatory to the plans. June2002 �Ten Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents Forty-nine years after awarding its first scholarships, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan program is still going strong. In 1953, four full college scholarships were given out in the amount of $1,500 each, for a total of $6,000. Today, $130,000 is beingI SEAFARERS Mark A. Dyer Pamela C. Monaco Samuel Garrett Jeanette Montgomery Fernando D. Mesa June2002 divided up between the ten 2002 scholarship recipients- both Seafarers and their dependents. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the 10 college-bound students. been sailing in that department ever since, always taking advantage of opportunities to advance his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Garrett's long-range educational goal is to complete a twoDeep sea member Mark A. year program in criminal justice, Dyer, 34, began sailing in 1989 leading to an AS degree, at at the urging of his younger Florida Community College in brother Aaron. Upon arriving at Jacksonville. He would like to his first ship, the USNS Rigel, he use his new legal skills in workwas surprised by Aaron and ing on behalf of the SIU memanother brother, Jeff, who were bership in both the legal and waiting for him at the top of the political arenas. Jeanette M. Montgomery, gangway. Jeff worked in the deck department and Aaron 36, joined the SIU in 1988 in the worked in the steward depart- port of Honolulu. She worked on ment. (Another brother, Lance, board the SS Independence for a also sails.) year-and-a-half before returning Dyer, who lives in Newport, to San Francisco to attend colN.C., sails as a chief steward. He lege. But her funds were diminhas received many compliments ishing quickly. She began attendand praises for his dedication ing classes at the Paul Hall and professionalism in the galley Center, and by the time she was (especially his fresh-baked finished, she had completed the donuts) and for his strong inter- cook/baker, chief cook and est in the welfare and morale of lifeboat classes and then started his fellow crew members. to sail deep sea out of the port of His brother Aaron passed Seattle. away at the age of 20, and Dyer, Montgomery has returned to in winning this scholarship and the Piney Point school over the continuing his education, is years, eventually completing the keeping a promise he made to his steward recertification course in younger brother to better himself March 2000. in his chosen occupation--culiHaving attended college part nary arts and sciences. He has time since 1996, Montgomery is already begun studies at Johnson now ready to take on a new chal& Wales University in Norfolk, lenge in the field of medicine. Va., where he has been on the She plans to attend college full dean's list, and will continue time in Bellevue, Wash. and then with that program. go on to graduate school at the Pamela Monaco, 44, graduUniversity of Washington to ated from the SIU's entry-level complete a degree in clinical training program in 1978. In nursing. 1980, she upgraded to a rating of Since graduating from high AB and has been sailing in the school in 1979, Fernando D. deck department for the past 24 Mesa, 41, hasn't stopped workyears. ing-trying everything from In 1992, Monaco graduated salesman, file clerk, receptionist, from a vocational nursing program and received her vocation- waiter, cook and machinist to al nursing license. For the past help his parents with the expensnine years, while continuing to es of raising a large family. It sail, she also has worked part wasn't until 1994, when he time as a nurse in the home began working aboard the SS health care field and has contin- Independence and SS Constitution that he felt he had found ued her nursing studies. The resident of Shasta, Calif. his career. He returned to Piney hopes to receive an associates Point a number of times over the degree in nursing and a regis- years to upgrade his skills. Sailing as a DEU, most tered nursing license at Shasta College in Redding, Calif. and recently on the Chemical Trader, "to use these skills and qualifica- Mesa has been singled out as a tions to provide a positive true asset on the vessel. He impact into the nursing profes- received a certificate of appreciation for his excellent work sion in my community." Although her goals are aboard that ship. "His duties focused on the nursing profes- require him to work in all three sion, Monaco has no plans to departments," the ship's master disregard her seafaring career. noted. "His effort is 100 percent She says she has enjoyed her in all three areas and excels in all career as an AB and has "always three areas." Mesa now has the time to appreciated the respect and supreturn to his education. He has port given to me by my SIU applied to West Kissimmee brothers and sisters." Community College and OrSamuel Garrett, 40, has lando Community College in been a member of the SIU for 13 Orlando, Fla. with the hopes of years. He started working in the steward department, but follow- earning a diploma in social coming a voyage during the Gulf munications. His goal is to War aboard the Cape Etna as an become a journalist or TV news emergency wiper, the engine reporter- and, one day, to write he has department is where he feels books-something most comfortable, and he has always dreamed of doing. Five scholarships were awarded this year to Seafarers, each in the amount of $6,000 for study at a two-year college or vocational school. Five $20,000 scholarships were awarded to five dependents of SIU members. Eighteen year-old Allison Barra is graduating this month from Coral Springs High School in Coral Springs, Fla. She is the daughter of Linda and Louis Barra, an inland tugboat captain who joined the SIU in 1979. She hopes to major in pre-law at Georgetown University. Brian Bragg believes aeronautical engineering is in his future. The 17-year-old son of Jo Anne and William Bragg Jr., a chief steward most recently working aboard the Express (USSM), is graduating this month from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Wash. He would like to pursue his aeronautical engineering interests at the University of Washington in Seattle or at Stanford University. Arleen B. Cayan, 19, graduated two years ago from Carson High School in Carson, Calif. and has been taking courses at several colleges, not really sure of what she wanted to do. But after a stimulating Calculus II course, she discovered her love for teaching math, and plans to be a math professor, completing her studies at the University of San Diego. She is the daughter of Anselma and Dencio Cayan, a 2"d pumpman and SIU member since 1992. The compassion Brittany Nicole Stropich received from others while she was in recovery from an eating disorder ignited her personal desire to help people. To that end, she has chosen nursing as her career. The 18-year-old daughter of Diane and AB Steve Stropich (an SIU member since 1981) is graduating this month from Escanaba Senior High School in Escanaba, Mich. She plans to continue her studies at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. 11, Ever since age Christopher A. Urti knew he wanted to be a doctor. This knowledge helped him design his academics and extracurricular activities toward the medical profession. Urti is the son of Claudette and Angelo Urti, a recertified bosun who joined the SIU in 1965. The 18-year-old Urti graduated from Hammond High School in Hammond, La. last year and has been attending Southeastern Louisiana University in that city. Next fall, he will transfer to Louisiana State to continue his pre-med studies. Urti applied for the scholarship last year but was not one of the selected five. That makes this year's winner especially thankful-and should be noted by other applicants not to give up at something they really want. DEPENDENTS Allison K. Barra Brian M. Bragg Brittany N. Stropich Christopher A Urti Seafarers LOB 9 �Around the Port of San Francisco Everybody had a job to do when the Consumer (CSX Lines) put into the port of Oakland, Calif. recently. Clockwise (from top): OMU Jasper Brown and 1s1 Assistant Engineer Michael Romano work in the engine room; Bosun Larry Kunc overhauls the stores crane; and Chief Cook Frank Sison begins preparations for lunch. These giant cranes are a recent addition to the port of Oakland and are designed to accommodate the newest generation of container ships. They can each lift 65 long tons at one time and can reach 201 feet over a ship, hoisting at a speed of 230 feet per minute and with a capacity to load more than 30 cargo containers in an hour. .Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Memory (Shipping) Lane I sailed in the SIU in the 1960s, joining the union in 1960 in Brooklyn. My father also was a union brother from the Second World War until 1966 or so. His name was Carl R. Johnson, and he sailed as bosun and deck maintenance. We moved to Seattle in 1961 and shipped from there, from then on. I started as a wiper, and sailed mostly later as fireman/watertender and oiler. Now I feel somewhat like my dad-he started out on square riggers and then went on to steamships, and I sailed on steamships which are now as "antique" as the sailing ships he was on as a young man, as I understand it. In 1968 I left the sea to attend Seattle Community College to learn how to be a computer programmer, which is how I made my Jiving until I retired in 1998. If any of my old shipmates happen to read this, I would be happy to hear from them. I sailed on various Waterman and SeaLand ships from Seattle, as well as other companies' ships that have long been scrapped. One ship in particular I should like to know about is the SS Young America, a C2 owned by Waterman that was named for the schoolchildren of the United States who bought war stamps and bonds during World War II. (The Young America, now the SS Wright, was converted in 10 Seafarers LOB Galveston, Texas in 1986 and currently serves the U.S. Military Sealift Command as an aviation maintenance logistics vessel.) John R. Johnson P.O. Box 681 Hilo, Hawaii 96721-0681 .. )It Coincidence & Thanks I want to give my thanks to our late SIU President Paul Hall and now to our President Mike Sacco, who is doing a wonderful job. I'm grateful for the bonus and I appreciate all of our SIU brothers and sisters who are helpful to me and an other retired Seafarers. I sailed as bosun on the SeaLand ships, running between Puerto Rico and Cuba for many years after World War II. In retirement, I have noticed an interesting coincidence. When I retired, I purchased a house in my hometown. I live on East 56th Street-between Cuba Street and Puerto Rico Street. Charles W. Jordan Savannah, Ga. Short & Sweet: Thanks Thank you so much for the extra bonus. It will really help Nicky Hunt Philadelphia, Pa. .. )It From Sea to Market I felt the need to tell my story so that other brothers who face similar situations can have a point of reference. Sometimes life at sea can be very lonely, and because one is so involved with work, the only thing we have available to keep in touch with the world is our Seafarers LOG .... I joined the Seafarers Union over 11 years ago. I saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime, to continue my travels around the world while being surrounded by something I truly enjoyed: food. The year was 1989 and I had just returned from a three-year program with the United States Peace Corps in the Philippines. I worked as a volunteer with farmers of remote areas to help improve food crop yields while promoting conservation ... . Hawaii was my first port o' call. A friend, seeing my economic negative flow, suggested the merchant marine would be my way out of the jam. He even arranged for me to stay with a Filipino family in Hawaii while I learned the ropes of becoming a merchant seaman. I was hired to be a "chef trainee" on the white ships. It didn't take me long to realize I was experiencing something people would pay thousands of dollars to experience, and for others it would be just a lifetime's dream. I learned with as much eagerness as possible. I also worked overtime every chance I was given .... My house, which I had purchased as an investment before going to the Philippines-and had almost lost because of lack of employment- was once again mine to keep. I was caught up with the payments. I managed to work 120 days in two consecutive years, within a period of just eight months. Then I went home for a week and continued to Piney Point to upgrade. Upon completion, I sailed continuously, upgrading regularly and never straying far from my goals. As my kids grew and become more aware that their father didn't have a conventional job, they started questioning the need for me being away from them. It's the eternal question of a family man who also happens to be a seaman and truly enjoys what he does for a living. How do you maintain that high standard ofliving? How do you cope with not being able to go to the places your neighbors can only dream about? I explained the consequences of not being able to sail for eight months out of the year. My daughter triumphantly suggested, "Dad, since you love food so much, why not work at the Burger King around the comer?" Visions of automated burger machines flashed through my mind, like bad dreams. With the blessing of our elders and the support of friends and the Fil-Am Association (in which we have been very active since moving to Florida), The AsianAmerican Market was born on Dec. 15, 2001. ... We provide items such as foods that many ethnic groups know from their homelands, spices, music, movies, etc. But most of all, a friendly service the old-fashioned way, which is all but lost in the modem world. Owning our own business is one of the most challenging and daring things we have done as a family. And even though there is certain clout and status as a business proprietor, there also are many uncertainties. Small enterprises usually own the owners, not the other way around. My practical self tells me I will not be able to stop shipping anytime soon, even though I would scale down the months I ship out in a year. My visionary self tells me the market only will g t bigger and b r. During the first week of January, I went to Piney Point to complete my STCW training. I figured I might as well be ready to comply and keep up with the times . . . . Life at sea is not for everyone, but if that is your choice, to the newcomer I advise you to cherish every moment and place. Consider yourself lucky and open your mind to the new experiences. Have fun, but plan for a secure future. The Asian-American Market, I hope, will serve as an anchor in the central east coast of Florida to any Seafarer in the vicinity. If you happen to be near Exit 70 on Interstate 95 and something smells like pancit or crispy lumpias, it probably is coming from our shop, which is located about a block away from the interstate at 6165 Babcock Street. Stop by, say hello and have a cup of coffee on us. Victor I. Jimenez Palm Bay, Fla. Seafarer Victor Jimenez (back row, wearing cap) is helped by family and friends in welcoming former Philippine Senator Nikki Coseteng (at Victor's immediate right) for a book signing at The Asian-American Market. Also pictured are Luz Cook, Alana-Antonio Rivera, Brian Doberk, Kevin Jimenez, Marina Harris, Lisa Jimenez, Melynn Jimenez, Josie Good and Krystal Cook. June2002 �At Sea and Ashore Crew members aboard the Overseas Juneau gather for a group shot in Portland, Ore. before departing for Pakistan. It reportedly will be the Maritime Overseas Corp. vessel's last voyage before being scrapped in mid-June. At right, the crew loads deck and engine stores aboard the grain carrier for the trip. It's all smiles following a payoff on the Endurance in Elizabeth, N.J. In photo above are (from left) Steward William Biondie, Steward Fernando Gonzalez, AB Abdalla Gaafar, Chief Cook Banjamin Brooks and SIU Rep Oscar Lopez . In photo at right are (from left) Bosun Raphael James, SIU Rep Joe Mieluchowski and GVA Faez Almallahee. Left: Loading stores on board the Consumer (CSX) on the West Coast are shoregang members Nunu Randel, George Pino, Steve Biles, Gene Aruta and Kevin Copper. En route to Bombay, India last December aboard the Green Island are (photo above left) DEU Brandon Malone and (above right, from left) Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez, who sent these photos to the LOG, and AB Yamira Colon. This was the first trip for Malone and the last trip for the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel, which was scheduled for the scrapyard . Right: Jason Schoenstein, with help from a forklift, assist in the loading operation. Above: SIU Assistant VP Donnie Anderson (left) reads the annual financial report at the April membership meeting in the port of Tacoma, Wash. while Port Agent Bryan Powell (center) and Union Rep Tre Dixon look on . Below: Seafarers crowd the Tacoma hall for the monthly membership meeting. June2002 To help the crew members aboard the Maj. Stephen W Pless feel more at home on Easter Sunday, Chief Cook Linda McPhetridge and Assistant Cook Fred Gilbert (below) designed and baked a bunny cake (inset). The photos were sent to the LOG by Chief Steward Douglas A. Hundshamer. Seafarers LOii 11 �uring ceremonies in Washington, D.C., representatives of Congress, the administration and the military on May 22-National Maritime Daycited the U.S. Merchant Marine's many accomplishments and sacrifices throughout history. The merchant marine's con- D Hunter further stated that in place of the thousands of ships that previously were flagged American, we now have far fewer. "And we see nations like Liberia using flagging dollars, flagging fees that companies that used to flag American are paying into that dictatorship, into terrorist groups and of the maritime community for and patriotic. "Tl keynote speaker during the thereafter, "Comfort sailed past into terrorist operations. We their immediate, heroic Merchant Marin memorial service at the the smoldering remains of the see in the shipbuilding base a response to the September 11 that is good and Washington Navy Yard. World Trade Center into New very small number attacks on America. Five about our great n He painted a vivid portrait York." Once there, the crew of shipbuilders with mariners received plaques for said. of the partnership enjoyed by 17 ,000 meals and provided the ability to build Although she MSC and the U.S. Merchant 500-plus medical consultaships in the event we service to their country during periods of war and struggle: part in any of th Marine. He also reflected on tions, and processed 4,000-plus had to surge and activities, Secret the integral part that • Thomas R. Gibson on mobilize quickly of all merchant marine behalf Elaine L. Chao j merchant mariners could only build a veterans of World War II, ident in recogniz have played in small number of • J. Robert Lunney, repreAmerica's security of merchant mari ships. senting all merchant mariners and prosperity. United States. "T "So I think what who served during the Korean "For more than our history, mere we have to do now War, have played a cri half a century, is to resolve to • Capt. John Trimmer for serving this grea Military Sealift rebuild this indusall merchant mariners who Their contributio Command has benetry," Hunter said. He served during the Vietnam fited from the pronomic strength a pointed out that he War, fessionalism and their role in Ame recently had met expertise of • Retired SIU Bosun efforts to achiev with prominent leadRowland "Snake" Williams America's merchant peaceful world a ers in the maritime representing all merchant able." mariners," the admicommunity remariners who answered the ral said. "Whenever, presenting merchant U.S. Maritime Administrator Persian call during the Gulf wherever-if duty mariners and shipCapt. William Schubert War, and called, they delivbuilders and ship• Capt. James Parese, who ered. They're still pers. "We have put of the represented all segments delivering today, tinuing importance to U.S. together a game plan," he said, maritime community for their aboard more than U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Brewer, national and economic security "and I hope that in the next six 110 Military Sealift commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command instant reaction to the needs of also was emphasized throughto seven months -and in the fellow citizens in New York on Command ships out the 70th annual National next year that follows in September 11. Parese, now a every day, around the world." pounds of laundry for more Maritime Day. Congress-we can really do of MEBA, is a gradumember Adm. Brewer said 65 perthan 2,500 firemen, police offiThe U.S. Maritime Adminwhat it takes to honor our merate of the Paul Hall Center for cent of his command's 8,600 cers and relief workers who istration (MarAd), the U .S. chant mariners. And that is to Maritime Training and Eduemployees are mariners servhad stationed themselves at Military Sealift Command resolve that we flag American; cation. ing at sea. Further, he pointed ground zero. (MSC) and the Washington that we have thousands and out that MSC is the largest Admiral Brewer concluded chapter of the Propeller Club thousands [of ships] that are ariti e Day L eon employer of U.S. merchant his remarks by describing the sponsored the separate events. flagged American, manned U.S. Rep. Don Young (Rmariners in the world. U.S. Merchant Marine as resSIU members and officials American and serving on Alaska) was scheduled to "We depend on them every olute, hard-working, dedicated attended all three observances. American-built ships." deliver the keynote addres day to meet the mission The showing of a series of during the Propeller Club's MarAd Memorial requirements of the best ocean short film clips followed Maritime Day Memorial transportation system in the The MarAd event, which Hunter's remarks. Each depictLuncheon, which took place at world," he continued. "We at took place at the U.S. Navy ed various contributions made the Capitol. Because the conof all our MSC are proud Memorial, expanded on the by merchant mariners during gressman was involved in a mariners, so it is fitting that agency's traditional National our nation's conflicts. Also pressing legislative matter, today is set aside to express the Maritime Day ceremony to presented was a piece that however, he was unable to great debt of gratitude we owe honor "living maritime heroes" showed the myriad actions attend. to the dedicated men and as well as merchant mariners taken in the aftermath of In the congressman's stead, women of the U.S. Merchant who lost their lives in service September 11. Our commercial maritime tradition dates back Rebecca Dye briefly addressed Marine. to the nation. At the conclusion of each to play an important role today, moving passenge those in attendance. Focusing "I'm proud to pay tribute Maritime Administrator videotape presentation, a ing our citizens to the world. on a matter that's at the top of today to the U.S. Merchant Capt. William Schubert hosted plaque was given to an individMerchant mariners have served America with everyone's agenda in the marMarine, especially those who the service, which highlighted ual who represented the mercially at critical moments. Before World War II. ff itime community, Dye stated have given their lives at sea in the accomplishments of Ameri- chant marine for the time rying vital supplies to Europe. During that war, rn that the U.S. House of Represervice to our nation,'' the ca's mariners in past times of lost to attack, and more than 6,000 merchant mari frame and events previously sentatives' Port Security Bill, admiral continued. "But harm's conflict and during the immea vital role in the Korean Conflict, especially int reflected upon. Surviving merH.R.3983, is scheduled for way is not always associated diate aftermath of September Meredith Victory. During the Vietnam War, ship chant marine veterans of World action as soon as Congress with war." of the supplies used by our Armed Forces. Many 11. War II were honored, as were reconvenes following the The admiral then cited sevfire. In fact, the SS Mayaguez incident involved th U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter those who supported America's Memorial Day recess. eral recent incidents in which chant ship SS Mayaguez. (R-Calif.), chairman of the military services during the mariners made the ultimate More recently, during the Persian Gulf War, me MSC Service Merchant Marine Panel of the Korean, Vietnam and Persian sacrifice while in the service of operation since D-Day. And after the tragic ana Armed Services Committee, Gulf conflicts. Recognition Rear Adm. David Brewer, their country. mariners and midshipmen from the United Sta· s was the event's principal also was afforded all segments MSC commander, was the sonnel and equipment and moved food and sup· Ii He also recalled giving speaker. After reflecting on rescue operations and helped save many lives. the order to sail the hospital the history of the U.S. Today, the men and women of the United ta ship USNS Comfort on Merchant Marine and the workers in our Nation's maritime industry con 1u September 11. The vessel, roles mariners have played economic strength and our ongoing efforts to t 1 typically maintained in during times of war, the maritime system can meet the challenges of the 1' reduced operating status, is congressman offered, "I ble within the next 20 years, a viable maritim n crewed by members of the think it's important to reflect global economy. SIU's Government Services on where we are today, Accordingly, my Administration is working itl Division. because the best way we can labor, and environmental groups to ensure tha o "Within hours of the call salute all those who have option that complements our overland transporLti to action, 83 of our dedicatserved in the maritime In recognition of the importance of the U.S. \1e ed merchant mariners (22 industry is to take action. " tion, approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has more than required) reported Comparing current and Maritime Day," and has authorized and reque t d to the bow of Comfort," the past maritime resources, tion calling for its appropriate observance. admiral shared, "answering Hunter said, "We had thouNOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUS H the call of freedom, just as sands of ships during those hereby proclaim May 22, 2002, as National Mariti1 their predecessors answered days to carry thousands and States to celebrate this observance and to displa_ th the call during attacks on thousands of Americans. We in their communities. I also request that all ship s America from the had the ability to build that day. The U.S. Maritime Administration's ceremony included tributes to mariners Revolutionary War to Desert dozens and dozens-if not IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto who sailed during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Retired year of our Lord two thousand two and of the Ir e hundreds and hundreds-of SIU Bosun Rowland "Snake" Williams (second from left} represented Storm." He noted that the mariners from the Persian Gulf War. He is joined by (from left) U.S. Maritime two hundred and twenty-sixth. ships during a given year. Administrator Capt. William Schubert, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and Comfort was ready to sail in We had an enormous force Williams' wife, Doris. less than 24 hours. Soon of merchant mariners." By the President of the U 12 Seafarers LOG June2002 �1e U .S. ~embodies all holesome tion," he id not take oregoing ry of Labor ined the presng the service ners to the hroughout ant mariners ical role in country. s to our ecoe great, and ·ca 's ongoing a more e 1mmeasurRebecca Dye, representing U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) t we (in Congress) can realMarAd gave plaques to mariners who served the nation in times of war and struggle and who symbolized all U.S. mariners from their respective eras. The honorees were Thomas Gibson, retired SIU Bosun Rowland "Snake" Williams, J. Robert Lunney, Capt. John Trimmer and Capt. James Parese, an SIU hawsepiper. it takes to honor our merners. And that is to resolve -U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) ime Day 2002 ited States of America o the founding of our Nation, and it continues and freight, protecting our freedom, and linkdistinction throughout our history, but espeey made dangerous and difficult voyages carre than 700 United States merchant ships were ers lost their lives. Merchant mariners played e rescue of 14,000 Korean civilians by the SS rewed by civilian seamen carried 95 percent f these ships sailed into combat zones under capture of mariners from the American mer- Photo courtesy of MSC U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander of MSC, and the Honorable Gordon R. England, the Secretary of the Navy, toss a wreath into the Anacostia River in honor of fallen mariners during Military Sealift Command's National Maritime Day memorial service May 22 at the Washington Navy Yard. Right: Rear Adm. Brewer (at podium), the featured speaker at MSC's event, strongly stated, "The U.S. Merchant Marine embodies all that is good and wholesome about our country." Below: The SIU and the Paul Hall Center were well-represented throughout the day. Pictured at the Washington Navy Yard prior to MSC's memorial service are SIU officials and students from the school in Piney Point, Md. chant mariners were vital to the largest sealift ks of September 11, professional merchant Merchant Marine Academy transported pers to lower Manhattan. Their efforts enhanced es Merchant Marine and thousands of other e to make immeasurable contributions to our a more peaceful world. We must ensure our century. As cargo volume is expected to doutwork will help our country compete in our government agencies, the shipping industry, r waterways remain a sound transportation n network. chant Marine, the Congress, by joint resoluesignated May 22 of each year as "National hat the President issue an annual proclamaresident of the United States of America, do e Day. I call upon the people of the United flag of the United States at their homes and iling under the American flag dress ship on y hand this twenty-first day of May, in the endence of the United States of America the George W. Bush June2002 Seafarers LOG 13 �Paul Hall Center's 'Nune Noreen' Retires Neel and her husband, Edward, are pictured immediately following her recent retirement ceremony. For more than two decades, Noreen Neel-a member of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW)-has provided health care, medical counsel and a sympathetic ear to people associated with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This chapter in the native Washingtonian's life now, however, is closed. The health care professional-also known as the school nurse and more affectionately as ''Nurse Noreen"- hung up her stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and the various other implements of her profession for the last time. She retired May 10 following 22-plus years of dedicated service. "I definitely will miss being here and my association with the Seafarers," shared the softspoken registered nurse, who received her formal training at St. Agnes Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore. "They are all very interesting, colorful people who have such fascinating stories to tell. You can't be around them for this length of time and not miss them." Although she has seen patients from all segments of the training school's population-upgraders, families of upgraders, staff employees, ARC residents and others-during her tenure, she will miss the Take the Family on Vacation to Piney Point UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. This summer, treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable vacation. Everything you could ask for in a summer holiday can be found at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This benefit, unique to Seafarers, offers comfortable accommodations, three meals each day and lots of opportunities for activities that will please every member of the family-for up to two weeks-and all at very reasonable rates (see box at left). Swimming, boating, fishing and playing tennis are but a few of the options available within the center complex. For those who wish to venture farther afield, the choices are endless. Piney Point is just a little more than an hour's drive to any number of exciting destinations in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area (which includes Arlington and Alexandria, Va. and Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.}-museums, ballparks, historical sights, craft shows, concerts and much, much more. Send the completed application form (below) to the address listed and be able to look back on a memorable 2002 summer vacation spent with your family. trainees most. "For many of them, coming here for training is their first time away from home, and I think of them as my children," the mother of five and grandmother of nine said. "I'll miss them." Neel began working parttime at the school in 1979. "At that point, I was employed parttime at St. Mary's Nursing Home," she said. "I had been there four years and previously worked at St. Mary's Hospital for three years. When the job came open here, Ken Conklin encouraged me to come aboard. Soon, the position was expanded to a full-time job and I've been here ever since." Conklin was the commandant of trainees who later became vice president of the school. Neel has worked Monday through Friday during her entire tenure at the school, but was never more than a phone call away on weekends and evenings if needed. Although she has no way of knowing how many people she has seen, assessed, treated or referred over the years, she estimates she was seeing on average 125 patients per week depending on the time of year. "I see patients with a variety of ailments," she said. "The most common are upper respiratory infections, but we also encounter high blood pressure as well as diabetes. Then of course there are the minor injuries such as cuts and abrasions .... I assess patients when they come in and treat them according to protocol ( estab- lished medical directives). If they are suffering from conditions that we can't treat here, then we refer them to a doctor." Additionally, Neel drew blood to be sent out to labs, gathered specimens for analysis and administered immunization vaccines during her career at the school. She conducted smoking cessations programs for people who were interested in kicking the habit as well as blood pressure screenings and diabetes screenings. She organized blood drives, trained designated employees in blood-borne pathogens and was responsible for the flu vaccine program. In addition, she taught first aid, CPR and health-risk awareness. After all that activity, walking away isn't easy. "Retiring was a very difficult decision for me," Neel said, "because I really enjoy what I'm doing and love to help people." As far as the union is concerned, Neel says she has no regrets about joining up when the school became a UIW shop more than 20 years ago. "For me, the union has been great, especially in view of the health benefits we enjoy," she said. "I don't think you can go anywhere else and get benefits comparable to those we receive in the UIW-you don't have to contribute to the plan and you only pay $100 per year deductible. The plan pays 100 percent of reasonable and customary charges .... I definitely would recommend and encourage anyone who is concerned about job security and improving their quality of life to join a union." PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Socia I Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number: Address: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington , DC 20510 Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Seafarers LOG The Honorable (Name) United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 web site (www.seafarers.org) provides links to those sites and to the White House under our "legislation" section. When writing to members of Congress, whether via letter or e-mail, remember to be concise. State your purpose, be factual and explain how legislation probably will impact you and others. If writing about a specific bill, include its name and number (House bills begin with H.R., Senate bills with S.). Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 14 Crew members occasionally ask the Seafarers LOG to publish mailing addresses for U.S. Senators and Congressmen. Here they are: 6/02 Additionally, most members of Congress may be contacted by e-mail. To locate an address, go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. The SIU's Also be sure to inclue your name and return address. The telephone number for the Capitol switchboard is (202) 224-3121. June2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 10 3 0 2 5 2 20 l 0 18 13 7 6 15 7 4 5 3 6 1 6 11 13 29 13 41 24 8 5 14 26 17 11 20 2 13 3 11 IO 11 15 4 1 7 5 1 0 26 261 170 114 0 3 0 1 3 194 106 so 111 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 12 7 19 4 13 2 l 4 12 2 4 4 35 33 9 17 2 20 57 0 4 1 5 12 16 2 4 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 2 0 Port 0 0 5 2 9 0 2 4 5 1 2 1 0 0 6 0 2 3 2 4 6 14 1 3 7 3 1 10 4 0 4 0 0 151 49 29 114 Al,gonac 0 Baltimore Quant Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 2 0 6 1 2 Totals Totals All Departments 5 0 3 5 2 19 0 16 4 0 0 14 26 1 1 0 9 25 12 15 0 3 1 0 4 5 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 37 0 0 0 7 1 7 10 33 0 41 37 I 8 63 267 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 3 11 26 9 0 20 1 3 0 3 7 385 31 0 1 512 5 0 7 Port Everglades ....... Thursday: July 18, August 15 18 9 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 18, August 15 San Juan ..................Thursday; July) 1, August 8 0 1 9 6 15 2 2 4 2 1 1 1 3 3 0 58 0 l 0 2 2 12 35 67 3 17 48 10 50 4 2 6 5 2 3 1 5 41 14 29 13 2 59 0 0 4 5 0 0 1 6 5 25 8 63 23 2 0 9 29 7 17 0 5 0 0 37 44 4 0 0 7 13 15 31 0 5 8 5 1 22 20 St. Louis .................Friday: July 19, Augustl6 Savannah ................ Friday: July 12, August 9 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 26, August 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: July 22 Tuesday: August 20* *(change created l>y Paul Hall birthday holiday) Each port's meeting stal'ls at 10:30 a.m. Personal IO 7 83 DAUGHTER OF STEPHEN J. LESLIE William Vogler is trying to contact the daughter ofthe late MTD Vice President Stephen J Leslie. Vogler may be reached at 194 Willow St., Johnson City, NY; telephone (607) 766-9631. In Honor of the Sept. 11 Rescue Workers AB/Mate Vincent W. Thompson of Westwego, La. sent these photos to the LOG. Below is Joseph 'Philly Joe' Kolodziejski, a former SIU member who , once sailed on the Texaco _ Providence and who has just begun a 24,000 mile canoe trip (expected to take about 5 years) in honor of the Sept. 11 rescue workers. He hopes to make it to Michigan by October, return to Texas for the winter, and start rowing again in the spring-up to Alaska and down to the Panama Canal. 18 3 3 1 7 6 16 107 72 0 76 325 416 414 321 155 217 965 849 788 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. June2002 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: July 10, August 7 0 0 0 0 10 New York ................ Tuesday: July 9, August 6 4 3 0 7 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 16, August 13 12 100 27 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: July 23, August 20 Norfolk ................... Thursday: July 11, August 8 174 21 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 11, August 8 5 18 18 19 0 6 Houston .................. Monday: July 15, August 12 Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 17, August 14 2 1 15 8 3 Honolulu .................Friday: July 19, August 16 31 2 7 8 10 0 577 10 3 6 5 1 12 205 10 18 16 5 6 12 2 182 5 IO 16 1 14 33 8 7 17 4 8 l 39 8 0 3 26 15 16 13 185 0 1 4 0 12 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 28 9 3 0 13 I 4 Port 15 0 3 10 0 0 11 4 7 4 2 3 9 90 71 21 43 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 3 0 3 7 3 0 7 l 21 2 14 16 0 0 0 1 2 7 1 10 12 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: July 17, August 14 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July 24, August 21 1 0 6 Boston..................... Friday: July 12, August 9 7 l JI Baltimore ................Thursday: July 11, August 8 7 22 2 1 3 11 9 14 3 6 2 1 4 6 4 40 214 2 12 6 8 8 417 3 0 0 1 0 0 21 28 267 11 11 13 2 30 27 10 111 8 31 51 42 0 9 26 5 23 4 5 6 6 6 5 37 0 1 10 4 13 0 19 11 6 0 5 17 4 1 5 6 0 8 0 1l 8 2 1 5 0 4 6 18 I San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 5 18 4 5 0 Puerto Rico_,, Totals 0 1 2 11 9 21 12 16 27 5 4 48 0 11 2 3 11 4 2 2 25 1 19 25 5 23 3 11 18 2 2 11 8 60 20 0 12 5 3 4 16 5 12 9 27 45 13 20 0 6 0 5 6 4 35 3 21 1 6 17 10 9 7 8 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 2 6 17 4 6 4 1 16 8 12 3 17 44 12 33 19 23 2 0 5 5 4 0 6 21 3 0 15 Algonac .................. Friday: July 12, August 9 1 2 4 0 6 12 15 l 0 Piney Point ............. Monday: July 8, August 5 0 10 4 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 6 3 14 21 2 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 23 30 8 15 17 5 18 13 Trip Reliefs July & August 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Above, posing aboard the tug Ocean Venture, are (from left) Thompson, Kolodziejski and AB George Owen. Seafarers LOG 15 �1'1'1'111 Monthly Shipping A Registration Report APRIL2002 Michael Sac~; President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay; Execut'We Vice Pre~ide11t · David Heindel, Secll!tary· Treasurer TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III ~~gustio T~ fice/Jre.sident Contracts Toni Orzechowski, Pice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, l'ice President West Coast .Joseph T. Sor.esi, Vice Presidem Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Jlice President Government Services . Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at large .. Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Port DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA 7 IO 2 New York Norfolk San Pedro 16 Savannah 2 4 2 8 Tacoma 51 Totals 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 13 0 5 1 0 4 3 29 0 I 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 12 2 7 4 l3 12 48 2 5 4 11 2 22 12 3 114 0 6 0 11 0 2 28 0 5 '} 0 47 10 0 5 1 5 0 0 1 0 12 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 72 (Sesame St., # 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 {6 l 7) 269-7877 DULUTH 124 w. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM 1>.Q. Box 23127. Barrigada, Guam 96921 "' 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesp~ Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96.9 l l ''" . ' / (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi.St., Hon~lull), ttt. ,96819 ,, (808) S4if?l22 , , 't ' HOUSTON c ;~· 1221 Pierce St, Houston, TX 77002 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston 5 0 5 Harvey, LA 1 New York Norfolk San Pedro 5 0 1 0 1 0 6 0 3 5 Savannah Tacoma 31 Totals 3 _2 . ·-~-"·"-~~"' . 3 0 0 0 -0 3 6 0 u 2 0 3 3 Port Boston ,. 19 0 0 ff . 0 0 0 3 3 1 2 0 0 ..... ,.P 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 22 0 0 7 0 1 10 0 6 18 6 14 0 2 1 0 86 33 19 3 16 0 0 7 14 18 36 5 24 1 32 5 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 HoustQU;;,,,,, Harvey, LA 0 • ·~ 2 2 0 0 3 2 0 Norfolk ] 0 San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 0 1 0 0 0 9 2 6 New York 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 6 0 38 2 9 0 7 13 6 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 33J5 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE J 640 Dauphin fSland P~. Mobil~; AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 ,, NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St.. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah 0 5 2 2 4 0 6 0 4 7 0- 0 0 0 1 0 q' Q .._...,....,_ .___..... 1 2 1 4 0 -...,,......,_,_.-.~···~s, 0 12 21 13 0 5 103 34 21 61 Tacoma Totals 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 2 6 41 0 4 36 18 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 19 0 15 5 0 1 0 25 3 47 63 146 4 13 113 2 100 301 223 151 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK Totals All Departments 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PJJILADELPHJA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEYPOJNT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994..0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE l 057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce. PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis. MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON SlON. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549.-4000 16 Seafarers LOB PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Richard E. McAll of Saraland, Ala. It was taken in 1959 aboard the passenger ship Alcoa Cavalier. From the left are crew members Sam McDonald, Eddie Gonzales, Richard McAll, George Dean, Joe Gallo, Jim Patterson and Homer Ringo. McAll, now 73, began sailing in 1947. He worked in all three departments. His first ship was the Raphael Semmes, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Before retiring in 1986, he sailed aboard the cable ship Long Lines. A new generation of the McAll bloodline continues the seafaring tradition. Joshua Cooper, now an unlicensed apprentice in class 626 at the Paul Hall Center, is McAll's grandson. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. June2002 �• 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. T wo captains and one recertified steward are among the 19 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Edward T. Bethel and Jerry K. Champion worked at the helms of inland vessels for a combined total of 40 years, while Chief Steward James A. Wright completed the highest level of training available to members who sail in the steward department. Including Wright, eight of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Seven others, including Bethel and Champion, navigated the inland waterways, while the remaining four plied the Great Lakes. Seven of the retirees worked in the deck department, seven more shipped in the engine department and the remaining five sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA FINN JAKOBSEN, 71,joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Norway, Brother Jakobsen worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. He makes his home in Bogalusa, La. RALPHF. MORGAN, 70, began his SIU career in 1992 in Seattle. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1966. Brother Morgan first sailed aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence. The Massachusetts-born mariner worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1995 and 1996. Brother Morgan last sailed on the SeaLand Enterprise. He makes his home in Pahrump. Nev. DEMITRIOS PAPAIOANNOU, 73 , was born in Greece. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of New York. Brother Papaioannou first shipped aboard the President Pierce. The steward department member was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Papaioannou is a resident of Eagle Springs, N.C. JAMEST. PRATHER, 69, started his SIU career in 1990 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Prather is a retired U.S. Navy veteran with more than 30 years in uniform. He first sailed for the SIU aboard June2002 Seahawk Management's Falcon Champion. Born in Florida, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Prather upgraded his skills at Piney Point in 1997. He last worked aboard the Lawrence Gianella, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. Virginia Beach, Va. is his home. The Pennsylvania native shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Bethel upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1993. He last worked on a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Bethel is a resident of Elkins Park, Penn. GENARO RIVERA, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, the steward department member last went to sea on the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Rivera lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Yauco. JOHN J. BROWN, 62, hails from Maryland. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the L-~-~~_J port of Baltimore. Boatman Brown is veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1963 to 1965. He first sailed aboard a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. The engine department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1998. Pasadena, Md. is his home. ROBERT RUFFNER, 61, hails from Virginia. He started his career with the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. Brother Ruffner worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. He first sailed aboard the Robin Locksley, a MooreMcCormack Lines vessel. Brother Ruffner shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1997. He last went to sea on the LNG Taurus. Brother Ruffner lives in Jacksonville, Fla. ANGELM. VELEZ, 63, was born in Puerto Rico. He started his SID career in 1973 in the port of New York. Brother Velez worked in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school. Brother Velez lives in his native commonwealth in Ponce. JAMES A. WRIGHT, 61, began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in San Francisco. Brother ll!!:..=..11----l Wright served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961. The California-born mariner first worked for the SIU aboard the Selma Victory. A member of the steward department, Brother Wright completed steward recertification training at Piney Point in 1981. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Wright calls Gig Harbor, Wash. home. INLAND EDWARDT. BETHEL, 63 , joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. JERRYK. CHAMPION, 65 , began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Champion was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving from 1954 to 1957. Born in Cleveland County, N.C., the deck department member sailed as a captain, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Stone Towing Line. Boatman Champion calls Wilmington, N.C. home. ARTHUR DIAMOND, 66, was born in Cook County, Ill. He joined the Seafarers in 1996 in the port of Houston. Boatman Diamond spent the majority of his career working aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Co. The engine department member upgraded his skills in Piney Point in 1994. Boatman Diamond lives in Hitchcock, Texas. NOLEY LEE HARVELL, 63, joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Harvell is a retired member of the U.S. Coast Guard, having served from 1958 to 1981. The deck department member was born in Lenior City, N.C. and worked primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1998. Boatman Harvell is a resident of Bayboro, N.C. MILTON L. SHECKELLS, 63, began his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland-born mariner worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Sheckells makes his home in Baltimore. PHILLIPT. YEOMANS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1990. Boatman Yeomans was born in North Carolina and first shipped for the SID aboard a Maritrans vessel. He worked in the steward as well as deck departments and was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Yeomans is a resident of Harkers Island, N.C. home. GREAT LAKES KASSEM S. ABDULLA, 65, started his SIU career in 1966 in Detroit. Brother Abdulla first sailed on Buckeye Steamship Co. 's Buck Monitor. Born in Yemen, he worked in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the American Mariner, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Abdulla lives in Dearborn, Mich. l ALAWIA. ELZAHIRI, 65, started his SID career in 1965 in Detroit. Brother Alzahiri first shipped aboard American Steamship Co. 's Reiss Brothers. The engine department member last worked aboard the Southdown Challenger, a Cement Transit Co. vessel. Brother Elzahiri was born in Arabia, but now calls Buffalo, N.Y. home. ABDUL SAEED, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. Born in Yemen, Brother Saeed worked in both the engine and deck departments. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co., including the American Seaocean and the Buffalo. Brother Saeed calls Dearborn, Mich. home. HAMID SHOHATEE, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. Born in Arabia, Brother Shohatee worked in both the deck and engine departments. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Reiss Brothers. Brother Shohatee last worked aboard the William Roesch, a Pringle Transit Co. vessel. He is a resident of Detroit. four years of college or university training in the field of their choice. The award of 1946 five scholarships this year was made on The SIU pulled a complete work stoppage the basis of a new ruling by the trustees of on all ships on June 6 to force the the Seafarers Welfare Plan, setting aside a steamship companies to negotiate for new fifth scholarship agreements. As a rr.::=============================;;;i annually for a result of the stopSeafarer. page, negotiations commenced with 1966 the operators on Seatrain Lines is in Tuesday, June 11. the early stages of Among other things, an expansion pro· the union was seekgram that will add eight newer, larger and ing establishment of a 40-hour work faster container ships to the Seatrain fleet. week. The new ships are converted "Mission" 1956 type vessels and will be used on the Four Seafarers and the daughter of a Seatrain routes operated for MSTS, to Seafarer have been selected by the board and from Puerto Rico. The company also of university administrators as winners of plans to expand its ports of call, construct new shore facilities, and increase existing the 1956 Seafarers Scholarship awards. facilities. The total cost of the new ship Each will receive a $6,000 Andrew conversions is $30 million. Furuseth Memorial Scholarship to cover Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THIS MOl'ITH IN SIU HISTORY Seafarers LOB f7 �DEEP SEA GEORGE BRUER Pensioner George Bruer, 68, died March 30. Brother Bruer began his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. A native of Hamburg, Germany, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Bruer first shipped aboard the Steel Artisan in the deck department. He last sailed on Interocean Management's El Yunque. Brother Bruer began receiving his pension in 1999 and lived in Indian Harbor Beach, Fla. WILLOUGHBY BYRD Pensioner Willoughby Byrd, 77, passed away March 16. Born in Richton, Miss. , he started his SIU career in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Byrd served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1944 and first sailed under the SIU colors aboard Isco 's Steel Maker. The deck department member sailed as a bosun and last went to sea on Puerto Rico Marine Management's Carolina. Brother Byrd started receiving retirement stipends in 1994. He made his home in Mobile. NEAL CAIRNS Brother Neal Cairns, 75, died Nov. 12. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. The New Jersey ~ native was a veteran of the U.S. Army. A member of the steward department, Brother Cairns belonged to the Dennis A. Rolland Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans in New Jersey. He lived in his native state in Toms River. NATHANIEL CLARK Pensioner Nathaniel Clark, 76, died Feb. 12. Brother Clark started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, the steward department member began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1975. Seattle was his home. ,........."'""'""...,....,...~_,......,.,., MOSES COLEMAN Pensioner Moses Coleman, 84, passed away March 26. The Alabama native started his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first vessel was the Alcoa Polaris, operated by Alcoa Steamship Co. The steward department member last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's John Penn. Brother Coleman started receiving pension stipends in 1988. He lived in his native state TURE DAHLSTROM Pensioner Ture Dahlstrom, 96, died March 22. -· Brother Dahlstrom started his career with the MC&S.Bornin Sweden, he worked in the ~-----~ 18 Seafarers LOG steward department. Brother Dahlstrom started receiving stipends for his pension in 1972. He was a resident of Concord, Calif. the steward department and began drawing retirement stipends in 1971. Brother Ho called San Francisco home. JOSEPH DALLAS ANDREW HOLLAND Brother Joseph Dallas, 60, passed away Jan. 22. Born in Hungary, he joined the Seafarers in 1979 in Seattle. His initial voyage was aboard the Inger, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Brother Dallas last worked aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. He made his home in San Francisco. Pensioner Andrew Holland, 75, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Holland joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Connecticut, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. Brother Holland initially sailed for the SIU on the Sea-Land Adventurer. The deck department member last went to sea aboard the LNG Gemini. Brother Holland started receiving his pension in 1991 and resided in Chesapeake City, Md. FRANCISCO DEDOMENICIS Pensioner Francisco Dedomenicis, 78, died Jan. 30. Brother Dedomenicis started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del Sud. A native of New York, he worked in the deck department and sailed as a bosun. Brother Dedomenicis last went to sea on the Sea-Land Economy. In 1986, he started drawing payments for his retirement. Brother Dedomenicis was a resident of Lake Charles, La. STANLEY DUDA Pensioner Stanley Duda, 82, passed away April 3. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port .___--"'"'.....__ ___.. of New York. Brother Duda's initial sea voyage was aboard Isco's Steel Seafarer. The deck department member started receiving his pension in 1979. He called Newton, N.J. home. JOSEPH FARIAS Pensioner Joseph Farias, 79, died Jan. 26. Brother Farias started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1978. Brother Farias was a resident of Seattle. PAUL HOLLOWAY Pensioner Paul Holloway, 75, died Jan. 11 . Born in North Carolina, he started his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Holloway was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1943 to 1946. His first SIU voyage was aboard the French Creek, an Interocean Management vessel. The deck department member last shipped on the Sea-Land Long Beach. Brother Holloway began collecting retirement compensation in 1989 and made his home in Charlotte, N.C. SAMUEL HONG Pensioner Samuel Hong, 60, died Jan 14. Brother Hong began his career with the MC&S in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Los Angeles, the steward department member last shipped on Matson Navigation Co. 's Maui. He started receiving his pension in 1982 and lived in Gardena, Calif. DAVID KELLEY Pensioner David Kelley, 76, passed away Nov. 12. Brother Kelley joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed for the Seafarers on the Brigham Victory, a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. Born in California, Brother Kelley sailed in the engine department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Patriot. He began collecting retirement compensation in 1993 and made his home in West Covina, Calif. ANARGYROS KORIZIS Pensioner Howard Fong, 79, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Fong " began his career with the MC&S. Born in China, he lllfl•!I.~ shipped in the steward department. Brother Fong started receiving his pension in 1977 and made his home in Westminister, Calif. Pensioner Anargyros Korizis, 79, died Jan. 3. He started his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Seattle. Brother Korizis first went to sea on the Sabine, a Ship Operators Corp. vessel. Born in Seattle, he sailed in the deck department and last worked aboard the Sea-Land Panama. Brother Korizis started receiving his pension in 1987. He was a resident of New York. IUPINGHO MARGARET KOWALSKI HOWARD FONG Pensioner Iu Ping Ho, 79, died Feb. 18. The Hong Kong-born mariner started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. He worked in l Pensioner Margaret Kowalski, 80, passed away Dec. 16. Sister Kowalski started her career with the SIU in 1978 in San Francisco. The Michigan-born mariner first sailed on the Santa Maria, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. A steward department member, she last worked on the USNS Silas Bent. Sister Kowalski began collecting retirement compensation in 1987 and lived in San Francisco. PHILLIP LAGAPA Pensioner Phillip Lagapa, 82, died March 23. Born in the Philippines, Brother Lagapa started his career with the MC&S. He '--------~ worked in the steward department and started receiving his pension in 1968. Brother Lagapa was a resident of Livermore, Calif. JAMES LINN Pensioner James Linn, 83, passed away Jan. 22. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Linn was a retired veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1944 to 1965. His first ship was the Sea Scope, an Alpine Geographic Associates vessel. The Ohio-born mariner sailed in the engine department. He last worked aboard Interocean Management 's Keystone State. Brother Linn began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. .--------~ LEONIDES LOPEZ Pensioner Leonides Lopez, 82, died March 27. Brother Lopez began his SIU career in 1943 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Lopez worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Trader. He started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1979 and called Riverbank, Calif. home. DON MARTIN Brother Don Martin, 51, passed away Jan 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Martin first went to sea aboard the USNS Algol. The Louisiana-born mariner worked in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Lt. Col Calvin P Titus. Brother Martin lived in New Orleans. GUILLERMO MARTINEZ Pensioner Guillermo Martinez, 76, died March 29. Born in Dallas, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New Orleans. An engine department member, Brother Martinez first worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Kyska. His last voyage was on the Overseas Washington. Brother Martinez lived in Mission, Texas and started collecting retirement compensation in 1987. DON McKINNEY Pensioner Don McKinney, 74, died April 10. The Blair, W. Va . native joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Detroit. Brother McKinney was a military veteran, having served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The deck department member last worked on the LNG Libra. Brother McKinney started receiving his pension in 1991. He made his home in Temperance, Mich. 'l'r"'C~~""'=-, Pensioner Everett Moss, 82, died March 25. Brother Moss started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The Harrisburg, Ark-born mariner served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1944. He worked in the steward department and first shipped aboard Delta Steamship 's Santa Maria . Brother Moss last worked on the Santa Magdelena, another Delta Steamship vessel. He started receiving his pension in 1984 and lived in his native state. JULIO PAMINIANO Pensioner Julio Paminiano, 74, passed away Jan. 21. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother .___ _.........,............~___., Paminiano was born in the Philippines. He shipped in the engine department, last working aboard the Sea-Land Liberator. He started collecting retirement compensation in 1998 and was a resident of San Fra i CHARLES POLK Pensioner Charles Polk, 60, died Feb. 2. Brother Polk began his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1962. The Alabama native worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions, first sailing aboard the Steel Chemist. Brother Polk worked in the engine department and last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. He began receiving his pension in 1998. Grand Bay, Ala. was his home. CECIL RUSH Pensioner Cecil Rush, 80, passed away March 2. Born in Grenada, Brother Rush joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1984 and lived in New York. PEDRO SANCHEZ Pensioner Pedro Sanchez, 79, died Jan. 9. Brother Sanchez started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. .___ __.,...:.....;..,_ ___..The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Sanchez began receiving retirement stipends in 1984. He resided in his native commonwealth. June2002 �• Digest of Sllipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines), March 17-Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director William M. Pinkham, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Alan L. Hansen, Steward Delegate Patrick C. Conlon. Chairman announced payoff March 20 in Tacoma, Wash. Everybody asked to help keep lounge and laundry room clean. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Some issues expressed by steward delegate regarding overtime. All communications posted on board for everyone to read. Those members living on 02 deck asked that crew keep noise from TV and laundry room down at night. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. CONSUMER (CSX Lines), March 24-Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Paul D. Hanley, Deck Delegate Robert Richardson, Steward Delegate Eric Van Benthuysen. Chairman announced payoff shortly after arrival in Oakland Calif. He advised each crew -fi-i:ne;m.t:J~lQ.,W&.1~ union book 1 reacfy for patro man:·l-Ie also expressed thanks to chief electrical for repairing washing machine. Secretary thanked crew for help keeping ship house clean. He reminded everyone of importance of contributing to SPAD and stressed safety aboard ship at all times. Educational director asked members to make sure all shipping documents are up to date. He also talked about upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center and that "everything is there for you to improve your career." No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to change chemical used for cleaning burners to less hazardous kind. Vote of thanks given to SIU President Mike Sacco and his staff for the great job they're doing and to the steward department for delicious meals, especially cookouts. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. ENDURANCE (USSM), March 3-Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Walter 0. Weaver, Engine Delegate Jam es F. Sieger. Chairman reported good trip with payoff on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He wished departing crew a safe flight and good vacation. He also encouraged crew members to keep up with latest developments in maritime industry by upgrading at Piney Point and contributing to SPAD. Secretary noted this was the best trip ever and thanked crew for great teamwork. He stated that new furniture for crew mess and lounge are on order. Treasurer noted $550 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to exchange movies for newer ones. Steward department June2002 given vote of thanks for job well done. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), March 10-Chairman Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Dann G. Manthei, Deck Delegate John Zimmerman, Engine Delegate Billy Hillard, Steward Delegate Mark Cabasag. Secretary requested computer as well as new mattresses for crew. Educational director noted STCW deadline passed. He reminded crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center and talked about requirements to sail in new engine ratings. Treasurer stated $60 left in ship's fund after purchasing 24 videos. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Information requested by crew on time allowed to work on 35-day runs. Is it 4 on and 2 off? Or 3 on and 2 off? Or 2 on and 1 off? Crew members taking time off were advised to make sure they are properly relieved before getting off ship. Requests made for new TV and VCR. Vote of thanks given to steward depart.c-. d · llY , espec1a ment .c-.lOr great 100 nk · 1th th e b arbecues. Specia a s · t o deck and engme · dep artgiven c. th · h 1 · ments lOr eu e Pm sett.mg up bar becue gn·11s. Con doIences sent . Ed a and h.is to AB B ernard mo c. il Qn ti.. f h. ...........~...___. li.e los~s...::.0~~1 lam /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan . ) M h 31 Transpo rtat ton , arc Chairman John R. Nichols, Secretary Veronika K. Cardenas, Educational Director Jose Ramirez, Deck Delegate Frederick C. Meier, Steward Delegate Mohamed S. Mosa. Meeting was held enroute to Panama Canal from San Francisco. Chairman informed crew that ship is going back to its old run-Houston to Port Everglades, Fla. Secretary noted need for ships' minutes and crew list forms. Educational director welcomed new crew members and informed them that 60-days' discharge is good for collecting vacation benefits. He also noted STCW training classes continue at Piney Point school and anyone not in compliance should apply asap. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on whether Panama Canal zone is under coastwise or foreign articles. Next port: Houston. INTEGRITY (Maritrans), March 2-Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Andrew A. Austin, Educational Director John A. Bennifield, Deck Delegate Alfred Mcintyre Jr., Steward Delegate James F. Whalen. Chairman thanked crew for working well together for an enjoyable trip. He advised ABs of need to get tankerman assistant endorsement recorded on TRBs. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that contracts department help company obtain permission for crew to go ashore in Marcus Hook and Hog Island. Crew members realize some changes may be due to security issues, but an escort in and out of the areas would be appreciated, as was done in the past. Vote of thanks to Chief Steward Hayes Johnson for great job making sure those on watch are fed early without having to rush. Next port: Philadelphia, Pa. KODIAK (CSX Lines), March 22-Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Blair D. Hum es, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck Delegate Thomas B. Schroeder, Engine Delegate Glenn A. Snow, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel to pay off March 27 in Tacoma, Wash. There will be blanket relief for crew that day. He stressed need to check in with boarding patrolman and pay dues on time in order to remain covered for benefits. Crew members reminded to keep noise down inside house structure since those off watch or on rest periods may be trying to sleep. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on STCW renewal regulations as well as information about the sale of CSX now or at any time in the future. Crew laundry is temporarily down to one washing machine, so everyone asked to use extra care. Steward department thanked for efforts of excellence in all areas. doors of opportunity and are open to all Seafarers. Treasurer announced $269 in ship's fund. No disputed OT reported; beef noted in deck department. Clarification requested on paid transportation home after completing voyage overseas. Member voiced concern about everyone helping clean and maintain laundry room and other common areas. Next ports: San Francisco, San Diego and Concord, Calif.; Diego Garcia. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), March 16-Chairman panies to stop restriction to ship for American crews while in American ports. Also suggested compensation for major inconvenience this is causing-there are no slop chests on coastwise tankers and members can't get to post office to mail checks home. Members also requested use of ship's e-mail, perhaps putting spare computer in steward's office for crew use. Thanks given to deck department for nice paint job to house, to engine department for prompt repairs and to steward department for fine job. Next port: Marcus Hook, Pa. Arriving in San Francisco LIBERATOR (USSM), March 12-Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary James E. Harper, Deck Delegate Todd J. Homer, During docking operations in the port of San Francisco, crew memEngine Delegate Mario B. bers aboard the USNS Mt. Washington (inset) grab the lines to tie Cruzat. Chairman emphasized up the IUM vessel. importance of being on high alert, with safety in mind at all times. Secretary added that with Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary RICHARD G MATTHIESEN USA at war against terrorism, Nancy S. Heyden, Educational (Ocean Ships), March 24Director Edward H. Self, Deck Seafarers must do their part to Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Delegate Albert Balatico. ensure safety of crew mem bers Raymond L. Jones, Educational Chairman announced payoff when vesse ls trave1overseas. Be Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck · March 17. Orders for upcoming a1ert an d report anyth.mg susp1Delegate Kyle Bailey, Engine · d · 1 d. trip are to go to berth 121 in c1ous. E ucationa Irector Delegate Gilbert F. Tedder Jr. · on new Long Beach, Calif., discharge requeste d c1an·fi1cat1on Chairman announced payoff · Iar1y conc.emm.g · -4--.:t:''=:--=-r.:-..r:,::n:=~--:.-:-:r.:=t::==---t-M~rt"':h--'r+<-irr6uam. half the cargo, go to anchor and contrac.t,..pad;J..c.u He· noted . · N b f: d. en go o e o isc arge ro tary shippmg. 0 ee s or isrest of cargo. Bosun thanked that amount of days required to puted OT reported. Trip relief · .c-. kin file for vacation benefits has issues were cleared by Wilmingentire crew lOr wor g as a ton Port Agent John Cox at union team, getting along and helping been reduced to 60. Educational each other in true SIU style. He director advised crew members ~~lif~ext port: Long Beach, asked that individuals not use applying for upgrading courses outside doors on B deck at night at Piney Point get applications in LNG LIBRA (Pronav), March and early morning if ladder can early. No beefs or disputed OT 24------Chairman Daniel S. be used. Secretary thanked bosun reported. Suggestion made to Marcus, Secretary John A. for pushing to get long overdue increase vacation days for Ocean Pulughi, Educational Director repairs done to rooms and Ships' vessels to 15 days per Kevin W. Conklin, Engine thanked those making the repairs. month. Crew members asked to Delegate Riley N. Donahue Ill, He also stated that common areas help keep designated smoking Steward Delegate Roderick L. are being kept much cleaner and area clean and to keep noise Clay. Chairman thanked crew for thanked crew for their efforts. down after 1830 when people are cooperation during tour. SecreEducational director stressed trying to sleep. Recommendation tary asked that anyone needing a need to support union. He made to have union meeting new mattress let him know; six reminded them of educational once a month instead of just new ones arriving with next 180facilities available at Paul Hall before payoff. Vote of thanks day stores. Educational director Center and to keep all shipping given to steward department for urged mariners to upgrade at certificates up to date. No beefs excellent meals. Next ports: union school as often as possible. or disputed OT reported. Steward Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Treasurer noted DVD players department thanked for good Islands); Yosu, South Korea. were purchased and installed in food. Any additional room repairs both lounges. No beefs or disputshould be noted on new repair SMT CHEMICAL TRADER ed OT reported. Bosun led dislist. (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), March cussion on Maritime Security 31-Chairman Charles R. Program. Microwave oven on PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), Davis, Secretary Alexander order for galley. With satellite March 3-Chairman Thomas W. Banky III, Educational Director system broken, question raised as Lasater• Secretary Catherine M. Larry F. Phillips, Engine to whether daily news service can Hays, Educational Director Alex Delegate Carlos Ventura, be offered to crew. Vote of thanks Korotun, Deck Delegate David Steward Delegate Cesar A. given to steward department for Harvey, Engine Delegate Milton Avila. Chairman announced paygood food. Next port: Bontang, Israel, Steward Delegate off April 2 in Houston, Texas. · ·d C Indonesia. Chancie Ransom. Chairman Vi cited need for written clarificaesse1 now carrymg aci · rew MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk tion regarding new contract, members warned about dangers Lines Ltd.), March 23especially pertaining to meal involved in handling this cargo Chairman Scott A. hours, penalty meal hours and and advised to use safety gear, Heginbotham, Secretary Lovell union delegate hours. He especially when connecting McElroy, Educational Director announced payoff March 6 on hoses. Secretary noted satellite arrival in Houston, Texas and system now up and running. William J. Ryan, Deck Delegate Leroy Reed, Engine Delegate stated written notification of Every room eventually will have William P. Wakeman, Steward restriction to ship has been postits own line. Educational director Delegate Glenn T. Toledo. ed. He said he had spoken to port urged crew members to take Chairman informed departing captain about problems with advantage of upgrading courses crew members to clean rooms timely allotments. Chairman available at Paul Hall Center. and take new person through advised crew members to keep Treasurer stated $125 in ship's items on ship's checkoff sheet. on top of expiration dates on sail- fund. Some beefs reported by Educational director stated that ing documents and upgrade skills steward delegate due to compenadvancement in maritime field at Piney Point. No beefs or dissation for extra riders aboard. "is up to you and you alone." The puted OT reported. Request for Next ports: Savannah, Ga.; facilities at Piney Point are the union to intervene and get comBaltimore; New York. Seafarers LOB 19 �l J11ion t~lus ' (~ar l{e111als 1~rogra111 l_ _, Save on Car Rentals When You Avis AWD#B723700 Choose Avis Budget BCD#V816100 1-800-698-5685 1-800-455-2848 or Budget Discounts vary depending on type of rental, lime of year, and rental location. Call for rates and reservations and be sure to use the union discount number. www.unionprivilege.org SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU l'ACIFIC lllSTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan 94·6061923 for the fiscal year ended July j 1,2001. The annual report bas been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefit Administtati-0n, as requited under the Employee Retirement fncome Security act of 1974 (ERISA). Baslt: FlaandaJ StaltJmBnl Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $13,828,897. These expenses included $1~124P0,.1 in administtative expenses and $12,704,136 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4.496 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of the plan assets. after subtracting liabilities of the plan. was $144,818.531 as ofJuly 31, 2001, compared to $144,055,342 as of July 3 l, 2000. During tbe plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of$763,l 89. 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 begin!ting of the year or tbe cost of assets acqufred during the year. The plan had a total income of $14,592,086, including :emplqyer 'eontributions of $31,1&9, and earnings from investments of $14,469,427, and other income of $91~470. Mlnlmulll Ffim'!lnl standards An actuary's statement sbows that enough muney was confri_l_)'iited to the plan t<> keep it funded in accordance with the mini~ mum futlding standards of BRISA. · YOllt Rights to Additional lllfonnallon You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof. on reqtlest The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An auditor's report; 2. Financial information and infonnation on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in e11:cess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of thee..full annual report, or any part tberedf; write or call the office of the administrator at SW Pacific District Pemion}'IaU.1422 Market Street, san Francisco, CA 94102. The tbarge to co r copying costs will b 9.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets aod liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying .notes will be included as part of that report. Th~, charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copy,ing ,~f these portions of tbe report because these trrtions are furnished without.,eharge. . . , ·. "" . . , . -- . . You al$o have the legally protected right to examine the annual r~pott at the maii:J, office ofthe plan, 1422 Market&~e;t1'.:San Francisco, CA 94 I02 and the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington:> D.C .• or to obtaiµ a copy from the U.S. Departinent of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room. R:-0om N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200n Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC II/STRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PLAN, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, loc. EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, loc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits. Basic Rnanclal Statemenls The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was $2,918,099 as of July 31, 2001, compared to $3,191,777 as of July 31, 2000. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $273,678. During the plan year, the plan bad a total income of $6,956,215, including employer contributions of $6,771 ,090, earnings from investments of$6,771,792, and other income of$1,925. Plan expenses were $7,229,893. These expenses included $458,101 in administrative expenses, and $6,771,792 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. I. An auditor 's report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; .'.! - 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone number (415) 437-6832 . The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of t.l-ie plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S . Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, .W., Washington, DC 20210 . Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member 's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights . Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, -they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS L OG. 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 MO NIES. No 20 Seafarers LOG monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June2002 �Recertification The following is the sched~t~'~''()~, c0:~r~e~; at th~'' raul<ffatl Center for . Maritime Training and Education P!pey ~:<:>:¢t~ lv((f.1r9in !une through December 2002. All pro~ grams are geared to impJ:'OVtLthe.jdb skills of,Seafarers and to promote the American maritime inQ.ustry. · Please note thatthis schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry aM-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Student$ ·atte,nding any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's<start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the in start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturdaj. . .Se~farers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul H~ll Qenter may call the adtnissfons office at (301) 994-0010. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 16 Novemberll October 25 December 20 QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December20 Welding June IO July t August 19 September 23 October 21 November18 June 28 July 19 September 6 October 3 Novembers December6 Deck Upgrading Courses Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (*ltlll$t hilve radar unlimited) Bridge Resource Management (BRM)- Inland November 1 August2 October 7 July8 Arrival Date Date of Completion Marine Elect.deal M3intenance I June17 July 26 September 30 October 28 October25 November22 Engine Utility (EU) June 16 October 20 November 25 July 12 November 15 December 20 June 24 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 14 June 28 July 19 August 23 September 27 October 18 July 1 September 30 October 21 November 11 December9 July5 October4 October25 November 15 December13 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting Government Vessels October7 December2 September 23 October 18 December13 October 11 Tanker Familiarization! As~istant Cargo (DL)* July 15 December 2 Joly 26 December 13 August 12 October21 August 16 October 25 (*must. have basic fire fighting) · Bridge Resontce Management ~ _,_ Unlimited* . ·T ankerman (PIC) Barge* (*'must have basic fire fighting) July 19 October18 November lS December 13 June 14 July 15 July 19 ugust 19 September 30 August 23 October4 November 1 , Octeber28 June 14 ,J~.!.~ ,~2 ..> September ·27· November 15 "December 20 Academic Department Courses ·Ga~~~ q~era~ons/Advanced Galley Operations modules star! every ~ ·.~,e~funing ·Januaf;y 7! Ce~?fied Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginitmg January 7. &.';.,;. .. j,f":,;;:;:..... _ + __ • _ •• •_ . . _, ••.....;· , •....;. • ._ • ..;:..; •• •....; · - · ._.:::..,, _ __ - • - · -·-·-. - • - • -·-·-. - ---------------------------~ Address Q~Dt FOWT; Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. • -· -·- ·-. - UPGRADING APPLICATION Name General ;aucatipn ~od co!lege courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational snpp()rt program c9ul'Ses . are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · -· - .._ . - COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth Lakes Member D ·· ·- · - · - . - •- •- ·-·-· - ·· - ·· - · -"· - . - • - · - ··- ··- . - -· - ·-~. - • - • -·- ·- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their aoolication. The pavment should be made with a monev order only. payable to LMSS. BEGIN END DATE DATE - - - - - -- - - - Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes 0 No Firefighting: Primary language spoken June2002 0 Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes DNo LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - -- - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ify ou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6102 Seafarers LOB 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 625 - Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 625 are (from left) Robert Grable, Autumn Kippen, William Ray Jr., Harold Gerber 11, Trevor Cohn, Shareef Dahlan and Ahsha Staiger. .- Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 626 - Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 626. They are (from left, front row) Trevon Mobley, Rasheem Moye, Paul Riley Jr., Earl Wright, George Velez-Rivera, Justin Bowe, (second row) Masteredseed Paletaoga, James Dewey, John Stephenson, Cameron Selby, Jorel Lewis, Zerek Selby, Joseph Whitmore and Joshua Cooper. Government VesseJs- Graduating from the government vessels course recently are (in no particular order) Martha Leon, Harlan Hulst, Ronnie Jackson, Douglas Speer, Gary Toomer, Norman Hook, John Daunoras, Daniel Samson , Abdulla Ali, Nicholas Manessiotis, Dustin Gallop, Ryan Nichols and Felipe Zepeda. Upgraders Water Survival - ·- Uw.aders Water SurvwaI- Upgrading SIU members who completed the water survival course March 29 are (from left, kneeling) Betty Thompson , Kasem Ali, Saeed Shaibi, (standing) Christopher Sykes, Juan Poblete, Rick Worthington , James Brockington and Munassar Ahmed. Upgrad ing Seafarers who successfully compl g t _ ed the water survival course March 29 under the instruction of Bernabe Pelingon (far right) are (in no particular order) Richard Blackman, Kenneth Lattin, James Logan , Michael Gallagher, Dale Suiter II , Louis Scull II , Rusty Norman, Celso Cayetano David, Zaid Muthala, Uriel Ross, Kreg Stiebben, Deocadio Romney, Rafael Concepcion, Wellington Furment, Jerry Maya Jr., Michael Jalbert, Lionel Lee, Fernando Oyao, Allan Oyao, Robert Steiner, Segundo Soriano and Julio Soriano. WeldingGraduating from the welding class April 19 are (from left, front row) Adam Noor, Sammy Montana, Donna Sylvia, (second row) Darrell McDonald, Franklin Lind, Buzzy Andrews (instructor), Gregory Poer and Robert Pinkard II. Not pictured is Azeem Modak. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Classes ... Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. From the left (seated) are William Mcintyre, Robert Goodson and Robert Hinckley Jr. In the back are Jermaine Williams, Rick Prucha (instructor) and Lee Gulley. 22 Seafal'el'S LOS Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course April 12 are (in no specific order) Richard Wilson , Robet Feltus Jr., Jason Varner, Thomas Swayne Jr. , Jason Roate , James McDonald, Jerry Fanning, Steven Wooden , Christin Cross, Anthony Hoy, Lakeisha Parker, Jacob LeBeouf, Adel Ahmed, Tyrone Hyman Jr., Chance Chong, Jesse Solangon, Peter Nagowski, John Stewart, Louis Simmons Jr., Travis Robben, Sam Kramer, Eugene Bedard and Margarete Carey. June2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Luis Cruz, Brian Cushing, Charles Davis, Hugo Dermody, Carlos Dominguez, Nathan Fidinger, William Fogarty, Michael Galbraith, Thomas Gately, Eric George, Kenneth Holly, Michele Hopper, Austin Howard, Lloyd Ingram, Morris Jeff, Nels Johnson, Gregory Garib, Adam Emanuel, Andrezej Furmanowski, Vladimir Salamon and Douglas Hundshamer. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Safety Training Classes Larry Reed, Laura Reed, Jerma·ne Robinson, Luis Saddy, Rudy Santos, William , y or, arold Thomas, Tele Togiai, Willie Toomer, Philip Turner, Thomas Walker, Mark Ward, Albert Washington, Walter White, Kimberly Withers, Jaime Allen and Henry Wells. Franklin Lind, Christopher Lyle, Gilberto Marcial, Eric Nelson, James Neuner, Jeffrey Parkin, Nathaniel Rivera, Jason Roate, Miguelita Salada, Jose Sepulveda, Justin VanPelt, Richard Wilson, Roy Zanca, Wilfredo Zuniga and Albert Wambach. Tonya Johnson, Ousmane Ka, John Kasbarian, Brian Kimbrough, Michael Mahoney, Elmo Malacas, Tony Mohamed, Phillip Morris, Mothana Mothana, Ryan Neathery, Dennis Nelson, Michael Nerychel, Luis Nunez, Timothy O'Brien, Mousid Omar, Timothy Price, Susan Rafferty and Kamin Raji. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Ahmed Abdelnaga, August Awong, Jerry Carter, Charles Chubb, Robert Clemons, Dan Delrosario, James Dunne, Luis Escobar, Luis Gonzalez, Daniel Haegele, Philip Hatcher, Thomas Howell, Jasper Jackson, Reginald Johnson, Donald Langman, Donald Lash and Patrick Lavin. (Note: Not all are pictured.) --- ."' Timothy Lewis, Patricio Libre, Aguilio Llorente, Michael Lockhart, Anthony Lopes, James MacMeekin V, Charles Martinez, Richard Matthews, Wilbert Miles, Simon Perez, Francis Quebedeaux, Jeff Radcliffe-Nelson, Jose Ramos, Nathaniel Ramos, Jaime Reanos, Rafael Suris, Martin Mallek, Richard Thomas, Betty Thompson, Victor Torres, Stanley Washington, Richard Wilson, Peter Woodward, Robert Young, Joseph Tier Ill and Robert Woods. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Mohamed Abdelwahab, Atik Almontaser, Donald Autrey, Bienvenido Badillo, Wayne Ballard, Bernard Beof, Stephen Bird, Kenneth Bluitt, Tony Brooks, William Brown, Gary Carter, Virgilio Casildo, Kendall Chadwick, Bernard Clark, Timothy Chestnut, Valery Daniels, Joseph Dunnam, Trevorous Ellison, Sean Farra, Jerry Frizzell, Joseph Grandinetti, Stephen Hammelman, Leslie Hollowell, Norman Hook, Robert Hoppenwoth, Travis Hosea and Thomas Foster. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Josue Iglesia, Daniel Kanzler, Thomas Kilbride, William Kovacs, Peter Koucky, Floyd Larson, David Lund, Donald Mann, David Martz, Gualberto Mirador, John Morrison, Ali Munasser, Melvin Nichols, Matthew Posten, Rafael Rios, David Rivera, Higold Schultze, Christopher Shields, Michael Thomas, James Tran, Anthony Valery, Michael Warren, William Welch, Derek Yates, Isaac Spencer, Octavianus Pariama and Justin Van Pelt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOS 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan and SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. -page20 Seafarers DeHver During Major Seal.iB Exercise Merchant Marine's Vital Defense Role Highlighted Throughout 'Native Atlas' Seafarers-crewed ships recently helped make a major military exercise successful. SIU members-along with about 2,500 U.S. troops- participated in ''Native Atlas 2002" near the U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. The $22 million operation, which began in late March and lasted until midApril, is structured for participants to rehearse the logistics of supplying armed forces in areas without functional ports or piers--or in nations where U.S . troops are denied use of a port. Sustaining American forces overseas is a key role of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels taking part Pictured on the Cape Mohican are OSs Terry lgot, Editho Barraca and Napoleon Nazareno. A transporter is visible behind them, ready to move cargo. - in the drill near San Diego were the Cape Mohican, Mount Washington, Keystone State, Maersk Arizona, USNS Gilliland and USNS Seay. Materiel was loaded and unloaded from those vessels at a temporary pier that was built for the exercise; the cargo then was trucked from Camp Pendleton to a desert location. Exact freight totals have not been released, but the gear moved during Native Atlas included combat vehicles, containers, food, inert ammunition and much more. Fuel transfers were simulated with an estimated 2 million gallons of water. Bosun S.R. Garay sailed aboard the Cape Mohican during the training. ''New security measures were evident with barges moored along the offshore side of the ships' hulls to prevent another Cole incident," he observed. "In addition, there were patrol boats on station, a floating perimeter boom, and at night Navy swimmers were in the water." Garay, who sent some of the photos accompanying this story to the LOG, noted that the Cape Mohican is a "Seabee" barge clipper. It is the U.S. Military Sealift Command's (MSC 's) only heavy lift ship. "Causeway sections, powered barges, LCM-8s and other equipment are loaded on three full-length decks and taken to stowage positions by transporters," he explained. He added that both the ship and crew "performed to the highest standards of the SIU and the merchant marine during Native Atlas. It was a pleasure to work with this crew." Native Atlas involved, among others, MSC, the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), the Maritime Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Members of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade, based at Fort Stewart in Georgia, flew in for the exercise. Similar training is conducted annually under different names. This one was run by the U.S. Central Command, the military authority responsible for U.S. combat forces from the Hom of Africa to Central Asia. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PORT SECURITY EFFORTS CONTINUE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE SELECTS 10 WINNERS DELAWARE NORTH ACQUIRES 3 'QUEENS' NEWEST LMSR CHRISTENED ITF COMES THROUGH AGAIN, SECURES BACK PAY FOR CREW TUG LIBERTY TO THE RESCUE CRUISE-SHIP RECRUITMENT SCAM CONFIRMED AFTER ITF WARNINGS PENSION PLAN ISSUES CHECK NO. 1 MILLION LABOR CONDEMNS COURT DECISION OPENING U.S. TO MEXICANTRUCKS UN SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR 'TRANSPARENT' LIBERIAN SHIP REGISTRY ARTICLE CITES MANPOWER CRISIS FACING U.S. MERCHANT MARINE REMINDER FOR GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMPLOYEES WORKING FOR NOAA, ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, MSC UNION, MSC AGREE ON POSITION CONVERSION BOSUNS: INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER, SEAFARERS MUST GET THE JOB DONE GUILTY PLEAS ENTERED IN POLLUTION CASE INVOLVING FOC SHIP RETIRED OHIO LEGISLATOR CASEY JONES DIES AT 86 PRISON SENTENCE DELIVERED IN ALIEN SMUGGLING SUIT EPA CHARGES 2 ENGINEERS FROM PANAMANIAN-FLAGGED CAR CARRIER OMU CORTES' ASHES COMMITTED TO THE DEEP TEN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO SEAFARERS, DEPENDENTS AROUND THE PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO SEAFARERS AT SEA AND ASHORE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY - MAY 22, 2002 MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD IN THE HALLS OF CONGRESS SEAFARERS DELIVER DURING MAJOR SEALIFT 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 Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/1/2002 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. 64, No. 6 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3547314a906942bcf6596efddca8fc11.pdf 03d2a1204a3d759d6fa0e8dbc8e2fb06 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 7 July 2002 Congress Exa ·nes Dangers f FOCs To • National Sec r Panel Hears Worrisome Testimony Sea Reliance Joins SIU Fleet SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel addresses the Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine - part of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee - during a June 13 hearing that focused on flags of convenience (FOCs) and how they threaten America's security. Page 3. SIU Ships Assisi 'Enduring Freedom' Page& Barge Accident Renews Debate Page& Matson Orders Two Vessels Pagel Seafarers and SIU officials were among those celebrating the recent christening in New Orleans of the new tug Sea Reliance and its accompanying double-hulled barge 550-1. Together, the tug and the 550-1 form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel unit that transports clean oil products. Among those at the christening were SIU Pres. Michael Sacco (sixth from left), who was a featured speaker; SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel (fourth from left); SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (third from right); and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd (second from right). Page 3. Ro/Ro To Reflag U.S. Rear Adm. David Brewer (right), Commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi weren't the only ones smiling June 14 when MSC took operational control of the former U.S. Navy ship Arctic in Earle, N.J. The 753-foot vessel signifies many new jobs for members of the union's Government Services Division. Page 4. As the Log went to press, SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) was poised to announce the addition of a fifth U.S.-flag RO/RO to its fleet. This involves a foreign-flag vessel that will reflag under the Stars and Stripes as the company begins a new service between the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea this November. The reflagged vessel closely will resemble the one pictured here, according to the company. ARC noted that all five of its American-flag RO/ROs ''will be fully committed to the U.S. government's readiness program." �President's Report A Break In the Clouds Late in the year 2000, many of us stood in a downpour on Capitol Hill warning of the problems raining on our country because of runaway-flag shipping. Last month, the runoff from that protest finally drained into a Congressional hearing room. Because of these actions as well as many more involving the SIU and other maritime unions - and the war on terrorism - the light of publicity is finally shining through the dark clouds that have veiled the ugly truth behind flag-of-convenience shipping. On June 13, the Merchant Marine Panel of the Michael Sacco House Armed Services Committee held a hearing about flags of convenience and the risks they pose to United States national security. The hearing has generated interest far beyond the Capitol. It has gained attention in many parts of the U.S. and overseas, with news reports appearing almost daily from mid-June when the hearing took place. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) did an outstanding job in chairing the hearing. Anyone who supports a strong U.S.-flag fleetfor that matter, anyone who's concerned about national security should join me in thanking the congressman for his firm, fair and intelligent handling of the proceedings, which took nearly a full day. Credit also goes to U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and the other panel members in attendance for drawing out significant answers from the people who submitted testimony. U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (D-Va.), the first to testify, immediately set the tone with his convincing accounts of atrocities committed in Liberia - a nation whose cruel dictator benefits from FOC shipping. Later, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Dave Heindel, on behalf of our union and the International Transport Workers' Federation, provided insightful facts about runaway flags and strong recommendations on how to reduce their threat to America's security. Others who testified also delivered valuable information. Overall, the hearing potentially served as a vital first step toward consistently revealing true ownership throughout the shipping industry. In the meantime, the SIU and the ITF continue to urge Congress to pass a bill permitting the U.S. Coast Guard to deny entry to any foreign-flag ship that fails to accurately provide the identity of its beneficial owner. Given the constant threats being made against the U.S., it seems that's the very least that must be done. House Passes Port Security Bill; Conference Committee Appointed The U.S. House of Representatives on June 4 approved legislation that would establish a comprehensive national system to increase security at U.S. ports and waterways. Passed via voice vote, the Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002 contains provisions on automatic identification systems, transportation security cards (smart cards), and antiterrorism plans. The legislation is similar to a bill approved last December by the Senate. A House-Senate conference committee has been appointed to work out the differences. U.S. Rep. Don Young CR-Alaska), chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, introduced the legislation on behalf of the group's bipartisan leadership, including Reps. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), ranking Democrat on the Transportation Committee; Frank LoBiondo (RN.J.), chairman, Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee; and Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), ranking Democrat, Coast Guard Subcommittee. "Port security is an essential piece of an effective homeland security program," said Rep. Young. "This bill establishes a comprehensive national antiterrorism system to reduce the vulnerability of our ports and waterways to a terrorist attack. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation the House considers this year." "Passage of this bill by the House sends a clear message to everyone that we are taking strong steps to protect America's ports and waterways from terrorism and that Congress is committed to this mission," said Rep. LoBiondo. "I hope that we can see the provisions of this bill become law very soon because of the tremendous importance of the maritime transportation system to our economy and our nation." Under key sections of the legislation, the Coast Guard will have statutory authority to require that advance notices of vessels' arrival be electronically submitted at least 96 hours prior to arrival. It will have broad authority to deny entry of a vessel for non-compliance with laws relating to marine safety, security, or environmental protection. Additionally, transportation security cards would be required for individuals to enter an area of a vessel or facility designated as secure in an applicable antiterrorism plan. The secretary of transportation would be charged with issuing transportation security cards to individuals unless they pose a terrorism security risk. For U.S. citizens, this largely means denial of such a card if the person has been convicted of a felony that could be a terrorism security risk. For non-U.S. citizens, this means persons who would be denied admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act or otherwise pose a terrorism security risk. The secretary also would be charged with assessing the antiterrorism measures at major foreign ports with respect to such things as screening of containerized and other cargo, access restrictions, vessel security, certification of compliance with security measures, and security management. For foreign ports found to not maintain effective antiterrorism measures, the secretary would be authorized to prescribe conditions for entry into the U.S. of vessels arriving from the port or carrying cargo originating from or transshipped from that port. In another port security development, the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee is continuing its preparatory work for the diplomatic conference on maritime security that is to be conducted at IMO in December. Among the myriad items on the agenda designed to address maritime security, the most far-reaching is a proposed International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code which would be implemented through SOLAS. Coast Guard Strength Speaking of the Coast Guard, the agency already has taken a lot of important actions to improve security aboard the vessels entering and operating in the U.S. and in the ports themselves. As I've said before, it's a gigantic job and it necessarily will take time to fully implement the safeguards. The Coast Guard's efforts to date are commendable. When faced with such a large task, you obviously need the right tools. And the agency last month took a giant step in the right direction with the announcement of a milestone contract worth more than $11 billion for a fleet of new vessels and aircraft, along with improved "command and control" systems. The ships and planes and other high-tech equipment will help the Coast Guard fulfill its homeland security duties. The contract's value reflects the magnitude of those responsibilities, and the SIU as always - in our role as part of the nation's fourth arm of defense - will do our part to assist the Coast Guard in this most critical mission. SIU Job Opportunities Just as our union is committed to helping the United States meet its sealift and security requirements, we never stop working to obtain good shipboard jobs for the membership. On that front, there is plenty of good news, as reported throughout this issue of the LOG. After a tumultuous period that followed September 11, the Delta Queen boats are under contract. Seafarers are sailing aboard Intrepid's new Sea Reliance, and more of those ATBs are on the way. A new TOTE ship is due in October, and construction has begun on a second vessel. Matson has ordered two new vessels under construction at Philadelphia's Kvaerner Shipyard. The Government Services Division is crewing up a former Navy ship for the Military Sealift Command. And American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier late last month planned to announce the addition of a fifth U.S.-flag RO/RO to its fleet. Our future is bright. With the continued strong support of the membership, we will never stop working to ensure that it stays that way. Volume 64, Number 7 Former ATC 'Riding Gang' Workers Upgrade to AB Five mariners from Anchorage, Alaska who started their shipboard careers as "riding gang" workers aboard Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) vessels have earned their respective endorsements as ABs. Seafarers Jerry Maya, Allan Oyao, Fernando Oyao, Deocadio Romney and Rafael Concepcion recently completed the AB course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They were congratulated May 31 as the company hosted a luncheon in Anchorage that also was attended by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and representatives of the Alaska Department of Labor and the SIU. Harold Holten, a Seafarers representative based in An- chorage, noted that Rep. Young "has been very active with the riding crews and with the unlicensed apprentice program based at Piney Point. He also was instrumental in getting an SIU office opened in Anchorage." Bill Cole, ATC's director of labor relations, noted that the riding gangs in part signify "a nearly five-year-old effort to train Alaskans for employment aboard U.S. commercial vessels. We are delighted to have Alaskans as seagoing employees of ATC and are proud to further Congressman Young's vision of expanding local hire opportunities for Alaskans aboard U.S.-flag vessels. This is a true public/private/labor partnership that continues to achieve and surpass its July 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLfWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recognized five former riding-gang members who upgraded to ABs. Pictured at the May 31 luncheon in Anchorage, Alaska are (from left) ABs Jerry Maya and Fernando Oyao, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), ABs Deocadio Romney and Allan Oyao, SIU Rep Harold Holten and ATC Labor Relations Director Bill Cole. (Not pictured is AB Rafael Concepcion.) goals of providing quality maritime jobs for Alaskans." Created to satisfy the need for ongoing maintenance at sea, a riding gang provides routine upkeep and repairs of vessels to reduce time in dry dock. At the Paul Hall Center, the aforementioned mariners passed U.S. Coast Guard exams in lifeboat and water survival safety, marine fire fighting, first aid, oil spill response and other key subjects. Holten added, "We are particularly pleased with the cooperation received from the Coast Guard and the Alaska State Department of Labor in assuring these folks had the opportunity to pursue their training and career goals." Awards Presented To ATC Vessel, Other SIU Ships Alaska Tanker Company's BT Alaska was one of several SIUcrewed vessels honored last month by the Chamber of Shipping of America. The chamber presented its annual ship safety achievement awards June 6 in New Orleans. Awards are given for "outstanding feats of safety," such as rescues and long-term operations without any injuries. The BT Alaska has gone almost three years without a single lost-time injury. Also honored were (among others) the Consumer of CSX Lines, the tug Liberty/Maritrans 3 00 of Mari trans Operating Partners, the Performance of U.S. Ship 'Management, and the Chesapeake City of Keystone Shipping Co. July2002 �Congress Weighs FOG Threat The Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine - part of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee - conducted a hearing June 13 that focused on flags of convenience (FOCs) and how they threaten America's security. The panel also received detailed, disturbing evidence that the Liberian ship registry, which is based in Virginia, has funneled money for the illegal purchase and/or transportation of arms, among other violations of United Nations sanctions. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.) chaired the five-hour session, which drew a standing-room crowd for much of the proceedings. Testifying were (in order) U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.); U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Paul Pluta; U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel (left) tells the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee that America should "refuse entry to U.S. ports to any foreign-flag vessel that does not provide transparency and/or full identity of the vessel's beneficial owner." The hearing took place June 13 in Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.) said of certain FOC registries, "It is apparent that we have virtually no idea who owns or controls a number of these ships." Vines, former member of the U.N. panel of experts on Liberia, representing the New York-based Human Rights Watch; and the head of the Liberian registry, Yoram Cohen. As the hearing began, Hunter stated, "From my view of certain registries, it is apparent that we have virtually no idea who owns, or who controls a number of these ships. It is also clear to me that we likewise lack a clear understanding of who is manning these ves- The barge, which has a capacity of 155,000 barrels, is 500 feet long and 74 feet wide. It was constructed at Halter's Bienville yard in Pearlington, Miss. The 550-1 features an enhanced cargo system and a fully redundant ballast system, among other safety attributes. Tony Naccarato, for Intrepid, described the ATB as "completely state-of-the-art. This is an excellent addition and we look forward to many years of safe operations." William Schubert; David Heindel, SIU secretary-treasurer and second vice chairman of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF's) Seafarers' Section; Peter Morris, chairman, International Commission on Shipping; Alex Seafarers Welcome New Tug and Barge SIU members are sailing aboard the new tug Sea Reliance and its accompanying doublehulled barge 550-1, operated by Intrepid Ship Management. Together, the Sea Reliance and the 550-1 form an articulated tugbarge (ATB) tank vessel unit that transports clean oil products. The hinged connection system between the units "allows mo ement in one axi or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch," Intrepid noted. SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker during the ATB 's christening April 25 in New Orleans. "The tug Sea Reliance and the barge that goes with it both represent exactly the kind of progress we work for. Today we celebrate an allAmerican ATB-built in an American yard, crewed by American mariners, and owned by Americans," he stated. "This is another important step in strengthening all phases of the merchant marine," Sacco continued. "In order to best serve the national and economic security interests of the United States, our country deserves nothing less than a strong, viable U.S. fleet. That goes for all segments of the industry-from the deep sea and coast-wise trades, to the inland and Great Lakes fleets, to the passenger ships and of course our shipyards. All of those components are vital, especially in these uncertain times. That's why we never should take a ceremony like this one for granted." The 9,280-horsepower tug is 127 feet long and 42 feet wide. Built at Halter Marine's Moss Point (Miss.) yard, the Sea Reliance meets all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and American Bureau of Shipping criteria. It has a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel efficient, reduced emission electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry. Keel Laid for Second TOTE Ship ) SIU Pres. Michael Sacco (left photo) describes the Sea Reliance and the barge 550-1 (above) as "an all-American ATS-built in an American yard, crewed by America n mariners, and owned by Americans." sels - or even whether the documents they hold are valid - or even whether they have the required training." Although the inquiry mainly examined FOCs and their implications on U.S. national security, Hunter and Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.) spent nearly 90 minutes conducting a question-and-answer session with Rear Adm. Pluta and Capt. Schubert. Some of the questions pertained to FOCs, but many others concerned present-day efforts by the Coast Guard to ensure - to the extent possible security in American ports. Earlier, Rep. Wolf(R-Va.) gave a compelling presentation that spotlighted Charles Taylor and the atrocities committed in Liberia. Poster-size photos of Liberian children and adults with hackedoff limbs (part of that nation's reign of terror) were posted before the panel. Wolf urged the U.S. to do whatever is necessary to cause Taylor to lose his control of Liberia. He noted that Taylor's relationship with international arms dealers and terrorist networks threatens the U.S. The last panel consisted of Heindel, Morris, Vines and Cohen. Heindel urged Congress "on a unilateral basis to enact legislation authorizing the U.S. Coast Guard to refuse entry to U.S. ports to any foreign-flag vessel that does not provide transparency and/or full identity of the vessel's beneficial owner." Morris covered many topics including port state control, mariner certification and shipboard living conditions. He urged the U.S. to push for "complete transparency, complete account- Continued on p age 9 One of the new 712-foot Matson containerships is shown in this artist's rendition. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery to Matson in late 2003. The second is scheduled for 2004. Matson Orders 2 Containerships from Kvaerner San Diego's NASSCO Shipyard on June 6 hosted a keel-laying ceremony for the North Star, the second of two Orea-class rollon/roll-off vessels being built for SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). The new ships will be 839 feet long, have a beam of 118 feet and carry 600 cargo trailers along with 200 autos. They're being built for TOTE's Tacoma-to-Anchorage service. The first ship, the Midnight Sun, is scheduled for delivery this fall. The North Star (depicted in the illustration above) is due in spring 2003. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, August 19, k 2002 for the observance of Paul Hall's birthday f.)~t j,;(iJ/1/ess an emergency arises). Normal business , , ~ hours will resume the following workday. .. ·,.,\, ;\: July2002 Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company on May 29 signed a contract with Kvaemer Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. for the purchase of two new containerships. The diesel-powered vessels, with a capacity for 2,600 containers (20-foot equivalent units) each, will cost approximately $110 million per ship and will be deployed in the company's Hawaii service when construction is completed in late 2003 and in 2004, respectively. "This is an important commitment for all concerned, and I'm confident the unions of the SIUNA will continue living up to our end of the bargain by providing top-quality manpower for these new vessels," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. He added, "The construction of new vessels such as those ordered by Matson is a boon to America's national security, because it helps ensure the availability of U.S. crews and it also helps maintain our domestic shipbuilding capability." Matson President and CEO C. Bradley Mulholland said the new vessels "are similar in size and speed to Matson 's flagship MV R. J. Pfeiffer, the fastest and biggest containership currently operating in the U.S. domestic offshore trades. They will be equipped with a number of features specifically designed to meet Hawaii's current and projected market requirements, particularly bigger container sizes for both refrigerated and dry containers." In announcing the contract, Matson described the project as "part of an overall plan by Aker Kvaerner Yards, the Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corporation, the Delaware River Port Authority, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia to rebuild the former Philadelphia Naval Yard as a world class commercial shipyard." The president of CEO of the Philadelphia yard, Ron McAlear, stated, "We are pleased to be working with Matson Navigation on its fleet renewal program and we are proud to have the historic name of Matson on the side of the first ships built at K vaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. This contract confirms Matson's confidence in Kvaerner's ability to build high quality ships. "The Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard was built to provide U.S. shipowners with robust ships at realistic prices for the dedicated trades of the U.S. Jones Act," he continued. Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu. Seafarers LOG 3 �Government Services Division Welcomes USNS Arctic Mariners who work in the union's Government Services Division are in line for increased employment opportunities, thanks to the recent transfer of a fast combat ship to the operational control of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The USS Arctic on June 14 went from a military-crewed combatant ship to a civiliancrewed, noncombatant vessel during a ceremony in Earle, N.J. In addition to the transfer, the vessel was renamed USNS Arctic to designate her new status as part of the MSC. She will join more than 30 other civilian-crewed MSC ships that provide at-sea logistic support to the Navy fleet. Arctic now will be crewed by 176 civilian mariners and be piloted by a civilian master. Rounding out the crew will be some 60 Navy sailors-about half of who will perform communications support and supply coordination functions. The remaining sailors will be aboard the vessel to support helicopter operations. ''Today marks a change of operators for USS Arctic, but not a change of mission," said MSC Commander Rear Adm. David L. Brewer during remarks at the ceremony. "Military Sealift Command combat logistics ships continue to allow the U.S. Navy to arrive on station and remain as long as needed." In addition to Brewer, Rear Adm. Lindell G Rutherford, commander, Carrier Group Four, attended the ceremony. Both the Members of the union's Government Services Division are crewing the USNS Arctic for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. U. S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Michael P. Jackson, joined by U. S. Coast Guard Commandant Thomas H. Collins, announced June 25 the award of a landmark contract valued at $11.04 billion for a fleet of new ships and aircraft, plus improved command and control systems, to meet the service's homeland security and other mission needs. In addition, the contract includes $5.91 billion for operating, maintenance, and sustainment costs for a value of $16.95 billion. The contract was awarded to Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS), a joint venture established by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Known as the Deepwater Program, the ICGS award is the largest ever for the U. S. Coast Guard. It calls for the delivery of the first ships and planes - and upgrades to some existing vessels - within the next five years. The contract may extend up to 30 years. Deepwater will involve the acquisition of up to 91 ships, 35 fixed-wing aircraft, 34 helicopters, 76 unmanned surveillance aircraft, and upgrade of 49 existing cutters and 93 helicopters, in addition to systems for communications, surveillance and command and control. ew Pact for Twin River Artie is the second fast combat support ship to transfer from USS to USNS status. Supply was the first to make the change, in July 2001. This class of ship provides fuel, ammunition and food to vessels under way. CIVMAR News Habitability Agreement For USNS Arctic Similar to USNS Supply Coast Guard Launches Multi-Billion Dollar Plan For New Fleet of Ships, Aircraft and More SIU boatmen employed by Pittsburgh-area Twin Rivers Towing have approved a new five-year contract. The agreement took effect April 1 and lasts through May 2007. The pact calls for increased wages, improved medical benefits and some work-rule changes which the members had sought. The most significant change is one that facilitates advancement for the SIU boatmen. Also, for the first time, Twin Rivers has signed on with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. The union represents approximately 50 deckhands and cooks who work aboard Twin Rivers towboats and barges. The company, based in Elizabeth, Pa., hauls coal along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Representing the union on the negotiating committee were Deckhands J erry Switch and Brian Glover, Cook Marta Vance and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph outgoing commanding officer of Arctic, Navy Capt. Garry R. White, and its incoming civilian master, Capt. Ed Nanartowich, also participated in the ceremony, which was attended by numerous Seafarers and officials from the union. Prior to the CIVMAR crewing of the USS Arctic (now USNS Arctic), the union's Government Services Division negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) addressing habitability standards aboard the ship. The MOU is similar in many aspects to the agreement reached last year for the USNS Supply. All terms and conditions of the current collective bargaining agreement will remain in effect and MSC agrees to make every effort to address full habitability improvements within a reasonable timeframe. Until full habitability modifications are made aboard the USNS Arctic (which comply with prevailing maritime practices), MSC will pay habitability allowance at the rate of $30 to those mariners housed in the open berthing sections of the ship. The MOU provides that MSC take additional interim measures to ensure adequate living conditions aboard this vessel at all times. In addition, successful completion of a four-month tour will give an eligible C MAR the opportunity to request a preferential next-ship assignment. The union will continue to closely monitor the habitability conditions aboard the AOEclass vessels. In accordance with the agreement, we will ask the agency to meet at the end of every six-month period from the date of the transfer of the ship to MSC operation for the purpose of discussing ongoing habitability concerns. MSC, NOAA Members To Get July 1 Increase Federal mariners working for the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will receive the FY2002 federal pay increase of 4.8 percent applicable to base pay, overtime and penalty rates. In some cases, for certain ratings or types of ships, the increase will be capped at 4 percent. This is due to limitations imposed by 5 USC 5348. That section of the law provides that "the pay of officers and crews of vessels shall be fixed and adjusted from time to time as nearly as is consistent with the public interest in accordance with prevailing rates and practices in the maritime industry." The agencies have notified the union that it is expected that the increases will be r e t i payroll period, thereby avoiding long retroactive situations which have occurred in the past. Delta Queen Fleet Under Contract The SIU contingent for contract negotiations at Twin Rivers Towing consisted of (from left) VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Cook Marta Vance, Deckhand Jerry Switch and Deckhand Brian Glover. Soresi. Bargaining took place in March at the company's office in Elizabeth; voting occurred at the Twin Rivers pier in Elizabeth on May 25. The final tally was 37-11 in favor of the contract. Twin Rivers Labor Relations Manager Tony Mayer and General Manager Dean Orr negotiated for the company. Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation, particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school's apprentice program. To qualify for the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions, and includes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements, specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.erg. 4 Seafarers LOG A contract is in place between the SIU and the new owners of the Delta Queen fleet, Delaware North Companies Inc. The agreement adds five years to the existing contract that was set to expire in 2003. It includes wage and benefit gains. The pact applies to the river cruise boats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen (shown in two recent photos above) and American Queen. Delaware North purchased the well-known vessels May 4 at auction. July2002 �Ed Pulver, Veteran SIU Of I icial And Humanitarian, Dies at 78 The SIU on May 26 lost one had," stated SIU President of its icons, as Edward B. Pulver Michael Sacco. "He had so much passed away at Memorial Sloan- compassion for people. He went Kettering Cancer Center in New out of his way and devoted his York City, reportedly due to heart time to helping them achieve the American dream." failure. He was 78. "We've lost a great friend. Pulver's association with the union dates back more than 50 People loved him," said Willie years. He was a vice president of Zenga, retired vice president of the Seafarers International Union the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades ofNorth America since 1990, and Department. "We go back better he also headed the SIU's office in than 50 years together. He was one of the well-liked and very Jersey City, N.J. His activities were wide-rang- exceptional people." A New Jersey newspaper ing and repeatedly philanthropic. Pulver was the president and a described Pulver, who had been founding member of the Hudson hospitalized for about two weeks County (N .J.) Central Labor prior to his death, as "a towering Council, and served on the state figure in labor circles." A number of Pulver 's friends AFL-CIO executive board. He was extremely active in local said that he never recovered from charities and served for 16 years the trauma of losing a close as president of the Hudson acquaintance on September 11, County Society for the Pre- though he continued his work. vention of Cruelty to Animals. Pulver 's friend Ana Centeno He was a delegate to several worked as an accountant at the Democratic national conventions, World Trade Center and died in and he championed the local the terrorist attacks. Filipino and Hispanic communi'Loved the SIU' ties (though he wasn't of Filipino SIU Executive Vice President or Hispanic descent). John Fay said Pulver was "a Pulver, a native of Jersey City who lived in Bayonne, N.J. for strong union guy, and he was the past 35 years, began sailing in devoted to the SIU. He loved the the 1940s on railroad tugs in the SIU. He tried to help everybody, New York/New Jersey harbor. He and I never heard anyone say became active in the SIU when anything unkind about him." Bosun Tom Soresi has been a the fleet he helped organize elected to affiliate with the organiza- Seafarer for 41 years, and he knew Pulver nearly that long. tion's Inland Boatman's Union. "He was one of the greatest "He was always a powerful influleaders this organization ever ence on the politics and labor .,..........,.....,..---------------. organ i z at i o n s throughout New Jersey," Soresi recalled. "He was a pleasure to work with and he never refused helping anyone." Soresi added that Pulver "helped get NY Waterway off the ground." The SIUcontracted company, founded in 1986, boasts the largest ferry and excursion fleet in New York Harbor. SIU Vice President In 1982, Pulver (right) is congratulated by Contracts Augie TelCharles Marciante, president of the New lez first worked with Jersey state AFL-CIO, for receiving the Pulver on the Hudson Jewish National Fund's top award. County Central Labor Above: Pulver (left) attended a recent ceremony in New York for the christening of new passenger ferries for the SI Li-contracted NY Waterway fleet. With him are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco; Joseph Soresi, vice president Atlantic Coast; and Don Nolan, vice president Paul Hall Center. Right: At a rally in Jersey City in late 1999, Pulver (second from left) demonstrated with Seafarers and other trade unionists. July2002 SUPPORTS LOC..Al ~ 24S- ~=.?-- SUPPORTS This undated photo, believed to be from the early 1960s, shows Pulver during his days as an official with the union's railroad marine division. Council and the New Jersey state AFL-CIO, when Tellez was a vice president of that organization. "I saw him in action, and I saw the respect and credibility that the labor movement got because of him," Tellez observed. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi worked with Pulver on matters pertaining to NY Waterway. "He was very well-respected, politically and within the labor movement," Soresi said. "I knew him more on the political circuit and personally than through the SIU. He was the greatest guy in the world and would do anything for you. Anybody who's been knighted, as Ed was, obviously has a lot going for him." SIU Headquarters Representative Carl Peth said Pulver's "way with people is what stands out. He cared about people and was able to talk to anybody on their level. As they used to say about (the late SIU President) Paul Hall, he could talk to the senator or the seaman." Pulver was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during World War II. He raised money for Memorial SloanKettering and for children fighting cancer, as well as for local scholarship funds and other charitable causes. While he appropriately was known for his compassion and energy, Pulver also had an unusual trademark of sorts. "He would never wear a tie," recalled Zenga. "He'd come out wearing a tuxedo but no tie." One of the very rare exceptions took place earlier this year in New Jersey, when Pulver introduced Sacco as an honoree at an event benefiting a local chapter of the Catholic Youth Organization. Pulver is survived by five daughters, two brothers, 10 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Unions Approve Strategy To Fund Political Action The AFL-CIO 's general board has approved a proposal to finance future political efforts by increasing the amount of money paid to th~ federation by its member umons. Under the plan, approved May 22 in New York during meetings of the federation's executive council, costs incurred for union member education, voter registration and mobilization around legislative and political issues all would be funded via an assessment paid by each union, based on its membership count, through 2005. The additional amount due will be four cents per month per member; it is up to each union to determine how it will cover the obligation. The assessments, scheduled to become effective this month, would generate more than $6 million per year based on the federation's membership of 13 million. In excess of $25 million would be generated over the life of the proposal. "What this money does essentially is allow working families to compete in a political process that they would otherwise be completely shut out of," explained Steve Rosenthal, AFL-CIO political director. "There is no other voice for workers in the legislative and political process." Over the last six years, the unions of the AFL-CIO have built an issues-based member mobilization program that is unparalleled in our nation, federation sources say. Members and their families have been educated and mobilized around the everyday issues that matter the most to them. Millions of union workers have been registered, thousands of union members have been elected to political office, and the overall vote of union household members has increased from 19 percent in 1992 to 26 percent in 2000-an upsurge of nearly 5 million voters. Federation sources point out that the foregoing gains have been achieved despite a growing cash gap between corporate and worker political contributions. In 1992, for example, big business outspent unions 9 to 1. By 2000, business political spending outpaced unions 15-1. In essence, this means that in a political arena where the playing field increasingly is being tilted toward big business and the very rich, working families have to work harder and smarter just to be heard. "The legislative process must not be a one-sided affair, with corporate interests calling all the shots," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in the aftermath of the general board's action. "This commitment by today's unions guarantees that working families will have a voice in politics." Houston Barge Co. Pleads Guilty To Pollution The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reported that Western Towing Co. of Houston pleaded guilty on May 16 to violating the Clean Water Act. According to the EPA, Western Towing (a subsidiary of Kirby Corporation) used river water to pressure-wash the cargo compartments of barges used to transport steel products, grain, gravel, sand, fertilizer and gypsum. The company had authorization to discharge treated wastewater into the San Jacinto River-but it didn't perform the treatments. The EPA noted that "discharging untreated barge-cleaning wastewater into surface waters can harm fish and aquatic life and can make river waters unsuitable for recreational and drinking water usage." Western Towing faces a fine of up to $500,000. Not Quite Sealed With A Kiss, But 44-Day Hershey Strike Ends Union members at two Hershey Foods Corp. plants in Pennsylvania last month overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract, ending a 44-day work stoppage that largely centered on the costs of health insurance and prescription drugs. The 2,700 employees-all members of Chocolate Workers Local 464, part of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union (BCTGM)-voted by a 9-to-l ratio in favor of the contract. The pact calls for workers to receive a $525 bonus and yearly pay raises of 46 cents an hour in the first year, 2.7 percent in the second year, 38 cents in year three, and 2.9 percent in year four. In exchange for keeping their insurance co-payments at 6 percent-rather than doubling them, as the company had wanted-the workers accepted lesser raises. Reportedly, they will receive (on average) $1.88 per hour in raises through four years, compared to $2.07 they would have gotten by accepting the costlier insurance payments. Currently, the average wage at the plant is approximately $18 an hour. The union also won the inclusion of more workers in the companyfinanced retiree health plan, and kept employee co-payments for generic drugs at zero. BCTGM International Vice President Bob Oakley, the union's lead negotiator, praised the members for their solidarity and also stated that they reached their goals. "We believe we accomplished what the people's marching orders were," he said. Union members started returning to work almost immediately after the contract ratification. Plans called for all of the workers to be back on the job by late last month. The strike was the first at Hershey Foods since 1980 and was the longest stoppage in the company's 108-year history. The two plants in Hershey, Pa., a town named for business pioneer and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey, account for slightly more than one-fourth of the company's candy production. Hershey brands include Hershey's Kisses chocolates, Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars, Jolly Rancher candy, Reese's peanut butter cups, York peppermint patties and many others. Seafarers LOS 5 �Deadly Barge Crash Renews Concerns A marine accident in late May involving a non-union barge and a bridge-which left 14 people dead in Webbers Falls, Okla.has refueled the debate regarding inland mariner fatigue and, to a lesser extent, documentation and the lack of it among mariners employed aboard inland tugs and tows. The barge (actually two barges joined together), being pushed by towboat pilot William Joe Dedmon, veered off course during the early morning hours of May 27. It struck a pier supporting the Interstate 40 Bridge on the Arkansas River, causing a 500foot section of the structure to Several vehicles collapse. plunged into the water and took 14 people to their deaths. Each year, more that 1,000 casualties occur in the inland tug and barge industry, many of them caused by human error. Dedmon apparently blacked out during the incident, according to news reports, causing the barge to drift outside the navigation channels and hit the bridge. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found that Dedmon had not slept sufficiently in the two days prior to the collision. Other medical tests revealed that the pilot suffered from heart problems. Mariner fatigue is a key issue confronting the inland industry. Another is documentation. While all American mariners employed in the deep-sea trades are required to be documented by the Cost Guard, many of the 30,000 people employed aboard inland tugs and barges are not. About 10 years ago, the SIU unveiled a study which showed that 58 percent of all marine accidents in the tug and barge industry are caused by human factors-inadequate crewing levels, substandard skills, poor training opportunities, fatigue and drug or alcohol use. A similar picture was painted later in the decade when the International Maritime Organization focused on the entire international maritime industry. The Coast Guard increased the 58 percent figure to the 85 percent mark in the wake of the Oklahoma incident. Contrasting conditions faced by mariners in the tug and barge industry with those encountered by the deep-sea U.S. Merchant Marine, the SIU found "civilian mariners with Cost Guard documents are less susceptible to injury and death than men and women working aboard tugs and tows who don't meet such standards." The issues raised by the Oklahoma incident are significant from many perspectives - marine and personal safety, environmental protection and national security. The U.S. has more than 25,000 miles of navigable waterways. Latest Technology Appears Promising For Cargo Security Groundbreaking technology to better secure cargo containers entering ports and border crossings throughout the United States successfully has been tested, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Conducted under the auspices the DOT's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program, the experiment involved the use of electronic seals CE-Seals), a radio frequency device that transmits shipment information as it passes reader devices and indicates if a container has been compromised. The E-Seal project is designed to track commercial inbound container shipments from their point of inspection at seaports, along trade corridors, to their point of clearance at U.S. land border crossings, a DOT new release said. Electronic door seals will enable regulatory agencies to determine whether a container has been tampered with at checkpoints and border crossings. Further, the technology can streamline border clearance activities and commercial vehicle enforcement and offer potential benefits to freight carriers including greater accuracy in manifest information, reduced paperwork, improved port and Customs clearances, and opportunities for shipment tracking. "This new technology will help to enhance the security of our nation's transportation system by enabling us to track cargo 6 Seafarers LOG shipments into the United States," DOT Secretary Norman Mineta said June 4 in announcing the successful results of the trials. "E-Seals are just one part of our department's security-focused program that applies both technology and human capital to safeguard America's transportation system." The secretary said the test represents his department's ongoing commitment to make certain that suitable security safeguards can be implemented for the transportation of people and goods, and especially for shipping containers during domestic and international movements. The E-Seals trial involved cargo containers loaded with inbound shipments of auto parts to a Canadian assembly plant. The E-Seals were affixed by Westwood Shipping to containers in Nagano, Japan, shipped through the port of Seattle, and cleared by U.S. and Canadian Customs at the international border crossing in Blaine, Wash. Among agencies and firms participating in the E-Seal project were the Customs Service, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Trucking Association, and the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. In addition to Westwood Shipping, Seafarers-contracted Maersk-Sealand and American President Lines also participated in the operational test. AP Photo!The Daily Oklahoman, Nate Billings A 500-foot section of collapsed roadway, from the Interstate 40 Bridge near Webbers Falls, Okla. rests on one of the two barges that crashed into the structure May 27. Union Mourns Passing of Robert Jordan Longtime Mobile, Ala. port official Robert Jordan passed away May 23 while an inpatient at Providence Hospital in Mobile. He was 81 years old. Brother Jordan joined the Seafarers as a charter member in 1938 in his native Mobile. His book number was JOOO 1. A member of the engine department, Brother Jordan sailed in the deep sea division. While at sea, he worked as a fireman, oiler and watertender. Among the vessels on which he sailed early in his SIU career were the S.S. Lebore, Alcoa Cadet, Alcoa Master, and the Hastings. "I first met him in 1981 when I started working here," said SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. "I can honestly say that he was one of the good guys here when I came aboard. Robert and my father sailed together back in the old days and I understand that he was quite a mariner. "I never heard anything said negative about him as a patrolman," Kelly continued. "All of the retirees that I have dealt with here at the hall held him in the highest esteem, I'm sure all the Brother Robert Jordan April 18, 1921 - May 23, 2002 retirees and the union as a whole will miss him a great deal." Pensioner Hubert Cain recalled the efficient manner in which Jordan went about his everyday business as a Seafarer. "He was an old-timer here," Cain, a Mobile resident, shared. "He worked with all the SIU's former presidents and knew them quite well. Robert was a real tough guy in a lot of ways, but you had to be that way back in the old days to deal with the seamen. Not many of them gave him any trouble." Cain added, "On the flip side, he was a real fair person, strictly SIU all the way. He'd go down to the ships and take care of everything the members needed. As far as I'm concerned, he was a great man for the SIU and I' 11 miss him a great deal." Tobe Dansley, another SIU retiree who frequents the Mobile hall, had similar memories of Jordan. "I first met him around 1959 and as I recall, he already was a patrolman. Robert was a man who would go to bat for you, especially if you had a beef. You could always count on him to come down to the ships and fight for you, to get your overtime if you had any coming, as well as take care of any other problems you had. "All of us around the all here will miss him," ans ey cone uded. "He was a fine, dedicated SIU man who always looked out for the members." Brother Jordan was buried May 25 at Mobile's Pine Crest Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Mobile, Ala., and seven children. Brother Jordan had 26 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. DOT Plans New Ballast Water Regulations Vessels that operate in U.S. waters by the year 2004, in all probability, will face mandatory ballast water management regulations. A recent U.S Coast Guard report to Congress by Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta concluded that existing ballast water management guidelines- which are voluntary-aren't as effective as they should be. Because of this inadequacy, the U.S. Department of Transportation, acting through the Coast Guard, plans to implement mandatory regulations by 2004, if not earlier. Published reports say the transportation secretary estimates that a proposed rulemaking for the transition from the current laissez-faire system to a compulsory program will be issued in late 2003, with the final completed package in place by the summer of 2004. The government's decision to implement a nationwide mandatory program greatly was influenced by the alarmingly low level of compliance to reporting requirements by vessel operators under the existing system. By language contained in the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, Mineta is required to submit a report to Congress that evaluates compliance with the voluntary guidelines that exist to prevent the introduction and spread of nonindigenous species in U.S. waters through ballast water operations. The transportation secretary's review of all pertinent data led him to conclude that the consistently low rate of vessel reporting makes it unfeasible to access compliance under voluntary guidelines. The move toward mandatory regulations enjoys broad-based support from a number of maritime agencies including the Transportation Institute, which in late May filed comments with the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and Water Resources and the Environment. In short, the remarks reiterated the institute's position that the United States must develop a mandatory national ballast water management program. Such a program, it was pointed out, should integrate specific ballast water practices, including exchange as well as alternative technologies after they have been tested aboard ship and ultimately approved by the Coast Guard. The institute also urged that the national ballast water management program prohibit individual state initiatives that could impose negative influences on marine transportation and hinder the free movement of waterborne commerce. According to Mineta's report, the Coast Guard initially will develop regulations requiring all vessels equipped with ballast tanks entering U.S. waters from beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or vessels engaged in the U.S. domestic trades, to perform appropriate record keeping and reporting. The agency also will issue regulations requiring vessels equipped with ballast tanks that enter U.S. waters after operating beyond the EEZ to conduct active ballast water management. Among other steps, the Coast Guard also will enforce sanctions established in the National Invasive Species Act for failing to comply with the program's requirements, and continue efforts to establish a quantitative ballast water treatment performance standard; protocols for testing, verifying and reporting on ballast water treatment technologies; and a program to facilitate experimental shipboard installation and operation of promising ballast water treatment technologies. July2002 �Alaska Student Chris Eubanks Gets Paul Hall Center Grant SEA Link, Inc. recently announced that Ketchikan (Alaska) High School senior Chris Eubanks has been selected as the first recipient of The William A. Lund Memorial Scholarship to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. "The $5,000 scholarship will cover travel costs and other personal expenses related to Chris' admission. to this natio~ally rec?gnized maritime training program that provides youth with the skills needed to work aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels and guarantees each successful graduate a job in the private sector merchant marine," the company noted. Only individuals who qualify for Workforce Investment Act grants currently receive financial aid toward training at the Paul Hall Center. Though Eubanks is not eligible for state funds, The William A. Lund Memorial Scholarship will enable him to attend. "We work with a lot of kids, some of whom don't qualify for the WIA funding, and it is hard to turn them away," stated Ralph Mirsky, SEA Link executive director. "We are extremely grateful and delighted to be able to offer this opportunity." Eunice Severson of Ketchikan created the scholarship in memory of her son, William Lund, a merchant mariner. The Wi~liam A. Lund Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually with SEA Link, lnc.-affiliated youth as the beneficiaries. Scholarships will be awarded only to students from the Ketchikan, Alaska area. Chris Eubanks, son of Bob and Lori Eubanks of Ward Cove, Ketchikan, maintained a 3.5 grade point average and played baseball for Ketchikan High School. "I almost passed up this opportunity because I knew I could not pay for the school," Chris said. He is expected to begin his studies this September. . SEA Link, Inc., in partnership with the Seafarers International Union, utilizes state grant funds to recruit qualified indivi~uals for training at the Paul Hall Center. The state grant to SEA Link,. I~c. helps cover the cost of transportation to the Maryland fac1hty, clothing, and pre-entry medical screening. There is no tuition, and additional program costs are funded by U.S.-flag shipping companies. Upon arrival at the training facility, Chris will undergo 12 weeks of seamanship training, 90 days of hands-on training aboard a US.flag merchant marine vessel, and five ad~ition~l w~e~s of cl~s~­ room and hands-on learning. After completmg his trammg, Chris is guaranteed assignment aboard a U.S.-flag vessel. a Innovator Rescues Family Adrift on Disabled Boat The SIU-crewed Innovator on May 20 came to the aid of a recreational boater, his wife and daughter and their pet on the high seas. Life's Dream, a privately owned sailboat, departed Honolulu May 3 for the West Coast. Initially, the vessel was destined for San Diego. Several days into the voyage, though, Harvey Owen (the boat's owner) changed course and headed to San Francisco. On May 17, the boat met with misfortune and consequently was left with a broken rudder and fouled propeller. Life's Dream was seriously distressed and adrift in a position 3 8 degrees north and 134 degrees west. The vessel remained in this condition for three days. Meanwhile, Owen sent out a call for help and did what he could to keep the other occupants in his boat calm. Those inhabitants included his wife, Krista Steele; their 11-year-old daughter, Fantaysia; and a kitten. Four hours after being informed of Life's Dream's dilemma, the Innovator arrived and quickly conducted safe, efficient rescue operations. Gulf Mariner Urges Senate To Probe Anti-Worker Cases In testimony before a U.S. Senate committee looking into the obstacles facing workers who want to form labor unions, Capt. Eric J. Vizier of Lafourche Parish, La. on June 20 asked Congress to investigate the collu- ain and Crew Aid Injured Seal arer f 'When fello~ crevl inate is injured, the speed with which care is rendered can often mean the difference between life and a severe or fatal injury. A recent incident aboard the Performance was a case in point, and the following note from the ship's crew members attest to the quick thinking and concern of those in charge. "Undocking in the port of Algeciras, Spain, one of our union brothers, Greg T. Johnson, was injured while casting a tug line off. "The second mate, Steve Roberto, quickly reported the accident to the bridge. Immediately, Captain J. Jackson asked the second mate to have someone guide Mr. Johnson to the bridge. When Mr. Johnson arrived, the captain and chief mate, Dana Ramsdell, performed a quick examination. "There was no doubt Mr. Johnson needed shoreside medical attention. In the meantime, I witnessed bridge team management and ship handling skills by Captain Jackson, the likes that I've never seen in my 3 1 years at sea. "The vessel was outbound in Algeciras channel. The captain was able to handle Algeciras traffic control, pilots, agents and the vessel manager on the radio and telephone while calmly guiding the vessel r Thanks to the superb efforts of the crew aboard the USSM vessel, all souls were secured. SIU members aboard the Innovator during the rescue were: Bosun Steve Kastel, ABs Maintenance Gheorghe Savencu and Ed Lusk, Watch ABs James Morgan, Incencio Roxas and Joe Salcido (who was at Innovators helm as she approached the distressed vessel), Electrician Chris Earhart, QMED Charles Kirksey, DEU Benny Cruz, SB Pepe Bayani, Chief Cook Mostafa Loumrhari, Stewart Utility Fernando Onativia and Unlicensed Apprentice Michael Fernandez. Bob Lamb of the MM&P captains the Innovator. He had high praise for members of his crew and congratulated them on a job well done during the rescue. The captain's accolades were echoed by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez who, in a letter to the Innovators ship chairman, wrote, "We wish to commend the crew who participated in the rescue of the persons aboard the sailboat Life s Dream. Had it not been for the rescue efforts, the incident would have been a nightmare." out of the approach and into safe water, alt the while instructing officers and crew what they needed to do to get Mr. Johnson off the vessel safely. "The crew wishes to thank everyone involved, especially Captain Jackson, for his professionalism and consideration for Mr. Johnson's welfare." The note was signed by Bosun Jimmie L. Scheck, AB Charles B. Collins and the rest of the crew aboard the USSM vessel. Crew members aboard the Performance are proud of the way Captain Jackson rallied around their injured shipmate. sive anti-worker practices confronting maritime workers in the Gulf of Mexico's offshore oil sector. "Come to South Louisiana. Talk to the parties involved. Together, let's figure out a way that mariners in South Louisiana can win their rights-their rights to freedom of association and freedom of peech," Vizier told members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Vizier's call came after detailing his harrowing experience with Guidry Brothers Towing Co. of Galliano, La. Vizier and other union supporters at the company were threatened, harassed and dismissed from their positions because of their pro-union activities, according to his testimony. Further, anti-worker boat owners throughout the Gulf of Mexico have engaged in a coordinated attack on the rights of mariners to form a union, he said. "Mariners in the Gulf of Mexico need a union to improve working conditions on the boats and to allow for a better quality of life at home," Vizier added. Anti-worker attacks from Guidry and others began in earnest when Vizier and other Reminder: STCW Basic Safety Training Is Renewable Via Sea Service As previously reported, the U.S. Coast Guard late last year confirmed a change in the way mariners may meet the requirements for renewing STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), a key component of the amended STCW convention . According to National Maritime Center Policy Letter No. 12-01, "A mariner who has met the requirements for initial competency in BST and who is actively serving on seagoing ships will be considered as having demonstrated continuing competence in BST provided he or she completes at least one year of sea service within the past five years. This five-year period is a running calendar in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the critical date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service. "To determine the critical date," the letter continues, "review the mariner's sea service starting with the current date and go backward in time until one year of sea service is counted. The period of validity for continuing competence in BST is then five years from the date where the mariner has completed one year of sea service. For example, if on 1 October 2001, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 2000, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST July2002 through 31 May 2005. "Using similar dates, if on 1 October 2001 a mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 1996, then the BST would have been valid until 31 May 2001. Because 31 May 2001 has passed (today's date in this example is 1 October 2001 ), the mariner has not retained competency in BST." The policy letter also notes that the "critical date" mentioned above will advance as a mariner continues serving on a seagoing vessel. Additionally, Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs) may accept discharges or sea-service letters "prepared in accordance with current standards" as proof of sea service. If a mariner cannot prove one year of sea service within the past five years, then he or she must complete a U.S. Coast Guard approved or accepted course "approved for revalidation of BST," such as the STCW curriculum available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Despite the fact that the policy letter is dated Oct. 31, 2001, its contents had been under legal review beyond that date. The agency in early December confirmed the policy change. Guidry Brothers employees began working with Offshore Mariners United (OMU), a union federation for maritime workers in the Gulf of Mexico offshore oil service industry. OMV- which is a federation of the unions American Maritime Officers (AMO), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA), and Seafarers International Union (SIU)-is devoted to improving the working conditions of Gulf mariners through collective action in the workplace. Joining Vizier in Washington last month were Capt. Mark Cheramie, a former Guidry mariner, and Capt. Mike Cheramie (no relation), who serves with Trico Marine Services Inc. of Houma, La. The three mariners met with government officials for detailed discussions of anti-worker practices in the offshore service vessel industry. "One of the things I told the senators and staff was that Trico Marine is another company that is actively working against the right of mariners to form a union," Mike Cheramie said. "For two years, Trico mariners have been subjected to threats and intimidation from the company. The company has even fired two captains for supporting the OMU. We have had enough and we demand the right to make a choice for ourselves whether we want union representation. We believe it is our right to make a choice without having to put up with threats from Trico managers." All three mariners participated in a number of events organized as part of the AFL-CIO's Voice@Work month. OMU and its many supporters joined tens of thousands of workers around the country who are exposing employer interference with the freedom to choose a union and to celebrate the efforts of workers who organize despite the odds. Seafarers LOG 7 �- - - - -- -- - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - Cornhusker State Returns to Virginia After Supporting 'Enduring Freedom' The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently reported that the SIU-crewed Cornhusker State arrived May 1 at Newport News, Va. following six months deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Cornhusker State, a crane ship, was activated from the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) to support U.S. operations in Afghanistan. MSC reported that the vessel moved 595 20-foot "container equivalents" and 650 square feet of equipment while activated. The ship was on site to augment the ammunition stores already available in Diego Garcia aboard another SIU-crewed vessel, the prepositioning ship Maj. Bernard F Fisher. According to MSC, the Fisher off-loaded 373 ammunition containers in late October in Diego Garcia to support U.S . Air Force planes involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. Further, yet another Seafarerscrewed ship, the ammunition vessel AJC William H Pitsenbarger, joined the aforementioned ships in Diego Garcia on Feb. 15 with 655 ammunition containers and roughly 300 additional containers to replace the Fishers off-loaded ammunition. Finally, the Cornhusker State in early March assisted the SIUcrewed containership Maersk Alaska, whose cranes had been removed for an exercise. The Cornhusker State moved 139 ammunition containers to its decks from the Maersk Alaska, then loaded 78 containers of retrograde ammunition from shore depots in Diego Garcia to the Maersk Alaska. The RRF is a fleet of76 militarily useful ships maintained in reduced operating status by the U.S. Maritime Administration near potential load ports around the country. When activated, these civilian-crewed ships come under the operational control of MSC. The Cornhusker State was activated last November to transport and provide floating storage for ammunition to sustain the war effort. MSC, the ocean transportation provider for the U.S. Department of Defense, operates about 110 ships daily around the world. MSC ships preposition equipment and supplies near potential hot spots around the globe; provide at-sea logistics to support the Navy fleet; serve as seagoing platforms for special missions; and provide surge sealift of military equipment and supplies in wartime and peacetime. Cape Horn Crew Cites Commendable Work In Dreadful Conditions Editors note: This article and an accompanying photo were submitted by the crew of the Cape Horn. On March 30, 2002 at about 5:45 in the morning, the NMU crew members of the MIV Cape Horn were awakened by the ship's general alarm. It was reported that there was a fire in the engine room. Bosun Rafael "Ray" Aviles and Chief Officer Tim Bohan went down to assess the fire. The deck, engine and steward departments already were "on station" to perform their duties. The fire was put out with the ship's C02 system. Two of our crew members, Chief Mate Bohan and I st Asst. Engineer Phil Hellesto, went below to inspect the engine room, and they both succumbed to smoke inhalation. A distress call was broadcast. The Seafarers-crewed Matson ship SS Maui arrived within hours with her flag at half-mast to honor our fallen brothers. She stood by until the USNS Shasta (crewed by members of the union's government services division) came to our aid. The Shasta brought on board drinking water, fire fighting equipment and towing tools that the bosun had requested (since the Cape Horn wasn't equipped with such tools). The Shasta also Above: The USNS Shasta, pictured from the Cape Horn, assisted by providing towing tools and more. At right: Cape Hom crew members prepare to rendezvous with the USNS Shasta. B Seafarers LOG The Cornhusker State (top) supported America's war against terrorism. The prepositioning vessels Maj. Bernard F. Fisher (below left) and A 1C William H. Pitsenbarger also have been utilized. assisted with hooking up the tow. We want to thank Chief Steward Clark Williams for a job well done and also the chief engineer (Alan Currie) and his entire engine-room staff for their outstanding performance m fighting the fire. Thanks also to Bosun Aviles and the deck crew, with the help of USNS Shasta personnel, for rigging a safe tow and transferring the two fallen crew members to the Shasta. Most of all, a great thanks to our skipper for keeping everything under control from the very beginning. Unlicensed personnel aboard the Cape Horn when these incidents occurred were Bosun Aviles, ABs Robert Brown, Dewayne Lawrence, Carlos Cabezas, Randolph Blanchette and Luvertis Alford; GVAs Mohamed Ali and Jose Macadaan; Electrician Louis Santiago; Oilers Bernard Fanuncial, Eddie Harrison and Jesse Hankins; Wiper Avery Askew; Chief Steward Williams; Chief Cook Bonnie Agno; and Utilities Edison Inuman and James Donkor. Notice - NMU Plans The following information was submitted to the LOG by Silt Dennis, administrator of he MU Benefit Plans. NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN During 2001 the Trustees approved several amendments to the Plan: 1. Qualified participants received a 2% increase in accrued pension benefits as of December 31, 2001. Coupled with two previous 2% increases and the 10% adjustment in 1997, the long-term pension benefits for the membership have improved signifi~n~y. 2. Future retrrees wiU benefif greatly by the amendment approved by the Trustees that eliminates the limitation on the number pension credits a seafarer may earn. Effective January 1, 2001, pension credits are not limited at all. NMU WELFARE PLAN There were six amendments to the NMU Welfare Plan in 2001. The first two were significant changes. The other four were more for administrative expediency: 1. Our disability program was redesigned to provide our disabled seafarers with an orderly transition to Social Security benefits. Since Social Security Disability Income is available after 6 months and Medicare after 24 months, we reduced the disability period from 60 months to 29 months and put the seafarer in a position to receive income and medical coverage for the full length of his or her disability. 2. Due to the ever-increasing costs of prescription medicines, it was necessary to increase the co-payment amount. This increase can be offset, somewhat, by accepting generic drugs. 3. The exclusion from coverage of the drug, Viagara, was continued through July 31, 2002. 4. Language in the regulations regarding ambulance facilities was ambiguous. This amendment simply clarifies the language. 5. At the suggestion of our auditors, the Trustees must now authorize all claims obligated or incurred outside the United States, its possessions, commonwealths or the Republic of Panama. 6. The Trustees have authorized the NMU Welfare Plan to pay all ISOV claims. NMU VACATlON PLAN The sole amendment to the NMU Vacation Plan in 2001 resulted from the merger with SIU. Trustees of both unions have approved a reciprocity amendment that enables seafarers to combine their NMU time with their SIU time to qualify for vacation benefits. This notice contains important benefits information for mariners covered under the NMU Pension, Welfare and Vacation Plans. If you encounter difficulties in understanding this notice, it can be explained to you in Spanish. This assistance can be provided in person at the Plans principal office, located 360 West 31st Street, Third Floor, New York, New York 1001 or can be obtained by contacting a Plans representative at any branch office. The branch office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also write or call. Letters written in Spanish should be mailed to the Plans office in New York. Telephone calls requesting assistance in Spanish should be directed to the Plans office in New York whose telephone number is 1-212-337-4900 or by calling the tolf free number 1-888-424-4949. July2002 �FDCThreat Continued from page 3 ability" in ownership. He said it is realistic to set and enforce tough standards. Vines went into detail about Liberia's refusal to cooperate with various United Nations sanctions and inquiries. Speaking of FOCs, Vines said, "They offer a high level of corporate secrecy and are easy to obtain. Some flags appear to be particularly inviting for illicit arms trade networks." Following are some additional highlights of the testimony, in order of presentation. Full transcripts are available on the internet at http://www.house.gov/hasc/sch edules/2002 .html. 'ft Should Be Shut Down' Focusing on the atrocities committed in Liberia and the funding role of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), Rep. Wolf stated, "It is critical that we are able to guarantee that the Liberian flag registry revenues are transparent and are going toward the needs [of] the people of Liberia, who have suffered so much. If we cannot guarantee this, it should be shut down." He submitted several reports for the official record, and declared that they "lead to one conclusion in the past the Liberian-flag registry has been implicated in contributing to the continued reign of Charles Taylor, the leader one of the most brutal, murderous and dangerous regimes in the world. In short, there is blood on the flag." Beyond the humanitarian concern, Rep. Wolf concluded, "the links between al Qaeda and other international terrorist activity and Charles Taylor put this entire matter U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) in a new light. We need a guarantee that Charles Taylor can no longer exploit this resource. A financial relationship no longer just supports a brutal African dictator causing misery for a far away people; it tacitly supports a terrorist organization dedicated to the destruction of the United States." maritime homeland security." He added, "The massive flow of people and goods across our maritime borders helps fuel our economy, but also serves as a potential conduit for terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. As an open society, our nation's harbor complexes are accessible to thousands of maritime workers and ships from all corners of the world. The challenge we face today is balancing the security and economic needs of our country. "This can only be done by filtering out potential terrorist activities from a massive steam of legitimate commerce. A key in meeting this challenge is better awareness of the cargo entering the country and the people who own, operate and service the thousands of vessels enter- 'Significant Challenge' The agency's assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection, Rear Adm. Pluta noted that "with more than 7,500 foreign-flag ships originating from 92 different flag States making approximately 51,000 port calls annually, the United States faces a significant challenge. There are two areas of concern - vessel safety and 'You Work For A Murderer' U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter has a way of cutting straight to the heart of the matter. He repeatedly did so during last month's hearing on FOCs, but never more memorably than near the end of the lengthy inquiry. Speaking directly to Yoram Cohen, CEO of the Liberian ship registry, Hunter said, "You work for a guy (Liberia President Charles Taylor) who's a murderer." Hunter also said, in response to Cohen's assertions that the U.S. could depend on Liberian-flagged ships in times of crisis, "I'd think it's a sad day for the U.S. if we're depending on Liberia for our security." Defining an FOC David Cockroft, general secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), submitted testimony for last months hearing on flags of convenience, also known as runaway flags. He opened with an incisive profile of FOCs that is especially instructive for those just familiarizing themselves with this crucial issue. His remarks also are an effective refresher for those already acquainted with runaway flags. Portions of Cockrofts testimony follow: Under international law, every ship must sail under a flag of a state, and the ship carries the nationality of the flag it flies. A ship's flag provides the protection of a government while on the high seas. At the same time, flag states are responsible for exercising effective jurisdiction and control in administrative, technical and social matters over the ships flying their flag. They are responsible for ensuring safety, training and maritime pollution standards and minimum social conditions on board their ships and can raise revenue by imposing taxes on vessel owners. Traditionally, most flag states had strict nationality rules for both the shipowner and crew. However, since the Second World War, a number of countries began the practice of effectively renting out their country's flag to shipowners of any nationality, guaranteeing the absolute minimum of rules, regulations and taxes. These are called 'flags of convenience' (FOCs), also known as open registries. Today, approximately 30 countries effectively rent their country's flag to shipowners of any national- July2002 ity, guaranteeing secrecy and noninterference. These countries regard having a register as solely a method of earning revenue and have no interest in maritime transport other than the revenue that accrues from allowing foreign shipowners to fly their flag. They profit from their shipping register because they accept fees but do not effectively exercise control over the ships in their fleet or the companies owning these vessels. This is in stark contrast to the practice in major maritime nations and in other countries where the right to fly the national flag is subject to stringent conditions and involves far reaching obligations. In fact, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has estimated that the cost advantages of using a flag-of-convenience vessel rather than a genuine national flag ship was up to one million dollars a year even if all international safety and social standards were scrupulously observed. In addition to lax company requirements and any meaningful regulation of the shipping or company operation, FOCs offer inexpensive registration, low or nonexistent taxation, and the freedom to employ cheap labor from any country. The FOC system enables some shipowners to secure an unfair competitive advantage over their competitors by the avoidance of taxation and social security requirements; by allowing the shipowner to determine the extent to which the requirements set out in applicable international instruments are complied with-including those related to fundamental human and trade union rights and to the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment; reductions in manning levels to the point where it is impossible to undertake essential maintenance, and flexibility in the choice of the nationality of the crew; and, undercutting high standard traditional registers. Essentially, the FOC system provides a hiding place for shipowners to avoid the restrictions of international law, where states sell their sovereignty to those wishing to avoid flag state interference in safety, environmental or labor standards and the transparency of their corporate structure. A culture of secrecy and evasion and lack of transparency of ownership and control permeates the FOC system. Under the system, the registered owner of most ships is a 'shell company' set up for the sole purpose of owning that one ship. In turn, the registered owner is often owned by another company that may itself be registered in another country with very liberal company laws. The use of bearer shares, nominee directors and corporate directors within international business corporations creates a complex web which may stretch across a number of jurisdictions and makes tracing who is actually behind the operation almost impossible. This corporate structure that works well for shipowners, as well as for criminals and terrorists, allows the shipowner the ability to disappear from any accountability that may be attached to him through vessel ownership. If anything goes wrong, the company ceases to exist and no information is forthcoming .... Most FOCs do not require the provision of audited accounts, including some of the largest regis- U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert (left), U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Paul J. Pluta ing the U.S. every year. The solution will require ready access to detailed and accurate information, and sharing that information more effectively among our federal agencies and with our domestic and international partners in both the private and public sectors. The dynamics of a global economy and the resultant demands on our transportation system will require a continued coordinated national and international effort." 'We Know Who Owns Our Ships' The maritime administrator discussed the threat posed by FOCs and emphasized the need to strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. "Our heightened need for homeland security requires that we examine the potential impact of the lack of transparency within open registries, which could ultimately lead to a serious threat to our nation's safety and security .... A shipowner who registers his or her vessel in an open registry does not need to have any connection or link to the country sponsoring the registry. As a result, the flag of convenience regimes can inadvertently open the door for criminal and terrorist activity that would be impossible under the U.S.-flag registry or David Cockroft ITF General Secretary ters-for example, Panama, Liberia, Bahamas and Belize. A number do not reveal the names of shareholders or directors .... It is both easy and very inexpensive for an owner to hide behind a string of companies. Bearer shares are permitted in half of the countries concerned- for example, in Panama, Liberia, Bahamas, Belize and Honduras. This is certainly not a culture that promotes the spread of meaningful information concerning the shipping activities of any company or owner under the FOC system. Further, in almost all of the FOC registries, there exists a level of secrecy regarding shareholders that also makes it very difficult to trace an owner. Confidentiality is a provision in the law for many of these countries .... Fundamental to the FOC system is a total lack of transparency. In fact, this corporate structure underpins the FOC system and affects not only the viability of merchant shipping but has considerable negative implications for the wider civil society and order as it facilitates transnational criminal activities and terrorism. other reputable flag states with high standards like the United States." Capt. Schubert said that U.S. crews employed on U.S.-flag ships "provide the pool of seafarers needed for both commercial and government sealift fleets in times of national emergency or crisis." He continued, "The credible presence of a U.S.-flag fleet of vessels in larger numbers in international trade provides the U.S. government with the greatest influence in international bodies that create international standards of conduct with respect to shipping safety, as well as commerce .... Now more than ever, our presence as a flag state is critical to our national interests. If we lost all our U.S.-flag vessels to open registries tomorrow, our presence in the international maritime arena would be diminished to that of a port state only - at a tremendous cost to U.S. national security and economic interests. Schubert acknowledged that "encouraging shipowners to return to the U.S. flag is a daunting task, especially when compared to the economic advantages of open registries. However, the best way to protect our homeland and national security interests across the globe is a strong U.S.-flag fleet manned by U.S. citizen mariners. If we did not have the Jones Act , cargo preference, and the MSP and VISA programs, I can assure you it is unlikely that ships would remain under US.flag, and the U.S.-citizen mariner pool needed by the Department of Defense in times of national emergency or war would disappear. "Many maritime scholars, industry experts and some members of Congress have suggested a complete reexamination of the tax laws which govern merchant shipping in order to create more incentives for investment by shipowners to return to the U.S. flag. These and other options to increase the number of vessels under U.S. registry should be fully explored and given the highest consideration. "In today's environment, we should not compromise our security. In the United States we know who owns our ships, who operates them and who crews them. There is no better assurance to our nation's national security interests than a strong U.S.-flag Merchant Marine." FOC = Hiding Place Representing the SIU and the ITF (an international federation of 594 transport trade unions in 136 countries representing approximately 5 million transport workers), Heindel said the FOC system "provides a hiding place for shipowners to avoid the restrictions of international law, where states sell their sovereignty to those wishing to avoid flag state interference in safety, environmental or labor standards and the transparency of their corporate structure. "And herein lies one of the most serious deficiencies with the FOC system - the lack of transparency in corporate structure - that both the ITF and SIU view as a facilitator of Continued on page 14 Seafarers LOS 9 �Videos of Lost German Sub Help Re-Write WWil History When many Americans think of the role played by the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, they immediately conjure up an image of the D-Day invasion at Normandy Beach or the convoy of Allied ships, known as the Murmansk Run, which delivered supplies to Russian troops. Fewer remember the ships that were sunk by German Uboats off our own coast, many of them near the mouth of the Mississippi River. On July 30, 1942, one such vessel- the 375foot passenger freighter Robert E. Lee- was transporting war refugees from Europe as well as survivors from previous torpedo attacks. There were 406 persons aboard, including the crew, and 4 7 tons of cargo, when, only 45 miles to the mouth of the Mississippi River, the ship was fired upon and sunk by a 20-foot long torpedo from U-boat 166. Fortunately-and miraculously--only 25 people (10 crew members and 15 passengers) died aboard the Robert E. Lee. The 381 survivors were able to make it to rafts or lifeboats. The final resting place of the Robert E. Lee was previously known; the whereabouts of U-boat 166 after firing its torpedo, however, has remained a mystery. The U.S. government has claimed all along that a small U.S. Coast Guard twin-engine airplane sank the 252-foot sub in 120 feet of water two days after the Robert E. Lee went down, resulting in the loss of all 52 members of the submarine crew. And, in fact, the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla. has put that plane on display. But no trace of the U-boat has ever been found-until last spring. That's when, during pipeline surveys in the Gulf of Mexico by BP and Shell Oil Co., gray shapes appeared on the sonar screen just about a mile northeast of the Robert E. Lee. The two oil companies paid for additional exploration by an 18-foot long sophisticated, unmanned submarine, which confirmed that the cigar-shaped sonar image was, indeed, the wreckage of the U-166. The German sub, broken into two pieces, is lying in the silt under 5,000 feet of water. The video clearly shows the conning tower and massive damage consistent with a direct hit by a depth charge. s 10 Seafarers LOG Port of New Bedford Re-Writing History It is now believed that the Coast Guard plane actually dropped its load on the U-171 , an identical sub to the U-166. The U-171 eventually made its way back to Europe and was eventually destroyed later that year when it accidentally entered a minefield in the Bay of Biscay. "I think we can say with 98 percent certainty, the patrol plane did not attack the U-166. Instead it was the U-171 ," said Martin Morgan of the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans. Video provided during the pipeline survey by the remotely operated submarine proves that the U-166 was attacked by a U.S. attack cruiser, the Patrol Corvette 566, a 173-foot steel-hulled Navy patrol craft that had been commissioned in June 1942 and was half a mile away from the sinking Robert E. Lee. It tried to chase the German sub and succeeded in rolling several 300-pound depth charges off the stem. But there was no evidence or indication-no debris or oil slick-that the PC-566 had been successful in hitting the U-boat, so it circled back to pick up some of the survivors from the Robert E. Lee. The crew of the PC-566 believed they were right on top of the U-166 and wondered how they could have missed sinking it. Now, however, following the underwater surveys, it appears as if the PC-566 did, in fact, hit its mark. The U-166 was the only submarine sunk in the Gulf of Mexico during the war. BP and Shell Oil have decided to re-route their pipeline a mile to the west, as a result of the findings. The German government has declared the wreckage of the U-166 a war grave, and it is likely that whatever remains of its 52 crew members will not be disturbed. Jahn W. Brawn Cruises into the Past In the dark, early days of World War II, Allied merchant ships were being sunk far faster than they could be built. Soon, the vital sea lanes would be closed and the fate of Europe sealed. America's answer to this great challenge was the Liberty ship. In 18 emergency shipyards around the country, a huge fleet of more than 2, 700 identical freighters were built in record time between 1941 and 1945 to carry the cargo and troops needed to win the war. Of those 2, 700 vessels, two still remain: the Jeremiah 0 'Brien is displayed in near mint condition in San Francisco, and the John W. Brown home port is Baltimore. Project Liberty Ship is an allvolunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the John W. Brown as a living memorial and museum ship honoring the men and women who built the great American wartime merchant fleet and the merchant mariners and Naval Armed Guards who sailed them. The Brown was built in 1942 and had an active and distinguished war record. It made one voyage as a standard cargo-carrying Liberty ship and then became the first of 220 Liberty ships to see service as a limited capacity troopship, carrying almost 10,000 military personnel of the Allied powers as well as two shiploads of Axis prisoners. It served at AroundtJJe Anzio, was in Naples during numerous German bombing raids and made the D-Day invasion of Southern France in 1944. Numerous ships in the same convoy were sunk or damaged by Uboats or enemy aircraft, but the John W Brown survived unscathed. Today, it is the last surviving operational troopship of World War II. After the war, the Liberty ship carried cargo across the North Atlantic to help rebuild the shattered European nations and, in December 1946, was loaned by the Maritime Commission to the City of New York to serve as a floating high school, where it was lovingly cared for by thousands of students and by the many dedicated instructors who operated the nation's only nautical high school. The Brown s career as a schoolship ended in 1982 and, after unsuccessful attempts to berth the vessel in New York, it went on display in Baltimore. With the continued help of Project Liberty Ship, the John W. Brown is not only a museum ship and a great educational tool- it can still steam on its own power. Restored to steaming condition in 1991, the Brown made its first Chesapeake Bay cruise that September. Since that first Bay trip, more than 30,000 people have "cruised into history" aboard the historic World War II Liberty ship, which has made more than 40 passenger-carrying voyages, including visits this spring to sites of different WWII Liberty ship shipyards- Savannah, Brunswick and Jacksonville. It has steamed as far north as Halifax, Nova Scotia and in 2000, made a 31h-month voyage to the Great Lakes. A special troopship reenactment will take place on Veterans Day in Baltimore. Anyone interested in signing on with Project Liberty Ship or joining in the experience of cruising into history, may call (410) 661-1550 or visit their web site at www.liberty-ship.com. Following a payoff on the Energy Enterprise, SIU New Bedford Port Agent Henri Francois (second from left) meets with crew members. From the left are AB Alberto Lima, Francois, Cook Wilfredo Perez and Chief Steward Francisco Delgado. GVA Richard Molina Blackman takes the English proficiency test at the union hall in New Bedford. Bosun Jerry Che11e participates in a meeting aboard the Energy Enterprise when the vessel paid off in Bray on Point, Mass. Right: Nidia Pereira, the secretary at the New Bedford union hall, gives member Tony Curran the necessary paperwork for a visit to the clinic. Shark Attacks: Seafarer Urges SIU Members To Use Caution When Entering Ocean Waters There were 76 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States last year, nearly half of them in Florida, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. But the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. is not the only area in which sharks have been injuring innocent bathers. Just within the past few months, shark attacks have been reported in Florida, Australia, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Hawaii. SIU member Robert Cartmel of Honolulu sent the Seafarers LOG several recent articles from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and the Honolulu Advertiser about a number of shark attacks off the Hawaiian islands, and he urged all Seafarers to watch for sharks at sea and to be particularly careful when entering the water. While the ISAF notes that the relative risk of a shark attack is very small, those risks can be further reduced by heeding the following advice: • Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual. • Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and additionally places one far away from assistance. • Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active. • • • • • • • • Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound. Do not wear shiny jewelry because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales. Avoid waters with known sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fishermen, especialy if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same food. Use extra caution when waters are murky (although sharks will attack in crystal-clear water as well). Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements. Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep dropoffsthese are prime hangouts for sharks. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and evacuate the water if sharks are seen. July2002 �ON THE GREAT LAKES Great Lakes Seafarers, including OS John Logan, OS Jesse Hernandes and OS Dean Parks, show their support for Operating Engineers Local 324 against Turn-Key, which, they claim, is not paying wages and fringe benefits as established in the Great Lakes region. Bill Mulcahy is the bosun aboard the H. Lee White. At Work With the SIU ABOARD THE CHESAPEAKE IN DIEGO GARCIA IN THE NORFOLK HALL In the comfortable Norfolk hall, Walter "Hooks" Pallard (left) and retired member Morris "Bo" Williams share their sailing experiences. Rafael Clarke AB Passing the time with fellow retirees are Hayward Lee, Freddie Williams, Mack Young , Melvin McCray and Edward Martin. Almarca Arriola Steward Assistant Below: Chatting Herman "Chubby" Hall, the maintenance manager in the Norfolk hall, are retired member Plummer Hendricks and Chief Cook Edward Wallace. Above : Chief Cook Kelvin ·Fisher waits for the next job call. Abdulrahman Al-Okaish AB Steven J. Kendrick AB July2002 Seafarers LOii 11 �When most SID-crewed ships pull into port for a they are met by a boarding patrolman, who can updat crew members on any important issues of the day an answer any contractual questions they may have. But the vessels are stationed in Guam (in the Pacific) and Garcia (in the Indian Ocean), that personal contact is difficult to achieve. The situation has been alleviated in Guam, followi 2000 opening of a hall there under the direction of P Agent Matthew Holley. Nevertheless, when Sill Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone wanted to experi firsthand the activites taking place on the island, he warmly welcomed by the membership. Marrone and Holley attended Maritime Day cere at the Seaman's Club and talked to crew members ab some of the ships about the importance of SPAD and continuation of a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Clockwise from top: The USNS Chesapeake, A 1C William H. Pitsenbarger, Cape Jacob and Sagamore are just four of the many vessels in Diego Garcia that were serviced by SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell recently. Others, not pictured, are the USNS Dahl, USNS Charlton, USNS Watkins, USNS Gunnery Sgt. Fred W. Stockham, James Anderson, Lt. Col. John U.D. Page, Bernard F. Fisher, SSG Edward A. Carter, Jr., USNS Red Cloud, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Watson, William Baugh, Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and American Cormorant. Maritime Day celebrations took place on Diego Garcia, complete with a specially decorated cake. Below, Chief Steward Jim Battista serves dinner aboard the USNS Watson. Wayne Wilson, chief steward on board the Cape Jacob, prepares lunch in the shipboard galley. 12 Seafarers LOB This is one of the many launches used by the U.S. Navy to provide transportation between the shore in Diego Garcia and the anchored ships. July2002 �ayoff, ~the when Diego more tig the rt :nee as onies ~ard the In the aftermath of the terrorist activites of September 11, port security also was a prime topic. Much of the same information was disseminated by SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell when he visited many of the ships in the Diego Garcia area. He noted that there is a slow, steady buildup of equipment and supplies on the island since the U.S. began attacks in Afghanistan in the war on terrorism, and the expectations are that this isolated island will be one of the most crucial operations in that war with regard to air power, supplies and logistics for U.S. military activity in the Middle East region. The ships prepositioned in Guam and in Diego Garcia are on stand-by alert, ready to sail at a moment's notice to provide ammunition, stores, vehiSIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (center) is cles and other material needed flanked by Chief Steward William Kane and Bosun by American military ground Robert M. Cando aboard the Sgt. William R. Button. forces in times of rapid deployment. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone talked with Seafarers aboard some of the ships that are stationed in Guam. Above, he meets with crew members on the Sgt. William R. Button, informing them of current activites within the maritime industry, as well as discussing the everyday life aboard a prepositioned vessel in Guam. A hearty "Hafa Adai" (welcome) was given to SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone aboard the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus by (from left) deck department members Andy Guiterrez, Richard Hannon, Dan Bratta, Randy Travis, Tom Morgan and Kelly Doyle. Left Oiler Robert Stafford (left) and DEU Jesse Toves both drop by the SIU hall in Guam to register after getting off the SP5 Eric G Gibson. Crew members aboard the Enterprise include (from left) Bosun Robert Wilson, AB George Moxley and SA Nagi Saeed. Cook/Baker Gregory Williams adds some whipped cream to complete the dessert offering on the Sgt. William R. Button. The crew aboard the Pacifica was very happy to see SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (sixth from left) during his recent visit to the area. Ju/y2002 Frances C.T. Booker (left), secretary at the SIU hall in Guam, boards the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus to meet with Bosun Michael Sinclair and drop off some paperwork. AB Ondongee Pegram checks in for a job at the SIU hall in Guam with his three-year-old daughter, A'zhanea, in tow. Seafal'el'S LOS 13 �Runaway Flags Continued from page 9 • transnational criminal activities and terrorism. FOC vessels have been linked to the registration of hijacked ships, phantom ships, fraudulent mariner documentation, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, illegal alien smuggling and, most recently to international terrorism." He said that the lack of transparency in the corporate structure of FOCs "is a threat to national and maritime security. One can also posture that the nautical prerogative of an American owner registering a vessel under a flag of convenience that ignores all legitimate safety, security, environmental and social concerns is similarly a threat to U.S. maritime and defense security." Heindel (along with others who testified) took issue with so-called effective control, the risky notion that foreign-flagged, U.S.-owned vessels readily will be available - and useful - to America in times of crisis. In addition to asserting that most of the vessels in that category wouldn't be militarily useful even if they were available, Heindel pointed out the "potential changes in attitudes of the FOC host countries and crews make availability and responsiveness questionable. We must remember that FOC vessels are crewed by a plethora of nationals Philippine, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Russian, Ukrainian and South Korean - as well as those from other foreign countries that could pose a threat to U.S. security. . .. The SIU advances that we must, as an international leader of the free world, have the means under our own flag, with our own American crews and under our own control to fulfill our commitments and supply our military programs." ial to Security The chairman of the International Commission on Shipping (ICONS) and a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, Morris said that transparency in shipping is fundamental to security. "It is difficult to [envision] the establishment of any reliable system of ensuring the true identity of ship owners/controllers and mariners based on the present regime of offshore registers," he sated. "An essential first step in establishing a reliable and effective identification system should be an examination of each of the offshore registers to determine who are the ship owners and where are they domiciled .... "There is little doubt that the failure of the industry to move forward to a more transparent style of operation in common with other forms of transport has been a factor in the failure of governments to understand the needs of the industry. The secrecy surrounding the tasks of classification societies, inspection reports for insurers, charterers, flag state investigations, the incidence of work related illnesses and non-fatal injuries at sea all combine to cover up the evils of substandard shipping. Such information is readily available in shore-based industries as essential management tools." Morris said that "cutthroat, destructive competition in freight rates is the underlying cause of substandard shipping, crew exploitation and crew abuse. It has been facilitated by the ease with which substandard operators can avoid ship safety and crew competence requirements by shopping around among flag states, classification societies, insurers, manning agencies, ship operators and port state control authorities without being held to account." He also noted that while gathering information for an intemation- 14 Seafarers LOS ally acclaimed ICONS report, "We were appalled by the nature of some of the practices inflicted upon seafarers and their families. In the course of the commission's bearings, ICONS was told repeatedly of cases of cheating of seafarers, blacklisting of seafarers, abandonment of seafarers, manipulation of the remittance of family allotments, reduced contractual compensation entitlements linked to 'quit claims' and general releases, and placement fees for jobs. The worst features include delayed or non-payment of wages, denial of adequate food and accommodation, denial of medical treatment and rest time, physical and psychological abuses, sexual abuse and abandonment .... Many of the abuses have been known to the shipping industry, charterers and cargo owners for a long time. They are facilitated by the obsessive secrecy surrounding the industry that does not apply in other forms of transport." Transiting the Panama Canal Aboard the ITB Phi1adelphia Jose Ramirez is the pumpman on the /TB Philadelphia. Before heading for a payoff in Texas, the ITB Philadelphia had to sail through the Panama Canal-always an exciting trip for all crew members. These photos were snapped aboard the Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel during that voyage and while the crew took part in a routine shipboard fire drill. Avoiding Scrutiny In meticulous detail, Vines, also a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, relayed the role of FOCs in illegal activities. "Many ships use such flags to save costs, but also because arms dealers and their networks involved in this trade want to avoid scrutiny," he said. "Some flags of convenience provide ideal cover for setting up front companies. The operators also exploit weak controls on Bosun John Nichols (left) and AB transport. They often file false Chris Meier are dressed for the drill. manifests and submit fraudulent documents while sailing improperly registered ships to ply their trade. "The most dramatic recent example of a flag-of-convenience ship being used for gunrunning was in January 2002 when the Tonganflagged general cargo ship the Karine A was seized in the Red Sea carrying 50 tons of arms and explosives, which Tsrael said was bound for Yasser Arafat's Palestinian Authority. Two months later another Tongan-flagged vessel, the Monica, was apprehended by the French navy while trying to transport 1,000 asylum seekers to Italy." Turning his attention to the Taking part in a fire and safety Liberian registry, Vines noted that drill are (from left) Chief Mate obtaining a Liberia flag "takes only Paul Schwartz, 3ra Mate Brian a couple of days and does not Belanger, 3rn Engineer Andrew require disclosure of share ownerAssistant Cook Mohamed Mosa Davis, AB Isaac Amissah and organizes the salad bar ingredients. ship or the names of the applicant AB Naptali Lopez. company's directors. There is no requirement for any annual reports or audits. Such a system is attractive for gunrunning, where the real owner of a particular ship is hard to identify and therefore difficult to hold accountable. "The trade, of course, depends on the ability of clients or their patrons to pay, whether in cash or precious gems or-as the Liberia panel found was the trend in Liberia-through direct bank transfers to arms traffickers from government accounts or those of private business interests allied to the government." Vines went on to explain how Liberia's weapons purchases from 1999 to 2001 were mainly financed by off-budget spending by the Liberian government, or payments made from revenue that bypassed the central bank and was therefore not accounted for in the budget. "In particular, income received from the U.S.-based Liberian International Shipping and Corporate Registry (LISCR) was used to pay for illegal arms shipments." Among other insightful accounts about Liberia, Vines noted that when a U.N. panel attempted to check the accounts of that nation's Bureau of Maritime Affairs in April 2002, "it was not able to do so. The panel was informed that a generator had broken down and that it would be From the left are AB Naptali Lopez, 3rn Mate Brian Belanger, GUDE Adrian Davis, Pumpman Jose Ramirez, repaired only after the panel had AB Isaac Amissah, DEU Roger Abramson, Bosun John Nichols, Chief Mate Paul Schwartz, T. Hopkins and left Liberia." Assistant Cook Mohamed Mosa. July2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTALSffiPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port 25 11 33 14 13 19 0 3 3 1 15 14 5 15 19 15 3 0 1 2 6 30 l 33 27 270 5 8 3 5 25 14 0 2 6 6 1 13 23 41 12 3 4 10 11 27 12 172 o Baltimore 4 ~uam o 0 3 0 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 5 4 18 9 14 New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore 25 9 7 3 13 11 12 5 4 3 10 2 5 5 12 4 17 13 11 142 3 11 7 108 0 0 Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Pllerto Rico .San Francisco _~.!. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 11 15 25 7 9 15 12 1 4 2 26 l 19 23 173 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 6 3 2 2 6 1 10 16 26 11 10 19 4 8 5 2 6 16 2 5 24 10 16 16 130 174 2 3 6 1 5 6 12 1 5 0 5 0 0 6 53 2 2 2 2 5 0 3 6 5 3 4 1 6 3 3 2 50 2 9 4 19 9 121 5 21 49 12 21 7 3 4 4 9 1 0 I 2 2 1 6 48 11 0 3 68 17 36 54 27 10 6 9 13 5 2 2 10 11 0 16 12 125 4 17 46 5 55 50 471 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 4 1 0 12 5 14 12 2 6 6 2 3 11 2 0 6 0 2 0 0 5 5 2 2 9 7 0 3 1 7 8 3 0 0 0 2 3 3 3 3 36 3 18 17 50 16 20 2 0 1 0 4 3 4 1 l 7 9 0 3 1 0 3 3 0 0 32 7 11 4 0 15 0 19 17 126 2 0 0 l 0 0 2 35 0 18 0 3 Boston ..................... Friday: August 9, September 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: August 14, September 11 43 33 3 7 9 17 2 Honolulu .................Friday: August 16, September 13 3 2 Houston .................. Monday: August 12, September 9 14 8 8 4 30 25 272 25 36 243 l . 2 13 27 12 14 7 3 16 . 24 .· 20 15 16 18 6 16 7 7 3 5 6 16 3 20 15 227 3 11 6 2 3 9 I 5 Baltimore ................ Thursday: August 8, September 5 20 40 0 0 18 Algonac .................. Friday: August 9, September 6 10 16 0 10 13 2 3 2 2 2 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: August 8, September 5 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: August 21, September 18 Mobile .................... Wednesday: August 14, September 11 0 0 I 6 0 14 10 67 :New Orleans ........... Tuesday: August 13, September 10 3 5 3 12 3 . New York................Tue8day: Augusf6, September 3 5 Norfolk ......·:.; ... , .. :\.:Thursday: August 8. September 5 Philadelphia.~ ...... ::.,,Weqnesday: San Francisco .........Thursday: August 15~. ~epte:rnt,Jer 12 4 San Juan .................. Thursday: August 8, September 5 1 6 4 10 21 17 181 8 101 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 18 6 0 8 24 3 4 8 14 34 9 12 26 0 0 10 7 3 20 14 5 5 4 38 1 34 2 5 1 7 1 41 10 277 76 ~~~~ 8 11 6 2 4 0 2 28 35 2 8 2 30 2 8 2 19 6 176 14 0 3 0 24 0 16 0 509 20 Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico 0 2 3 San Francisco 5 0 5 3 51 636 0 l 3 2 2 8 12 14 5 0 9 l 3 2 0 4 () 1 3 7 l 0 0 0 0 St. Louis ................. Friday: August 16, September 13 Savannah ................ Friday: August 9, September 6 Tacoma ................... Friday: August 23, September 20 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: August 20* Monday: September 16 *(change created by Paul Hall birthday holiday) Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals 9 7 SERGIO CASTELLANOS 1 2 Please contact your brother at (773) 728-8331 or write to him at 4830 North Hoyne Street, Chicago, IL 60640. 0 0 1 3 JOHN WILLIAMS Scott Heginbotham would like to get in touch with John Williams, who was last known to be sailing MSC. Please contact Scott at MIV MaerskArizona, c/o Maersk Lines, Ltd., 120 Corporate Blvd., Suite 400, Norfolk, VA 23502-4952. 53 ~~- 0 2 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 7 1 -~--- 14 8 3 1 4 64 46 42 6 27 4 15 4 21 0 30 27 387 784 5 9 188 0 4 2 0 17 86 3 79 0 27 0 11 85 400 411 311 169 246 1,060 867 0 2 3 5 2 3 10 1 4 0 0 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. A1TENTION SEAFARERS: 63 20 5 36 7 27 2 32 15 338 22 --- 27 14 2 0 3 7 10 0 6 August 7, September 4 Port Ever~lades....t-~Th~rsday: August 15, September 12 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 Piney Point ............. Monday: August 5 Tuesday: September 3* *(change created by Labor Day holiday) 26 0 5 0 10 33 0 1 0 10 13 1 0 0 0 0 7 6 6 4 3 6 0 3 3 8 23 July2002 0 August & September 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters New Bedford .......... Tuesday: August 20, September 17 0 5 0 0 l· Totals All Departments 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 3 0 1 0 10 5 8 6 7 2 5 5 84 69 24 54 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 5 l Tacoma Wilmington Totals 15 15 5 12 7 Port St:Louis Trip Reliefs ENGINE DEPARTMENT Algonac · Mobile . JUNE 15, 2002 cr;l(T'lltl/£ ra r11E SEAt=A~E~S POL.tTICAL.. ,ACTION OONAT\ON Seafarers LOG 15 �. 1V1'1U Monthly Shipping A Registration Report Sealann lntemational Union Directory MAY2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED J-0bn Fay, &ecutive Vice President AU Groups Group I Group II David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL smPPED Group Ill Group I All Groups Group II REGISTERED ON BEACH Group Ill Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts ' Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group II Group ill Tom Orzechowski, Pice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Yice President Gulf Coast Nicbolas J. Mar.rooe, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, :Vice President Government Services . Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President al Large .. Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 5 1 2 3 9 3 0 17 1 1 7 0 0 2 0 5 0 1 0 12 3 2 58 0 8 3 2 2 7 3 4 0 3 24 0 0 2 5 11 3 14 0 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 2 53 0 0 0 11 41 5 9 7 28 1 113 8 5 2 2 7 0 7 0 4 0 0 18 2 6 0 2 0 18 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794·4988 ALTON 325 Market St, Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, # 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston 4 5 Harvey, LA 1 3 New York Norfolk San Pedro 2 6 0 GUAM P.O. Boi23121, Bariigada, Guanr 96921 125 Sunny Plaza~ Sui~ .3QJ;E. Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning~ G-uanr 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 6o6 Kalibi St.; Honolulu, HI 96819 (S-08) 845-5222 BOUSXON 122 I Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 . . JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (9D4) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 Savannah Tacoma Totals l 0 5 3 28 5 0 ' Harvey, LA 2 6 0 • 1 ~~Pedro 5 0 f Qo Savannah Tacoma Totals 0 0 0 0 0 Norfolk Houston PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861 -3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Saoturce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.Wms 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 3140 l (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 W1LM1NGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers LOG 21 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 22 0 1 4 24 3 0 10 0 11 1 22 0 8 14 0 2 76 35 0 0 18 0 1 2 5 • 6 4 4 0 0 12 o ' ' 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---·-<·•~·.-.....- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 6 2 16 A··.4 _,..,,,t" 1 3 5 19 0 '.: J,,:,i,. ,:,,, 16 -1 2 0 1 5 0 50 15 9 2 12 5 1 23 10 41 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 2 2 2 3 0 3 Harvey, LA Totals All Departments 0 10 2 I Port NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 {215) 336-3818 16 4 Boston 0 ·:o 2 New York 1 5 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston' Houston Savannah Tacoma Totals NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 7 0 3 0 6 Port MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Jsland Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 0 0 0 0 ·~-~-~ New York Norfolk San Pedro NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 0 0 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 39 0 11 0 5 1 13 1 6 0 7 5 5 10 6 1 0 34 89 159 109 118 28 29 52 2 2 125 328 227 154 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 23 0 6 39 0 43 1 3 22 8 4 46 4 13 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Biagio A. Caruso of Merced, Calif. The one on the far right was taken in June 1934 aboard the SS Orizaba, a Ward Line vessel. Caruso is standing at left. His best friend, Jackie McCoy, is in front. The other picture is of Caruso, taken one year ago on his 85th birthday. Caruso joined the union in San Francisco and sailed in the steward department. His first ship was the President Wilson. He retired in 1980. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46. Photographs will be returned, if so requested . July2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. leven Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Seven of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division and four navigated the inland waterways. Two of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and six sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. E DEEP SEA ABDUL AZIZ, 65, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Transeastern, operated by Transeastern Shipping. Born in Arabia, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Aziz last worked aboard the Sea-Land Leader. Brooklyn, N .Y. is his home. JAMESR. BOYLE, 65 , hails from New York. Brother Boyle joined the Seafarers in 1979 in San Francisco. He first went to sea aboard the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. He last worked on the Cape Mohican. Brother Boyle lives in San Francisco. JIMMIE C. COOMBS, 62, started his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Coombs' initial voyage was aboard Bloomfield Steamship's Neva West. A native of West Virginia, he shipped in the engine depart- Editors Note: The following union brothers and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU P ension Trust, went on pension since January. Their names appear alphabetically and according to the month in which their retirements became effective. February Charles Clark May Joseph Bell teems Wilson Holmes Jay¥Jchell George.Snay Joe LHuiett William D. Orr Ramon Ortiz Jam~s March Miguel Aponte . Simmons Berlin eyDavis Manual Deafonseca '.,:John Pena ~, "'' lffetsort '.P~llaman ·':;\Vtµie Porter Ruben Thomp Claude C. Turley ADClr&w Holmes Charles Jackson Curtis Johnson Bruce Keene Juan Martinez FrankPapez Francesco Pipitone Sheldon Privin April Donald J. Barenhorst Carl W. Bennett Jr. Sandra Dace Willie V. Fowler Donovan Hall Eugene M. Jones Lewis D. Smith John Trachin June Jose Adames Robert Brown Frank Chavez Ralph Coffey Leon Hayes Carl Jones John Kish Niels Ladefoged Goerge Lewis Jose Marroquin Pedro Miranda Merrion Severan Surendar Singh Gumercindo Suazo Miguel Tirando \--/ If anyone would like to share an article or photograph with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way; Camp springs, MD 20746. July2002 ment. Brother Coombs upgraded his skills in 197 6 and 1981 in Piney Point, Md. and last worked on the Overseas Juneau. He resides in Ocala, Fla. GURU KHALSA, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Khalsa first shipped aboard Interocean Management Corp.'s Ft. Hoskins. The engine . department member worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions and was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school. Brother Khalsa last worked aboard a Moran Towing vessel. Born in Colombia, he makes his home in Katy, Texas. SHAN KWEN MOON, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. Born in China, he worked primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels, including the SS Independence. The engine department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school last year. Brother Moon is a resident of Honolulu. YUN GAO PERNG, 69, started his SIU career in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. The steward department member worked primarily on vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises, the last being the SS Independence. Brother Perng upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School of Seamanship last year. Born in China, he now calls Honolulu home. OLGA CONNIE VELASQUEZ, 69, began her career with the Seafarers in 1982 in San "'·'- Francisco. Her ~'\ initial voyage was aboard the Santa Maria, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Born in San Francisco, Sister Velasquez worked in the steward department. She upgraded her skills at the Seafarers training school in 1985. Her most recent voyage was on Matson Navigation's Matsonia. Sister Velasquez is a resident of Zephyr Cove, Nev. INLAND ANDREWM. CIDSHOLM, 46, was born in Miami. Boatman Chisholm joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He first shipped aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. Boatman Chisholm worked in both the engine and deck departments, last sailing on a vessel operated by Seabulk Tanker, Inc. He is a resident of Port Neches, Texas. JESSE B. GARDNER, 70, started his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Philadelphia. -""'"--------'Boatman Gardner shipped in the steward department and worked primarily aboard Express Marine, Inc. vessels. The U.S. Army veteran upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship last year. He lives in his native New Bern, N.C . MICHAEL H.O'KANE, 65, began his SIU career in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked for the SIU aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman 0 'Kane shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on a vessel operated by Interstate Oil Transport Co. Boatman 0 'Kane is a resident of Abington, Pa. BETTY JEAN REICHERT, 64, started her career with the SIU in 1987. The Missouri ~----~ native shipped in the steward department. Boatman Reichert worked primarily on vessels operated by Orgulf Transport Co. She makes her home in Paducah, Ky. Reprinted from past issues of tfle:'.Se«Jfar~rs · toG Committee at its last meeting on June 2 t by a subcommittee consisting of Theodore W. 1940 Kheel, New York City labor-management arbi· The constitution adopted in 1939 provided trator; Lane Kirkland, executive assistant to for the establishment of two separate districts: AFL-CIO President George Meany; and J. the Atlantic District and the Gulf District, with Paul St. Sure, president of the Pacific Maritime two separate headrr.===============================::::;;i Association. Copies of quarters, one in New the SIU statement York and one in New were sent to the Orie-ans, and two sep· Department of Interior as well as to arate bookkeeping and financial systems. The JJ~t the members of the membership of the I ' '.A appropriate House two districts, in a 30and Senate commitday referendum vote, voted overwhelmingly to amalgamate the two districts. The amalgamation resolution which was adopted provides 1990 that the headquarters of the Atlantic and Gulf President Bush's decision to move American District will be in Washington, D.C. until the military forces into the Middle East propelJed next election, and that all of the financial and large numbers of seaUft vessels into the area of bookkeeping work shall be done in that office. conflict. Crewed by members of the Seafarers International Union and other American 1965 unions, privately operated ships under conThe SIU sharply challenged assertions by inter· tract to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) national oil company spokesmen that an oil and vessels in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) import quota for American-flag merchant ves- were deployed to take part in Operation sels would be discriminatory and would invite Desert Shield, the Department of Defense retaliation by foreign maritime nations. A pro- name for the Pentagon's response to the posal that 30 percent of all crude oil and Persian Gulf crisis. petroleum imported into this country be The president's action was provoked by Iraq's reserved for American-flag ships was presented invasion of Kuwait and the threat of further to the President's Maritime Advisory Iraqi aggression directed towards Saudi Arabia. THJS MONTH r., SJU HJSYiC) ay 1 Seafarers LOG 17 �.. final Depa~ures DEEP SEA RICARDO ALVAREZ Brother Ricardo Alvarez, 65, passed away April 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1992 and first shipped aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Born in Honduras, Brother Alvarez worked in all three departments and last went to sea on the Global Mariner. He lived in Bronx, N.Y. ROBERT BELL Pensioner Robert Bell, 71, died April 10. Brother Bell "' began his SIU career in 1947 in the port of New York.A member of the deck department, he fust shipped on the Martin M McCarver, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Alabama-born mariner last went to sea aboard the Major Stephen J Pless, another Waterman ship. Brother Bell began collecting his pension in 1986 and made his home in Cantonment, Fla. WALTER BROWN Pensioner Walter Brown, 82, passed away March 21. Brother Brown started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ofNewYork. His initial voyage was aboard Alcoa Steamship Co. 's Alcoa Runner. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Brown last went to sea on the Del Viento, a Delta Steamship vessel. He started collecting his retirement stipend in 1982 and was a resident of Mobile, Ala. CHRIS CAMPOS Brother Chris Campos, 30, died May 1. He joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of Piney Point, Md. A native of Texas, he first went to sea aboard the USNS Bold, a U.S. Marine Management vessel. Brother Campos worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Industrial Challenger. He lived in his native state in the city of Wharton. WILSON E. DIRLAM Pensioner Robert Wilson Dirlam, 88, passed away May 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in Detroit. Brother Dirlam's initial voyage was aboard Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Robin Gray. He sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. The Newark, N.J. native worked in the engine department and last sailed on the J T Hutchinson, an American Steamship vessel. Brother Dirlam began receiv ing his pension in 1979 and was a resident of Cherokee, Texas. AMERICO FARIA Pensioner Americo Faria, 78, died May 4. He joined the Seafarers in 18 Seafarers LOG 1959 in San Francisco. Brother Faria was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1944 to 1946. Born in New Bedford, Mass., Brother Faria shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Trader. Brother Faria started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1993. He called Sacramento, Calif. home. [, AHMED HASSAN --=:::;::~;;::--1 Brother Ahmed Hassan, 65, passed away Feb. 13. He started his SIU career in 1980 in San Francisco. Brother Hassan first sailed on the Sea-Land Leader. Born in Yemen, he worked in all three departments and last shipped aboard the Maui, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Hassan lived in Queens, N.Y. HELEN V. MARTIN Pensioner Helen V. Martin, 77, died April 24. Born in Rhode Island, Sister Martin started her career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1957 in San Francisco. Her maiden voyage was aboard the SS Monterey. The steward department member also had)llany voyages aboard the SS Mariposa. Sister Martin spearheaded various events for "petticoat sailors" and members of other seniors' groups in her area after retiring. She was honored as the "Star of Lake County" (Calif.) and "Senior of the Year for 2001" in recognition of her dedicated service to seniors. Sister Martin began receiving compensation for her retirement in 1980. She lived in Clearlake Oaks, Calif. ANTONIO QUINTANA .-----=-:------, Pensioner Antonio Quintana, 67, passed away April 1. Brother Quintana began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port 1t12=""-"-~"""""-'"'-" of New York. His first sea voyage was aboard the Overseas Joyce. Born in Las Marias, P.R., he worked in all three departments. Brother Quintana last went to sea on the Ambassador, a Crowley American Transport, Inc. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 2001 and resided in Kissimmee, Fla. ARTHUR SCOTT LUTHER DAVIDSON Pensioner Arthur Scott, 86, passed away March 14. Brother Scott started his career with the MC&S in 1979 in San Francisco. Born in Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Scott started receiving retirement compensation in 1979 and made his home in Sunnyvale, Calif. Pensioner Luther Davidson, 81, passed away Feb. 17. Boatman Davidson began his SIU career in 1979 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The deck department member was a veteran of the U.S. Army. As a Seafarer, the North Carolina native worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Michigan Tankers. Boatman Davidson began drawing retirement stipends in 1987 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Va. HEINZ SEEL .-----==---..., Pensioner Heinz Seel, 89, died March 16. Born in Germany, Brother Seel started his SIU career in 1962 in San Francisco. The deck department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines, including the Santa Magdalena. Brother Seel started receiving retirement stipends in 1981 and was a resident of Petaluma, Calif. JOHN SILVA Pensioner John Silva, 77, passed away Dec. 25. Brother Silva joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. Born in Massachusetts, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1954. He first sailed for the SIU aboard the Pacific Wave. The steward department member last worked on the Sea-Land Portland. Brother Silva started receiving his pension in 1991. He made his home in Lake Stevens, Wash. CHARLES SMITH Pensioner Charles Smith, 92, died March 11. Brother Smith started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The Mississippi native shipped in the steward department. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1975. Brother Smith was a resident of Los Angeles. Pensioner Clayton Thompson, 84, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Thompson joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and first sailed for the SIU aboard the Alcoa Patriot, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. The Kentucky native shipped in the deck department as a bosun and last sailed on the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Thompson started receiving his pension in 1987 and called Avondale, La. home. INLAND RICARDO RODRIGUEZ HENRY CIESIELSKI Pensioner Ricardo Rodriguez, 72, died May 4. He started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of Houston. Brother Rodril--..::..::0..'---"'......__._....,______. guez first shipped on Terminal Steamship's Southern Counties. The Texas-born mariner worked in the deck department. Brother Rodriguez last went to sea aboard the Cape Washington, a Mt. Washington Tankers Corp. vessel. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1989 and lived in Galveston, Texas. Pensioner Henry Ciesielski, 77, died May 7. Born in Maryland, Boatman Ciesielski began his career with the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Baltimore. A military veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He shipped in the deck department and spent time at the helms of vessels as a captain. Boatman Ciesielski started receiving his pension in 1985 and lived in Baltimore. ARCADIO RIVERA Boatman Arcadio Rivera, 54, passed away Jan. 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1992 in San Juan, P.R. Born in Arecibo, P.R., Boatman Rivera shipped in both the engine and deck departments and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. He lived in his native commonwealth in the city of Bayamon. WILLIAMFIORDLANO Boatman William Fiordlano, 61, died Jan. 5. He joined the Seafarers in 1997 in the port of Philadelphia. The Redbank, N.J. native worked in the deck department and shipped as a captain. He first worked at the helm of a Turecamo Maritime vessel. Boatman Fiordlano last sailed on a vessel operated by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He made his home in Allentown, N.J. ROBERT SUMMERS Pensioner Robert Summers, 52, died Jan. 3. Boatman Summers began his SIU career in 1962. A member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard a Northern Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Summers began collecting compensation for his retirement in 2000. He was a resident of Marble Hill, Mo. ROBERT WATKINS CHARLES HERBERT Pensioner Charles Herbert, 73, died Jan. 19. The Maryland native served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953. Boatman Herbert joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. He sailed with Maritrans for 2 1 years, primarily as a senior tugboat captain. He also sailed with Harbor Towing and Vane Brothers, both of Baltimore. Boatman Herbert began receiving his pension in 1990. He lived in Pasadena, Md. ALVIN HUNLEY CLAYTON THOMPSON He served in the U.S. Navy from 1934 to 1939. Born in Trinton, Fla., Boatman Peterson shipped in the engine department. He was a resident of Center Point, Texas and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1980. Pensioner Alvin Hunley, 101, passed away Jan 26. Boatman Hunley began his career with the Seafarers in 1961, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. The deck department member was born in Virginia. He was last employed on a Pennsylvania Railroad Co. vessel. Boatman Hunley began drawing stipends for his retirement in 1965 and resided in Gloucester, Va. JAKE F. KELLEY Pensioner Jake F. Kelley, 75, passed away Feb. 16. Boatman Kelley joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port ofNewYork. ..._......._."'-"""............ Born in Alabama, he sailed in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. The engine department member fust shipped aboard the Monarch of the Sea, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Boatman Kelley last worked aboard a G&H Towing vessel and started receiving retirement stipends in 1992. He lived in Mobile, Ala. BERYL PETERSON Pensioner Beryl Peterson, 86, died Jan 21. Boatman Peterson started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Robert Watkins, 52, passed away April 6. Boatman Watkins started his career with the Seafarers in 1971 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Wilmington, N.C.born mariner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Cape Fear Towing Co. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Boatman Watkins started receiving his pension in 1993. He called Leland, N.C. home. ALFRED WILLIA •• S •, .Ju 4> Brother Alfred Williams, 63, died Jan 27. Boatman Williams started his SIU career in 1970 in the port of New York. His first sea voyage was aboard the Inger, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. The Texas native worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Sealift Atlantic. Boatman Williams was a resident of Houston. GREAT LAKES LESTER GREENFELDT Pensioner Lester Greenfeldt, 83, passed away May 6. Brother Greenfeldt joined the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. A military veteran, he served in the U .S. Coast Guard from 1939 to 1945. Born in Wisconsin, his initial voyage under the SIU colors was on an American Steamship Co. vessel. A deck department member, he shipped as a bosun. Brother Greenfeldt last sailed aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, another American Steamship vessel. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1983 and was a resident of Green Bay, Wis. LEONARD JASKOLSKI Pensioner Leonard Jaskolski, 80, died May 7. He started his SIU career in 1947 in Detroit. Brother Jaskolski served in the U.S . Coast Continued on page 20 July2002 �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 he omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), April 5-Chairman Thomas J. Lynch, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Clive A. Steward. Chairman announced payoff April 9 in Houston, Texas. He reminded crew members to keep STCW training and TRBs up to date and to upgrade at Piney Point for self betterment and increased income. Educational director noted SMPPP statements due out soon. He requested clarification on several rules, including whether time off counts toward rotary schedule. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: New Orleans; Houston; San Juan, P.R. ENDURANCE (Maersk Lines), April 14--Chairman John D. Kelley Jr., Secretary Tommy E. Belvin, Educational Director Nicholas A. Vieira, Deck Delegate Carlos Bonilla, Engine Delegate Chester G. Wheeler ID, Steward Delegate Enrique Garrido. Chairman stressed need for crew members to check that beneficiary cards are up to date and to leave rooms clean for next person. Educational director talked about importance of contributing to SPAD and of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested vessel be equipped with satellite TV or radio system. Crew gave vote of thanks to stewde artm~nt ~Of gr~_a.tjob . • Steward department, in tum, thanked rest of crew for their help. --EXPLORER (USSM), April 28Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Douglas J. Swets, Educational Director Jimmie M. Robles, Deck Delegate Harry Claar, Engine Delegate Fadez Mohamad, Steward Delegate Othello Dansley. Chairman and secretary thanked crew members for their hard work. Painting and waxing done by deck gang on inside of house looks great. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $3,773 in ship's fund. Two phones and phone cards already purchased. Will get new TV in Long Beach, Calif. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department gave out "great shipmate" awards to crew (e.g., greatest GSU, cleanest room). Next port: Long Beach. FIDELIO (American "V" Ships), April 15-Chairman Albert Austin, Secretary Leola Johnson, Deck Delegate Philip D. Reynolds. Chairman talked about requirements for benefits and vacation. Secretary stated payoff to take place in next port, Baltimore, and reliefs to come aboard in Baltimore, Charleston and Brunswick. Educational director advised crew members to attend courses at Paul Hall Center and check expiration dates on shipping documents. Captain is in charge of ship's fund and is very fair about buying movies, stereo equipment, VCRs, etc. as needed. New stereo purchased for gym, and recommendations made for new weight bench and magazine subscriptions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for copies of current contract and benefit plans. GUAYAMA (Puerto Rico Marine), April 24--Chairman Raymond F. July2002 Gorju, Secretary Gina G. Lightfoot, Educational Director Daniel P. Gibbons, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch, Engine Delegate Charles Dallas, Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. Chairman announced new mattresses received and noted more on order. Payoff scheduled for April 26 in San Juan at which time everyone will find out more about sale of company. He thanked crew members for keeping messhall and lounge clean and thanked steward department for fine job. Secretary stated provisions aboard ship are plentiful. Educational director reminded crew of educational opportunities available at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made that OT be converted to pension credits and that people working graveyard shift be paid more. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next ports: San Juan; Jacksonville. INNOVATOR (USSM), April 7Chairman Steve Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris Earhart, Deck Delegate Richard L. Volkart, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced payoff April 10 upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He reminded crew members to use new washing machine for better clothes and older one dirty an__clgreasy ·terns. Secretary thanked bosun and his gang for painting job well done and electrician for installing new washer and dryer. Educational director stressed upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. TV and VCR are working well. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime Corp.), April 14Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Deck Delegate Christopher C. Chile.were, Engine Delegate Robert L. Stevenson, Steward Delegate Cirilo S. Centeno. Chairman thanked everyone for good trip to and from Africa. He read president's report from February LOG and reminded crew members about separating plastic items from regular trash. He announced payoff April 20 in Lake Charles, La. and requested everyone clean room for next person before leaving ship. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. He asked that members read LOG and contract. He also advised unlicensed apprentices to work hard and learn as much as possible to show others that the SIU has the best seafarers. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were informed about importance of contributing to SPAD for job security. Suggestion made for company to install water fountain on upper deck. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), April 21-Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtaugh, Deck Delegate John M. Walsh. Chairman reminded crew members to report all accidents immediately to department head or available officer in charge. Secretary asked, as a courtesy to galley gang, that those members going ashore in port not return to vessel at last minute looking for food. He thanked crew members for help in keeping inside of house clean and reminded them to return all movies to proper storage area when finished. Educational director noted that deadline has passed for STCW training compliance. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD for future of our union jobs. Treasurer announced $600 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to use some of money to purchase 220 volt VCR rewinder. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports in Panama, Columbia, Peru and Chile. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), April 22Chainnan Benedict B. Born, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr, Deck Delegate Rene Rafer, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Steven M. Sun. Bosun thanked crew for good trip and gave a vote of thanks to the steward department. He also reminded everyone of importance of donating to SPAD and how it benefits membership. He asked that all crew members getting off vessel leave rooms clean with fresh linen for next person and check in with patrolman Herman, Engine Delegate Gregory Carroll, Steward Delegate Al Maramba. Chairman announced ABs on ATC ships to get wage increase to <layman's pay. ATC is trying to make these positions more attractive. Bosun reminded all seamen to work together for a better ship and a stronger union, and he thanked all for great safety record. Any disputes should fust be taken up with department delegates or ship's chairman. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and watch safety videos provided by ATC. No Maersk Arizona Returns from Middle East MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), April 10---Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Ramon T. Guimba, Engine Delegate Detricke R. Kelly, Steward Delegate Albert L. Sison. Chairman announced payoff April 11 at Cherry Point, Wash. Will call, when in phone range, to confirm patrolman from Tacoma hall. Treasurer stated $2,582.52 in unlicensed fund and $60 in TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. OVERSEAS BOSTON (ATC), April 10---Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Deck Delegate Ivan Ingrahm, Engine Delegate Li Carter, Steward Delegate Randy Proctor. Chairman stated shipboard meetings should be held once a month. He said that anyone needing more heat or air (or other repairs) in their rooms should write a note and put in on chief engineer's door. Secretary advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Anyone with a drug or alcohol problem should attend the ARC. Confidentiali wil~ assured. Educational director noted that crew members are responsible for keeping track of their hours worked as per watchstanding agreement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members advised that e-mail is public domain so any messages may be seen by many people. Question asked regarding when ship will have direct internet service. Deck department would like locker next to crew laundry converted to changing room. Request also made for shelves in slop locker for storage of gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, etc. Crew also suggested luggage locker and a 2 a.m. launch to and from shore for the 8 to 12 watch. Steward was asked to order more comforters for cold weather. AB Dennis Goodwin was thanked for starting collection for 3n1 mate who had a death in the family. Funds will help defray transportation costs. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), April 28-Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Juan H. Torres, Engine Delegate Peter E. Joseph, Steward Delegate Wilfred E. Lambey. Chairman announced vessel may be going into shipyard in June or July. He suggested crew members attend courses at Paul Hall Center and get STCW basic training if they have not already done so. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded everyone to read LOG each month and find out what union and industry are doing. New washing machine received for crew laundry. Everyone asked to be considerate in passageways and when closing doors. Others may be trying to sleep. Steward department thanked for good job. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (far right) meets with crew members on the Maersk Arizona following a shipboard meeting in the port of San Francisco. The Maerk Lines vessel recently returned from a voyage to Saudi Arabia. after leaving customs and immigration. Secretary advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and take advantage of the many courses they have to offer. He also suggested crew members check that all shipping documents are up to date. Educational director stressed need to read monthly LOGs to keep abr ~ t of un · and industry news. Treasurer announced $322 in cookout fund and $346 in ship's fund. No beef or disputed OT reported. Members would like for company not to give Social Security numbers in each port to gangway security for fear of identify theft. Information requested on money purchase pension plan and address and phone numbers to use by those members who have not received their statements. Crew members gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. They, in tum, gave vote of thanks to bosun and his gang for their hard work. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam. PETERSBURG (IUM), April 3Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Wendy Fearing, Educational Director Jessie U. Ulibas. Chairman reminded crew members of STCW compliance deadline, which has passed. Secretary asked that everyone return dishes and silverware to messhall and advised them of proper attire to be worn in messhall. Educational director encouraged crew to continue to upgrade at Piney Point and keep all required shipping documents current. Treasurer announced $370 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for union to increase dental plan coverage and raise pension payments. Bosun gave vote of thanks to steward department. Clarification requested on reimbursement by company for work shoes, and question raised as to what will happen to money in SPAD fund with passage of new fundraising reform laws, particularly those pertaining to soft money. Next port: Guam. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND (ATC), April 28-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Tom Woerner, Deck Delegate Carl beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for upgrade of ship's satellite system. Request made for CD burner for radio room computer. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), April 28-Chairman Joel A-Lechel,_ Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Deck Delegate Lonnie R. Evans, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Chairman thanked everyone for helping clean up after shipyard. He stated that vessel will go on new East Coast run. He urged all vacationing crew members to register at hall within 48 hours in order to reclaim jobs. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director reminded crew members sailing aboard tankers of need for tankerman assistant course on zcard and asked that headquarters clarify this point to all ports. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Repairs needed to tiles on mess deck. Clarification requested on why all ports are not constitutional ports. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Long Beach, Calif. ; San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville, Fla. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), April 7-Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Miguel Pabon, Educational Director Reginald E. White, Deck Delegate Donald M. Hood, Engine Delegate Joseph Williams IV, Steward Delegate Jessie J. Burnett. Chairman reported one AB was hurt and caught flight home from Bombay, India. Secretary thanked crew members for good trip with great cooperation between all three departments. Educational director noted many opportunities available to Seafarers to improve themselves in their chosen profession, including upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $608 in ship's fund. Everyone asked to clean room before getting off ship. Suggestion made for members to be able to retire at any age with 20 years' seatime and maintain some medical benefits if retiring at age 65 with 15 years' seatime. Seafarers LOG 19 - �Letters to the Editor - (Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Pensioner's Wife Sends Note of Thanks My husband, James "Capt. Jim" Oliver (who joined the union in November 1945 and is now a pensioner), and I would like to thank the union for all the bonuses and the health care you have given us. You will never know how we appreciate it, now that we are old and need help the most. Again, our thanks to President Michael Sacco, the executive board, and all who are taking care of the pensioners. Also, a big hello to Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Janice Hunicke, who is always so helpful in the Houston office. I am proud to be the wife of a good SIU Seafarer for 4 7 years. Georgette Oliver Timpson, Texas ~ . Remembering the Good Life of a Seafarer This old man had a great life sailing on SIU ships during World War II and up to the year 1989. I joined the union in June 1943 and had the pleasure of dealing with a German sub in the Atlantic, of carrying troops into the Palau Island invasion, and transporting Army cargo into the invasion of Okinawa-as well as being on the first ship to go into Nagoya, Japan in 1945. We had 10,000 tons of beer which the occupation forces greatly appreciated. I sailed with Delta Lines, Isthmian, Robin and Waterman, plus a few tramp ships. The last few years, I worked aboard G&H tugs in Galveston, Houston and Corpus Christi. It has all been a wonderful adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am proud and pleased that the SIU has done a fine job of teaching and upgrading its members. Life has been good, and every day is a wonderful day. May you all go with a following sea, a tail wind and blue skies. John Hanks Austin, Texas Editors note: The following letter was printed in the May 23, 2002 edition of the Clarion News and G.I. Bill benefits until 1988. Our Congress waited until most of us were dead. World War II was a declared war. The merchant marine was the only all-volunteer service of the war. Most of us accepted death over surrender. Our record: 866 ships lost to enemy action. By percentage, we lost more men than any other branch of the service. One out of every 25 was killed in action. We lost 100 ships on the Russian run. Also, 400 ships were lost along the eastern seaboard in 1942 while Americans watched from our shores. During the 1942 massacre, we slept with our clothes on and our eyes open. If the U.S. Merchant Marine had failed in the Battle of the Atlantic, our Congress would be speaking German right now. Law firms have determined we lost more than $80,000 each in G.I. benefits. The state of Pennsylvania paid a $500 bonus to veterans of World War II, but our merchant marine veterans are still waiting. Me too. Peter Salvo Clarion, Pa. Another Look At WWII I'm testing the free press of the Clarion News with my annual letter of Maritime Day, May 22, which very few Americas are aware of, which honors the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. During World War II, our government gagged the news media, claiming national security was at stake. We were denied veteran status Thanks for Years Of Happiness In going through some of my husband's papers, I found this picture taken at the Inland Boatmen's Conference in June 1984. My husband was so proud to have upgraded from deckhand to captain at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. A chance for him to go back and be a part of such a wonderful conference was just overwhelming for him. He retired in 1992 following a massive heart attack. Also in 1992, the Coast Guard pulled his licence, and that was the end of a wonderful career. His respect and love for the union were with him until the day God took him home on Saturday, April 6, 2002. The Thursday before he passed away, he called me to his bed and told me he had to leave the dock at 2200. The hospice nurse pronounced him dead at 2200 on the 6th. Does that tell his SIU brothers what his last thoughts were of? Thank you so much for his years of happiness. Mrs. Robert W. Watkins Rocky Point, N.C. Capt. Robert Watkins and his wife, Kay, were active participants at the June 1984 Inland Boatmen's conference, held in Piney Point, Md. _~nal Departur~ _ Continued from page 18 Guard from 1942 to 1947. Born in Michigan, he worked in the deck department. Brother Jaskolski last sailed on the Adam E. Cornelius. He began receiving his retirement stipend in 1992 and made his home in Alpena, Mich. PIIlLLIP E.WILLIAMS Pensioner Phillip E. Williams, 80, passed away April 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 in Detroit. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Williams worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Arnold Transit Co. The Michigan-born mariner worked in all three departments and started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1987. Brother Williams lived in Wells, Mich. AnANllC FISHERMAN IVAN CONRAD Pensioner Ivan Conrad, 96, died Jan. 19. Brother Conrad started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in Gloucester, Mass before it merged with the AGLIWD. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department. Brother Conrad lived in his native state and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1969. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District!NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances . The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aJI SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and 20 Seafarers LOB 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. o 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 IU 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 be or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safeguards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Fonn LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placep in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union's constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Fonns LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their union represent and businesses that deal with their unions . Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least I 5 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); pennit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to inspect the union's membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. o 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. July2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER Ul'GRADINS COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Edu~tion in Piney Point, Md. from July through December 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date, The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. F()r classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for November l Angust2 October7 Bosun Steward July8 Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 October 25 December 20 Saturday. QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December 20 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Welding July 1 August 19 September 23 October 21 November 18 July 19 September6 October 3 November8 December 6 Engine Utility (EU) October 20 November25 November 15 December 20 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 30 October 28 October 25 November 22 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* July 15 August 19 September 23 October 14 July 19 August 23 September 27 October 18 July 1 September 30 October 21 November 11 December9 July 5 October4 October25 November 15 December 13 August26 August 30 Course ("mast have. radar wrl.imited) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Unlimited* Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting October 7 December 2 October 18 December 13 Government Vessels September 23 October 11 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 15 December2 July 26 December 13 Augusts September 23 October 28 August 9 September 27 November 1 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW July 1 July 8 July 15 August 5 August 19 August 26 September 23 September 30 October 14 October28 November 18 December9 December 16 July5 July 12 July 19 August 9 August 23 August30 September 27 October 4 October 18 November 1 November22 December 13 December20 STCW Medical Care Provider August 12 October 21 August 16 October 25 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*prerequisite required) GMDSS (Simulator) July 8 October 7 November4 December 2 July 19 October 18 November 15 December 13 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 16 October 14 September 27 October25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (one week) July 15 August 19 September 30 October28 July 19 Augu t 23 October 4 November 1 August 5 August 14 July 1 September 16 November4 December9 July 12 September 27 November 15 December20 ecially Trained Ordinary Seaman OS) - Engine Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 7. General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address ---------------------------- your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their aoplication.. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken July2002 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - -- Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7102 Seafarers LOG 21 �- Paul Hall Center Classes . Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Oass 627 - Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 627 are (kneeling, from left) Jade Belt, William Farr Ill, (second row) Jill McGeorge, Raul Duarosan, Gerron Foster, Keith Palmisano Jr, Ryan Johnston, Christopher Bryant, Matthew Wade Jr.. (third row) Jeffery Hawkins, Eric Morales-Martinez, Antonio Reed, Angelina Willoughby and Larry Howard. GMDSS - SIU members who completed the GMDSS training May 31 are (from left) Edward Milstead, William Palmer, Brad Wheeler (instructor), Aaron Bass, Lee Gulley, Thomas Mercer, Roy Vincent, Craig Pare, Philip Inman, Joseph Lewis and Dale Wilson. Welding- With their instructor Buzzy Andrews (second from left) are graduates of the welding class, which ended May 24. From the left are Armando Bermudez, Samuel Grant and James Tyson. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course April 26 are (in alphabetical order) Hassan Bouqfa, Brook Bowers, Davon Brown, Eldin Ebanks, James Fekany, Robert Goodson, Frank Gray, Lee Gulley, Robert Hinkley Jr., David Hollenback, Michael Jejenich, ldowu Jonathan, William Miller, John Murray, Eddie Thomas, Andrzej and Phillip Varos. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Any student who has registered for a class and finds -for whatever reason-that he Able Seaman - Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course April 26 are (in alphabetical order) Richard Blackman, David Cayetano, Rafael Concepcion, Michael Gallagher, Michael Jalbert, Kenneth Lattin, Lionel Lee, James Logan, Jerry Maya, William Mcintyre, Zaid Muthala, Rusty Norman, Allan Oyao Sr., Fernando Oyao, Deocadio Romney, Uriel Ross Sr., Louis Scull II, Robert Steiner, Kreg Stiebben, Dale Suiter II and Jermaine Williams. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands at far left. Computer Lab Classes or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Upgraders Water Survival - Upgrading SIU members who successfully completed the water survival course April 26 are (in alphabetical order) Rolando Guity, Timothy Lewis, Jason Roate, Rogoberto Ruiz, Taher Saeed, Laurie Victorino, Harry Wessel and Martha White . Their instructor, Stan Beck, is third from right (in white cap). • FOWf Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. From the left (seated) are Robert Pinkard II, Adam Noor, (back row) Jodie Flesner, Rich Prucha (instructor), Carlos Valerio and Franklin Lind. 22 Seafarers LOG Graduating from the FOWT course June 7 are (in alphabetical order) Sure Anitak, Justin Armstrong, Rafael Costas, Juanita Christia, Lance Cutchember, Jeremy Duncan, Christopher Eason, Fontanos Ellison, Trent Enoch, Vincente Escala, Cody Fleming, Sherrod Frazier, Armando Garayua, Kenneth Green, Edward Grossman, Lisa Harewood, Gerard Hayes, John Herr, Richard Ho, Arthur Hurd, Kenneth Jackson, Joseph Krajnik, Samuel Levecque, Mark Marler, Grady Mason Jr., Harry McKever, Ashley Nelson, Christopher Offrey, David Provost, Kenneth Ross, Kenneth Smith, Richard Striverson, Daniel Thompson, Lima Valoaga, Michael Vada, Bryan Wells and Dennis Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) July2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Munassar Ahmed, Kasem Ali, Mario Bertrand, Richard Blackman, Lawrence Brissette, Drew Brown, Valerie Bufton, Edward Bush, Mark Carpenter, Roger Cash, Rey Chang, Andrea David, Ferdinand Duenas, Kenneth Epps, Charles Colucci, Michelle Fetterly, Edward Fuller, Walter Harris Jr., Harry Brown, Robert Hudas, Taha Ismail, Army Joe Leake I and Army Joe Leake II. Basic Safety Training Classes Terry Allen, Rafael Concepcion, Clint Haxton, Peter lannetta, Michael Jalbert, Glenn Johnson, Mahmoud Khalil, Timothy Koebel , Kenneth Lattin, Lionel Lee , James Logan, Richard Lovaas, Jerry Maya Jr., William Miller, Helen Mitchell, Allan Oyao Sr., Fernando Oyao, Deocadio Romney, Uriel Ross Sr., Taher, Saeed, Louis Scull II, bert Steiner, Kreg Stiebben, David Stravron, Dale Suiter II, Gary Walker, Michael WilRerson, Dulip Sookiram and Robert Weeks. Sharon Baham, Brook Bowers, David Coggio, Donald Ford, Robert Goodson, Eric Grant. ldowu Jonathan, Fabian Lanzy, Natividad Martinez, Robert Matthews, James McCarthy, Donald Pelto, Lance Riggs, Ali Saleh, William Smalley, Oswald Stoiber, Terry Tolley, Dennis Uchic, George Urban Ill, Richard Hamilton Jr. and Luis Filippetti. Elba Alfaro, Nancy Archie, Glenn Bamman, Zackay Brown, James Callahan, Virgilio Hoffmann, Ismael Martinez, Khalid Meftah, Gene Payne, Eddie Rembert, Exxl Ronquillo, Mary Suniga, Timothy Thompson, Andrea Ursem, Richard West, Jack Mohamad, Richard Doggett, Omaha Redda, Ralph Broadway and Thomas Gruber. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Right: Cecil Husted, Mark Pruitt, Jose Quinones, Ghassan Saeed, Leodiane Torrenueva, Peter Wojcikowski, Joseph Gutierrez, William Bates and Joseph Baselice. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Rolando Batiz, Kurt Benjamin, Blaine Bisegna, Dale Erickson, Welington Furment, Ion lrimia, Karl Leiter, Calvin Mason, Julio Soriano, Segundo Soriano, Horace Thompson and Fernin Elinton. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Carlos Boiser Jr., Daniel Crawford, Samuel Deason, Roger Griswold, Joseph Gutierrez, William Hudgins Jr., Troy Mack, Larry Morisette, Annie Nodd, Amin Quraish, Gilberto Serrano, Ronnie Woodruff and William Bates. July 2002 Douglas Burch, Glen James Sr., Neil Johnson, John Magennis, Michael Mefferd, Kurt Sandberg, Jose Santos, William Scully, Randall VanHorn, Wilfredo Velez, David Wakeman, James Woods and David Hudgins. Seafarers LOG 23 - �NMUPLANS Seepages for an update on the NMU Plans. - Maiitime ntiom .... NORFOLK Town Point Park in Norfolk, Va. was the site of the Maritime Day observances, sponsored by The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Norfolk. Above left: Norfolk Port Agent Georg G. Kenny (left) and VP Kermett Mangram (right) congratulate Lloyd "Doug" Richardson for his 67 years of sailing. Virginia Pilot Association and McAllister tugs participate in the day's activities (left), while officials aboard the Va. Pilot Boat Dominion (right} prepare to lay a commemorative wreath . ST. LOUIS Following her remarks at the Maritime Day ceremonies in St. Louis, Valerie Miller, representing the SIU, presented a "Battlin' Pete" plaque to Jack Grothe, an official with the SS Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. "Battlin' Pete" is the military service patch of the United States Merchant Marine, created by Walt Disney Studios in July 1944, recognizing the efforts of the merchant marine in World War II. GUAM Florence Nelson used her well-earned vacation time to prepare a dinner at the United Seamen's Club in honor of Maritime Day. Nelson currently is sailing on board the Sgt. William R. Button as a cook/baker. PORT ARTHUR -- .. - Heavy rain forced the Maritime Day activities in Port Arthur, Texas to move indoors to the E.J. Club (formerly the Foc'sle, which was owned and operated for more than 35 years by Jeff Riley, who sailed with the NMU and the SIU). Left: Mary Lee, widow of NMU Chief Steward Leonard Lee, reads a scripture passage at the service. Lee had sailed for more than 35 years. Today, Mrs. Lee heads a group of the Legion of Mary, a volunteer organization at the International Seamen's Center. With her are Marcus Hammond of the Department of Agriculture and vice president of the Port Arthur International Seamen's Center, and the U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard. Right: Ron Byrd of Kansas City Southern Railway receives a plaque from SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre in recognition of KCS's and Port Arthur's founder, Arthur Stilwell. Through the dream of Stilwell and the industry of KCS, Port Arthur became a major maritime center. Above, SIU member Lloyd "Doug" Richardson poses with his family during the Maritime Day observances. Richardson has been sailing for 67 years and, at 82, is the oldest active Seafarer registered for employment in the port of Norfolk. He began rm~~,,.~::.or he was 15, working abo tugs and barges hauling coal he Ea · a on eep sea career commenced when he was 22 years old, as an ordinary se oard the Alexander G Bell. He was on that ship in 1943 in the port of Naples, Italy, when it was subjected to bombing by enemy aircraft. He also served aboard the James W Nesmith, whtch was torpedoed by German U-boats. Richardson is still supporting the government's efforts, now sailing aboard Maritime prepositioning vessels. His last tour of duty was as an AB on the SPC5 Eric Gibson, and he intends to reclaim his position when the vessel re-crews. When asked what prompted him to go to sea, Richardson replied, "I love the water." And when asked why he continues to sail, he replied , "It's all I know." � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: HOUSE PASSES PORT SECURITY BILL; CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED FORMER ATC 'RIDING GANG' WORKERS UPGRADE TO AB AWARDS PRESENTED TO ATC VESSEL, OTHER SIU SHIPS CONGRESS WEIGHS FOC THREAT SEAFARERS WELCOME NEW TUG AND BARGE MATSON ORDERS 2 CONTAINERSHIPS FROM KVAERNER GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION WELCOMES USNS ARCTIC NEW PACT FOR TWIN RIVERS BOATMEN ED PULVER, VETERAN SIU OFFICIAL AND HUMANITARIAN, DIES AT 78 UNIONS APPROVE STRATEGY TO FUND POLITICAL ACTION HOUSTON BARGE CO. PLEADS GUILTY TO POLLUTION NOT QUITE SEALED WITH A KISS, BUT 44-DAY HERSHEY STRIKE ENDS DEADLY BARGE CRASH RENEWS CONCERNS UNION MOURNS PASSING OF ROBERT JORDAN LATEST TECHNOLOGY APPEARS PROMISING FOR CARGO SECURITY DOT PLANS NEW BALLAST WATER REGULATIONS ALASKA STUDENT CHRIS EUBANKS GETS PAUL HALL CENTER GRANT INNOVATOR RESCUES FAMILY ADRIFT ON DISABLED BOAT GULF MARINER URGES SENATE TO PROBE ANTI-WORKER CASES CORNHUSKER STATE RETURNS TO VIRGINIA AFTER SUPPORTING 'ENDURING FREEDOM' CAPE HORN CREW CITES COMMENDABLE WORK IN DREADFUL CONDITIONS DEFINING AN FOC VIDEOS OF LOST GERMAN SUB HELP RE-WRITE WWII HISTORY JOHN W. BROWN CRUISES INTO PAST SHARK ATTACKS: SEAFARER URGES SIU MEMBERS TO USE CAUTION WHEN ENTERING OCEAN WATERS AT WORK WITH THE SIU SERVING THE SHIPS THAT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS TRANSITING THE PANAMA CANAL ABOARD THE ITB PHILADELPHIA MARITIME DAY 2002 CELEBRATIONS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 7/1/2002 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. 64, No. 7 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/028119edc429aa54af862089f557933f.pdf 0a20db4979c4e3f1b9095aa444b37c08 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 8 August 2002 ... ~~ r;; w- NY Waterway Christens Ferry Maersk Tanker Ref lagging U.S. SIU-contracted NY Waterway last month sustained the steady growth of its fleet when it christened a new high-speed ferry in Weehawken, N.J. Named after former New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, the new boat (pictured at left) is a 79foot, bow-loading catamaran that can transport 149 passengers. Page 3. Congress Conducts Hearing Unions State Case for Broadening U.S. Maritime Security Program D mo a commitmea to th flag-and signaling_ new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers-Virginia-based Maersk Line, Ltd. last month announced it will rename and reflag the tanker Ramsgate. Delivery of the tanker is expected Aug. 31 on the West Coast, when the vessel will hoist the Stars and Stripes and be renamed the Maersk Rhode Island. Pictured above is a sister ship, the Maersk Roy, which is virtually identical to the Rhode Island. Page 3. SPAD Starts New Program The voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation fund (better known as SPAD) this month kicks off a new program intended to encourage and reward participation. A SPAD lapel pin, T-shirt and cap are featured in this new endeavor. For details, see page 6. Alaska Tanker Company Racks Up Safety Awards Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) last month received the State of Washington Department of Ecology's prestigious Exceptional Compliance Program Award. ATC also recently was honored by the Alaska State Legislature for its outstanding safety and environmental record. Pages 12-13. SIU Pres. Michael Sacco (left) presents a joint statement to Congress on behalf of four U.S. maritime unions. Joining him at the July 16 hearing before the House Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine are (from left) MESA Pres. Ron Davis, MM&P Exec. Asst. Mike Rodriguez and AMO Pres. Michael McKay. The statement urged a 20-year extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program and an expansion of the MSP fleet to at least 60 ships. Page 3. CIVMAR News - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pages 4, 7 Second Phase of ISM Code Implemented Contract Updates ----------------Page 7 Mobile, Ala. Happenings ~~~~~~~~~~~~-Page24 �Seafarers Rally With Gulf Mariners President's Report Loud and Clear In a span of less than five weeks, the United States Congress recently held two hearings about some of the most critical issues facing the U.S. Merchant Marine. The first hearing took place June 13 and focused on the threat of runaway flag vessels to our national security. The second was conducted July 16, and that inquiry dealt with a future extension and expansion of the Maritime Security Program (MSP). The SIU testified at both sessions, which were called by the House Special Oversight Panel on the Michael Sacco Merchant Marine, part of the Armed Services Committee. Particularly in an industry as heavily regulated as ours, those hearings shouldn't be taken for granted. They potentially represent important first steps in tackling two major concerns. The fact that the hearings even were called in the first place shows that Congress is serious about examining these issues. For Seafarers, the hearings also should serve as reminders that political action remains a must. It has been that way since our founding in 1938. Today, practically everything in our industry is subject to one law or another--crew size, cabotage, documentation, port state control, vessel structure, you name it. Those of you who have sailed with us for several years know what I mean. Issues have a way of resurfacing in different forums long after we've first dealt with them. That's why the SIU always has been, and always will be, politically active. Along those lines, this month a new program is being introduced to promote and reward participation in SPAD, the union's voluntary political action fund. Details are on page 6. I'm proud of the Sill's already strong rank-and-file participation, and I encourage every member to sign up for SPAD. Seafarers long have known that "politics is pork chops." Now, our members will know "it takes a four-letter word (SPAD) to be heard!" In a joint statement with other maritime unions, we were heard loud and clear during last month's MSP hearing. We took the first opportunity to go on the record as requesting- and strongly justifying-a greater commitment to the program. The maritime unions stood together to declare that extending the program for an additional 20 years and expanding the MSP fleet to at least 60 ships not only is vital to America's national and economic security, but also may be the catalyst for the continued revitalization of the U.S. fleet. We have several things going for us in this effort. One is the fact that the MSP has been economically efficient. It has provided our government with access to nearly 50 modem, militarily useful vessels that can support our national security, along with the critical infrastructure of the companies participating in the program. The MSP also has helped maintain a pool of skilled mariners who undoubtedly will be needed to crew the government-owned strategic sealift ships in times of conflict. Another reason why our nation needs a bigger, better MSP is the war against terrorism. The MSP was created in the wake of the Persian Gulf War. Congress rediscovered the value of the U.S . merchant fleet at that time. Working with the maritime unions and industry, elected officials produced this very important program to revitalize our U.S.-flag fleet. Since September 11, I believe we' ve seen a renewed awareness on Capitol Hill of what our merchant marine means to national security. That development would be welcome any time, but it's especially important today-because our war against terrorism undoubtedly will involve much more than what we've seen so far. As anyone who follows the news has seen, there is every indication that the United States will go to war against Iraq in the fairly near future. It's obvious that the administration is committed to removing Saddam Hussein, and history strongly suggests that our merchant marine will be called upon. There are many other reasons why America deserves a broadened commitment to the MSP, and the SIU will use every possible resource to deliver that message however many times it takes to make such a commitment reality. Volume 64, Number 8 August 2002 I The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District!NMU, AFL-CIO; 520 l Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (30 l) 899-0675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes ; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor; Summer Intern, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarel'S LOG More than 50 Seafarers recently rallied in solidarity with employees from Trico Marine Services, Inc. who are seeking representation by the Offshore Mariners United (OMU). SIU members turned out in New Orleans June 13 and in New York June 6 and June 27 to back workers employed in the Gulf of Mexico offshore oil service industry. At issue in all three rallies were employees' freedom of association and freedom of speech. For the past two years, maritime employees at Trico have been struggling to gain union representation. Trico has conducted a fierce and often intimidating campaign to deny workers their rights. SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd led the group of Seafarers during the rally in New Orleans. In addition to brandishing signs of support that demanded mariners' rights, Seafarers handed out flyers that outlined the employees' demands. Those who participated in the rally were Cesar Recertified Bosun Gutierrez, Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, Chief Cooks Joe Part of the SIU contingent that rallied in New York in support of Trico employees posed for the photo above. Pictured (from left to right) are SIU Port Agent Jim Malone, OSU Representative Bruce Vail, Tom Dugan, Mike Manekas, Benny Santos, Eddie Martinez, Scott Musick, Joe Enders, Nabassin Adedouawongobou, SIU New York Representative Oscar Lopez, John Wozunk, Joe Gallo, Mike Joel and Carlton Hall. Brooks and Artis Pilgram, Steward Assistant Wardell Paze and ABs Mohammed Adams, James Wilkerson, Judith Merwin and Vincent Thompson. SIU Pensioner Silverio Arana also participated. SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone, SIU New York Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski and SIU New York Representative Oscar Lopez were in the front- Two Miami Shipping Agents Busted for Document Fraud An eight-month case that was one part homeland security operation and one part criminal investigation resulted in arrests July 3, shortly after officials from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) served and executed search warrants at two locations on the Miami River. The warrants helped investigators collect evidence and led to two arrests and the confiscation of a stockpile of bogus documents pertaining to the merchant marine. The investigation began in November 2001 and focused on two shipping agents operating on the Miami River. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami authorized the arrest of Freddy Alvaredo and Julio Gonzalez. Both subsequently were charged with false official statements in violation of 18 USC 1001. Gonzalez was also charged with alien smuggling under 8 USC 1324. Violations of 18 U.S.C. 1001 are punishable by five years imprisonment while violations of 8 USC are punishable by a maximum of 10 years. The defendants were released on percentage bonds and are scheduled for arraignment Aug. 5. Documents seized during the operation included medical certifications , STCW credentials and letters that stated individuals were employees of maritime companies. These could be used to help obtain U.S. work visas at American consulates abroad. Also confiscated were visa letters, stamps used to falsely certify mariners' medical examinations, lines of Seafarer contingentsnearly 20 strong during each outing-during the efforts in New York. Bruce Vail, a former member of MEBA who now is actively involved with the OMU, joined them. SIU members who participated included: Tom Dugan, Mike Manekas, Benny Santos. Eddie Martinez, Scott Musick, Joe Enders, N abassin AdeContinued on page 7 computer records and various levels of mariner licenses, including masters, electricians and mates. These documents generally were Panamanian, Colombian and Honduran in origin. More than $102,000 in cash also was seized. Teaming up for the investigation were representatives from the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) , Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Miami and INS. The Coast Guard agent in charge of the investigation, Jim DeVino, said the results "will have a tremendous impact on stemming the illegal flow of fraudulent foreign merchant mariner documents in South Florida. We view this case as highly successful, from both a criminal investigative and a homeland security perspective." The Coast Guard also acknowledged that fraudulent documentation is a problem that plagues marine safety offices across the country. Hotel Annex Almost Complete Construction of the new hotel annex at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is in its final stages. The building, located near the library, is scheduled for a ceremonial opening during the Seafarers International Union of North America's convention Sept. 11-12. Meanwhile, rooms at the training and recreation center hotel have undergone substantial refurbishment. These photos of the annex were taken in mid-July. Augusf 2002 �Unions Urge MSP Extension, Expansion Congress Conducts P' Hearing on Program's Broadening SIU Pres. Michael Sacco led a group of maritime union officials last month in urging Congress to extend the U.S. Maritime Security Program by an additional 20 years and expand the MSP fleet to at least 60 vessels. The SIU president appeared July 16 before the House Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine, part of the Armed Services Committee. Joining him were American Maritime Officers Pres. Michael McKay; Mike Rodriguez, executive assistant to Maters, Mates & Pilots Pres. Tim Brown; and Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association Pres. Ron Davis. Earlier during the hearingchaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and attended by a standing-room crowd-testimony was submitted by John Clancey, chairman of the board of Maersk Sealand; Roy Bowman, vice president for government affairs of APL Limited and executive vice president of American Automar, Inc.; Jordan Truchan, president and CEO of Patriot Holdings, American Ship Management, and Patriot Contract Services; Joseph T. "Jay" Keegan, president and CEO of U.S. Ship Management, Inc.; Erik Johnsen, president of International Shipholding Corporation; and Robert Alario, president of Offshore Marine Service Association. Joining Hunter in receiving the testimony were fellow committee members Rep. Jim Saxton (RN .J. ), Rep. Thomas Allen (DMaine), and Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.). Although much of the hearing focused on U.S. citizenship ownership and control of vessels participating in the MSP, everyone who testified, stated that the existing program has been successful and should be broadened. In opening the hearing, Hunter noted, "Although we have some time before the current Maritime Security Program expires, the panel wanted to get started now with the hope that we can get something enacted well before the current expiration date in Left: SIU Pres. Michael Sacco (left) presents the joint statement issued by the SIU, AMO, MM&P and MEBA. Joining him on the panel are (from left) MESA Pres. Ron Davis, MM&P Exec. Asst. Mike Rodriguez and AMO Pres. Michael McKay. Right (below): Rep. Thomas Allen (DMaine) (left) and Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) questioned members of both panels about the potential impact of possible changes in an extended MSP. Although expressing some differences concerning citizenship ownership and control of vessels participating in the MSP, members of the first panel were united in their support for extending and expanding the program. Pictured from left to right are Robert Alario, president of Offshore Marine Service Association; Jordan Truchan, president and CEO of Patriot Holdings, American Ship Management, and Patriot Contract Services; Joseph T. "Jay" Keegan, president and CEO of U.S. Ship Management; Erik Johnsen, president of International Shipholding Corporation; Roy Bowman, vice president for government affairs of APL Limited and executive vice president of American Automar, Inc.; and John Clancey, chairman of the board of Maersk Sealand. 2005 .... This is the first of what I hope will be several additional hearings relating to the Maritime Security Program." Enacted in 1996, the MSP was designed to enhance and increase the role played by the commercial maritime industry in national defense planning. As noted by the SIU and the other maritime unions in a joint statement submitted to the panel, the MSP requires that the maritime security fleet be composed of "active, militarily useful, privately owned vessels to meet national defense and other security requirements" and that an emergency preparedness agreement approved by the secretary of defense must cover each vessel. The MSP further mandates that, through the Voluntary NY Waterway Christens High-Speed Ferry SIU-contracted NY Waterway last month continued the steady expansion of its fleet when it christened a new high-speed ferry in Weehawken, N.J. Named after former New Jersey Sen. F;ank Lautenberg, the boat is a 79-foot, bow-loading catamaran that can transport 149 passengers. It was built by Allen Marine, Inc. of Sitka, Alaska. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Maersk Tanker Will Ref lag American More jobs are on the horizon for Seafarers as SIU-contracted and Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. later this year will rename and reflag the Ramsgate, a 35,000 tonnage clean product tanker. The vessel, currently owned and operated by Maersk United Kingdom and registered under the British flag, will be renamed the Rhode Island and flagged under the Stars and Stripes. Delivery of the The Maersk Roy is a sister ship of the soon-to-berenamed and reflagged Rhode Island. Aside from hull number, both vessels are the same. Augusf 2002 Intermodal Sealift of operating commercial vessels Agreement (VISA) program, a ·under the United States flag company participating in the caused by the multitude of rules, MSP must make its intermodal regulations and tax obligations shipping services and systems, mandated by our government for including ships, vessel space, United States-flag ships but not intermodal equipment and related for their foreign competitors. As management services, available such, the reauthorization of this to the Department of Defense "as program is absolutely essential to required to support the emer- ensure that the United States gency deployment and sustain- keeps and expands its privately ment of U.S. military forces." owned fleet of United States-flag Sacco, presenting the joint commercial vessels. statement, noted, "This program "It is the active, competitive, is critically important to the privately owned commercial fleet American workers we represent, Continued on page 4 helping to offset the higher cost tanker to the Virginia company is expected Aug. 31 on the West Coast. A formal ceremony for the renaming and reflagging will take place at the time, a Maersk spokesperson said. "This move reflects Maersk's commitment to the U.S. flag, and it's also a great credit to Capt. Bill Schubert (head of the U.S. Maritime Administration) for his and MarAd's efforts to promote and increase the U.S.-flag fleet and employment opportunities for U.S. mariners," stated SIU Pres. Michael Sacco. "It also augments the critical manpower pool of trained mariners who are so vital to U.S. sealift_capability." The Rhode Island is a single screw, diesel-driven, double hull tanker . that will engage in worldwide service. Its homeport will be Norfolk, Va. The US.flag vessel will be engaged primarily in transporting clean petroleum products. It is capable of carrying clean and so-called "dirty" petroleum and crude oils in cargo tanks with special epoxy series coating in cargo tanks and slop tanks. The ship is 562 feet long and 90 feet wide. Its "summer deadweight" is listed at 34,999 metric tons, while its gross tonnage is 22, 181 metric tons. The vessel is equipped with bow and stem thrusters and is capable of carrying five grades simultaneously. Soresi led the SIU contingent attending the July 10 christening. "We're pleased to continue growing with NY Waterway, and we obviously welcome the additional job opportunities," said Tellez. "It should also be noted that the company deserves a lot of credit for its exhaustive efforts to provide the most up-to-date safety training-specifically geared for passenger service-for the crews through the Paul Hall Center (based in Piney Point, Md.). That commitment to safety cannot be overlooked." NY Waterway is the largest privately owned commuter ferry service in the nation, providing more than 60,000 passenger trips per day. The company utilizes 43 SIU-crewed boats on 19 routes between Brooklyn, N.Y. and Manhattan, and between Rockland and Westchester counties, with additional routes being developed. Additionally, NY Waterway offers leisure and sightseeing cruises in the New York area. Lautenberg, who in 1996 voted in favor of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, said at last month's christening, "A principal focus of my work in the U.S. Senate was to enable people in this crowded metropolitan area to reach their destinations more comfortably and more efficiently. NY Waterway and the visionary Imperatore family (owner of the company) have played an enormous role in making life more pleasant when going to work, recreation or other places in this region. I am so pleased to have joined them in their important mission." "Sen. Lautenberg was one of the first leaders to recognize the value of commuter ferry service in providing safe, reliable, environmentally friendly transportation," noted NY Waterway Pres. Arthur E. Imperatore Jr. The newest SIU-crewed passenger ferry is NY Waterway's U.S. Senator Frank R. Laufenberg, chri stened last month. Seafarers LOG 3 �Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation, particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school's apprentice program. To qualify for the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations: There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions, and includes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rig~ 9rous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements, specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.erg. New AFL-CIO Web Site Helps Workers Survive Unemployment Amid Massive Corporate Layoffs To help meet the needs of laidoff workers, the AFL-CIO on July 11 launched www.laidoffworkers.org-a new web site that provides resources for surviving unemployment, meeting working family challenges, learning what went wrong and protecting retirement security. In announcing the site's launch, the federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) noted, "Corporate greed has left thousands of workers across the country without jobs, retirement security and health care. While corporate executives cook books and receive obscene salaries and perks, workers are getting pink slips and losing health insurance and retirement savings. . . . At least 17,000 WorldCom workers have joined the ranks of other corporate workers struggling to find new jobs and benefits following the collapse of their companies as a result of corporate greed." Visitors can access the site to develop a financial action plan, get information about unemployment insurance and benefits and learn about their rights under federal law. The web site also provides information on coping with working family challenges such as college costs, caring for elders, buying health insurance and saving for retirement. "Workers should not have to suffer because of unchecked greed in corporate America," said John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO. "This new web site will give workers the information they need to survive sudden layoffs in this emerging cycle of corporate mismanagement." The site provides workers with the tools they will need to get active in the push to demand corporate accountability. Workers can also become active participants in lobbying members of Congress to support meaningful pension reform legislation and other measures that address the needs of working families. It further includes a link to a 10-step plan from the AFL-CIO for employers facing structural change as they initiate mass layoffs. The guidelines are intended to help laid-off workers gain fair treatment, severance payments and basic rights. The AFL-CIO, which represents 13 million working men and women in the United States, successfully spearheaded a campaign in the federal bankruptcy court that resulted in additional severance payments of more than $30 million to former Enron workers. Unions Urge MSP Extension Continued from page 3 · that provides the shipboard jobs during peacetime that ensures the United States will continue to have the trained American citizen merchant mariners available to crew the more than 150 government vessels that provide the surge buildup at the outset of military conflicts; and the American commercial vessels that provide the reliable, immediate sealift sustainment capability to support military operations overseas." He further stated that it is "absolutely critical" for both the government and public to realize that "unless merchant mariners have employment in our industry at decent wages and benefits during times of peace, mariners will not be available in times of war or other international emergency. Without a strong American commercial merchant marine, the United States will lose the best 4 Seafarers LOS and most cost-effective means of transporting supplies needed by our troops overseas. Without reliable commercial sealift, our nation cannot sustain sizeable military forces in combat." Along those lines, the unions (and others who testified) reported that the MSP has proven quite cost-effective. No less an authority than the commander in chief of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) in August 2001 stated that it would coast the Defense Department more than $9 billion to replace the current commercial sealift capacity in the MSP and an additional $1 billion annually for the operations and maintenance of these vesselsand that's not including the cost of providing and replicating the private-sector intermodal infrastructure available through the MSP. The unions specifically recommended that Congress and the Capt. Schubert Thanks Army For Honoring U.S. Mariners U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert last month thanked the U.S. Army for its recent decision allowing military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery for U.S. Merchant Marine veterans of World War IL "The decision of your agency to allow merchant mariners to be inumed at Arlington is a salute to these patriotic seafarers for their heroic contributions to this country," Schubert said in a July 11 letter to Reginald J. Brown, assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs. "Thank you for making this favorable decision." Schubert pointed out that each year, on or around National Maritime Day, May 22, the Maritime Administration sponsors a Merchant Marine Memorial Service, which honors American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country. During World War II alone, 733 American vessels were sunk, and approximately 6,000 merchant seamen and officers were lost as a result of enemy action and war-related causes. On June 10, the Anny announced that individuals from 37 groups, known as Active Duty Designees, may now receive military honors when their remains are inumed at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to oceangoing members of the merchant marine, the groups include Women's Air Force Pilots, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, Flying Tigers, battlefield ambulance drivers, female civilians who served with the U. S. Army Union, MSC Negotiate Outport Medical Examination Program After many months of negotiation, the union and MSC have reached agreement for CIVMARS to receive medical examinations while on leave. This program can benefit mariners who wish to extend their leave period rather than returning to the customer service unit (CSU) for physical examinations after their leave ends. Participation in the program is voluntary unless there are mission requirements which will necessitate that the CIVMAR interrupt his or her leave to receive a physical examination. CIVMARS who choose not to participate may return to the CSU in San Diego or Norfolk for their examinations. The Afloat Personnel Management Center (APMC) will implement this new program gradually- giving CIVMARS living in the United States 30 days' notice, and 60 days' notice for CIVMARS living outside the States. MSC hopes to have physical examinations completed while the CIVMAR is serving aboard a vessel and prior to the beginning of leave. If that cannot be accomplished, the mariner may administration "statutorily extend" the MSP for an additional period of at least 20 years beyond its present expiration date of Sept. 30, ·2005; expand the MSP fleet from the present 4 7 vessels to at least 60; and adjust the annual MSP payment so that it "more accurately reflects the realities of shipping economics under . the United States flag." The unions concluded, "We are convinced that this program could, with appropriate and practical changes, serve as an even greater source of employment for American mariners, support to an even greater degree American military operations overseas, and better protect U.S. economic interests from total domination by foreign-flag vessels and crews." Among others' comments supporting the MSP were the following: • Truchan said the MSP "is absolutely essential to the continuing existence of the American Merchant Marine and therefore, Capt. William Schubert U.S. Maritime Administrator Nurse Corps at Bataan and Corregidor, and defenders of Bataan and Wake Island. Questions about eligibility for inurnment and military honors at Arlington National Cemetery should be directed to the cemetery's Interment Services Office at (703) 695-3250. choose to interrupt leave for an exam. CIVMARS who choose to take an examination during leave must remember that it is very important to remain in contact with their detailers to ensure they have all the appointment information, travel information and funds needed to travel to the physical examination office. Mariners will be paid for the time it takes to complete the examination. Mariners should make sure they understand what pay they will be entitled to in advance of their trip to the medical exam to avoid any misunderstandings. CIVMARS who live outside the States must remember that if they are found not fit for duty and try to remain at home to get the treatment they need, their insurance may not cover fees for foreign doctors and medical treatments at foreign hospitals or clinics. Make sure you understand your insurance coverage. It also should be noted that prescription drugs may not be covered if they are obtained at foreign pharmacies. APMC has sent out an announcement with all the details of this program to MSC vessels. If you have questions you can contact your MSO, the Force Medical Officers on each coast or your detailer. The Union and MSC will meet in six months to review the program. If you have comments about the program please send them to civmarsupport@seafarers.org. the national defe.nse and security of our nation." • Keegan said Congress "should not now or in the future modify a well-entrenched policy which limits eligibility in the MSP to American-flagged vessels, with American crews .... " • Johnsen stated, "In addition to our national defense, the importance of a U.S.-flag fleet to protect our economic interest in international commerce is equally well-established .... It is the U.S.flag fleet that helps American businesses to maintain equitable participation in international commerce, and that fleet itself depends very heavily on the MSP program to maintain its presence in the foreign trade of the U.S." • Clancey stated, "Some may question why we need to reauthorize the MSP now. Let me answer that question: It is critical that we preserve the important U.S. maritime industrial base and American jobs. Removing any uncertainty about the extension of the MSP will be very helpful in that regard. • Bowman pointed out, "The critical importance of a U.S.-flag liner fleet to national security has been a central tenet of U.S. maritime policy for generations, most recently reaffrrmed with the passage of the Maritime Security Act of 1996." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SfU hiring halls will be closed Monday, September 2, 2002 for the observance of Labor Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Augusf 2002 �Report Examines Ship Detentions in 2001 Many companies operating older tonnage do not show much interest in proper safety standards, according to the 2001 Annual Report of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (MOU). The body arrived at this conclusion following its tabulation of individual ship inspections and ship detentions during 2001. Operating on the premise that although not every old ship is a bad ship, the group said that some owners of older vessels still pose significant risk in areas related to safety, the marine environment, operational standards and especially the implementation of a safety management system. According to the report, a number of flag states that are responsible for certifying these older vessels have more concern for their revenues than for safety standards. Some registers have even managed to find their way to the top of the Black List in a single year. Meanwhile, other notorious flags seem to be comfortable with their position on the Black List and have not shown any sign of improvement over the years, the report said. To illustrate the central role classification societies play when acting on behalf of flag states, their actions were closely monitored. Records for 2001 indicated that in 1,699 detentions (only one of which involved a U.S.-flag ship), classification societies were held responsible 22 percent of the time (380 instances). Of these 380 instances, 78 percent or 297 were attributed to class societies acting on behalf of flags on the Black List. "This may indicate that safety is or can be measured by double standards," said Alan Cubbin, chairman of the port state control committee. "Perhaps the time is right for classification societies to become more discriminating in whom they represent." The actual number of deficiencies recorded during port state control inspections in 2001 (68,756) showed a slight increase and is only 1.5 percent higher when compared with the prior year. But the increasing trend in operational deficiencies related to safety procedures still is continuing at an alarming rate. An increase of 29 percent has been registered since 1999. Ships older than 15 years show niore than 11 times as many operational deficiencies as ships less than 5 years old. Of even greater concern, according to the report, is a steep increase in safety management defects, which over three years have increased by 150 percent. Once again, ships older than 15 years showed 14 times as many • Passenger ships constructed on or after July 1, 2002; e Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) passenger ships constructed before July 1, 2002; • Ships, other than passenger ships, of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after July 1, 2002. August2DD2 with contracts of long service on board and extensive working hours, there is no room for a safety culture on board these ships. Unfortunately many flag states and classification societies take no interest or deny their competence and leave it to port States to pick up the pieces. In view of the foregoing, and coupled with lessons learned during nearly 20 years of operation, the body has set a new course for the years ahead with fresh objectives. Determined targeting of substandard ships, greater transparency to the outside world and a higher level of harmonization and quality are among the goals. Officials said that companies, ships and flags with good safety records should be rewarded for investing in quality shipping. They warned, however, that ship owners, flag states, classification societies and charters must be held accountable for their performance and involvement with sub-standard ships. The Paris MOU consists of 19 participating maritime administrations and covers the waters of the European coastal States and the North Atlantic basin from North America to Europe. The body's mission is to eliminate the operation of substandard ships through a harmonized system of port state control. Annually, it conducts more than 18,000 on board inspections of foreign ships in various ports to make certain that vessels meet international safety and environmental standards, and that crew members have adequate living and working conditions. Second Phase of ISM Code Implemented The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) as of July 1 became mandatory for most ships trading internationally. . Under the frrst phase of implementation, which began in July 1998, compliance with the code had been mandatory for tankers, passenger ships and bulk carriers. Now, all other vessels covered by the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention-which includes all but the smallest internationally-trading vessels- must comply. The mandatory ISM Code provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. In addition, shore-side management now has direct responsibility to ensure that its ships operate to the prescribed level of safety. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), preliminary reports suggest that ISM implementation has .had a positive effect and the Code is beginning to achieve its aim of creating a culture of safety within shipping companies thrqughout the world. Commercially, early indicators suggest that ISM certification proves its worth. Data Recorders, ID Systems Among New Requirements The carriage of voyage data recorders (VDRs) and automatic identification systems (AIS) are among several new requirements for certain ships. The regulations-amendments to the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS}-became effective July l. The revised SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation), which was adopted in December 2000, includes a number of important new requirements for ships, including those relating to the carriage of VDRs and AIS and acceptance of electronic charts as meeting . the chart carriage requirements. Like the "black boxes" on aircraft, VDRs will make it possible for accident investigators to review procedures an<:l instructions that took place in the moments before an incident. The units are designed to help identify the cause of any accident. The following ships are required to carry VDRs: . non-conformities as ships less than 5 years old did. MOU General Secretary Richard Schiferli said, "Since all ISM compliant ships have been subject to several audits by the company and flag or classification society since they were certified in 1998, the standard of non-compliance should be cause for concern. At the same time, questions can be raised as to how the companies of these ships managed to obtain a Document of Compliance." A close correlation exists between safety, working and living conditions aboard vessels, according to the report. Deficiency rates have increased over many years. In particular, older bulk carriers and general dry cargo ships sometimes are found in an appalling condition for the crew. Combined Additionally, non-RO/RO passenger ships built before July 1, 2002 must have the equipment by Jan.I, 2004. VDRs are required to meet performance standards at least equaling those adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1997. Those standards, which outline details on data to be recorded and VDR specifications, state that the VDR should continuously maintain sequential records of pre-selected data items relating to status and output of the ship's equipment and command and control. Further, the guidance states that VDRs should be installed in protective capsules that are brightly colored and fitted with appropriate devices to aid in location. Finally, the units should be entirely automatic in normal operation. Under the new regulation, the VDR system, including all sensors, will be subjected to an annual performance test conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data. VDRs for Current Cargo Ships The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in December 2000 adopted a resolution on the carriage of VDRs on existing According to the IMO, companies that have safety management systems in place have reported reductions in casualties and spills, as well as downward trends in detention rates. Further, those that have fully embraced the ISM Code have a better approach to safety management. William A. O'Neil, IMO secretary general noted, "Previously, IMO's attempts to improve shipping safety and to prevent pollution from ships largely had been directed at improving the ·hardware of shipping- for example, the construction of ships and their equipment. The ISM Code, by comparison, concentrates on the way shipping companies are run. This is important, because we know that human factors account for most accidents at sea- and that many of them can ultimately be traced to management. The Code is helping to raise management standards and practices and thereby reduce accidents and save lives." The ISM Code became mandatory July 1, 1998 under the International Convention for SOLAS. From that date, it applied to passenger ships, including passenger high-speed craft; and oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft of 500 carg·o ships. This decree calls for a feasibility study to determine the need for mandatory carriage of VDRs on these ships. That study, being conducted by the Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation (and other IMO subcommittees .as appropriate), considers such factors as viability, technical problems relating to the retrofitting of VDRs, adequacy of existing performance standards including the possible development of simplified standards, experience in the use of VDRs on ships already fitted with them, including data that could not have been obtained without VDRs, and relevant financial implications, including a cost-benefit analysis. The study should be finalized by Jan. I, 2004 so that, if a compelling need for mandatory· carriage of VDRs on existing cargo ships is demonstrated, relevant amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and associated performance standards can be drafted. AIS Regulation 19 of the new Chapter V-carriage requirements for ship-borne navigational systems and equipment--establishes navigational equipment to be carried on board ships, according to ship type. Most equipment (gyrocompass, radar, etc.) was already required under the existing Chapter V, but the new regulation adds a requirement for carriage of AIS capable of automatically providing information about the ship to appropriately equipped shore gross tonnage and above. As of July 1, other cargo ships-including general cargo ships and container ships- and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage and above now must comply. Some 12,000 ships had to comply by the frrst deadline. The second phase of implementation brought in another 13,000 ships. All commercial ships (above 500 gross tonnage) on internatlonal voyages now have to comply. Among other functions,. a proper safety management system as required by the ISM Code should: • Ensure that all applicable international standards are complied with. • Help prevent accidents. • Ensure procedures are in place for dealing with any shipboard emergency. • Make certain there are adequate communications between ship and shore-side personnel. • Ensure that all individuals know their role and responsibility and are adequately trained and have the appropriate resources to do their job. • Make sure that all activities and operations are planned, controlJed and verified. stations, other ships and aircraft. The regulation requires AIS to be fitted aboard all ships of 300 gross tonnage or more engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages and passenger ships-irrespective of size-built on or after July 1, 2002. It also applies to ships engaged on international voyages constructed before July 1, 2002, according to the following timetable: • Passenger ships, not later than July 1, 2003; • Tankers, not later than the first survey for safety equipment on or after July 1, 2003; • Ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 50,000 gross tonnage or more, not later than July 1, 2004; • Ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 50,000 gross tonnage, not later than July 1, 2005; • Ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 3,000 gross tonnage and higher but less than 10,000 gross tonnage, not later than July 1, 2006; • Ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage, not later than July 1, 2007. Vessels that are not engaged on international voyages, constructed before July 1, 2002, will have to fit AJS not later than July 1, 2008. A flag state may exempt ships from carrying AIS when ships are scheduled to permanently go out of service within two years after the implementation date. Performance standards for AIS were adopted in 1998. The new regulation requires that AIS shall: • Provide information-including the ship's identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety-related information-automatically to appropriately equipped shore stations, other ships and aircraft. • Receive automatically such information from similarly fitted ships. • Monitor and track ships. • Exchange data with shorebased facilities. ECDIS The new Chapter V also allows an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to be accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of the regulation. The regulation requires all ships, irrespective of size, to carry nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship's route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. Ships also must carry backup arrangements if electronic charts are used either fully or partially. Seafarers LOB 5 �ATTENTION: SEAFARERS For Your SPAD Pin • • • and Hat • • • FRONT BACK and T-Shirt! For the U.S.-flag fleet, political action is essential. The maritime industry long has been among the most heavily regulated in the nation. Accordingly, the SIU is aggressive when it comes to promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine not only on Capitol Hill, but also at the state and local levels. Grassroots activities have always been an important tool in the union's arsenal. For the last 40 years, another key instrument has been the union's voluntary political action fund: the Seafarers Political Activity Donation, better known as SPAD. This month, the union kicks off a new SPAD promotion that is intended to boost the voluntary fund while also rewarding Seafarers for their participation. Details appear elsewhere on this page. Please note that all members may participate, including those who were in the NMU at the time of the merger last year. "Overall, the membership does a great job recognizing SPAD's importance and participating in the program," noted SIU Sec.Treasurer David Heindel, who chairs the fund. "No question, we're introducing this new promotion in the hopes of encouraging even stronger participation, because our fight to maintain and revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet doesn't end. But, it's just as much a goodwill gesture- an acknowledgement of the membership's political awareness and support." As part of the message, the union recently conducted a mail-in contest to come up with a new catch-phrase that signifies the importance of SPAD to the membership. The new slogan, intended to be similar in sentiment to the venerable "Politics is Porkchops," will be printed on Tshirts available through the SPAD check-off authorization program. Response to the contest was quite strong. Thornton Elliott Jr. of Savannah, Ga. won the competition with his entry of "It takes a four-letter word to be heard." Congratulations to Brother Elliott, and thanks to all who submitted entries. Please note that these items include the colors blue, yellow, red and black. Signing up for the new SPAD promotion is easy. From August 1, 2002 through July 31 , 2003 , anyone who contributes to the fund through a check-off autho• rization found on the vacation application (and also m<ailable ginn~ · month at the union halls) will receive the following items: GET YOUR Authorized contribution amount $0.50 per day $1.00 per day $1.50 or more per day I ltem(s) SPAD lapel pin SPAD T-shirt (and lapel pin) SPAD baseball cap (plus the T-shirt and pin) Please note that in addition to those items, a new, high-quality SPAD jacket is available to members who make a onetime donation in addition to their check-off authorization. More details about the jacket will be published in next month's Seafarers LOG. Q: How long will this promotion last? A: One year, beginning August 1, 2002. A: Yes. Please note that there's only a single version of each item (pin, shirt, hat, jacket), so you would receive (in this example) two identical pins and two identical shirts. Q: When will I receive my SPAD item(s)? A: Items will be mailed weekly from headquarters, via parcel post. The "trigger" for a member to receive his or her SPAD item(s) is simply filing for a vacation check. Of course, the member must have authorized a SPAD contribution of at least 50 cents per day to be eligible for this promotion. Q: How will you know my T-shirt size? A: Beginning this month, flyers will be available at the halls that include sample images of the SPAD products a copy of the check-off form (the same one that;s already on the vacation application) and a space in which to indicate your T-shirt size as well as jacket size. FAQ Q: Are the items available for purchase? A: The pin, shirt and hat are only available through the check-off authorization promo. The jacket only is available through a one-time contribution that's in addition to a check-off authorization. Q: Ifl authorize $1.50 or more, will I receive all three items? A: Yes. Q: Let's say I authorize a contribution of amount of $1. If I file for two vacation checks during the next year, will I receive two pins and two T-shirts? Q: How can I make sure the union has my current address on file? A: The vacation application includes space for your current address. Also, the leaflets will include a form for updating your address. Q: I already have a check-off authorization on file. Do I need to fill out another one in order to qualify for the merchandise? A: No. When a member with an authorization on file applies for vacation benefits during this program, he or she is entitled to an item or items based on the amount of the already authorized contribution. However, Seafarers may change the amount authorized. For more information, write to SPAD at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, or call the office of the secretary-treasurer at (301) 899-0675. 6 Seafarers LOG Augusf 2002 �SIU, Ill/SC Agree an Labar Relations Strategy After a year of negotiations, the union's Government Services Division, with support from its CIVMAR members, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Military Sealift Command about how the parties will proceed with several key labor relations issues -including the negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement and the CMPI (Civil Mariner Personnel Instructions, the agency's workplace instructions and guidance). After the merger between the SIU and NMU in June 2001, the union contacted MSC to discuss certain labor relations issues that affected the status of the merged union and the west and east coast employee units. The union wanted to file a petition before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to reflect the change in the status of the newly merged union. The union also requested that MSC begin negotiating a new contract which would cover east and west coast unlicensed CIVMARS. The union's major goal was to secure one contract and bring wage parity to employees on the east and west coasts. At the beginning of the discus- sions, MSC took the position that the Afloat Personnel Management Center, the human resource division of MSC, was the employer of CIVMARS. MSC also wanted to finish all CMPI negotiations prior to any collective bargaining discussions. For many months the parties were deadlocked in their respective positions, and all issues remained on hold. In June 2002, after persistent efforts and continual contacts with MSC, the union achieved its goals. Several APMC representatives worked diligently with union representatives Chet Wheeler and Kate Hunt to achieve resolution of these outstanding issues. This agreement lays the foundation for significant changes for MSC employees. Based upon the months of negotiations leading up to this pact, the union is hopeful that the parties will continue working together to accomplish the negotiation and implementation of wage parity for all CIVMARS. These talks will take many months to complete, but the union is confident that its negotiators will achieve fair agreements on a contract and the CMPI with positive ITF Wins Trico Case The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has claimed victory in the case brought against it by Trico. The offshore services provider recently dropped the entire legal case against the global union federation on the second day of a preliminary hearing for an injunction at the High Court in London, even before the ITF had begun its defense. Trico had alleged that the ITF's international solidarity campaign to support efforts by U.S. unions (including the SIU) to protect workers' rights to choose union representation at Trico amounted to a conspiracy to damage its interests by unlawful action. The ITF strongly refuted this and agreed to circulate a statement of its existing policy on internatio:naiPsolidarity action to all its affiliates. and o the International Chemical Energy and Mineworkers' Federation (ICEM), its sister global union federation, which has also been actively involved in the Trico campaign. David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, stated, "I said at the beginning that this court action involved fundamental issues of principle about international solidarity action and freedom of expression, and I am pleased that Trico has seen sense and decided to drop the action. I'm only sorry that Trico didn't talk to us before, when we were making repeated invitations to begin a dialogue. They could have had this statement at any time and saved us all a lot of time and bother. This circular reiterates what anyone who knows us knows has been our policy all along." Seafarers Rally With Gulf Mariners Continued from page 2 douawongobou, John Wozunk, Joe Gallo, Mike Joel, Carlton Hall, Victor Mondeci, Wilfredo Rodriguez and Abraham Daif. As reported earlier in the LOG, members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on June 20 heard testimony about the obstacles facing workers in South Louisiana who want to form labor unions. Capt. Eric J. Vizier of Lafourche, Parish, La., was one of several Gulf mariners to address the body. "Come to South Louisiana. Talk to the parties involved. Together, let's figure out a way that mariners in South Louisiana can win their rights-their rights to freedom of association and freedom of speech. Mariners in the Gulf of Mexico need a union to improve working conditions on the boats and to allow for a better quality of life at home," he told the committee. results for the CIVMARS. A brief summary of the agreement follows. It was established that MSC would be designated as the employer on the FLRA petition. This means the union will receive recognition at the MSC headquarters level and will be able to discuss policy issues at command headquarters. Day-to-day matters and disciplinary matters will be worked out with the APMC staff as it is currently done. For disciplinary grievances, APMC will be the final step decision maker, prior to taking the grievance to arbitration, if necessary. MSC also agreed to work with the union to file a joint petition before the FLRA asking the authority to recognize the merged union as the exclusive bargaining representative for MSC employees. Another goal of the petition process is to consolidate the east and west coast units into one unit. MSC also agreed to negotiate certain collective-bargaining subjects that the union considers most important at the same time the parties are negotiating the CMPI. The agreement ensures that, when wage parity is implemented, no mariner will receive a lower base pay as a result of implementing wage parity for all CIV - MARS. A mariner will receive the higher rate of pay for the position in which he or she sails for the ship class to which he or she is assigned. If a higher rate of pay exists for a position on the west coast, the east coast mariner will receive the increase. The same will be true if the east coast position is paid at a higher base pay wage rate. Once wage parity has been achieved, MSC will implement an "any ship, any ocean" policy. As is currently done in the private sector, CIVMARS will receive assignments to ships sailing from either coast to any destination. For employees who serve as West Coast supply officers and junior supply officers, the union will seek to represent these employees through the appropriate FLRA procedures. The parties have targeted early fall to begin collective bargaining negotiations and continue CMPI negotiations. A final phase of collective bargaining negotiations will take place after the CMPI negotiations are finished. The union's Government Services Division representatives have been working carefully to develop comprehensive bargaining proposals. If you have suggestions concerning proposals, please contact your ship's delegate, who August2002 Correction The names of SIU ,Exec. VP John Fay and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey should have been included in a front-page photo caption in last month's issue concerning the christening ,of the new , tµg Sea Reliance and its accol}1panying doubte- ;>auUed barge 550-1. SIU Contract News Includes New Pact for Sealift Tankers A flurry of activity involving agreements with SIU-contracted companies has taken place during the last month. Following is a summary of this activity as provided by the office of SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Sealift Tankers Sealift has been awarded a five-year contract by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) .for the operation of the Capt. Stephen Bennett and .~he American Merlin. The agreement calls for a 5 .p ercent across-the-board increase in the first year, enrollment in the top-level Plan G medical benefits and an increase in the vacation benefit (to 15 for 30 days, effective at the contract's second anniversary). Maersk Unes In accordance with various memorandums of understanding that are in effect between the union and Maersk Lines, Ltd., some Seafarers employed by the company received a 3 percent boost in wages, overtime, vacation benefits and the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan benefit as of July 1. The gains apply to members aboard Maersk vessels enrolled with the military prepositioning ship program and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, as well as the Alaska and Arizona. Waterman Steamship Corp. Members sailing aboard the Green Dale are in line for new benefits in their Seafarers Money Purchase Plan. Under negotiations recently completed, contributions equal to 5 percent of employees' wages will be paid. In addition, employees will be enrolled in the premier Plan G medical benefits plan. The vacation benefit-retroactive to Jan. I-has gone from 10 for 30 to 14 for 30. Finally, members aboard the Green Dale will receive annual wage and wagerelated item increases ranging between 1Yi to 4 percent. Matson Steward Assistant Wardel Paze, (right), AB Mohammed Adams and AB James Wilkerson were among the Seafarers who turned out June 13 in New Orleans to support Trico employees in their quest to gain union representation. should forward them to the union. With the signing of this agreement and the eventual consolidation of the two MSC bargaining units, the union has achieved several significant goals: The LOG will publish :frequent updates to advise CIVMARS about the negotiations and the FLRA petition process. Most importantly, for the first time in MSC history there will be one union representing the unlicensed employees. The SIU, supported by the strength of its membership, will be able to speak with a single voice, one that will effectively represent and protect the interests of all unlicensed CIV MARS. Increases in wages, overtime and vacation benefits are among the highlights of a new three-year agreement that tentatively has been reached for members employed by Matson Navigation. Freightship increases for all wage-related items in the first year of the agreement will be 3 percent. A 3.25 percent raise will be realized during the second year and a 3 .25 percent hike is in place for year three. Members working on the Moku Pahu will receive increases for all wage-related items at an annual rate of 4 percent. Members on all Matson vessels will receive increases each year to their Seafarers Money Purchase Plan Benefit and one extra vacation day effective Jan. 1, 2002; July 1, 2003; and July 1, 2004. Also included in the pact, for the first time, is the observance of Kamehameha Day. This brings the total number of holidays to 11. Finally, starting July 1, 2003, members will receive health and benefits at premier Level G. Another gain for the SIU is a provision in the agreement that gives members of the unlicensed crew the means necessary to send and receive correspondence. Each will be given personal e-mail accounts at no charge. Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning A tentative three-year agreement has been reached with Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning involving Seafarers aboard the Blue Ridge and Coast Range. The pact calls for first year wage and wage-related item increases as follows: Group !increase by 5 percent; Group II-increase by 4 percent; and Group III-increase by 3 percent. Wage and wage-related items would be increased by 3 percent across the board during years two and three. Additionally, the tentative agreement calls for increases in vacation benefits to 16 days for each 30 days worked in the first year and an increased Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan level to Level G in the second year. Marine Transport Lines A new three-year agreement has been negotiated with Marine Transport Lines. The pact-which involves Seafarers who work aboard Lykes Pacific Class Ships-is retroactive to Jan. 1 and runs through December 2005. Included in the new contract are 2.25 percent wage increases each Jan. I and the addition of a vacation day that brings the total to 15 for 30. The increase in the vacation benefit became effective June 16, 2002. Seafarers LOB 7 �Seafaren Keep Glo Primed for Next ~e.......~~· When the Global Link first entered service, the Sill-crewed cable ship wasted no time distinguishing itself. A little more than 20 years ago, the Global Link finished its maiden voyage at Southampton, England after sailing through snow squalls and rough seas in the North Atlantic. Along the way, the vessel completed what then was the longest, fastest single installation of transoceanic communications cable (3,500 miles of cable in 21 days). Today, after nearly countless missions spanning the past two decades, the ship remains in prime condition, thanks in large part to the reliable work of SIU members. Seafarers perform all kinds of maintenance aboard the Global Link while the vessel awaits its next assignment; and they sail aboard the ship when it sets out for an installation or repair job. Operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, the Global Link is equipped with two cable engines---0ne in the bow and one in the stem- and can haul more than 6.,000 metric tons of fiber-optic cable. The photos on this page were taken July 11 in Baltimore. Part of the vessel's cable-dispensing gear is visible at the bow. Right: Cook/Baker Joel Ramos sets out pastries for the crew. Above: Chief Steward Florie Farquhar cleans up after lunch by loading plates and mugs into a dishwasher. Above: AB Nastor Agcaoili uses a paint chipper on the ship's upper deck aft. OMU Alfredo Mendoza replaces fittings on hydraulic and cooling systems for the drums. The Global Link recently was docked in Baltimore near another Seafarers-crewed vessel-the Cape Washington-seen across the channel. ·s Seafarers LOG OS Henry Becodo takes to the task of repainting the rails on the Global Unk. Augusf 2002 �Left: Andrzej Bronkowski gets hands-on experience steering the vessel while instructors Bill Saul and Stacy Harris plot the course. Right: Harry Borden practices the lookout part of the OS course. This training will help enable him to stand watch as an ordinary seaman. Special OS Coune: Sprinpoanl t-o AB Upgiading The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers an especially useful course for deck department mariners who need to comply with the "Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch" requirement of the amended STCW convention. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the school's 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman class meets the requirements of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations [specifically, 46 CFR 12.05.3(c)] and STCW 95 (STCW Table A-IV4). It is designed to prepare students for the challenging studies they can expect in the AB class. The OS course covers all relevant aspects of deck-related equipment. Each student is assessed in the following areas: marlinespike seamanship, helmsman, anchoring, mooring and lookout. Assessments take place aboard the training vessel Osprey and in the bridge simulator. With the specially trained OS endorsement, the mariner is eligible to stand watch as an ordinary, provided he or she also has evidence of at least six months' sea time.· Once the specially trained OS class is completed, the mariner must sail for 60 days before becoming eligible to upgrade to AB. The Paul Hall Center is located in Piney Point, Md. For a list of upcoming classes and for contact information, see page 21. Harry Borden takes an interest in the workings of the engine during his OS training . Instructor Stacy Harris charts a course for the students in the OS class to follow. Right: Robert Odmark works on his knottying skills, including the star knot (above). Augusf 2002 Seafarers LOG 9 �Sailing on the -L11mmus Always at the ready, crew members aboard the Lummus participate in a fire and life boat drill. The 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, an SIU-crewed vessel operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)( is prepositioned in Guam and Saipan. The ship carries a full range of Marine Corps cargo-enough equipment to support an air ground task force for 30 days-and includes lift-on/lift-off as well as roll-on/roll-off capabilities. It was named after 1st Lt. Jack Lummus,'who posthumously earned a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on lwo Jima in 1945. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag is flanked by fellow crew members SA Moosa Mohamed (left) and AB Wayne Green Jr. Rere Paiti, SA on the MSC vessel, helps set up the lunch-time salad bar. Above, Pilat David Todd stands on board the tug Mariette at the Material Service Corporation Tug Dock in Morris, Ill. At right, SIU Rep Lonnie Partridge (left) and OS/Deck Engineer Steve Nemeth look over the galley of the Hannah Marine tug Mary Page in Chicago. Attending a union meeting , held in the galley of the tug Mariette, are (from left) Deckhand Ron Walters, Pilot James Ferguson and Pilot David Todd. 10 Seafarers LOG With Our Members On the Great Lakes Seafarers read union· material on board the Hannah Marine tug Hannah 0 . Hannah in Chicago. From the left are OS/Deck Engineer/Delegate Gerald Karl , OS/Deck Engineer John Macari and SIU Rep Todd Brdak. Deckhands (from left) Bryan Roudis, Joseph Todd and Travis Pursell take part in the union meeting held aboard the tug Mariette. Augusf 2002 �GVA Fredy Melendez AB Rudy Johnson. AB Enrique Crespo, GVA Emilio Abrew and AB Abdul Gharama Augusf 2002 Seafarers LOS 11 �THE ALASKA LEGISLATURE Unlicensed Apprentice Justin Bowe deftly slushes wires aboard the Kenai. Alaska Tanker Company *HONORING* * ALASKA ~KER COMPANY, LLC * The Twenty-second Alaska State Legislature recognizes and congratulates the Alaska Tanker Company for being the first U.S. flagged seagoing shipping company to achieve Safety, Quality and Earns Accolades Environmental Certification and aoo:cdited Inttmational Standards orgmtization 14-001 Certification. The Alaska Tanker Company is based in Beaverton, Oregon and operates in Alaskan waters. The Company recently achieved Safety, Quality and Environmental (SQE) Certification, including accredited international slandards organization (ISO) 14001 certification. The certification was received from ABS Americas. This accomplishment makes Alaska Tanlc:erCompany the first United States-flag. seagoing shipping company to attain Safety, Quality and Environmental and International Standards Otganizatioo 14001 Certification. Alaska Tanker Company was founded in 1999 and is a joint operating company for British Petroleum Shipping Company, USA, Keystone Alaska and OSG Ship Management Inc. It manages a fleet of 10 U.S.-flaggcd tankers, which operate primarily in the Alaska-to-West-Coast trade. The Members of the Twenty-second Alaska State Legisla.rure wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to Alaska Tanker President, Anil Mathur; Captain John Rippa-gcr, Chief Operating Officer; Bruce Benn, Chief Commercial Officer; Captain John Lawrence, Team Leader and the crew who helped to accomplish SQE and ISO 14001 Certification and delivet Alaska Crude to the lower48 at a level of safety and environmental quality that is certified to be the best in the world. SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (far right) and Patrolman Tre Dixon (second from left) joined Bosun Al Caulder (front), Steward Pat Sloan (center) and Capt Earl Sheesly aboard the Prince William Sound in Ferndale, Wash. earlier this summer to discuss new STCW requirements and increased port security and safety guidelines. AB Dan Lovely (pictur the Kenai) and other farers have helped the fleet build a strong record . �SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC), fresh off receiving formal congratulations from the Alaska State Legislature for its outstanding safety and environmental record, last month accepted another well-earned honor. ATC received the State of Washington Department of Ecology's prestigious Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) Award "for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship." The awards ceremony took place July 23 in Tacoma, Wash. In announcing ATC 's selection, the department pointed out that the Exceptional Compliance Program "is for companies that want to go even further than basic compliance with Washington's stringent marine safety laws. Companies that receive this award are operating their tank ships at what we believe is the highest level of marine safety in the world today. ATC is only the second company to ever earn this award. The vessel crews, shoreside support staff and management team of ATC have put a great deal of time and effort into earning this award." ATC-which readily credits both the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as sharing in its success-began operating in April 1999. The Beaverton, Ore.-based company manages a fleet of 10 SIU-crewed tankers, operating mainly between Alaska and the West Coast. The vessels primarily deliver Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries. Those ships are the BT Alaska, Denali, Marine Columbia, Overseas Boston, Kenai, Prince William Sound, Tonsina, Overseas Chicago, Overseas New York and Overseas Washington. Additionally, ATC two years ago ordered new "Alaska class" tankers that will help offset the government-mandated scrapping dates for some of its current fleet. The four new doublehulled tankers have staggered delivery dates, starting in November 2003 and ending in July 2006. The ships are being built at San Diego's NASSCO Shipyard. Each will be 941 feet in length, with a capacity for 1.3 million barrels and a design life of 35-50 years. ATC CEO Anil Mathur said his company's emphasis on safety goes much deeper than statistics. "It should be unacceptable that companies engage in commerce and hurt their own people to make money. Beyond all the safety statistics, it is the well-being of individuals and their ability to work for a living that is delivered by a safety culture," he stated. "This requires a relentless focus on the details of the work to be executed, and an environment where cutting comers is an unacceptable way of executing tasks," Mathur continued. "I am proud of all the ATC employees who bring such a work ethic to life, and deliver our motto: Quality service with no accidents, no harm to people, and no damage to the environment." Since its start, ATC has delivered more than 400 million barrels of Alaska North Slope crude. Along the way, the company has amassed an impressive safety record. For example, lost-time injuries-nominal from the beginning-have steadily decreased. Last year the company averaged a more-thanrespectable 0.42 injuries per 200,000 man hours. This year, they haven't had a single losttime injury. Additionally, eight of the 10 ships have gone at least 500 days without a lost-time injury, and the other two have gone more than 200 and 100 days, respectively. ATC has a similarly worthy record of spill-free operations. The Kenai leads the list, having gone more than 2,700 days without a spill. Part of the company's accomplishment is linked to safety training its crews have completed at the Paul Hall Center, based in Piney Point, Md. When contacted for this story, ATC officials quickly cited the school's oil spill prevention and containment course, along with fire fighting and other safety classes, as invaluable. They also credited the SIU for being "a tough but fair counterpart across the bargaining table, and a very capable ally in the fight to revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet." Meanwhile, the company keeps adding to its credentials. As noted on the citation from the Alaska Legislature, ATC now has earned quality certifications in the International Safety Management Code, International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 and ISO 14001, in addition to receiving the ECOPRO award. Each reflects a commendable record and effective preparedness when it comes to safety and the environment. Moreover, ATC is the first U.S.-flag seagoing company to achieve the ISO 14001 certification. Altogether, ATC's efforts have helped achieve continuous improvements in its health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance rating, an important grading system for operators in the Alaskan North Slope trade route. The Tonsina is one of 10 SIU-crewed ATC ships. AB Tawnia Stucker confidently approaches her task aboard the Kenai. An ATC riding gang member straddles a pipe during maintenance operations aboard the Overseas New York in Cherry Point, Wash. n y The Overseas Boston (left) and Denali (right) already sail with SIU crews. Meanwhile, new "Alaska class," double hull tankers (like the one depicted below) are on the way. August 2002 Seafarers LOB 13 �the convoys that he sailed in. All of those men were volunteers. The ships my father sailed on carried ammunition and supplies and (sometimes) troops into battle. The U.S. Merchant Marine lost more men than any branch of service, percentage-wise. Without the merchant seaman, the U.S. would have lost a lot of battles and a lot more men. In the late 1960s I also joined the U.S. Merchant Marine. Somewhere in my papers I have a card showing me as a graduate of Piney Point-Class No. 2, I think it was. The ships I sailed took supplies and ammunition to every port in Vietnam. In the early 1970s I volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps to do my part for my country. People have said "thank you" for being a Marine, but have never said anything about being a merchant mariner. Something is wrong with this scenario and we need to change it. My dad is no longer alive; before all of the World War II merchant seamen are gone, they deserve a thank you. Walter Cook Petal, Miss. Letter tO thllditor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) has a great shot to qualify as an able-bodied seaman. It has been my pleasure knowing Angelina Willoughby in my department. I request that this letter be put in the Seafarers LOG to encourage other students from the Paul Hall Center that if they apply themselves while in school, it really works. Ralph Moore Recertified Bosun SeaLand Florida Bosun Moore Commends Apprentice's Great Start This is to congratulate and recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of a first-trip apprentice, Angelina Willoughby. I've been a bosun for more than 40 years. With the tools and knowledge you gain at the Paul Hall Center, a first-trip apprentice Merchant Mariners Deserve Recognition Why is it that on Veterans Day and during ceremonies honoring veterans that I never hear anything about the U.S. Merchant Marine? I hear about each branch of service, including the U.S. Coast Guard, but never the merchant marine. My dad sailed as a merchant mariner from 1920 until 1965. He was an SIU member from the time the union formed in the late 1930s. He sailed the entire World War II in enemy waters, often without any antiaircraft guns or any defense from the German Uboats. He often told me stories of Bosun Moore (right) says UA Willoughby did a fine job on her first trip. p.s. To pour salt in the wound, whenever a merchant ship was sunk during World War II, the crew's pay was stopped immediately. Reprint of Article on Armed Pirates Editors note: Phil Rosenstein, who retired from the maritime industry in 1985, has been dredging up memories as he goes through his old scrapbooks. The Seafarers LOG has been the fortunate recipient of many of the photos and recollections from his 40 years of seafaring life (in both the NMU and the MM&P). Rosenstein, who turned 77 last month, now relaxes at home with his wife in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he also claims to be a bit of a politicial activist. This article was originally published in the NMU Pilot in June 1966 when he was a bosun on the SS Boise Vi.ctory. Rosenstein notes that back then, the pirates of Subic Bay were after paint and mooring lines, which usually were stowed in an aft locker. They brought bolt cutters to cut the padlocks and could clean out a paint locker in about three minutes. Nowadays, he notes, pirates are well-armed and come in speedboats. Some photos from Rosenstein s collection may be found in the "Pics-from-thePast" section on page 16. SS BOISE VICTORY, June 3-0ur crew has been on a constant 24-hour alert-while in Subic Bay in the Philippines-on the lookout for pirates. It's true, pirates. A well-organized band of pirates roam the waters as ships loaded with vital supplies lie at anchor in Subic Bay awaiting orders to proceed to South Vietnam. The vessels are anchored at the far end of the bay and get little protection from the U.S. Navy or from MSTS. The pirates are well organized and board the vessels by means of long ropes with hooks on one end. The hooks are padded to muffle the sound as they are tossed up and hooked on the railing of the ship. The ropes are knotted at intervals for easy climbing. We placed four sailors on watch around the clock. On several occasions, groups of pirates armed with knives and clubs were discovered climbing aboard and were driven off. On many vessels, seamen reported the loss of some supplies and personal property. The ·authorities have been notified, but the robberies still continue. I am bringing home two hooks taken from the pirates along with a copy of our log entry to be placed in the Corpus Christi Museum to prove that the days of piracy at sea still exist. Are You Receiving AH Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r--------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print} Name: Phone No.: ->-~~--'-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Address:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Social Security No.: _ _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 8/02 ~--------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOii Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the. provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy bas 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. August2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Totals 3 5 30 41 16 22 30 13 3 2 10 20 0 3 0 6 4 1 12 10 23 6 15 13 18 6 1 7 15 13 4 22 24 11 24 12 8 1 1 17 22 13 15 11 11 28 11 2 14 9 258 152 95 180 115 0 4 0 4 39 5 0 1 5 16 18 3 9 4 4 22 3 9 5 0 11 10 1 6 3 8 15 15 5 2 5 6 6 5 5 2 0 0 5 0 2 13 7 13 9 0 5 0 8 8 12~ 114 51 Port Trip Reliefs 4 9 1 o 0 2 11 0 8 23 2 3 5 8 9 3 5 0 1 1 3 4 2 6 47 2 10 2 l- 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups . Class A Class B Class C 11 12 5 8 8 7 3 2 5 7 0 9 4 87 3 8 14 1 5 3 8 0 1 1 6 0 9 4 65 17 47 20 . 12 75 45 10 30 20 34 59 30 11 25 3 3 *(change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac .................. Friday: September 6, October 11 3 3 31 Baltimore ................ Thursday: September 5, October 10 27 Boston .....................Friday: September 6, October 11 11 22 33 17 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: September 11, October 16 0 2 32 7 7 6 18 11 8 0 13 9 40 6 3 59 48 2 22 27 3 3 2 6 4 24 30 95 476 263 225 0 l 4 6 6 2 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: September 10, October 15 0 12 32 6 5 New York ................ Tuesday: September 3, October 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 3 • Piney Point ............. Tuesday: September 3* Monday: October 7 1 0 2 3 1 4 14 0 5 4 2 0 4 2 1 Houston .................. Monday: September 9, October 14 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: September 5, October 10 Jersey City ..............Wednesday: September 18, October 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday: September 11, October 16 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: September 17, October 22 () 0 2 2 Honolulu ................. Friday: September l 3, October 18 14 12 40 16 28 12 8 1 18 28 11 22 6 25 15 16 8 6 5 9 6 5 3 3 6 9, Port Everglades ....... Thursday: September 12, October 17 0 San Fran.cisc_o..........Thursday: September 12, October 17 San Juan ........... ~.::: ..Thursday: September 5~ October iQ 2 4 14 17 11 0 2 17 17 12 26 54 240 192 101 0 0 7 3 4 3 1 0 10 6 18 9 7 1 5 14 8 ?' Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 4, October 9 3 0 7 15 4 24 0 Norfolk ................... Thursday: September 5, October 10 St. Louis .....~;'~ ···~:;:,~:Friday: September 13, Octob~r· 1S " , 2 Savannah ................Friday: September 6, Qctob~J.l :-~>> Tacoma .... ........ ....... Friday: September 20, October 25 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St.. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 70 8 14 15 6 8 15 5 5 7 I 19 26 17 154 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston · Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Lo'uis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 5 3 2 3 4 4 9 0 2 2 2 1 2 6 45 1 0 2 4 9 0 0 -o 2 1 2 1 30 2 2 1 2 0 12 2 0 2 15 2 2 5 0 7 2 16 24 32 5 4 4 0 14 2 l 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 7 1 0 0 0 6 2 2 I 0 3 0 4 0 14 8 9 8 0 7 0 2 2 13 0 4 25 . 4 9 17 6 1 7 5 1 7 42 4 2 4 0 0 9 70 9 107 37 14 66 285 17 2 0 7 14 3 0 0 6 4 .1 1 5 8 0 12 3 7 4 2 21 0 16 0 2 14 13 5 6 4 35 7 3 154 158 29 3 13 0 15 5 114 571 465 334 403 331 1 0 12 0 0 0 0 7 4 2 0 1 11 2 0 0 10 0 1 6 0 6 5 0 0 0 4 5 11 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 58 Each port's meeting stads at 10:30 a.m. \ I Personals HARRY DAVIS or DAVIES Sylvester Yorck, a shipmate from the SS Carrier Pigeon, is trying to locate his friend Harry Davis (or Davies). He would be about 72-77 years old from Charlotte, N. C. or Spartanburg, S. C. and sailed as a fireman/watertender aboard the SS Carrier Pigeon in 1946 (on which the cargo was beer!). Anyone with information about Harry Davis or Davies, please contact Sylvester Yorck at 503 Pennsylvania Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244,· or telephone (609) 601-7590. HAZAA GAHTAN ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 Wilmington ............... Monday: September 16, October21 2 0 0 33 0 19 14 2 2 0 2 0 3 5 1 21 11 0 2 38 36 41 15 0 4 3 15 10 4 8 19 14 1 10 4 7 1 3 0 3 3 1 (j 22 3 4 3 0 5 3 6 0 Totals Totals All Departments 9 0 2 6 7 13 18 10 3 6 12 2 18 0 5 Port Totals 10 2 1 2 2 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francjsco St Louj_s . Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B . Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 2 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York .Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Lou~s Tacoma Wilmington September & October 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters JULY LS, 2002 - 4 5 33 15 4 4 3 n 56 43 38 5 . 28 76 25 16 3 20 5 26 23 . 10 10 Please contact your daughter Samira at (718) 3874728 or (914) 494-1377. Urgent! 3 4 25 21 0 3 0 29 7 9 34 12 55 0 0 0 77 298 373 142 215 1,078 823 757 Remembering Paul Hall . AIJgust 20, 1914 - June 22, 1980 15 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. August2002 Seafarers LOS 15 �NMU Monthly Shipping A Registration Report Seafarers International Union Directory JUNE 2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group ill .John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary·Treasurer • TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group Ill Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group ill Augustin Tellez, Vice President Coniracts Tom Orzeehowski, Vi~e President Lakes and Inland Walen Delln Corgey, Vice-President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West O:>ast Joseph T. Sorest, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice Ptesident Government Services . Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large .. Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way.. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Port DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 7 1 0 12 6 2 10 1 5 45 1 0 0 0 3 6 4 4 0 0 0 1 11 0 3 0 0 3 0 6 0 3 4 0 5 0 2 0 0 26 0 0 8 6 15 7 17 3 1 6 17 4 2 1 25 7 10 0 11 0 0 30 2 0 3 6 5 4 0 2 0 0 54 104 18 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 6 9 4 2 20 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, Ml 4800 l (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 {618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE JZI Sesame St., #IC.Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, m 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonv.ille. FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford. MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 -0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 Houston 2 Harvey, LA New York 4 0 4 Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 0 0 0 3 Port 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 8 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 5 21 4 12 0 0 33 64 12 19 0 4 2 4 5 2 2 4 17 2 2 0 3 1 3 0 4 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston 4 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma 2 Totals 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 14 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 8 Port 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 3 0 1 0 17 0 0 12 4 0 0 0 0 4 46 14 5 11 24 2 0 0 0 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston 2 1 4 3 0 0 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk 3 0 4 6 2 7 2 0 0 I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 6 5 9 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 0 2 0 3 Totals 11 17 18 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Totals All Departments 84 24 32 43 SanPe~o 1 Savannah Tacoma 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 15 0 45 8 3 3 6 36 0 5 8 46 25 50 140 122 129 264 184 167 24 0 46 0 3 4 16 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTUR CE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South UnionAve., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272· 7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST Retiree Phil Rosenstein of Corpus Christi, Texas has many scrapbooks containing photos from his 40 years in the NMU and MM&P, but he doesn't have to go farther than his own front yard to remember some of his travels. In 1970, he visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (near right) while sailing aboard ship as a third mate. At another port in India, he climbed aboard a camel (far right). These memories and others were painted on a fence in his front yard by an artist who copied the photographs. It took him three weeks to complete. Included are (from left) the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, a ship's wheel, the camel picture, a sextant he used to navigate around the world, and the Buddha of Kamakura, Japan. See other memories from Rosenstein's collection on page 20 in this issue of the Seafarers LOG Augusf 2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or - Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead n inland captain, two recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 11 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captain Robert L. Stelly worked at the helms of inland vessels for more than 15 years while Bosuns Jack Edwards and Bobby Riddick completed the highest level of training available at Piney Point to mariners who sail in the deck department. Chief Steward Jose A. Chacon finished the highest level of training available at the Paul Hall Center to members who work in the steward department. Including Edwards, Riddick and Chacon, seven of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three others, including Stelly, navigated the inland waterways while the remaining one plied the Great Lakes. Eight of the retirees worked in the deck department, one shipped in the engine department and the remaining two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA FRANCISCO ANCHETA, 66, was born in the Philippines. Brother Ancheta started his career with the SeaL__....i7LJj~="'-.ii!ifl!lill.llll.l.Ll.ll farers in 1970 in the port ofNew York. His initial voyage was aboard the SeaLand Pacer. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1977. He last shipped on the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Ancheta lives in Daly City, Calif. r-----=--------, JOSE A. CHACON, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Chacon served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. His first ship was Bethlehem Steel Corp. 's Seamar. The steward department member completed the steward recertification program in 1982 at the SIU's training school. His last voyage was on the Carolina, a Puerto Rican Marine Management vessel. Brother Chacon resides in his native commonwealth in the city of San Sebastian. JACK W. EDWARDS, 62, hails from Idaho. Brother Edwards started his career with the Seafarers in .........__~......._""" 1969 in Seattle. A military veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1964. He first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. The deck department member r---=---, Augusf 2002 shipped as a bosun. Brother Edwards upgraded his skills often at Piney Point, Md. He completed bosun recertification training at the school in 1983, and went back for further training in 2000 and again last year. His most recent voyage was aboard the same vessel on which he first shipped. Brother Edwards makes his home in St. Maries, Idaho. GABER MOHAMED, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1968, joining in the port of New York. Born in Arabia, he initially sailed aboard the Anniston Victory, a Waterman Steamship vessel. The engine department member enhanced his skills by returning to the SIU's training school for instruction in 2000 and 2001. He last sailed on Interocean Ship Management Corp's USNS Chesapeake. Brother Mohamed lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. JOHN NAGY, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in Gloucester, Mass. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served honorably from 1956 to 1960. Brother.Nagy worked in the deep sea and inland divisions, first sailing aboard the Cantigny, an Interocean Ship Management Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. A Michigan native, Brother Nagy resides in Carson, Calif. RODNEY J. PENCE, 46, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He first sailed on the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Ship Management vessel. Born in Texas, Brother Pence worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills a number of times at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. His last voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Pence is a resident of Broken Bow, Okla. BOBBY RIDDICK, 57, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York. The Virginia-born mariner first went to sea aboard the Producer, a Marine Carriers Corp. vessel. Brother Riddick shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. , including his completion of the bosun recertification course in 1986. Brother Riddick last worked on North American Trailing Co. 's Manhattan Island. He lives in Norfolk, Va. GREAT LAKES GIL A. BOILORE, 53, began his SIU career in 1972 in Alpena, Mich. The Michigan-born mariner first sailed on American Steamship Co.'s JA. Kling. Brother Boilore shipped in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He is a resident of Alpena, Mich. . Editors Note: The following brother and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pens ion effective July 1. Roman, Samuel Scolardi, Gerald Stanfield, Kenneth Suarez, Urbano Viglietta, Richard Williams, Bernard Dawson, Allen Elhaideri, Abdulla Ferster, Isadore Ford, Frank Lam, Hong Laureano, David INLAND ROBERTL. STELLY, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968. A native of Louisiana, he shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Stelly primarily worked at the helm of Hvide Marine vessels during his career. He calls Lufkin, Texas home. Send more for our rnone No matter what the occasion, there's no better way to express your wishes than with the Union Plus• Rower Service. Save 15% on floral arrangements, roses, plants, wreaths JOSE LUIS VILLAFANE, 64, hails from Puerto Rico. Boatman Villafane joined the Seafarers in 1976. A member of the deck department, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Boatman Villafane is a resident of Weston, Fla. WILLIAMR. WYATT, 62, began his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first worked on a vessel operated by Steuart Transportation Co. Born in Emporia, Va., Boatman Wyatt shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman Wyatt makes his home in Bushnell, Fla. or gift baskets. Minimum order ~ $34.99. Order toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Provided by: To place an order call: ~0(}7 1-888-667-7779 www.unlonprivilege.org ~y Working For Working Families UNION PLUS® HEALTH SAVINGS A Painless Way to Save on Health Costs r Union Plus offers two plans that provide discounted denta; care, vision care, prescription drugs and more for the entire family. lJnion se habla espai'iol ~Hus· Call 1-800-228-3523 ~::=~~ The need for a new half in Houston has long been recognized, since the port has been booming as a center of SIU shipping for some 1945 The SIU last week started circulating the 16~ time. In recent months, Houston has been seepage picture book.Jet entitled 11 This is the ond only to New York in the number of jobs SIU." This book was published as a result of shipped. The union hall in Houston services all the agents' conference m==================================ill ships in Texas and also actions and has caused covers Lake Charles, much enthusiastic La. comment from SIU men and the labor 1972 movement in general. The booklet has been The SIU joined with very helpful in our other maritime unions organization efforts to prevent grain-loadwith the men in the u=::===============================:!! ing operations of five Isthmian fleet. foreign-flag ships in three American ports. The picketing of the five foreign-flag ships was 1961 undertaken as part of a continuing effort to Seafarers shipping out of the fast-growing post urge the American people to support use of U.S.-flag ships. of Houston will be assured of comfortable, The joint union picket lines tied up ships in modem facilities as a result of the union's action in purchasing a two-story building for a Baltimore, Chicago and Houston. The unions new hall here. The building will open within a involved in addition to the SIU were the few months after it is remodeled to include National Maritime Union, American Radio the SIU hiring hall, meeting hall, snack bar and Association, Radio Officers Union, and the other shore side facilities for Seafarers. Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THIS MONTH IJ'I SIU HISTORY Seafarers LOii 17 ..« �Final Departures DEEP SEA WALTER AMMANN Pensioner Walter Ammann, 74, passed away May 16. Brother Ammann joined the Seafarers in l 945 in the port of Philadelphia. He first went to sea on Stockard Steamship Corp. 's Strathmore. Born in Ohio, Brother Ammann worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Overseas Alice. Brother Ammann began receiving his pension in 1989. He lived in San Francisco. retirement stipends in 2001. He called Brooklyn, N.Y home. FELIX DeGUZMAN Pensioner Felix DeGuzman, 71 , passed away March 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1970 in Yokohama, Japan. Born in the Philippines, Brother DeGuzman shipped in the engine department and first sailed aboard Colonial Tankers' Western Hunter. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Mobile. Brother DeGuzman began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. He lived in his native republic. FREDERICK ANDREGG JOSE DELGADO Pensioner Frederick Andregg, 75, died March 30. He started his SIU career in 1943 in Savannah, Ga. Brother Andregg initially went to sea aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The San Francisco-born mariner worked in the deck department and last sailed on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Andregg started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He made his home in Savannah. Brother Jose Delgado, 46, died Feb. 6. He joined the ranks of the SIU in 1978 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The New York native initially went to sea aboard Interocean Management's Cantigny. Brother Delgado shipped i~ the engine department, last sailing on the USNS Kane. He lived in his native state in the city of Brooklyn. JOHN BOOTH Pensioner John Booth, 79, passed away April 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in New Orleans. Brother Booth was a military veteran, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940 to 1945. He first sailed aboard the Alcoa Partner. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the deck department and last went to sea aboard Delta Steamship Lines ' Del Oro. Brother Booth began collecting pension stipends in 1984. He lived in Abita Springs, La. JOHN COELHO Pensioner John Coelho, 86, died Feb. 4. Brother Coelho joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New York. Born in Portugal, he first sailed aboard the Steel Survey, an Isco Inc. vessel. The engine department member last worked on the Sea-Land Boston. Brother Coelho started receiving his pension in 1989 and lived in his native country. HERIBERTO CORTES Brother Heriberto Cortes, 47, passed away March 11. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his SIU career in 197 4 in the port ....__ _ _ __ ___. of ewYork. His first ship was the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Cortes worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Sea-Land Newark. He made his home in Miami. RICHARD DAISLEY Pensioner Richard Daisley, 75, died March 16. Brother Daisley joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Robin Trent, a Moore-McCormack Lines vessel. Born in Trinidad, Brother Daisley worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother Daisley began collecting 18 Seafarers LOI; DENNIS DENGATE awayMay24. He joined the Seafarers in 1999 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The · California-born mariner initially went to sea aboard Bay Ship Management's USNS Stockham. Brother Jordan worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Petersburg. He lived in Richmond, Calif. ELMER KING Pensioner Elmer King, 77, '" died May 9. Brother King joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the Navy .____ _ _ _ ___.from 1943 to 1946. His initial voyage was on Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Robin Wentley. The Maryland native shipped in the deck department and last worked on the OM! Champion . Brother King started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He lived in Missouri, Texas. Brother Dennis Dengate, 43 , passed away March 11. Brother Dengate began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first sea voyage was aboard the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. Born in Pasadena, Calif., he shipped in the engine department. Brother Dengate last worked on the Overseas Alice. He was a resident of Altadena, Calif. HARRY KOLSBY LEE A. DUBANY Brother Lee A. Dubany, 47, died April 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Piney Point, Md. A native of Gothenburg, Neb., he first went to sea aboard the LNG Aries. The deck department member last worked on the Sea-Land Achiever. Brother Dubany made his home in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Brother Perry Lawrence, 59, died April 10. Bomin Beaufort, N .C., he began his career with the Seafarers in 1979. His maiden voyage was aboard North American Trailing Co. 's Sugar Island. Brother Lawrence worked in the engine department, last sailing on a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. He was a resident of Valatie, N.Y. HOWARD W. HALL PETROSLAZAROPOULOS ..----=---.,Pensioner Howard W. Hall, 77, passed away May 10. Brother Hall began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The Kentucky-born mariner served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He worked in the engine department, last sailing on the Arecibo, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Hall started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1996 and lived in Delmar, Del. Pensioner Petros Lazaropoulos, 81, passed away Feb. 13. Brother Lazaropoulos started his SIU career in 1959 ""---_ _. in the port of New York. His first ship was the Mt. Whitney, an American Tramp Shipping & Development Co. vessel. Born in Greece, Brother Lazaropoulos sailed in the. steward department. He last worked aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Lazaropoulos began receiving his pension in 1976 and lived in his native country. KENNETH HULLER • • • • • Pensioner Kenneth Huller, 90, died March 2. Brother Huller joined the Seafarers in 1938 as a charter member in the port of ~-~c......il........- - = - ' Mobile, Ala. The engine department member last worked on Delta Steamship Lines' Del Rio. Brother Huller started receiving his pension in 1976 and lived in his native Alabama. ANTHONY JORDAN Brother Anthony Jordan, 23, passed Pensioner Harry Kolsby, 88, passed away March 22. Brother Kolsby started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). The steward department member began receiving retirement stipends in 1969. Brother Kolsby made his home in England. PERRY LAWRENCE HERBERT LIBBY Pensioner Herbert Libby, 84, died May 9. Brother Libby began his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of ew York. The Massachusetts native first worked on Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Robin Gray. A member of the deck department, Brother Libby shipped as a bosun. He last sailed on the Global Sentinel. Brother Libby was a resi- dent of Union, Maine and began receiving his pension in 1991. JOSE MARTINEZ Corp. 's Robert E. Lee. Brother Robinson began receiving his pension in 1997 and called New Orleans home. Pensioner Jose Martinez, 60, passed away March 26. Brother Martinez became a member of the SIU in 1970, joining in the port of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. Brother Martinez started collecting pension payments in 1998. He lived in Richmond Hill, N. Y. Brother Alfonso Sandino, 87, died April 6. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1940. The steward department member sailed on several APL vessels during his career. Brother · Sandino was a resident of Texas City, Texas. EUGENIO NUNEZ RICHARD SAVIOR Pensioner Eugene Nunez, 93, died June 10. Brother Nunez was a charter member of the SIU, staring his career in 1939 in the port of New York. Born in Bayamon, P.R., Brother Nunez shipped in the deck department. He last worked aboard the Jacksonville. Brother Nunez started receiving his pension in 1982 and resided in his native commonwealth. Pensioner Richard Savior, 81 , passed away May 9. Brother Savior joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Baltimore. He worked in '-----~.....- the deep sea as well as inland divisions during his career. Born in Macon, Ga., Brother Savior shipped in the steward department. He started collecting payment for his pension in 1978 and was a resident of Philadelphia. DOMINICK ORSINI JULIO SEQUERIA Pensioner Dominick Orsini, 76, passed away May 8. Brother Orsini became a member of the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He first sailed aboard A H: Bull Steamship Co. 's Emilia. Brother Orsini worked in the engine department, last shipping on the LNG Aries. A resident of Harrisburg, Pa., he began receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Julio Sequeria, 61, died Feb. 21. He began his SIU career in 1970 in New Orleans. Brother Sequeria served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. His initial voyage for the Seafarers was on the Producer, an American Rice Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Central America, Brother Sequeria shipped in the deck department and last worked on the Maersk Colorado. He lived in WILLIAM RENNIE Pensioner William Rennie, 88, died :Feb. 12. Brother Rennie started his career with the MC&S. The steward :department member worked on several American President Lines vessels during his career. He made his home in Winchester, Calif. and began receiving his pension in 1978. HAROLD ROBINSON Pensioner Harold Robinson, 92, passed away Feb. 22. Brother Robinson began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port ofNewYork. Before joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1942 to 1947. Born in Holyoke, Mass., the steward department member last went to sea on the Jacksonville. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1978. Hampden, Mass. was his home . JESSIE ROBINSON Pensioner Jessie Robinson, 69, died March 4. The Virginia native joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York. Brother Robin.___ _ _ _ ___, son was a veteran of the U.S . Army. His initial SIU voyage was on the Enid Victory, a Columbia Steamship Co. vessel. The steward department member last worked aboard Waterman Steamship ALFONSO SANDINO I '-lf'if hr • • '1 FRANK SIMS Pensioner Frank Sims, 75, passed away April 3. Brother Sims started his career with the MC&S in 1958 in Portland, Ore. Born in ..._........___....._ _ ___, Alabama, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Sims made his home in Oregon and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1980. MICHAEL ST. ANGELO Brother Michael St. Angelo, 54, died March 31 . He started his career with the Seafarers in l 986 in New Orleans. Brother St. Angelo served in the U.S. Army Reserve and shipped for the SIU in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He first worked on a Northern Towing Co. vessel. The New Orleans-born mariner shipped in the deck as well as engine departments. His last voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. Brother St. Angelo lived in his native Louisiana. DOUGHLAND STEWART Brother Dough land Stewart, 61, passed away Feb. 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His initial voyage was aboard the Spitfire, a General Cargo Corp. vessel. The Alabama native worked in the deck department. His fi nal trip to sea was on the Liberty Sun, operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. Brother Continued on page 20 August 2002 �'S min ·-1are reviewed by the union's contract department. Tiios, issues requiring attenf/on or resolution are addressed by the union ipon receijlt tJf the shipsJ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded - to the Seafarers LOG fqr publication. HM/ DEFENDER (Seabulk Tankers), May 31-Chairman James E. Reed, Steward Tyrell N. Thabit, Educational Director Candido Molina, Deck Delegate Kenneth Z. Smith, Engine Delegate Robert E. Young, Steward Delegate Claudell Blakely Jr. Chairman announced payoff June 1 in Lake Charles, La. He talked about the new Seabulk agreement, the insurance plan and vacation time. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for satellite system on board ship, and suggestion made to lower age limit and seatime needed for collecting retirement benefits. will collect monetary obligations owed by members to the union (dues, initiation fees, etc.). Educational director reminded crew about upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to acquire computer (with e-mail capabilities) for crew, as well as a telephone for easy access. Steward department was thanked for good food and clean ship. LNG LIBRA (Pronav), May 26Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary John A. Palughi, Educational Director Troy Fleming. Bosun reported one watchstanding AB per shift and three day men upon arrival in Japan. Secretary noted six new mattresses received and distributed. Educational director spoke about upgrading courses available at Piney Point. Treasurer noted that decision was made to spend crew fund on DVD movies. Some disputed OT reported by all three departments concerning rate of penalty pay for Sunday union meetings. Suggestion made to increase vacation pay and pension benefits. Some problems reported regarding stores (and lack thereof). /TB BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation), May 27-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director David Fricker, Deck Delegate Abedan Lugan, Engine Delegate Steven Pollard. Chairman led discussion about importance of SPAD contributions and of utilizing educational facilities at Piney Point for self-improvement. He also spoke about possibility of new "smart cards" for crew identiMAERSK ALASKA (Maersk fication. Crew members voiced Lines, Ltd.), May 19-Chairman . opinions about the "smart cards" James W. Saunders, Secretary being proposed by the Coast , Allan . · ~ Guard and the kinds of private Director Ralph S. Baker, Deck mtormation potentially required Delegate William M. Lewis, for them by government agencies. Steward Delegate Samuel Chairman also talked about Johnson. Chairman urged new respecting fellow crew members (by cleaning up after oneself, emp- members to stay aboard ship and get their time in. He advised B and tying lint trap in laundry and keepnon-book members that they have ing quiet in passageways). a chance to stay aboard longer and Educational director urged suggested they accumulate their mariners to attend upgrading time to upgrade for endorsements courses at Paul Hall Center. and higher seniority. Educational Treasurer stated $200 in ship's director talked about upgrading movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone thanked for opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. helping keep galley and messhall Next port: New Orleans. clean. Next ports: Pascagoula, Miss.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla. MARINE COLUMBIA (Alaska Tanker Co.), May 20-Chairman /TB GROTON (Sheridan TransAnthony J. Sabatini, Secretary portation), May 26--Chairman John F. Huyett, Educational John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Jeff B. Turkus, Engine Director Pedro J. Santiago, Deck Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate Richard J. Pepper, Delegate Albert Sison. Bosun Engine Delegate Hussein A. informed crew of new recycling Mohamed, Steward Delegate policy and encouraged everyone to Romarico D. Hinayon. Chairman participate. He also distributed reminded crew members to praccopies of new contract. Educatice safety at all times. Secretary stressed need for attending upgrad- tional director showed members company circulars on safety and ing courses at Piney Point. accident avoidance and encourEducational director reminded everyone to make sure all shipping aged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer noted documents are in order. Steward to $2,732.52 in ship's fund with buy movies for crew with $200 $1,500 allocated for new satellite allotment from captain. No beefs dish. An additional $145 is in or disputed OT reported. Bosun to TVNCR fund. Suggestion made see chief engineer about hooking to buy more VHS movies instead up TV antenna. Next port: Long of DVDs. No beefs or disputed OT Beach, Calif. reported. Congratulations to Jeff JAMES ANDERSON JR. Turkus on his new position as (Maersk Lines, Ltd.), May 16patrolman for SIU hall in WilChairman Wallace J. William, mington, Calif. Vote of thanks Secretary Michael H. Watts, given to steward department for Educational Director J. Toler, job well done. Next port: Long Steward Delegate Michael Askins. Beach, Calif. Chairman noted new DVD player is up and running. He announced USNS FRED W. STOCKHAM Port Agent Bryan Powell will trav(Amsea), May 13-Chairman el to Diego Garcia to meet with Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary crew members and update them on Stephen M. Avallone, Educational union matters. At that time, he also Director Joseph J. Jenkins Jr., Augusf 2002 Deck Delegate Abdul Gharama, Engine Delegate Robert E. Lee, Steward Delegate Alan Van Buren. Bosun commended everyone for outstanding crewmanship. He addressed some problems aboard ship (e.g., walking onto freshly painted decks and wearing greasy shoes and work gloves in the house). Educational director urged all crew members to take advantage of educational opportunities aboard ship and at Piney Point facility. Treasurer announced $1,100 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read letter from Port Agent Bryan Powell about his upcoming visit to Diego Garcia and to the Stockham. Clarification requested regarding riders of foreign nationality. Request made for repair of TV antenna. USNS LITTLE HALES (Dyn Marine), May 30-Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Warren Lombard, Educational Director Stephen J. Bradfute, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Gierbolini, Engine Delegate Nicholas G. Murgolo, Steward Delegate Ramont Jackson. Chairman reminded crew members of security while in shipyard in Norfolk, Va. Educational director suggested crew members check expiration dates on z-cards and STCW certificates and renew them before they run out. He also noted that the Paul Hall Center has many upgrading courses for members in all departments. Course listings and application forms are in each monthly issue of the Seafarers LOG. Treasurer announced $140 in ship's fund, possibly to be used for a DVD player or satellite system for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Information requested from SIU headquarters regarding company's medical plan. Storekeeper Kevin Williams asked for suggestions for special items crew members would like to see :.Q&s . port: carrie Norfolk. EXPLORER (USSM), June 9Chairman Raymond "Skip" Yager, Secretary Douglas Swets, Educational Director Jimmie M. Robles, Deck Delegate Abdulhamid F. Musaed, Engine Delegate David W. Watkins, Steward Delegate Othello Dansley. Chairman announced payoff on arrival June 11 in Long Beach, Calif. He thanked crew for good voyage and good food and for contributing to ship's fund and SPAD. Secretary spoke of need for new computer and printer for crew. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer noted new movies, DVD players, TVs and phones purchased from ship's fund. Hope to get additional TVs and VCRs in Long Beach so every room has one. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), June 2-Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Donald J. Mann Jr., Engine Delegate Victorino G. Labrilla Jr., Steward Delegate Lonnie W. Jones Jr. Chairman announced payoff June 7 or 8 in Houston. He thanked everyone for god trip around the world and reminded those leaving ship to clean rooms and be careful at airport. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. He also suggested watching safety videos, which are aboard ship, and inform department head or bosun of any damage or broken items in need of repair. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to reduce time needed to collect pension to 15 years with no age limit and to raise pension benefits. Also requested reduction in seatime needed for receipt of vacation checks. HM/ BRENTON REEF (Seabulk Tankers), June 2-Chairman Dave S. Coleman, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director Todd F. Moreland. Chairman announced vessel will go in to mooring June 4 at El Segundo, Calif. Secretary advised everyone of educational opportunities available at Piney Point and spoke about the importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director also talked about upgrading courses available at the school and urged crew members to get more involved in union matters to keep the union strong. Treasurer noted vice in Panama. Recommendation made for improved dental coverage for union members. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and also to rest of crew for jobs well done. Next port: Paita, Peru. MOTIVATOR (USSM), June 3Chairman Robert B.F. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Roderick K. Bright, Educational Director Hardin C. Chancey, Deck Delegate Teddy Reynolds, Engine Delegate Ronald Miller Jr., Steward Delegate Lyvell Hall Sr. Chairman announced payoff June Teamwork Aboard the USNS Invincible "Outstanding job performance, professionalism and customer service" during a recent voyage earned steward department members aboard the USNS Invincible letters of appreciation and recognition from the Department of the U.S. Air Force and RSSC Lead Systems Engineer. From the left, aboard the Maersk Lines, Ltd . vessel, are Chief Steward Lloyd Hall, Steward Assistant Barbara Smith and Chief Cook Mack Russell. that money from company for safety award will be put into satellite system (HBO, Cinemax, etc.) which would eliminate need for videotapes. No beefs or disputed O~rted. ew policie for trash dumping at sea were posted. Steward department given thanks for excellent job. Clarification requested on proper steps to be taken by company in listing open jobs. INTEGRITY (USSM), June 9Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker. Chairman thanked crew for good trip. Bosun to give copies of new contract to steward/electrician. Secretary pointed out that SIU members are eligible for benefits programs with Union Plus (insurance, mortgage, car rentals, etc.) and gave number to call for more information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Those crew members getting off ship for vacation should not leave personal articles in rooms. Suggestion made for chairs in mess and lounge to be reupholstered. Chairman thanked steward department for outstanding meals and pleasant attitude, which has strengthened morale aboard ship. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lines, Ltd.), Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Alfredo 0. Cuevas, Deck Delegate Dirk W. Adams, Steward Delegate Carlos Sierra. Chairman informed crew of payoff June 13 in Balboa, Panama. He noted that vessel will stay on regular schedule (South America run). Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and take advantage of free educational opportunities offered by the union. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for better mail ser- 3 in Houston, Texas. New washer will be brought aboard at that time. All crew members getting off should .clean rooms. Everyone reminded to separate plastic items from regular trash. Educationafdirector stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. He also talked about Union Plus program, which was written up in Seafarers LOG. Deck department reported beef; none in engine or steward departments. Recommendations made for wider and longer mattresses and to have the "no-strike" rule taken out of the contract. Suggestion also made to improve pension plan. Next ports: Houston; Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va.; Rotterdam, Holland. RICHARD G MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), June 2Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Kyle Bailey, Steward Delegate Ahmed M. Quraish. Chairman stated that SIU Guam Port Agent Matthew Holly will come aboard ship in Guam. Additionally, three shoreside workers will join vessel to work on ship's generators. Educational director advised crew members to give at least a week's advance notice before attending classes at Paul Hall center so that transportation can be arranged. Treasurer noted $450 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to return videos to cabinet when finished viewing. Suggestion made to increase vacation days to industry standard or 15 days (whichever is higher). Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Special vote of thanks given to Stan Beck for coming all the way from Piney Point to instruct the officers and crew in the CBR-D course. Everyone passed the test and are awaiting certificates. Next ports scheduled in South Korea, Guam, Singapore and Diego Garcia. Seafarers LOG 19 - �final Departures Continued from page 18 Stewart resided in his native state in the city of Perdido. SIDNEY WHITE Pensioner Sidney White, 86, died Feb. 7. Brother White became a Seafarer in 1957, joining in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard a Seatrain Lines, Inc. vessel. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department. Brother White last went to sea on a Michigan Tankers vessel. He made his home in Colfax, La. and began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1977. WAYNE WOODCOCK Pensioner Wayne Woodcock, 67, died Feb. 23. Brother Woodcock started his career with the SIU in 1976 in San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 to 1960. His first SIU ship was the USNS Vernon. Born in Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Woodcock last went to sea on the Sea-Land Explorer and started receiving his pension in 2000. Woodway, Texas was his home. KAIDZAIDAN Brother Kaid Zaidan, 61, passed away Sept. 23, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Zaidan initially worked on the Transuper, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. Born in · Yemen, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Zaidan's final voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. He was a resident of his home country. GREAT LAKES VICTOR JOHNSON ....¥.' Pensioner Victor Johnson, 87, passed away May 22. Brother Johnson launched his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. Born in Michigan, he initially shipped on the Buck Monitor, a Buckeye Steamship Co. vessel. The deck department member last worked on Great Lakes Associates' George Steinbrenner. Brother Johnson started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1980 and resided in his native state. ROBERT SEYMOUR ,,,,.. -:- ~ Pensioner Robert Seymour, 74, died May 8. He began his career with the Seafarers in l 960 in the port of New York. The Wisconsin native worked in the steward department and last sailed on American Steamship's Nicolet. Brother Seymour began receiving his pension in 1983 and made his home in Milwaukee. BOBBY WILSON Pensioner Bobby Wilson, 79, passed away May 6. Brother Wilson joined the Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. Born in Tennessee, Brother Wilson 20 -- Seafarers LOii worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the American Republic, operatd by American Steamship Co. Brother Wilson started receiving his pension in 1990 and lived in his native state. INLAND JAMES BOWERS Pensioner James Bowers, 65, died March 4. Boatman Bowers joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958. Boatman Bowers was born in North Carolina and was a member of the deck department. He last worked aboard a Lynnhaven Services vessel. Boatman Bowers made his home in King Devil Hills, N.C. and started receiving his pension in 2000. WILLIAM BRINKLEY Pensioner William Brinkley, 68, passed away Feb. 16. Boatman Brinkley started his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Georgia native was a retired military veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1974. Boatman Brinkley shipped in the deck department as a captain and worked primarily aboard Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp vessels. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of Atlantic Beach, Fla. MELVIN DICKERSON Pensioner Melvin Dickerson, 91, died May 22. Boatman Dickerson began his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Houston. He worked in the inland and deep sea division during his career. The Humble, Texas native first sailed aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Dickerson shipped in the engine department. He began receiving his pension in 1974 and lived in Galveston, Texas. MEDFORD LITTLETON Pensioner Medford Littleton, 99, passed away May21. Born in Frankford, Del., Boatman Littleton started his career with the Seafarers in the port of Philadelphia. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972 and made his home in Maple Shade, N.J. RILEY RODGERS Pensioner Riley Rogers, 71, passed away March 1. Boatman Rodgers joined the Seafarers in 1968 in Port Arthur, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1947 to 1950. The Louisiana native shipped as a captain and worked primarily aboard Higman Barge Lines, Inc. vessels during his career. Boatman Rogers was a resident of Hornbeck, La., and started receiving his pension in 1985. RUCIE PEVETO Pensioner Rucie Peveto, 78, died March 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 197 5 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A military veteran, Boatman Peveto served in the U.S. Navy from "1942 to 1945. The Texasborn mariner worked in the deck department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Peveto began collecting his pension in 1990. He lived in his native state. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the N MU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away Their names appear in alphabetical order, with date of death and according to the month in which the NMU was notified of their demise. JANUARY Benjamin. Silvius Bowden, Jessie Brown, Kreisler Buckman, Raymond Castano, Valentin Cleland, Loe! Davis, Edward Decarvalho, Luis Duncan, Leo Edwards, Herbert Faulk, Nelson Fontenot, Louis Harrison, Robert Jacobsen, Alf Lewis, Nick Mathieu, Robert Nejman, Stanley Ognenoff, John Quattrone, Anthony Reed, Elva Reynolds, Jessie Roberson, Ulysses Rothfuss, Ernest Ruiz, Pedro Rushing, Henry Rydell, Roy Shea, Woodrow Spearman, Odell Tresvant, William Walker, Billy Williams. James Zarate, Frank Dec. 26, 2001 Nov. 23, 2001 Dec. 11, 2001 Dec. 10, 2001 Nov. 11, 2001 Nov. 21, 2001 Nov. 19, 2001 Nov. 30, 2001 Dec. 4, 2001 Nov. 25, 2001 Nov. 20, 2001 Nov. 11. 2001 Nov. 26, 2001 May24,2001 Nov. 29, 2001 Nov. 22, 2001 Dec. 15, 2001 Dec. 17, 2001 Nov. 27, 2001 Nov. 3, 2001 Dec. 5, 2001 March 19, 2000 Oct.13,2001 Nov. 30, 2001 Dec. 11,_2001 Nov. 11, 2001 Oec.1,2001 Nov. 26, 2001 Feb. 2, 2001 Nov.1 , 2001 Nov. 30, 2001 Oct 23,2001 FEBRUARY Allman, Frank Altner, Joseph Ashburn, Arthur Beals, William Benaouda, Lamri Blessett, Joseph Brown, Edward Broxton, Edward Bryan, Milton Burton, David Cacho, Francisco Cady, Frank Carter, Theodore Castro, Carmelo Collier, John Colon, Monserrate Cruz, Jose Daugherity, Robert Davis, Martin DeJesus,Jose Diaz.Jesus DiSalvo, Anthony Estrada, Francisco Falcone, Johnnie Falcone, Johnnie Flores, Juan Fornwalt, Jack Frock, Howard Galarza, Pablo Gerson, Louis Gonzalez, Nieves Gonzalez, Nieves Graham, Harold Harris, William Henderson.Eugene Hopkins, James Ingram. Canute Jester, Earl Jordan, Homer Joseph, Aubrey Kelley, Melvin Kikas, Leonhard Knatt, Eugene Laffrta, Teofilo Lima, Antonio Linares, Fidel Lopez, Fernando Malone, Leon Matson, John Mauricio, Antonio · McCray, Ernest McDerby, Henry Melendez, Sixto Meyer, Elbert Morrell, Reynard Ogilvie, Everett Perre, Robert Provost, Leatrice Ramos, Luis Roy, Joseph Scott, Bernard Scott, Edward Senear; William Senear, William Stewart. James Stewart, James Taylor, Tom Thompson, Carl Tucker, Ruben Walker, Grady Walker, Grady Williams, George Williams, John Wilson, Leroy Dec.22, 200 Nov. 27, 2001 Jan.24 Jan.9 Dec. 20, 2000 Jan. 10 Jan.9 Nov. 28, 2001 Dec. 14, 2001 Dec. 13, 2001 Jan.7 Oct 16, 2001 Dec. 13,2001 Jan.23 Nov. 27, 2001 Sept. 21, 2001 Jan.16 Dec.29,2001 Jan.19 Jan.17 Dec. 10, 2001 Jan.18 Dec. 7, 2001 Jan.22 Jan.22 Dec. 29, 2001 Jan. 3 Dec. 16, 2001 Dec. 20, 2001 Dec.27,2001 Dec. 19, 2001 Dec.19,2001 Jan.5 Jan.1· Dec.10,2001 Dec. 17, 2001 Jan.1 Dec. 29, 2001 Jan.15 Nov.3, 2001 Dec. 9, 2001 Jan.12 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Dec.22,2001 Dec. 28, 2001 Oct.21, 2001 Jan. 11 Dec.23, 2001 Dec. 29, 2001 Dec. 20, 2001 Nov. 14, 2001 Dec. 1·8, 2001 Jan. 24 Dec. 29, 2001 Jan.5 Jan.24 Nov. 11, 2001 Dec. 16. 2001 Dec. 24, 2001 Nov. 7, 2001 Dec. 11, 2001 Dec. 24, 2001 Dec. 20, 2001 Dec.20,2001 Dec. 20, 2001 Dec. 25, 2001 Dec. 21 , 2001 Jan.1 Jan. 1 Jan.3 Jan.5 Nov. 27, 2001 Dec. 11,2001 MARCH Alpaugh, Charles Aponte, Raymond Bacon, Roland Barras, Warren Barth, William Breffe, Israel Capati, Raymond Clark, Garland Connor, Augustis Crear, Samuel Delgado, Jose Dos Santos, Clarismundo Galera, Oominador Jan. 10 Feb. 18 Feb.8 Feb.1 Feb. 11 Feb. 17 Feb. 13 Jan.30 Feb.1 Feb. 12 Feb. 17 Jan. 31 Jan.27 Garcia, Julio Gonzalez. Emiliano Gonzalez, Raul Graczyk, Henry Han, Quen Haylock, Irwin Hickey, George Hicks, Alfred Hines, Wilbert Holt, Alex Johnson, Charlie Joseph, Cyril Kastelec, Albert King, J Koblis, Charles Linwood, Guessler Medina, Luis Medina, Manuel Olivares, Manuel Ortiz, Andres Ortiz, Pedro Otterlei. Jonathan Palermo, Joseph Pares. Francisco Paulaille, Louis Pogor, Edward Rawlins, Cottrell Rivera, William Robinson, Hubert Rovane, Chartes Russell, Lawrence Shackelford. Joe Sticketl, James Tarhavisky, Michael Wasicki, Matthew Young, Willie Feb.4 Jan.3 Jan. 20 Dec. 17, 2001 Jan. 2 Jan.23 Feb. 1 Feb.22 Jan.28 Feb.7 Dec. 16, 2001 Feb.4 Feb. 4 Feb.9 Jan.2 Feb.2 Jan.28 Feb.2 Feb. 19 Dec. 11, 2001 Jan. 1 Dec. 16 Feb. 16 Feb. 15 Jan. 29 Feb. 10 Jan. 10 Nov. 20, 2001 Feb.4 Jan. 28 Jan.30 Feb. 7 Feb. 7 Feb.22 Feb. 1 Feb. 13 APRIL Anderson, Clyde Andresen, Walter Antonio, Raymundo Archacki, Chester Arnold, Edwin Barboza, Alfred Bell, Lawrence Benitez, Juan Bumeister, Ernest Caballero, Octavio Cantu, Raul Cassan, Juan Cassis, Carlos Cobb, William Cruz, Miguel Curry; Alvin Davis, Clinton Delgado, Jose DePass, Karl Edwards. Robert Folsom, William Fuld, Vincent Hortillosa, Joseph Ingles, Julio Jungbluth, Maree! Kelly, Edward Leitao, David Manzflla, Gregorio Martinez, Jose · Mathieson. Peter McCall, Eddie McCullout, .J Mikell, Jo n Mithchefl, Edward Morrow, Albert Nunes, Walter Paolantonio, Atmand Perez, lsabelino Pickens, Oliver Ramsay, Beon Rangel, Isreal Reynolds, John Roderick, Efrain Romanchuk, Karl Rosario, John Roux, Jules Santiago, Samuel Sirlsky, Lawrence Smith, David Staine, Patrick Stringfield, Norman Thompson, Harry Urda!, Dagfin Valentin , Victor Whitaker, John Willson, Mario March 3 Feb. 13 Jan.4 Oct. 15, 2001 Feb.24 Feb.28 Feb.27 March 7 March 8 Jan. 3 March Oct. 13, 2001 Dec. 14, 2001 March 16 March .16 March 13 March 10 March 8 Feb.14 Feb.27 Jan 17 March 9 March 2 March 9 Feb.25 Dec. 21, 2001 Feb. 18 March 3 Feb. 15 MAY Adams, Coner Alexander, Hugh Allred, Elmer Alverez, Pedro Andonie, Miguel Beckett, Leavy Brooks, Dudly Bullock, Joseph Burgos, Benjamin Butterfield, Arnold Chong, Peter Colon, Jose Feiler, Irving Ferrari, Simon Fontenot, Curley Funez, Roberto Gray, Lawrence Harris, Matthew Hernandez, Fernando Hodge, Titus Hopkins, Jack Leon, Stephen Maltese. Michael Manuel, Alberto McElroy, John Miller, William Milton, Samuel March 21' April 10 April 9 March 26 April 3 April 22 April 10 March 14 March 11 April 15 April 7 April 9 March 5 April 13 Aug.22 , 2001 March 9 April 19 April 1 March 18 April 7 April 9 April4 March 13 Jan 15 April 12 March 25 April5 Feb. 18 Feb. 14 March 14 March 4 Feb.15 Feb.3 Jan.5 March 2 Jan: 29 Sept. 9, 2001 March 5 March 12 Aug.16,2001 Feb. 24 Dec. 17,2001 Jan. 8 Feb.22 March 4 Feb.21 March 18 Jan. 14 March 16 Feb.23 March 16 Oct. 15, 2001 Feb. 23 March 11 Mugerdichian, John Pereira, Manuel Perini, Anthony Principe, Jorge Ramos, Francisco Reynes, Hen~ Roger, Gonza o Romano, Vincenzo Santiago, Arthur Sargent, James Sinegal, Joseph Spicer, Ira Thibodeaux, Joseph Upson, John Velazquez, Guillermo Waites, Paul Williams, Allen Williams, John Willmott, Richard April 2 April4 Aprif 7 April24 Feb.4 April 18 March 16 April 1 March 28 March 19 March 3 Jan.31 Feb.26 March 2 Feb. 5 March 26 April 10 Aprif 24 March 23 JUNE Allen, Roosevelt Anthohe, Anthony Arzu, Valentine Atell, Timothy Barela, Benjamin Beckles, Martin Berman, Benjamin Cacioppo; Anthony Cortez. Jesus Delugo, Ernest Diaz, Angel Elders, Charles Emminger, Robert Funes, Gonzalo Guichard, Morris Guity, Candido Harvey, Roy Havill. Phillip Henderson, Eugene Henriksen, Sven Howard, Sherman Jackson, Anthony Johnson, Clifton Jordan, Jack Karl<kainen, Veikko Knowles, Robert Kohn, James Lee, Uonel Lim, Pang Muhammad, Leon Nardi, Joseph Prado, Jorge - Prevost, UOne1- - Rice, Oscar Rolon, Cruz Rose, Frank Ryan, Edna Saimson, Robert Shamp, Kenneth Stallings, Abney Stewart, Luke Tremberger, George Truzman, Alberto Valko, John Washington, Enoch West, Oliver Wickey, Keefe Woo, Chai Yoon, Kell JULY Acosta, Osvaldo Amador, Emilio Ariola, Pedro Arnoldy, Robert AVila, Marcelino Bodden, Percy Broclcmoller, William Bulmer, Edgar Capo, Enrique Catolos. Cecil Cheers, Oliver Conception, Helen Connelly, Jessie Connolly, John Cruz, Garbriel Dumont, Marcel Fadel<, Murray Felex, Pedro Fine, John Finley, Frank Flodin, Edna Galarza. Pablo Garcia, Doto Gobin, Norbert Gomez, William Guzman, Joseph Kruczek, Frank Lambier, Wilfred Larock, Edward Litze, James McClain, George McDaniel, Frank McDonald, Joseph Mcinnis, Donald Mendez. John Miller, James Nakamura, Joe Owens, Thomas Puente, Othoniel Puerto, Miguel Ramirez, Demencio Russell, Claude Sanford, Oscar Santo, Anthony Sattler, John Smith, Edward Stokes, Robert Taylor, Robert Tong, Ah Urbina, Alsonso Williams, Lavelle May 12 May 13 April20 Jan.11, 1999 May 15 May22 March 28 May 5 May 18 May2 March 22 April 10 April 28 April 17 May 8 April 30 June 14 April 28 May9 May22 April 25 May20 May 20 April 18 May 1 March 26 April 15 May17 May 12 April 8 May 7 Apr!l 20 May 17 April 19 May 17 April 29 March 30 May 15 Jan.13 April27 Apri13Q May3 Jan,31 May 13 Jan.8 March 7 May20 May20 June6 June 19 June 14 May31 April20 June 2 April 11 June9 April28 June 23 May 30 May25 May 12 June 8 June6 Junes June 12 June4 June 15 April 26 May 26 June 1 March 22 March 18 June 11 May 29 May26 June 15 June 7 June 9 May23 May 14 Oct. 1, 1985 June 3 May 7 June 17 April30 May24 May 19 April 28 May 30 April 23 June 5 May 30 Sept. 1, 1999 May 29 April 26 May 21 June 16 Mays June 15 August2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from August through December 2002. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here wi11 begin promptly on the morning of the dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for November 1 October 7 Bosun - Arrival Date of Course Date Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 October 25 December 20 start QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December20 Saturday. Welding August 19 September 23 October 21 November 18 September 6 October 3 Novembers December6 Engine Utility (EU) October 20 November25 November 15 December 20 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 30 October 28 October25 November22 August 19 September 23 October 14 August 23 September 27 October 18 September 30 October 21 November 11 December9 October 4 October 25 November 15 December 13 August26 August 30 Arrival Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (*must have r<idar .unlimited) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Unlimited* Safety Specialty Coul'Ses Course Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting October 7 December 2 October 18 December 13 Government Vessels September 23 October 11 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* December 2 December 13 August 5 September 23 October 28 August 9 September 27 November 1 August 5 August 19 August26 September 23 September 30 October 14 October 28 November 18 l)ecember 9 December 16 August 9 August23 August 30 September 27 October 4 August 12 October 21 August 16 October25 Arrival (*must have hasicjire fighting) Tankerman (l'IC) Barge* (*prerequisite) (*must have basif:fir~ fighting) October7 November4 December2 October 18 November 15 December 13 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 16 October 14 September 27 October 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (one week) August 19 September 30 October 28 August 23 October 4 November 1 GMDSS (Simulator) ug Basic Fire Fighttng/STCW 4 ~cc~-~"'""'-=' t September 27 November 15 December 20 September 16 November4 December9 .. Engine Upgrading ~ourses STCW Medical Care Provider Steward Upgrading Courses October18 November! November 22 · ',, December~3 Deeember20 Academic lepartment Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week (most recently beginning July 20, then August 3, etc.). General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~·-·-·-·-·-· -·-·-·-··-"';\_·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·_;;;·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ----------------------------- Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED awlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee el $280 with their application. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. pa,vable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Department Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken Augusf 2002 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo ------------ Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable Jaws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/02 Seafarers LOG 21 - �Paul Hall Center Classes -PAUL HALL CENTER LI FEBOAT CLASS ...==,,. __ 6 2 ~--~-= Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 628 - Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 626. They are (from left, front row) Lonnie Jordan, Daniel Link, David Seymore, Christopher Mermuys, Joshua Robinson, Francis Dundas, (second row) Erica Andrews, Eric Cheek, Gregory Alexander, Marquis Leonard, Clarence Wren, Karim Elgallad, Paul Guffey, Robyn Adamosky, Shane Petschow, (third row) Patrick O'Donnell, Richard Moore, Clay Kiichli and John Watson. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 629- Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 629 are (kneeling, from left) Joseph Sizemore, Matthew Waldman, DeGrick Mclendon, Davany Bonilla, (standing) Shawn Allen, Edward Douville, Mike Hall, Travis Mathews, Steve Benavidez, Richard Egan, Leon Curtis, Daniel Hewlin, Lakindra Williams, Morgan Piper, Aaron Morton, Bart Drabenstot, Tony Fain, Matt Gibson, J.W. Olson, Jeb Warner and Jon Stratton. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course May 10 are (in alphabetical order) Muhiddin Awale, Robert Binder, Philip Cotey, Sylvester Crawford, Karen Domerego, Christopher Graham, Kenneth Hamilton, Joseph Jesnes, Antoine Lacy, Leanne Lankford, Arnulfo Lopez, Mark Mahoney, Joshua Phillips, Gerald Rogers, Jason Shead, Ruben Siclot Jr., Thomas Vain and David Wirtanen. Their instructor, Jim . Shaffer, is at far right. - Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course June 7 are (in alphabetical order) Saleh Ahmed, Theresa Ballard, Lou Cabana, Ruben Gamboa, Willie Harrington, Lamar P~;er..J-J.C;>.A4i~-t Stickens, Thomas White and Peter Wojcikowski Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Also graduating from the course are unlicensed apprentices Alshea Dixon, Demarco Holt, Stanley Kordinak, Robert Norris, Robert Odmark, Marcus Peters, Jennifer Senner, Willie Waddell and Quincy Wilson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Upgraders Water _ Survival- Able Seaman- Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course April 26 are (in alphabetical order) Richard Blackman, David Cayetano, Rafael Concepcion , Michael Gallagher, Michael Jalbert, Kenneth Lattin , Lionel Lee , James Logan, Jerry Maya, William Mcintyre, Zaid Muthala, Rusty Norman, Allan Oyao Sr., Fernando Oyao, Deocadio Romney, Uriel Ross Sr. , Louis Scull 11, Robert Steiner, Kreg Stiebben, Dale Suiter II and Jermaine Williams. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands at far right. Upgrading SIU members who successfully completed the water survival corse May 10 are (in alphabetical order) Paul Armstrong, Joachim Buetzer, Anthony Burbank , Joseph Cooper, Oliver Dailey, Michael Daniels, Joie Flesner, Cornell Knox, Khalid Meftah, John · Murray, Danny Nevel, Rayann Williams and Josephus Willis. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left are (from left, seated) James Logan, Lou Cabana, (standing) Rick Prucha (instructor) and Richard Davis. They completed the course May 24. In pt-10to at right are (from left, seated) William Mcintyre, Ruben Siclot Jr. , (standing) Rick Prucha (instructor), Jermaine Williams and James Logan. They completed the course May 17. -- 22 Seafarers LOS August2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Limited License - Graduating from the limited license course May 28 are (front row, from left) Carlos Pastrana, Eddie Torres, Felipe Gonzalez, Miguel Pizarro, Esly Pineda and Francisco Esperon, all from New York Waterway. In the back row are Ernest Walsh Jr. from Penn Maritime, Harry Abrams Jr. from Seabulk Towing and Instructor Stacy Harris. Ordinary Seaman - Recent graduates of the OS course are (from left, front row) Harry Borden, Steven Pahlkotter, Donivan Mccants, Andrez Bronkowski, Jennifer Senner, (second row) Anthony Lito, Robert Odmark, Willie Waddell, Randy Senatore (instructor), Nasser Hafid, Stanley Kordinak, William Faulkner and Luis Vasquez. Bridge Resource Management - Express Marine boatmen who completed the bridge resource management course June 7 are (from the left, front row) Nick Grassia, Oswald Smithwick, Miles Ireland, Mike Daniels, (second row) Doug Covic, Garnett Leary, Melvin Braddy, Riley Johnson, Jim Kruger, (third row) Herb Walling (instructor), Jim Pruitt, Wayne Huebschman, Guy Pruitt, Allen Bradley and Billy Cahoun. Any student who has registered for a class and findsfor whatever reason-that he orshe cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Bridge Resource Management - Allied Towing Co. boatmen who successfully completed the bridge resource man11<--,j1- Governmen sse ompietin ---- -agement course ay Oare rom eft, front row) Jim Boyer, Mike Willard , Dale Swarr, (second row) Herb Walling (instructor), Ernie vessels course May 24 are (from left) Louis Scull 11 , Tyrone ai~~ Fernando Oyao, Jerry Maya, Lion~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hudgins and Gene Payne. Le and Greg Thompson (instructor). Basic Safety Training Classes Debra Gardiner, Kevin Leino, Nur Holis, Luis Martinez, Blanca Ortega , Jack Povaser, Arthur Reed and Virgil Tudorache. Greg Alvarez, Jackie Berry, Nkrumah Bond, Patrick Carroll Jr., James Conover Sr., Carlos Cui, Hazel Johnson Jr., Bernard Marquez, Veronica Vines, Mohamed Mohamed, James Morgan, Michael Phillips, John Prchlik Jr., James Reed, Stephen Ruppert, Zaid Shaif, Randy Snay, Louis Thibault, Ivan Perez and Jan Haidir. Augusf 2002 Elba Alfaro, Nancy Archie, Glenn Bamman , Zackay Brown , James Callahan , Virgilio Hoffmann , Ismael Martinez, Khalid Meftah, Gene Payne, Eddie Rembert, Exxl Ronquillo, Mary Suniga, Timothy Thompson , Andrea Ursem, Richard West, Jack Mohamad , Richard Doggett, Omaha Redda, Ralph Broadway and Thomas Gruber. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seller Brooks, William Cliett Jr., Byron Coleman , David Crisp, Irvin Crutchlow, Roberto Flauta, Christopher Flood , George Flores, Gerald Foley, Adel Gabel, Amer Ghaleb, Fadel Ghaleb, Faisal Kassem, Mohammad Khan, Clarence Mack Jr., George Nottingham, Rodrigo Pagar, Joel Ramos and Raphael Vargas. Seafarers LOB 23 �Attention Seafarers: See page 6 to leam about the new SPAD program. In 1519, the Spanish explorer Admiral Alvarez de Pineda sailed into what is now known as Mobile Bay. But it was not until the expansion of the cotton trade in the 1800s that the port of Mobile became a major participant in America's waterborne commerce. Mobile, today the second largest city in Alabama, is among the top 20 largest ports in the nation in terms of total tonnage, ahead of well known ports such as Tampa, Seattle, Charleston and Savannah. SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly and his staff keep busy assisting the membership with their shipping needs as well as servicing the boats of Alabama Pilots, Inc.,· tugs operated by Crescent Towing; and Gulf Caribe Maritime's tug and barge equipment. They also meet with crew members aboard ships coming into the port of Pascagoula, Miss.-as well as service the SIU-crewed Delta Mariner, which is homeported in Pensacola, Fla. and transports rocket boosters and other space hardware from Decatur, Ala. to launch sites in Cape Canaveral, Florida and Vandenburg Air Force Base in California. At a recent pensioners' get-together at the SIU hall in Mobile, retired Seafarer Hubert "Red" House (left) and SIU Rep Hubert Cain have time to chat. In photo above, Maritime Day was celebrated in Mobile at the memorial at Cooper Riverside Park. From the left are SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, NMU Plans Representative Verona Gazzier, Recertified Bosun Thomas R. Temple, SIU Representative Hubert Cain and retired Seafarer Frank Gomez. Captain Lonnie Johnson and his wife, Gladys, are pictured in front of the pilot boat operated by Alabama Pilots, Inc. OMU Gregory Carroll Sr. is joined by his wife, Jacquelyn, and son, Gregory Jr., at the SIU hall in Mobile. .. SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly joins with other members of the Mobile Port Council at a recent meeting. From the left are Ed Kahalley Sr. (a long-time member of the Democratic Executive Committee and a close friend of labor); Thomas Fisher, business manager for the Sheet Metal Workers #441; Billy Fisher, international organizer for the Sheet Metal Workers #441 ; Judge James Woods; Lambert C. Mims, former Mobile mayor; Donald Langham, district vice president PACE; Kelly (who also serves as executive secretary-treasurer of the Greater Mobile Port Maritime Council) and Judge Herman Thomas . Standing in front of the Delta Mariner are (from left) AB Herbert Scypes Jr., Third Mate David Belliveau, Third A/E Charles Donley, AB David Dinnes and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. ,,. Attending a Crescent Towing safety meeting are (front row, from left) Captain Joe Tucker; Engineer Kyle Tucker; (second row) Prentiss Willcutt, VP, Crescent Towing; Engineer Johnny Johnston; Tom Lambard, Crescent Towing Rep.; AB Paul Roach; (third row) BM1 Michael DeKort, marine investigator USCG Mobile; SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly; Captain Mike Yarbrough and Engineer Chris Walker. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SEAFARERS RALLY WITH GULF MARINERS TWO MIAMI SHIPPING AGENTS BUSTED FOR DOCUMENT FRAUD UNIONS URGE MSP EXTENSION, EXPANSION NY WATERWAY CHRISTENS HIGH-SPEED FERRY MAERSK TANKER WILL REFLAG AMERICAN CAPT. SCHUBERT THANKS ARMY FOR HONORING U.S. MARINERS NEW AFL-CIO WEB SITE HELPS WORKERS SURVIVE UNEMPLOYMENT AMID MASSIVE CORPORATE LAYOFFS REPORT EXAMINES SHIP DETENTIONS IN 2001 SECOND PHASE OF ISM CODE IMPLEMENTED DATA RECORDERS, ID SYSTEMS AMONG NEW REQUIREMENTS SIU, MSC AGREE ON LABOR RELATIONS STRATEGY SIU CONTRACT NEWS INCLUDES NEW PACT FOR SEALIFT TANKERS SEAFARERS KEEP GLOBAL LINK PRIMED FOR NEXT OPERATION SPECIAL OS COURSE: SPRINGBOARD TO AB UPGRADING SAILING ON THE LUMMUS ABOARD THE USNS STOCKHAM IN DIEGO GARCIA SAFE & SOUND REPRINT OF ARTICLE ON ARMED PIRATES IN THE PORT OF MOBILE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/12/2002 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. 64, No. 8 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fbb3467e9741396142f5600bcd0479b2.pdf ed3e76272a05797056bf3484ba6c5cf3 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 9 September 2002 ... 5-Year Contract Boosts Wages, Benefits SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (based in Norfolk, Va.) has been awarded a five-year contract to operate eight LMSR vessels for the U.S. Military Sealift Command . The agreement covering the vessels takes effect Oct. 1 and includes major increases in wages and benefits for the unlicensed crew. Page 3. Lakes Sealarers Unanimously Approve Contract SIU members sailing on the Great Lakes unanimously have approved the new standard contract covering their vessels. Voting took place aboard the ships in late July. The agreement significantly boosts wages and benefits and also better defines working conditions. Pictured at lower left (from left) are AB Frank Read, AB Robert Mason and DEU Abdul Hussein aboard the Sam Laud in Port Inland, Mich. Pictured at upper left (displaying the new pact). is AB Bob Derke at the SIU hall in Algonac, Mich. Page 3. • • Midnight Sun Christened Paul Hall Center Offers Fast Rescue Boat Class A new course is available for students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Last month, a group of eight Seafarers became the first to complete the school's new 30-hour fast rescue boat course-a U.S. Coast Guard-approved class which satisfies the requirements of Table A-Vl/2-2 of the STCW Code. Pictured during the class are Marc Grantham (being lifted from the water) along with (from left) Lon Piner, Stan Beck (instructor) and George Sadler. Page 10. NY Waterway Augments Expansion With Comprehensive Safety Training Pages 12-13 The first commercial dry cargo ship built in the U.S. in 10 years was christened last month in San Diego, signaling new shipboard jobs on the horizon for Seafarers. The union joined with SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) and the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in welcoming the new Orea-class vessel Midnight Sun (top photo) Aug. 3. U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) served as the christening's keynote speaker. Christening the ship are (photo above, from left) Lynn Garvey, wife of Mike Garvey, chairman of TOTE's parent company; Lily Stevens, daughter of Sen. Stevens; and NASSCO Pres. Richard Vortmann. Page 3. �President's Report 'Globallzlng Solldarlty' Few would argue against the fact that the AFL-CIO and its affiliate unions, including the SIU, together stand as the strongest ally and most powerful voice of American workers. In much the same way that the port councils of the Maritime Trades Department help amplify the concerns of U.S. maritime workers through solidarity, the AFL-CIO leads the way for working families by harnessing the collective clout of trade unionists from throughout the nation. On a global level, the International Transport Michael Sacco Workers' Federation (ITF}-which last month conducted its 40th Congress-fills the same role for its 600-plus affiliates and the 5 million workers they represent, again including the SIU. To borrow an old phrase, if the ITF didn't exist, we'd have to create it. In a hurry. Many of you know the ITF as the people we work with to fight runaway-flag shipping. But the federation is so much more. In an age when terms like "global economy" and "global competition" have become second nature, there's simply no question that the federation, headed by General Secretary David Cockroft, is an invaluable asset to merchant mariners and other transport workers worldwide. The ITF is a dynamic vehicle that promotes workers' interests through international campaigning and unity. I see the ITF as the best way for unions to protect their members' interests on a broad scale. As was so evident at the recent House hearings concerning the U.S. Maritime Security Program, the companies we negotiate with are global. The only way we have a fighting chance to protect worker rights and improve our way of life is to answer with a global voice. In fact, as part of the ITF 's flag-of-convenience campaign and as its primary mission in the next four years, the organization's Congress last month urged increased worldwide union cooperation under the banner "Globalizing Solidarity." Noting that "new forms of union coordination, deeper contact between unions representing members employed by the same companies, and international campaigning on issues of common concern has become a central part of ITF work," the federation's executive board and staff presented the ITF Congress with an action plan for increasing global trade union cohesion. In a series of motions enacted by the delegates from more than 87 nations, the ITF Congress adopted a response to the threats posed by uncontrolled globalization of the world economy. The plan includes developing union campaign strategies to deal with these trends, preparing materials on this matter for affiliated unions and establishing a team of professionals to assist unions in solidarity efforts. The job of the ITF, one adopted motion states, is to "promote solidarity among workers in the transport chain and to guard against company strategies to pit different groups of workers against each other." Clearly those are fundamental and essential goals for our industry. And I'm extremely confident in the ITF's ability to deliver on those objectives, with the strong support of its affiliates. We in the SIU are very proud of our association with the ITF. It's a relationship that goes back many years, and one that always has been positive and productive. Understandably, much of our effort has been directed toward improving the living and working conditions of mariners around the world. It's an ongoing project, and we have achieved some success, most notably in the increasing number of vessels covered by ITF contracts, in port-state control and the inspections they perform when ships dock in their harbors, and in securing tougher international rules for mariner training and certification. We will not let up. Lastly, I call your attention to the articles on page 5 about two SIU officials who have served in the ITF's Seafarers' Section (the arm of the federation that focuses on mariner issues). John Fay and David Heindel have been a credit to the SIU as well as the whole U.S. Merchant Marine when they've represented us in the ITF. John's accolades at the ITF convention were well-deserved, and Dave already is doing a great job of building upon John's groundbreaking work at the federation. Volume 64, Number 9 September 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarel'S LOG Mariners Association Questions Foreign Vessel Activity in Gulf An official of the Gulf Coast Mariners Association (GCMA) recently penned a letter that points out some potentially grave safety issues involving foreign mariners sailing on foreign-flag ships in ports along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Capt. Richard A. Block, secretary of the GCMA, wrote to the editor of WorkBoat Magazine in response to an earlier letter "complaining about foreign seamen working aboard foreign-flag vessels in Port F ourchon, La. and other ports along the U.S. Gulf Coast." Block said he found it interesting to note that the original letter was sent from Portland, Maine, "which indicates how pervasive knowledge of foreign vessel activity in Port Fourchon has become." The rest of Block's letter, dated July 26, follows: "The letter complains about the use of foreign-flag vessels in our coastal waters in violation of the Jones Act. The Jones Act states that only certain U.S.-flag vessels have the right to engage in coastwise trade. Whether or not these foreign-flag vessels actually are engaging in coastwise trade is debatable. This is also a determination for U.S. Customs to make, not the U.S. Coast Guard. "On the other hand, enforcement of U.S. citizenship requirements in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) is a duty of the U.S. Coast Guard. It is a matter of speculation by some observers whether or not this enforcement is being done diligently, if at all. "Could one or more of these foreign-flag vessels be in Port Fourchon for any purpose other than to perform some form of offshore oil-related activity on the U.S. outer continental shelf relative to an oil development-related activity? This is a legitimate question to ask after the attacks of September 11. "We understand that the OCSLA mandates that only U.S. citizens be employed on the U.S. outer continental shelf in support of the mineral and oil industry. There are several very limited exceptions to these requirements for certain personnel: when U.S. citizens are not available, when foreign companies have the right to effectively control a vessel, or for certain temporary and intermittent personnel who are not crewmen. We believe that many officials in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the mineral and oil industry are completely unaware that these citizenship requirements (as defined in 33 CFR Part 141) apply to both fixed and floating production units, MODUs and other vessels that support the exploration, development and exploitation of the OCS oil and mineral resources. "We understand that in light of the events of September 11, 2001 the Coast Guard has taken significant steps and Congress has provided funds to protect many of the nation's ports and waterways from terrorist attacks. Notably, no funds were provided to protect Port Fourchon and its vulnerable access route! However, the Coast Guard's October 4, 2001 temporary final rule lengthening the usual advance notification arrival from 24 to 96 hours for certain vessels bound for United States ports is a welcome effort. This rule properly exempts U.S .-flag vessels that carry passengers and supplies in support of the OCS mineral and oil industry. Could it be that the U.S. Coast Guard is not requiring foreign-flag vessels performing similar duties to give 96 hours advance notice of their arrival at U.S . ports? These vessels are clearly not a part of the coastwise exemptions granted in the temporary regulation. "These foreign vessels in the Gulf of Mexico include derrick barges, seismic vessels, dive support vessels, MODUs and others which routinely perform important industrial tasks on the outer continental shelf. These vessels, in and of themselves, are not necessarily a security concern. However, since they may generally be considered exempt from the notice of arrival requirements, they could potentially offer opportunities for vessels not legitimately performing OCS activities to claim to be doing so, and enter our ports without scrutiny or notice. Clearly, this is not an acceptable situation. "Does the U.S. Coast Guard really believe that Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda organization do not own, operate and crew vessels, and that they are not aware of what typically occurs at oil industry staging ports? Oil exploration and drilling-related activities are well known in the Middle East. ... "We recognize that these are challenging issues that require the focus of resources and attention to detail. "If, as a nation, maritime security is a real issue of concern, then the U.S. Coast Guard should be concerned about foreign vessel activities in Port Fourchon, as well as other oil staging ports along the Gulf Coast and, in fact, nationwide. We understand that there may be cases where foreign vessels departing West Coast ports deliver supplies and cargo to American drilling rigs. "It would seem that the present situation presents an ideal opportunity to the U.S. Coast Guard to both perform what may turn out to be critical natio al defense port security functions with respect to these vessels, as well as ensuring that U.S. citizens are performing OCS activities as required by law. Jobs of American mariners are clearly at stake. "We understand that any foreign vessel engaged in an OCS activity should either be manned entirely by U.S. citizens, or the vessel must have letters from the U.S. Coast Guard in Washington for crew exemptions to the law, or authorizing letters (also from the U.S. Coast Guard) approving a 'foreign right to effectively control' the vessel. "We have good reason to believe the offshore oil industry considers U.S. Coast Guard enforcement of certain federal law is a joke and privately hold them up to ridicule. Isn't it time to get the job done?" Union-Backed GCMA Defends Gulf Mariners, Promotes Safety In Offshore Maritime Industry The many mariners working in the Gulf of Mexico oil patch and the inland waters who do not enjoy the benefits of union representation until recently had no organized voice in government decisions that affect their lives. In 1999, that changed with the birth of the Gulf Coast Mariners Association (GCMA). Formed with the assistance of the SIU and three other unions representing seagoing workers, the GCMA serves as a voice for mariners working on vessels of less than 1,600 tons. Based in South Louisiana, the GCMA has made a strong case for stricter safety measures and more rigorous enforcement of existing safety regulations for vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico in service to the offshore oil and gas industry as well as for inland towing vessels. Taking its case before the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safety Transportation Board, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Department of Transportation and elected officials on both the federal and state level, the GCMA has advocated measures to reduce fatigue among mariners including increased vessel manning and inspection regimes for uninspected towing vessels, among other positions. With a board of nine Gulf mariners, the GCMA also recognizes that mariners who wish to improve their pay and working conditions must do so by union representation at their company. The GCMA has urged Gulf mariners who want to improve their direct working conditions to contact the Offshore Mariners United (OMU). The OMU is a federation of the SIU, along with the American Maritime Officers (AMO), Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) formed for mariners working in the Gulf of Mexico. Taking on broader policy issues that must be tackled by the government, the GCMA has worked to ensure that mariners' views are heard at all levels of the Coast Guard. The GCMA has pushed for mariner representation on various Coast Guard advisory committees. This effort resulted in the inclusion of an offshore captain's appointment to the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) of the Coast Guard-a group previously made up solely of industry representatives. GCMA's officers include Penny D. Adams, president, and Richard A. Block, secretary. Adams worked as a deckhand on offshore supply vessels and coowned with her husband, Ray Continued on page 4 September 2002 �SIU to Crew 8 LMSRs New Contract Features Big Gains in Wages, Benefits When the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month announced the award of a new five-year operating contract for eight LMSR vessels, Seafarers got a double dose of good news. First, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Ltd. (based in Norfolk, Va.) won the award, meaning that Seafarers will crew the following ships for the next five years: USNS Watson, USNS Watkins, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, USNS Charlton, USNS Dahl and USNS Pomeroy. Second, the contract covering those vessels (which takes effect next month) includes major increases in wages and benefits for the unlicensed crew. The gains were spelled out in a letter from SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez to the ships' chairmen in mid-August. "The new contract substantially enhances the membership's earning power as well as the benefits for them and their families," Tellez said. "Another positive aspect to this agreement is that it should help our ability to recruit and retain the best-qualified mariners who are so essential to national security. The government got the best value for their dollar with this award, and they maintained continuity with proven entities-the SIU and Maersk Line, Ltd." Reaction from Seafarers will be printed in next month's LOG. Meanwhile, the new contract highlights include: • Major increases in base wages for all ratings. • Medical coverage increases to the premier "Plan G" level, which includes 100 percent (reasonable and customary) prescription coverage for Seafarers and their dependents, orthodontic care for members and their dependents, increases in the vision and death benefits, a new organ-transplant benefit and more. • The new vacation benefit is 15 days for every 30 days worked. • The new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefit is five percent of the 56-hour base wage. • Plan G allows members to count their vacation benefit days toward pension eligibility, pursuant to the rules of the plans. Plus, the dollar amounts of members' vacation benefits will be considered base earnings for the purpose of calculating wage-related pensions. This means Seafarers need less sea time to qualify for a pension, while at the same time increasing the pension amount. LMSR stands for large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off vessel. The ships covered under this contract (awarded Aug. 5) are Watson-class vessels which carry a third _of all prepositioned U.S. Army equipment, according to MSC. Each of the vessels is 950 feet long, with a beam of 105 feet. Each is equipped with two 110-ton single pedestal twin cranes, making it possible to load and unload cargo where shoreside infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. Additionally, each ship is equipped with six decks and a cargo-carrying capacity of about 393,000 square f~et. As MSC put it, "Each ship can carry an entire U.S. Army Armor Task Force including 58 tanks and 48 other tracked vehicles, plus more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles." Generally, these vessels are prepositioned in the Indian Ocean near Diego Garcia or in reduced operating status in U.S. ports. At press time, four were in Diego Garcia, two were in Charleston, S.C., one was in San Diego and another was at an undisclosed location. When announcing the contract award, MSC stated, "The successful deployment of U.S. military forces depends on the ability to act quickly. In an unstable world where regional hostilities can break out at any time, Military Sealift Command's prepositioning ships provide for a fast powerful military response by U.S. forces anywhere in the world." TOTE1s New Cargo Ship Christened in San Diego Delivery Set for Early Next Year The fust commercial dry cargo ship built in the U.S. in 10 years was christened last month in San Diego, signaling new shipboard jobs on the horizon for Seafarers. The union joined with SIUcontracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) and the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in welcoming the new Orea-class vessel Midnight Sun Aug. 3. U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) served as the christening's keynote speaker. Leading the SIU group were Pres. Michael Sacco, Exec. VP John Fay, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and VP West Coast Nick Marrone. Sacco stated that in addition to representing new jobs for Seafarers, the Midnight Sun-as well as a sister ship scheduled for delivery next summer-means greater security for the nation. "The civilian crews who work aboard these ships will learn and use the exact same skills that are needed to support our armed forces in times of war. So when the next Desert Storm unfolds, the men and women who maintained their skills in the commercial fleet can be an asset for our military- and therefore our nation," he said. "Whether it's replacement tonnage or new additions, America needs the kind of investment made by TOTE in the new Orcaclass vessels," he added. "This is an important step in strengthening the merchant marine." The Midnight Sun will sail with an SIU crew and is slated for delivery early next year. Above, guests arrive at the christening Aug. 3 in San Diego. September 2002 Representing the union at the christening were (from left) SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Exec. VP John Fay, VP West Coast Nick Marrone and VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. Both new ships are expected to operate in TOTE 's service from Tacoma, Wash. to Anchorage, Alaska. The Midnight Sun, and her sister ship, the North Star, are 840-foot-long, 118-foot-wide roll-on/roll-off cargo ships offering .the option to carry trailers as large as 53 feet long. TOTE reports that the vessels already have been recognized for their environmentally sensitive design. The ships received the States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award for 2000, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner's 2000 Pollution Prevention Award, and the Biennial William M. Benkert Foundation 2002 Environmental Excellence Bronze Award. Lynn Garvey, wife of Mike Garvey, chairman of the board of TOTE's parent company, Saltchuk Resources, Inc., and Lily Stevens, the daughter of Sen. Stevens, were the Midnight Suns sponsors. It's Unanimous! Lakes Seafarers Approve Pact Including Dependent Coverage As votipg took place aboard SIU-crewed ships on the Great Lakes the last week of July, Seafarers left no doubt about their feelings concerning their new standard contract. More than 200 Lakes Seafarers unanimously approved the new multi-year agreement, which significantly boosts wages and benefits and also better defines working conditions. The agreement calls for medical benefits under the top-level Plan G, which includes dependent coverage. This is believed to be the first time Lakes mariners have had dependent coverage. The contract also increases the pension and vacation benefits. Voting took place July 25-31 aboard 14 vessels throughout five states. Negotiations took place for the past year, but had been especially active since February. Aboard the H. Lee White, Bosun Bill Mulcahy noted, "I have been working on the Great Lakes for almost 25 years, and the improvements in the new Great Lakes standard freight agreement are impressive. I commend the area vice president, Tommy Orzechowski, on providing a solid base on which we can forge ahead with. "To see improvements in wages in this unstable economy is encouraging, but to see an increase in medical, vacation and pension benefits, plus improved working conditions is a testament to all the hard work that went into this agreement," Mulcahy added. "In addition, I would like to thank (Port Agent) Don Thornton and (Patrolman) Todd Brdak. I remember a year ago when they came out to the boat to ask for input on the new agreement. They took the time to sit down with the crew and listen to our concerns SA Dave Warner, pictured at the Algonac hall, likes what he reads in the new Lakes Standard Freightship Agreement. and suggestions. I have to honestly say that all of our concerns were addressed, the spirit and faith in the union is at an all-time high. Thanks for a job well done!" Orzechowski thanked SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, whom he credited for "steady guidance and invaluable help. Believe me, we couldn't have done it without his input and leadership." On the Sam Laud, SA Dave Warner noted, "I got a chance to review the new Great Lakes standard freighter agreement while I was at the Algonac union hall. This agreement has come a long way. I sail relief and the new A, B, C seniority is what we have needed for a long time. The Algonac staff also took the time to explain the improvements. Tommy, Don and Todd did a good job." AB Frank Read, sailing as a relief AB on the Sam Laud, observed that despite the slump in the steel industry, "we have managed to secure gains in every Continued on page 4 Seafarers LOG 3 �Cape Knox Crew Eager to Sail When SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd recently met with crew members aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ship Cape Knox, he discovered a group that is quite anxious to support U.S. armed forces whenever the assignment may arise. During a late-July meeting with the mariners-who were NMU members when that union merged into the SIU last year- Judd discussed the U.S. Merchant Marine's role in national security. "We talked about world events and what it all means to the merchant The Cape Knox and the Cape Kennedy are docked next to each other in New Orleans. marine, and we also discussed the importance of maintaining the ship's gear for safety," Judd noted. "But what really stood out was how anxious they are to sail. Not that anyone's wishing for a conflict overseas, but these guys are eager to answer the call, when and if it comes." The Cape Knox is maintained in reduced operating status (ROS) in New Orleans. The vessel is operated by Keystone Shipping and is docked next to a sister ship, the Cape Kennedy. The Cape Knox is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force. EPI Volume Reinforces Benefits of Going Union The Cape Knox has earned numerous awards and certifications (including safety awards and recognition for participation in Desert Storm as well as various military support exercises) , a few of which are displayed in this photo. Pictured from left to right are DMAC Robert Cullon,· Electrician Robert Joyce, GVA Joe Shepard (kneeling), SIU Port Agent Steve Judd and Bosun John McKee. Chief Steward Bruno Rodriguez has the galley operating smoothly. Lakes Seafarers Approve Multi-Year Pact Continued from page 3 aspect of our employment. I sail deep sea in the winter months when the Lakes ships lay up for the winter, so I know the deep sea agreement. On a deep sea ship we have always had our vacation tied into our base wage, so when we got an increase in our wages our vacation went up accordingly. Unfortunately, that has not been the case on the Great Lakes until the new Great Lakes freighter agreement. "The Algonac hall, under the leadership of Tom Orzechowski has managed to create a hybrid between the deep sea and the Great Lakes contracts. The crew on the Sam Laud salutes Tom, Todd and Don on their innovations." Oiler Khris Behcktel nearly was left speechless by the new contract. Aboard the Southdown Challenger, he stated, "Wow, I · don't know what to say. I had been sailing entry level and I just finished upgrading at Piney Point. I now have my oiler endorsement and with that I have received a significant wage increase. In addition to that increase,·with this new agreement I just got another one. Once I get a chance to go back to Piney Point and get my QMED-any rating I will get another wage increase. This agreement allows me to decide what I can earn. Nice work Tommy, Don. and Todd." 4 Seafarers LOG wins hands-down on all four measures of what defines a good job--health coverage, retirement benefits, paid days off, and wages," said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute and an author of the book. The typical worker with a union contract is paid .11.5 percent more per hour than a similar unrepresented worker. Among Hispanic and black workers, the premium for working under a union contract was even greater, adding up to 16 percent and 12. 7 percent, respectively. Among whites, blacks, and Hispanics, the union wage advantage · was largest among Hispanics-16 percent overall. In all three groups, the wage advantage was greater for men than for women. With the erosion of the share of workers who are unionized have come lower wages and benefits overall for the blue-collar and non-college educated workers who constitute about 70 percent of the work force. Consequently, the book finds, lack of representation is a significant factor in the widening wage gap between high- and middlewage workers. "For working people, a union contract still pays big dividends," said Mishel. "Whether you're a white, black, or Hispanic man or woman, the surest ticket to better compensation for your work is a union card in your wallet." · GCMA Defends Gulf Mariners Continued from page 2 Above: Aboard the Indiana Harbor in Chicago, SIU members vote for the agreement. From left to right, the first fully visible face is that of DEU Allan Johnson, followed by AB Ron Dandrea, Conveyorman Daryl Overby and QMED Andrew Perry. Among those attending the informational meeting at the SIU hall in Duluth, Minn. were (from left) AB Bob Derke, DEU Jack Povaser and Leonard Kauti. Of all the differences today between a workplace where employees are covered by a union contract and one where they are not, perhaps the biggest one can be sulll111ed up in two words: good benefits. So says a forthcoming Economic Policy Institute (EPI) book, "The State of Working America, 2002-03," which compares unionized workers to others who do similar work in a nonunionized workplace. It finds that the typical union worker is 54 percent more likely to have a pension plan, is 28 percent more likely to have health insurance, and gets three more days of paid vacation each year. Not only is there more pension and health coverage for unionized workers, that coverage is better. On the pension side, the union worker is 36 percent more likely to be covered by a traditional defined benefit plan and 17.7 less likely to have to rely on the more volatile defined contribution style plan, such as a 401(k). For health care, the unionjzed worker is more likely to have an employer who pays a larger share of the premium. The unionized worker's deductible averages $200, rather than the $300 typically paid by workers who don't enjoy the benefits of union representation. "In a match-up with nonunionized jobs, unionized work Reminder: Lakes mariners must pass a reading proficiency exam in order to register. This is a result of the amended STCW convention. For more information, contact your port agent or the Paul Hall Center at (301) 994-0010. Adams, a mariner school in South Louisiana. Block has been a licensed mariner for 4 7 years as well as a boat owner of ferries and later offshore supply vessels. In addition to serving as an outspoken advocate for mariners in his capacity as a GCMA officer and activist, he runs Marine Education Textbooks, his business of the past 32 years. He authors textbooks for license preparation and other books of value to mariners and the industry. For more information on the GCMA, write to the organization at PO Box 3589; Houma, Louisiana 70361, or call (985) 537-4885, or go to their web site at www.gulfcoastmariners.org. To stay informed on offshore mariner issues, ask to receive a copy of the GCMA's newsletter. Membership is open to any mariner who works or lives in the Gulf of Mexico, its inland waters or the western rivers. Individuals who support the work of the GCMA may join as non-voting associate members. Annual dues for members are $36 and $20 for associate members. September 2002 �'Globalizing Solidarity' Is Rallying Cry .For World's Seafarer and Transit Unions ITF Congress Views Inter-Union Cooperation as Key to Gains for Workers Working people and their delegates, advisors. and guests, unions must utilize their solidar- the ITF convention and the orgaity to challenge and triumph nization's Seafarers' Section over powerful multinational also tackled the issue of safety companies and global economic on flag-of-convenience vessels. conditions that attempt to drive Adopting a plan for World wages and working conditions Maritime Day, which is Sept. 26, as low as they can go. That was the Congress called. for a new the ringing statement and its "safety culture" in international accompanying action plan of the shipping. 401h Congress of the Intercampaign for Safety national Transport Workers' A briefing book distributed at Federation (ITF) meeting Aug. the Congress titled "Give 14-21 in Vancouver, Canada. In his message to the Seafarers the Freedom to be Congress, ITF General Secretary Safe," discloses how globalizaDavid CockroB, who was tion and increased competition resoundingly re-elected to that in the shipping industry "are crepost by the more than 570 dele- ating ·a race to the bottom in gates at the quadrennial event, safety," · the ITF stated. "Essaid, "Thousands of union mem- pecially on board flag-of-convebers have come to understand a nience ships, there are poor lot more about international sol- health and safety conditions and idarity and the ITF." As a result, seafarers often suffer physical Cockroft continued, "the ITF is and emotional abuse," the ITF probably in a better state to document continues. Also at the Congress, the ITF defend the interests of transport workers around the world and ·Dockers' Section, representing face the challenges of globaliza- longshoremen around the world, vowed to step up its campaign to tion than at any other time." Attended by more than 1,000 end union-busting practices m SIU's John Fay Honored For Years of Service to ITF Delegates to the ITF 401h Congress gave a standing ovation to SIU Executive Vice President John Fay as he received the organization's prestigious distinguished service award for his more than 20 years of international trade union work. On the last day of the ITF's convention, Aug. 21, General Secretary David Cockroft recognized Fay's meritorious contribution to the international organization made up of more than 600 transport unions from around the globe. Fay's participation in the ITF dates back to the late 1970s when he began representing the SIU on the ITF's Fair Practices Committee-the group within the ITF charged with executing the organization's flag-of-convenience campaign. Fay was elected to the position of vice chairman of the ITF Seafarers' Section in October 1992, Cockroft told the more than 1,000 trade unionists assembled in Vancouver, Canada. In 1995, at the ITF's Seafarers' Section meeting, Fay was elected to the position of chairman upon the resignation of his predecessor, Cockroft continued. And three years later, in 1998, at the ITF's Congress, meeting in New Delhi, Fay was re-elected. Fay, Cockroft noted, was the fust American ever to serve as chairman of the ITF's Seafarers' Section. "John played a major role" in formulating ITF policy and actions in the organization's campaign to stop runaway-flag shipping, Cockroft told the delegates. As chairman of the Seafarers' Section, the part of the ITF dedicated to the concerns and interests of seamen on both national flag vessels and those under flags of convenience, Fay helped ensure a September 2002 vigorous ITF approach to combating unfair conditions for the world's seamen. . As part of that campaign, Fay served as the seafarers member of the United Nations' International Labor Organization's Joint Maritime Committee from 1994 to 2001. U.S. System 'Significant' Looking back on his tenure with the ITF that ended when he resigned from the Seafarers' Section chairman position in December 2000, Fay said the experience had .been invaluable. "Seeing what conditions other maritime unions face made me fight that much harder to keep everything we have here in the United States. For instance, the Jones Act. So many countries have done away with their cabotage laws. It's a very significant thing that we have the Jones Act," Fay explained. · "And then getting to travel around the world (and) seeing the kinds of terrible and harsh conditions that seamen work in," he continued. "Taking on the flag-ofconvenience operators and raising the standards for the seamen on those boats is so important, and that's what the ITF is trying to do." Defending Union Rights For his role in that effort, the ITF awarded Fay its top honorthe "ITF Gold Badge," a small gold pin with the ITF emblem. Cockroft read the accompanying certificate to the delegates during the presentation: "In deep appreciation of the dedicated and distinguished service which has been given to the cause of transport workers internationally, in defense and furtherance of the interests of those workers, and for the preservation of trade union freedoms and rights, the ITF executive ports everywhere in the world. SIU Officials in Umelight Other matters before the Congress were the election of officers and members of diverse governing bodies, including the executive board and heads of various sections. Among the SIU representatives elected to ITF positions were SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, vice chair of the Seafarers' Section, and Michel Desjardins, SIU of Canada secretary treasurer, to the position of North America regional chair on the Fair Practices Committee Steering Group. In a ceremony on the last day of the Congress honoring individuals who had made a significant contribution to the work of the ITF, the SIU's executive vice president, John Fay, was presented the organization's highest award, the "ITF Gold Badge" (see separate story, this page). Summing up the ITF Congress, SIU President Michael Sacco, who _led the SIU's delegation, said, "We know from our experience in U.S. shipping that Participating in the ITF Congress in Vancouver are (front row, from left) ITF Inspector Ricky Esopa, SIU of Canada President Roman Gral.ewic~, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. More than 570 delegates attended the convention. Heindel Re-elected ITF Vice Chairman The more than 570 delegates to the ITF 40th Congress unanimously re-elected SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel to the position of vice chairman of the organization's Seafarers' Section. Meeting in Vancouver, Canada from Aug. 14-21, representatives from hundreds of transport unions around the globe also re-elected Brian Orrell, the general secretary of NUMAST, the ship officers' union of Great Britain, to the chairmanship of the Seafarers' Section. Heindel is the second U.S. citizen to hold a top post in the Seafarers' Section. He succeeded SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, who served as the secSIU Executive Vice President tion vice chair from 1992 to 1995 John Fay (left) receives the ITF's . and then as section chair until December.2000. top award from ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. Fay was the first American ever to serve as the chairman of the federation's Seafarers' Section. 'All in SIU Proud' Important Mandate The ITF Seafarers' Section brings together seafaring unions from every continent. It determines ITF policy regarding the campaign to end flags of convenience and to eliminate substandard working conditions on such vessels. The section also is charged with working within various international governmental bodies to ensure adequate shipping safety regimes. F:inally, the section works to increase the use of national flag shipping around the world. Heindel has served as the SIU's secretary-treasurer since 1997. He became a union official for the SIU in 1980 and fust became vice chair of the Seafarers' Section in December 2000. Commenting on Heindel's election, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said, "The Seafarers' Section is very active and it is recognized worldwide for its tough approach to substandard shipping. Dave has played a strong leadership role in this campaign. We in the ITF are happy that he will continue to be our partner in this critical effort." Reflecting on Fay's efforts as a union official and ITF activist, SIU President Michael Sacco noted for the LOG, "All of us in the SIU should be proud of John's work-both in the SIU and in the ITF. He's always put seamen first and he's accomplished a lot for seafarers in the U.S. and all around the world". Fighting for Rights SIU President Michael Sacco congratulated Heindel, who joined his fust ship in 1972, on his election. "The SIU is at the forefront of the fight for seamen's rights and in his ITF position, Dave can really do a lot of good for our members, for American seamen in board has, by unanimous decision, nominated John Fay for the award in public of the ITF Gold Badge, the highest mark of respect and honour which it can bestow on behalf of the ITF's affiliated membership in all the continents of our globe." Upon receipt of the award, Fay said, "This really means a lot to me because it is an award from my peers---0ther seamen and union officers." Replacing Fay for the SIU in the ITF is Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who was re-elected at the ITF Congress to the position of Vice Chair of the Seafarers' Section. Fay, who began his seagoing life in 1949, fust coming ashore as a union official in 1957, served as SIU secretary-treasurer from 1990 to 1997. Since 1997, Fay holds the post of SIU executive vice president. the world is getting to be a smaller place and that the companies we deal with are global. The ITF is the union way of being a global force. Our work iO.- the ITF is important to our members and our union and to protecting the U.S.-flag fleet and making sure that substandard shipping is eventually wiped out." SIU Secretary-Treasurer . David Heindel addresses the ITF Congress following his re-election as vice chairman of the federation's Seafarers' Section. general and, really, all seafarers." noted that SIU Sacco Executive Vice President John Fay recognized how important the ITF could be to SIU members and mariners everywhere and, thus, increased the SIU's presence in the ITF. "Dave is building on what John did. This is so important for our members and our union because shipping is a global industry and seafarers' unionsthrough the ITF--can have a global response," Sacco said. "Dave's great work in the ITF is really important to preserving and expanding our good jobs at home and making sure that we stop runaway flags and their substandard conditions in other parts of the world." UF Profile The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is an alliance of 604 transport trade unions in 137 countries, representing approximately 5 million workers. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. The ITF was founded in 1886 in London by European seafarers' and dockers' union leaders who realized the need to organize internationally against strike breakers. Today the ITF organizes workers in ships, ports, railways, road freight and pas· senger transport, inland waterways, fisheries. tourism and civil aviation. The ITF represents transport workers at the world level and promotes their interests through global campaigning and solidarity. It is dedicated to the advancement of inde~ pendent and democratic trade unionism, and to the defense of fundamental human and trade union rights. Seafarers LOG 5 �Man's 'Best Friends' Rescued The seafaring life is an adventurous one, but everyday existence aboard ship sometimes becomes quite routine and, perhaps, a little lonely. For the mariners aboard the SIU-crewed SP5 Eric G. Gibson, that routine took an upturn with the arrival of two furry visitors. On July 6, as the Gibson was in the Caribbean en route to Guam, the captain received a request at l :20 p.m. from a U.S. Customs plane to check out a sailboat that appeared to be adrift. When the Gibson pulled up alongside the stranded boat three hours later, AB John T. Williams went aboard with Chief Mate Timothy L. English. The cabin was cluttered, they noted, and there was evidence of water in the bilges, but no one was located. Williams and English did, however, find a dog. And, after searching some more, they found another, smaller dog. "They almost did not find the little dog," said Capt. Yngvar A. Krantz III, master of the Gibson. "She was hiding under the cockpit seating and barely visible unless you looked very carefully. If we had not sent English and Williams over, the second dog would not have been found." Once the dogs were brought aboard the RO/RO vessel and housed in the wheelhouse on the bridge deck, where there is a mate on watch 24 hours a day, they were immediately adopted by the crew. Everyone wanted to feed them, but "the food was too rich," said Krantz, so the third Captain (left) and Ti Ti, rescued after 21 days aboard a disabled sailboat with little food and water, find their quarters on the SP5 Eric G Gibson to be quite comfortable. mate finally was designated the official dog feeder. "The whole crew has gone to some lengths to save and care for the dogs," noted Krantz. "The morale on board has already improved considerably with the two new additions to the crew. We have debated on many names, but refer mostly to the big dog and the little dog. The big dog is rather thin and lethargic. She seemed close to shock. The little dog is definitely the 'alpha' dog. It has shown little, if any, ill effects of its ordeal ... The little dog is a dachshund mix and is a little on the excitable side. When she gets excited, she wags her whole stem section and jumps up and down. The bigger dog is very subdued. To get up and wag her tail is about all the emotion she exhibits. She does, however, like attention and affection. She is just not demonstrative about it." It turns out the owner of the sailboat, a French national, was sailing from Cura9ao to Venezuela when he lost his main engine and sail. He and his two dogs were adrift for 21 days with little food and water, and the seas were very rough. A passing Panamanian ship threw him a rescue line and brought him aboard ship, but there was no way to save the dogs. The survivor was taken to Houston, and the French consulate there contacted Osprey Shipping, which Above: Crew members aboard the Gibson pose for a group shot with the two rescued dogs. At right, AB John T. Williams and Chief Mate Timothy English climb aboard the stranded sailboat looking for survivors. operates the Gibson, to help the owner retrieve his dogs, whose names he said were Captain (the little one) and Ti Ti. But further communication wasn't forthcoming, and the dogs were still aboard the Gibson when it landed in Guam last month. A military veterinarian has examined them and given them health certificates, which are necessary in order for the animals to be shipped back to the States. "The cost for shipping both dogs, including the kennels and a stopover in Hawaii overnight in a kennel is about $800," stated Chris Nette, director of opera..: tions at Osprey Shipping. "We are already starting a fund in the office. The next problem is to find a home for the dogs when they get here." Philly Ferry Hosts News Show RiverLink Adding 2nd Pa ssenger Boat The SIU-crewed passenger ferry RiverLink recently doubled as an outdoor television studio when it hosted part of a local Fox Network affiliate's morning program. News anchor Janet Zappala of Philadelphia's WTXF-TV broadcast from the boat on Friday, Aug. 2 from 8-9 a.m. The show is called "Good Day Philadelphia." "It was good publicity for us," said Gerry McGovern, president of McGovern Marine Corp. and a former Sill member. "The New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden, N.J. (one of the ferry's stops) had a special event that day and it was being promoted through Fox. As part of the promotion, we offered free rides on the ferry before 10 a.m." For the nine Seafarers employed at McGovern Marine Corp., nothing on the Fox program could top the news----confirmed last month by McGovern-that the Delaware River Port Authority (owner of the RiverLink) is adding a second boat in October. The additional vessel is planned for use during "peak demand" periods, noted McGovern. It will have a passenger capacity of 600, compared to 400 on the current boat. The RiverLink transports people between Philadelphia and Camden. It operates seven days a week, normally from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but with extended hours during waterfront events. Shipboard personnel include the captain, senior deckhand and deckhand. Capt. James Anderson 111 welcomes TV reporter Janet Zapalla aboard the ferry RiverLink prior to broadcast. Anderson is one of nine SIU members who works aboard the boat (pictured below). "We're all Seafarers now," says Steward/Baker Saundra Leonard, pictured above with Third Mate Andrew Johnson and Chief Steward Larry Simmons on the Mormac Sun and below with Patrolman Robert Troy (left) and SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee at the union hall in Houston. When Steward/Baker Saundra Leonard signed on to the Mormac Sun earlier this year, she wasn't quite sure what to expect. By the time she finished her tour aboard the vessel, any doubts had been erased by the positive experience. The Mormac Sun had been part of the NMU fleet before that union merged into the SIU in 2001. Even now, many of its crew members only have sailed aboard former NMU ships. "But I saw firsthand how greatly our unions have come together," Leonard observed. "It was a good working time. We are all Seafarers now, and the merger has been a good thing." Chief Steward ~arry Simmons said Leonard contributed to the smooth sailing. "She is the best chef I've seen on these ships-probably the best organized and definitely the best in personnel matters," Simmons stated. "She gets the maximum work out of her department but also always has a smile and sunny disposition, which rubs off on everyone." A tanker, the Mormac Sun transports cargo along the Gulf Coast. Attention Sealarers: New SPAD Promo Includes 'Political Action Team' Jacket As reported in last month's LOG, the union's voluntary political action fund has begun a new promotion that aims to enhance and reward participation. The core program includes SPAD merchandise available to Seafarers (including members who formerly were in the NMU) front who contribute to the fund through a check-off authorization found on the vacation application (and also available at the union halls). In addition, a new, high-quality SPAD jacket is available to members who make a one-time donation of $300 or more in addition to their checkoff authorization. One-time contributions should be made out to SPAD and addressed to the chairman at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information, write to SPAD at the aforementioned address or call the office of the secretary-treasurer at (301) 899-0675. 6 Seafarers LOB September 2002 �12 Graduate from Top Galley Curriculum Recertified Stewards Grateful For Opportunities Available in SIU The graduating class of recertified stewards joins SIU officials on stage at the Paul Hall Center auditorium following last month's membership meeting. From the left are Cynthia Caster, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Alexander Banky, Steven Dickson, Paula Kaleikini, SIU President Michael Sacco, Michael Fields, Sherman Anderson, Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Justo Lacayo, Ronnie Richardson, Michael Amador, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Gloria Holmes and Mark Cabasag. Not pictured is William Moe. Opportunities abound for mariners in the Seafarers International Union. That was the consensus among the 12 members of the graduating class of recertified stewards as they stood and spoke before an audience of their fellow Seafarers, SIU officials, friends and guests at the union's August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Expressing their gratitude for those opportunities that have helped them better their own lives and improve the lives of their fellow shipmates were Michael Amador, Sherman Anderson, lexan er: Caba ag, C thia Caster, Steven Dickson, Michael Fields, Gloria Holmes, Paula Kaleikini, Justo Lacayo and Ronnie Richardson. William Moe also graduated from the month-long steward recertification program but shipped out prior to the graduation ceremonies. Considered the school's top curriculum for steward department Seafarers, the steward recertification program included fire fighting and basic safety training, a trip to the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and meetings with SIU department representatives at the union's headquarters in Camp Springs. Sfudents also trained in the galley lab and participated in a "mystery basket cook-off' designed to utilize their culinary creativity and skills. First up to the podium to receive his graduation certificate was Alexander Banlcy, who ships from the port of New York. The 40-year-old told those assembled at the meeting that he is upholding a family tradition of sailing. He noted that his many years as a Seafarer have shown him the best and worst that life has to offer. The amazing places he has seenthe Suez and Panama canals as well as the Great Wall of Chinaare some of the best. Traveling with military supplies aboard ship into a war zone ranks among the saddest. He reminded the future Seafarers-those unlicensed apprentices still in training at the school- that they, too, are part of th· gmat s arin tradition.. Mark Cabasag, 48, started sailing in 1988 aboard the SS Independence in Honolulu. This is his third time upgrading at the school and he expressed thanks to everyone for making his time there so comfortable-from the driver and front desk personnel to the purser, travel coordinator, admissions, housekeeping and instructors. Cabasag thanked the Paul Hall Center staff for all their help, patience, time and care. He expressed gratitude to SIU President Michael Sacco for his constant guidance and for the opportunity afforded him to enhance and upgrade his skills. He also thanked VP Contracts Augie Tellez for "pushing [the recertified steward class] toward our aspirations and goals." Cabasag urged the current class of trainees to "work hard and don't give up." Cynthia Caster, 54, joined the SIU in 1982. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, Wash., she noted that most of her time at sea has been spent aboard freight ships running to the Far East. This is the eighth time back at Piney Point for Caster, a place she described as a "supportive environment where I have learned, trained, reflected, researched and rejuvenated over the years." Caster was instrumental Ice sculpting was one of the many hands-on opportunities experienced by the recertified stewards. Here, Alexander Banky takes his turn while Instructor John Hetmanski looks on. September 2002 in conceptualizing a computerized monthly menu planner, which she believed could be a real time saver at sea. With the help of Instructor Rick Prucha, that idea has been formatted into an Excel worksheet program, available to all. To the unlicensed apprentices, Caster wished them smooth sailing and hoped they would always wake up each morning "with a sense of gratitude and a willingness to 'go for it."' Since joining the SIU in the port of San Francisco in 1991, Steve Dickson has returned to the Piney Point facility £our times. Each time he has learned more about the efforts and dedication involved in running a successful organization and will be better prepared to answer crew members' questions with honest and useful information. He noted that the SIU is a large and diverse family with an honorable tradition of delivering the goods that make the world a better place, "and I am proud to be a member of that family." Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, Dickson, 48, congratulated his fellow recertified stewards and told the trainees that they should listen, learn and work hard for tomorrow for they are the next generation. "It is our responsibility to learn from the past and look to the future," he concluded. Michael Fields, 48, tossed aside his prepared statement and spoke "from the heart." He told the audience that he is an alcoholic and that he will celebrate his first year of recovery in September. Fields thanked the union for its belief in him and warned the unlicensed apprentices of how easy it is to get some substances overseas which are illegal in the U.S.-and urged them to be careful. Fields, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., said he has come to · recognize his membership in the SIU as not only a privilege but also as a responsibility. This is the third time back at the school for Gloria Holmes, who started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. The 55-year-old Seafarer thanked the union for giving her a life of adventure, freedom and the opportunity to travel. She advised the trainees to learn all they can while at school and aboard ship, to listen to their supervisors and work as a teamalways keeping safety in mind. Justo Lacayo, 41, joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He stated he has sailed as an OS, chief cook, SA, chief steward-and now will sail as a recertified steward-and that he is proud to be a member of the SIU. He said the union changed his life in a positive way. While many things in life are difficult, he said, if you work hard in the SIU, "they give you the tools you need to make something of yourself." Ronnie Richardson, 51 , began sailing with the MC&S 28 years ago in the port of San Francisco. When that union merged with the SIU, he noted, there were jobs for all. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," he concluded. Joining the SIU 10 years ago was one of the best decisions Paula Kaleikini said she has made. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, Kaleikini, 53, first shipped from out of Honolulu in 1992, following in the footsteps of her son, who was working aboard the American Hawaii cruise ships. She noted that it has been a personally satisfying career, more than she ever expected-and is pleased that it has afforded her some rewards, like moving into a new home soon. The best part, she told the audience, was being on a U.S.-flag vessel. Kaleikini told the trainees that shipboard life is quite different from land-based jobs and that it is not for the meek, but that it is a very rewarding career. Sherman Anderson, 56, who ships out of the port of Tacoma, has been an SIU member since joining 22 years ago. He stated, "it's been said, 'join the Navy and see the world.' But it wasn't until I joined the SIU that I truly saw the world. I can find my way around the streets of Hong Kong as easily as the streets of Seattle." He advised the trainees to listen to their instructors and learn to work as a team. He reminded them that when they're in the middle of an ocean and an emergency occurs, there is no 911 to call. "You are the 911 !" he said. "Working as a team and using what you learn here at the school and at shipboard drills can save your life and those of your shipmates." He further noted that the merchant marine helped defend our country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. "We were ready, willing and able then, and we will be again if called upon in the future." Now sailing from the port of Jacksonville, Fla., Michael Amador started his SIU career in 1985 in the port of Honolulu. This was the seventh time he has returned to upgrade his skills-and he said it was the best yet-including fun, knowledge and hard work. Amador, 55, encouraged the trainees to practice what they learn at the school when they go aboard ship and then to return for upgrading courses to "learn, learn, learn." First place in the "mystery basket cook-off' went to Sherman Anderson (left) and Steven Dickson. The cook0ff is-a ffiencUyi competition in which the recertified stewards are grouped in teams of two. Each team receives a container of the same ingredients from which they write menus and prepare meals within a certain time limit. Instructor Rick Prucha works with Recertified Steward Cynthia Caster to create a menu on a computer spreadsheet that allows the user to plan a full month's worth of menus at a time. Currently, Caster has included a total of 356 menu items in her planner. Seafarers LOG 7 �Fifty Yean in the Ha1bor. The Story of a Ship Docking Pilot As told to Henry W. Gamp, April 2002 Editors note: Henry W. Gamp has been a member ofthe SIU since 1974 and a frequent contributor to the Seafarers LOG. September 29, 19562200 hours-the Japanese freighter Atlas Maru was inbound on Fort McHenry Range, Baltimore Harbor, bound for Pier # 11 Canton on a course of 320°.5. It was a clear bright night with a light northwesterly breeze. The tug Ganett, an 800-horsepower single screw tug, smartly came alongside amidship on the ship's starboard side so that Docking Pilot Frank Schultz could board her from the Jacob's ladder already rigged for him. On this particular night, Captain Jasper Mamoliti, who recently had become a federally licensed docking pilot, was operating the Ganett. · After Captain Schultz boarded the ship,' the Ganett moved up to her bow and put up two lines. During Captain Schultz's transit to the ship's bridge, a horrifying incident took place. Captain Mamoliti glanced to his right and saw a vessel showing anchor lights on #3 Anchorage underway and slowly edging toward the channel. Realizing a collision was inevitable, he instinctively sounded the tug's general alarm and the danger signal, which alerted his deckhands and the sailors on the ship. · Working in concert, they miraculously were able to slip the tug's lines in the nick of time. Just moments after backing away, the ships collided with the terrible sound of steel grinding, sheering, twistingwith sparks flying as the hull plating and frames were being ripped open. In the aftermath, the Atlas Maru sported a 40-foot long hole several feet wide above her waterline on the starboard bow in the exact location that the Ganett had been made fast, visibly exposing the contents of the cargo stowed in the 'tween decks. The errant vessel was the steamship Elana. It was later determined that her engineers were performing maintenance work, which involved slowly jacking (turning) over her propeller shaft. Neither the engineers nor the deck watch officer on the bridge realized the ship was slowly ranging ahead on her anchor, causing it to drag and the ship to enter Fort McHenry Channel. For his efforts, Captain Mamoliti received a commendation, which in part read," ... by his quick wit, saved his tug and the B Seafarers LOS lives of his crew." The short story I described was one of hundreds that Captain Jasper (a retired SIU member) related to me over the years. He was one of several mentors who taught me the art of shiphandling in the early 1970s. I have always had the utmost respect for these men and their skills. He, in particular, had an uncanny ability to make you smile or laugh on a ship's bridge, often breaking the tension when executing a difficult were converted carriers from merchant ships. Our job was to chase submarines and pick up aviator survivors when they missed a flight deck. "I saw action twice in battle for which I received two battle stars, four campaign bars and, believe it or not, 50 years later England sent me what they call the Silver Badge for the Battle of the Atlantic. We sank our first submarine off the Coast of Cape Town, South Africa. We traveled everywhere with this little vessel; she was really seawor- The Annapolis was a coal-fired steamboat on which Captain Mamoliti served in the middle to late 1940s. maneuver. Be it his broad smile or in the telling of a joke, he could disarm the hardest of men and put them at ease. We were reminiscing one recent afternoon in his living room, and he shared some interesting highlights about both himself and the port of Baltimore, going back to World War II. I jotted them down as I believe most mariners will enjoy reading them. "In 1941 I went to work for Curtis Bay Towing Company (now part of Moran Towing) and we sure had a lot of exciting towing experiences. We docked and sailed ships, did salvage work for damaged and torpedoed ships, went to all the launchings in Fairfield (Liberty Ships) plus shifted ships and barges for the Army and Coast Guard in Curtis Creek. We towed mud scows for Arundel Dredging Company, railroad barges for Western Maryland Railroad, coal barges and oil barges in the harbor. Up and down the Bay, we towed everywhere between the James River and Trenton, N.J. "In 1942 I tried to join the Navy to do my part for the war effort. The Navy turned me down for being a half-inch too short as well as underweight. Imagine that! In 1943 they came down and inducted me right off the tugboats . . . no questions asked. After a short period of boot camp, I was sent to Orange, Texas to put the US.S. Fessenden, DE14, into commission. After a short shakedown, we saw action escorting convoys to the Mediterranean--operating with three "baby" carriers, the Crotan, the Mission Bay and the Tripoli, which trimmed and adjusted. So we really have come a long way since those days! "Curtis Bay Towing had two little tugs, the Marion and the Jane, that were like yachts inside and always looked brand new. We towed this big wooden barge, the Maine, which looked like Noah's Ark, and a steel barge named the Tillet with acid to the Gulf Oil Dock in the Schuylkill River; Philadelphia; Dupont Plant at Deep Water, Del.; and Fredericksburg, Va. "Later, tugboat work slowed down and I was on my way to ship out on an Esso tanker in 1948 when someone asked me if I had my seamen's documents. When I told them 'Yes,' they suggested I go to work on the steamers F C. Latrobe and the Annapolis, owned by the City of Baltimore. In fact, on my Able Body Certificate (z- Pictured at a November 1994 ceremony in Baltimore are (from left) retired Seafarers Herbert Groh, Jasper Mamoliti and Harold Thompson. The ceremony celebrated the tug Baltimore's certification as a National Historic Landmark. son, it was our job on the Annapolis to clear the shipping lanes from North Point to the C & D Canal while the Latrobe took care of the Inner Harbor to North Point. These vessels were really unique! They had horizontal steam engines independent of one another and had paddle wheels on the side. The hubs were made of steel and the frames were oak timbers with steel bands. Channel irons bolted them across. We would ride up on the ice, and the weight of the vessel plus the paddle wheels turning would chew it up and make a path wide enough for a ship to come by. We would only travel during the daylight hours; at night we would jam her in the ice, no need to anchor. A watchman stayed awake through the night to see that we didn't drift away. "During the summer months, our mission was much different. We used the Latrobe to take underprivileged children on excursions-sometimes once a week, sometimes twice a week. We ferried them to the former Chesterwood Amusement Park up the Bear Creek. In those days Shulerberger would donate the luncheon meat, .Henler's Ice Cream would donate the ice cream, Schmitt's Bakery would supply all the bread, G. Fava (produce wholesaler) would supply all of the watermelons and what have you. In those days people were not wealthy but they were very generous with what little they had. On these free excur- thy! We did all kinds of duties. We escorted President Roosevelt back from Yalta when he had a meeting with Churchill and Stalin. After I got off that ship, she went to the Pacific. I understand she transported Japanese currency back from one of the islands to Japan. "After the war, I returned to Baltimore Harbor to work aboard wooden hulled steam tugs- and graduated to diesel tugs. In those days, Curtis Bay Towing had a contract with Western Maryland Railroad. We used to tow their railroad car floats (that were over 300 feet long with 21 boxcars or gondolas with limestone) from Port Covington to Sparrows Point. We had boats steadily working day and night shifts around the clock. We would go down during the day to hang kerosene lanterns on the spar buoys so we could see them at night. The channel didn't have any ranges, and the tugboats didn't have generators to power search lights. Everything was kerosene lamps: the running lights, towing lights, everything! After an hour or so of use, they sooted up and the lens and mirror had to be cleaned. Every so often the wick had to be Restored after years of neglect, the steam tug Baltimore is owned by the Museum of Labor and Industry. card), I have an endorsement for "coal passer and wiper," a rating I filled when they were shorthanded. We had a 38-man crew on board; I eventually worked my way up to chief mate and pilot just before I returned to Curtis Bay Towing. Let me add something about the life on those steamboats: we took bucket baths by necessity. You heated your water by opening a steam line directly into your bucket. You had two buckets-one to soap yourself down and one to rinse off. They were healthy but hard times. Looking back, I enjoyed them; they built character and fortitude. "The side-wheelers were used as ice breakers in the winter. During the ice sea- sions, we would take around 800 passengers (that included the parents). "Fifty years ago, Baltimore Harbor was a much different place than it is today. The Inner Harbor piers, now given over to the upscale shops, restaurants, marinas, even an Aquarium, were working piers with ships' booms and stays, etc., moving general cargo to and fro at a fast pace. The piers were occupied with Liberty ships, Victory ships, converted LSTs, banana ships, bay liners, skipjacks, railroad car floats, lightering barges and tugboats (many powered by steam). "Containerized cargo did not exist and, without automation, many more people were employed. In fact, Dundalk Marine Terminal had an airport and even sported a seaplane ramp. The railroads owned and operated the port terminals. The main channel project depth was 35 feet (now it is 50 feet), and its width was 600 feet (now it is 700 feet). "We towed all the steel for the construction of the two Chesapeake Bay bridges and the Baltimore Key Bridge as well as tunnel sections for the Hampton Roads tunnels and the Baltimore Harbor tunnel. We towed sand for the 1000-foot Sparrows Point Graving Dock, Dundalk Marine Terminal and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. "In the 1950s, '60s and '70s, a lot of changes came about-both in the size of the ships and the manner in which we handled them. For instance, I first learned how to handle ships by giving my commands on a whistle I carried around my neck. The tugs would acknowledge on their peet whistles. Sometimes it was necessary to put a deckhand on top of the wheelhouse to see or hear my commands. Then came walkie-talkies. At first they were very big and bulky; the later models were hand held. The size of ships grew from 400-foot L. 0 .A. to 900-foot L.O.A. The horsepower of the tugs grew from 500/600 horsepower to 3,000 horsepower plus. Some days, as captain and pilot on a tug, I would handle as many as ships-docking and sailing-including the dry docks at Key Highway Yard, Maryland Dry Dock and Sparrows Point. This was very exciting work and quite an experience in piloting. ·"In the early 1960s, Curtis Bay Towing was . bought by Moran Towing and operated as a subsidiary until 1987 when its white and blue colors were finally replaced by Moran's burgundy and green. "After retiring in 1984, Captain Harold Thompson, Captain Herbert Groh (also retired Seafarers) and I volunteered to run the tug Baltimore for the Museum of Labor and Industry. The Baltimore mostly remains in her berth, but we did take her out for excursions for several years. I still faithfully attend my various naval reunions around the country." In Captain Jasper Mamoliti's Own Words "I have held a Merchant Marine Officer's License for 50 years or more; I am a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; a lifetime member of the Atlantic & Gulf Docking Pilots Association plus the Northern Chesapeake Docking Pilots Association; I'm a 32nc1 Degree Mason; and I belong to the Legion of Honor in the Masonic Temple." September2002 �Grilled cheese sandwiches are on the lunch menu aboard the Matson vessel Mauf-made to order by Steward Muhamad Sani. Chief Cook Brenda Grays (left) cooks lunch aboard the Consumer while (right) Bosun Mate George Pino and Chief Steward Louella Sproul briefly pose for a picture. Bosun Ruftno Giray lowers the Consumer's gangway net to a crew member below. The smiling face behind the salad bar is Joan Ann Riley, third cook on the Maui. Above: Larry Watson {left}, ,bosun aboard the Trader (CSX) is t~ritled to be working side by side with his son, Unlicensed Apprentice John ~atson. When the Keystone docked in Alameda, State Calif. recently, SIU Rep Archie Ware (left) was on hand to meet the ship. With him are Chief Steward Sam Harris (center) and SIU Union Rep Jeff Turkus. Just before the USNS Curtiss went into drydock (above) in San Francisco, Chief Cook Billy Bragg (left) and Assistant Cook Lauren Oram helped clean the galley from top to bottom. September 2~2 A shipboard meeting was held aboard the Cape Mohican in the port of Alameda, Calif. From the left are AB James Crate, Chief Electrician Kashmir S. Dhillon, Recertified Bosun Stephen R. Garay and QMED Herman Best Jr. Seafarers LOB 9 �FAST RESCUE aOAT Paul Hall Center Offers Swiftly Paced Course A new course is available for students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Last month, a group of eight Seafarers became the first to complete the school's new 30-hour fast rescue boat course-a U.S. Coast Guard-approved class which satisfies the requirements of Table AVI/2-2 of the STCW Code. As with virtually every other course available at the Piney Point, Md. facility, the fast rescue boat curriculum blends hands-on training and classroom instruction. Students receive practical assessments each day; they must also pass a 50-question test. "It's a fast-paced class," stated Paul Hall Center instructor Stan Beck (with no pun· intended). "A lot of newer ships have these types of boats and the davits to launch them. The intent is exactly what the name suggests-faster rescues." Beck pointed out that the center's fast rescue boat is jet-driven (like those carried aboard ship), and the absence of propellers helps ensure safety during the class. The boat has a rigid hull and can stop very quickly- from 30 knots to a complete stop in one boat length. The course's hands-on components include familiarization with the boat, pivot turns, sector searches (utilized when there's evidence of mishap, such as a capsized boat) and expanded-square searches (embarked upon when mariners essentially are making a "best guess" about the possible location of someone in distress). Other practical training involves approaches to the training vessel Osprey, under way at 6 to 8 knots, and securing a line from the vessel that keeps the boat alongside (as may be done when transferring people). Predictably, everyone who takes the class gets wet. That's because students are required to swim two boat lengths, and each mariner takes a tum as the "man overboard." The other members of the class then simulate different types of rescues-"direct" for an unconscious victim, indirect for one who's conscious. The latter technique uses a rescue line. A second fast rescue boat course was scheduled for late August, and the school plans to schedule additional classes on a regular basis. Right: Dan Milligan lies motionless to sig nal a direct rescue to the crew on the boat. Ronald Corgey reaches for the "victim" as instructor Stan Beck prepares to help lift, and Ryan Eglinton observes. Left: Participating in the hands-on course are (from left) Dan Milligan, George Wyatt, instructor Stan Beck, Ronald Corgey and Ryan Eglinton. Right: Lon Piner (left) and Stan Beck lift Marc Grantham as George Sadler handles the wheel. Left: Lon Piner and Stan Beck pull George Sadler from the water as Marc Grantham mans the wheel and Ryan Eglinton looks on. Upcoming Course Dates Sept. 30 - Oct. 4_ .Oct. 7 - Oct. 11 Oct. 28 - Nov. I Nov. 11 -Nov. 15 Nov. 25 - Nov. 29 Right: George Sadler pulls instructor Stan Beck to th_e boat as Marc Grantham· prepares to help lift. Lon Piner is at the wheel. Left: George Sadler signals for an "indirect" rescue-a term that indicates the victim is conscious. Dan Milligan checks gauges and settings on the boat before heading out for practical training. 10 Seafarers LOG September 2002 �Wit.h t.he SIU in QMED John Osburn, just off the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, comes into the SIU hall in Guam to have his vacation check processed. Chief Steward Ray Jones (center) steps out of the galley for a shipboard meeting on the Richard G Matthiesen. With him are Bosun Dana Naze (left) and AB William Mcintyre. When Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley (right) came aboard the USNS San Jose, he had an opportunity to meet with the vessel's crew members. Here he is with the ship's chairman, Ralph Salmond. Jesse Toves, a native of Guam and graduate of the unlicensed apprentice program (class #607) at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., holds up his certificate of achievement for recently completing the AB class. Chief Cook Joseph J. Welle, who disembarked from the LNG Capricorn, visits the Guam hall accompanied by his wife, Editha, who was seven months pregnant at the time. There's always something to paint aboard ship. Here, AB James Bolles completes one more such project on the USNS San Jose. SA Marlon Brown (left) and Chief Steward Ray Jones break from their meal preparation aboard the Richard G Matthiesen for a quick photo. ABs Carelina Baker (left) and Rodney Akima stand watch. Akima, with the shotgun, was part of the gangway watch force protection unit. In photo at right, Bosun Lionel Kimokeo (right) and Bosun's Mate John Dickeson watch from the deck of the USNS San Jose as cargo-in this case a forklift truck-is brought aboard (photo at left). The USNS San Jose is one of six combat stores ships operated by the Military Sealift Command that provides supplies to U.S. Navy combatant ships at sea for extended periods of time. The combat stores ships perform underway replenishment of all types of supplies, ranging from repair parts to fresh and frozen food, clothing and mail via tensioned cargo rigs and UH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Its home port is in the Pacific. As a result of underway replenishment techniques, the U.S. Navy can remain ready for a mission to carry out U.S. policy anywhere in the world at any given time. September 2002 Seafarers LOB 11 �FAST-GROWING Y WATERWAY GOES ABOVE A D BEYOID W As SIU-contracted NY Waterway-the largest privately owned commuter ferry operator in the United States--continues its rapid growth, perhaps the only thing surpassing the company's expansion is its extraordinary commitment to safety training. Teaming up with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.), NY Waterway during the past two years has facilitated training for hundreds of Seafarers who work aboard the ferries. Much of that instruction took place on the NY Waterway boats in New York, although a number of classes also were conducted at the school. In short, NY Waterway has gone far beyond any Coast Guard requirements for its shipboard personnel-all in the name of safety. For instance, this summer the company became the first private ferry operator in the nation to require its captains and deckhands to complete a formal course in crowd management (in this case, the Paul Hall Center's Coast Guard-approved and STCW-compliant class). Two years ago, NY Waterway became the first to establish STCW Basic Safety Training as a requirement for captains and deckhands. Altogether, 162 NY Waterway personnel this year have taken crowd-control and crisis-management courses administered by Paul Hall Center instructors, all aboard NY Waterway boats. At least another 25 have been to Piney Point for other, individually scheduled courses including radar, medical care provider and others. Additionally, Seafarers at NY Waterway were scheduled to participate in a week's worth of on-site first aid and CPR training beginning the week of Aug. 18, including a hands-on disaster-response exercise involving personnel from the Coast Guard and New York and New Jersey police and fire departments, respectively. High Standards "Keep in mind, they're not required (by the Coast Guard) to have any of this training," noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Paul Hall Center. "Within their segment of the industry, there aren't many Coast Guard regulations, compared to the deep-sea segment. Their company safety standards actually exceed the Coast Guard standards for those types of vessels." "Both the union and the school always aim to deliver the world's best-trained mariners, and it's a credit to the membership that they've been so enthusiastic about the training," added SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. "Everyone involved-the members, the school, the union and the company-has stayed totally focused on the main objective, which obviously is safety." NY Waterway's dedication to safety-and its utilization of the school-aren't new. During 2001, for example, more than l 00 mariners completed first aid and CPR courses. That same year, 65 SIU members employed by NY Waterway finished classes at Piney Point that were specifically scheduled for them. That training included STCW Basic Safety (which features first aid and CPR, water survival, fire fighting and social responsibilities); crowd control; crisis management; radar; and licensing. 12 Seafarers LOB "We are fortunate through our affiliation with the SIU to be able to harness the resources of the Paul Hall Center to train our crews," said Peter Johansen, NY Waterway's senior director of regulatory compliance, safety and training. "Since we began requiring STCW Basic Safety Training, the result has been a dramatic increase in the safety of our vessels. Also, the recent crowd management training was a huge success and reflects both the quality of the school and the company's seriousness about safety." On the Front Unes Never were the crew members' skills put to the test more than on September 11, a day that saw NY Waterway ferries evacuate upwards of 160,000 people from Manhattan. A few of the boats operated into the pre-dawn hours of the next day, providing help for emergency crews. Several SIU members rescued people who had fallen from piers into the water, most likely because of terrible visibility. In the aftermath of the attacks and the effort to evacuate survivors, ·.. NY Waterway Operations Manager Michael McPhillips described the SIU crews as "without a doubt, the most flexible and responsible people that anybody could have working for them. No matter what went on, these guys adapted to every situation, just as the whole maritime industry did." Aside from that awful day, Johansen pointed out that NY Waterway crews periodically execute comparably routine water rescues in the port involving small numbers of victims (most or all of which have been reported throughout the years in the Seafarers LOG). Fleet Expansion Also becoming almost routine-though certainly never taken for granted-are the christenings of new high-speed boats for the NY Waterway fleet. The latest to join the flotilla is The Hoboken, christened Aug. 8 near the Hoboken Historical Museum. The newest boat can carry 149 passengers and is 79 feet long. Other new additions (some of which are replacement vessels) during the past year include the Moira Smith, the Austin Tobin, the Father Mychal Judge, the U.S. Senator Frank R. Laufenberg, the Brooklyn, the Fred V Morrone and the Enduring Freedom. SIU members, including ing to help ensure the The ferries make appro Pictured above are Se Amaro, Joseph Lorocc and Steve Lesclinski du September 2002 �SAFETY TRAINING NY Waterway Seafarers have completed safety training aboard the boats (top photo) and at the Paul Hall Center in Pmey Point, Md. (photos below and at left), including STCW Basic Safety Training and also crowd management. y a a Gia pictured above, have utilized their trainof NY Waterway's passengers (below). !ly 17 million passenger trips per year. s Joseph Stella, Ysdelin Abreu, Tony os Lugo, Richard Lopez, Marcio Silva cent on-board training. • • • • • • • Provides 65,000 passenger trips per day Operates 46 boats serving 22 routes between New Jersey and Manhattan and Brooklyn, and between Rockland and Westchester Counties Additional routes are being developed Employs SIU members as captains and deckhands Also offers various sightseeing cruises, day trips, weekend getaways and other journeys Corporate office: Weehawken, N.J . Web site: www.nywaterway.com ..- President: Arthur E. Imperatore Jr. September 2002 Seafal'el'S LOB 13 �NOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES - SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN 1. Notice To: All employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements, or other written agreements accepted by the Board of Trustees, providing for participation in the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan. An application is to be made to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an advance determination on the qualification of the following collectively bargained plan: 2. Plan Name: SIU Pacific District Pension Plan 3. Plan Number: 001 4. Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees SIU Pacific District Pension Plan 1422 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 5. Applicant's E.I.N.: 94-6061923 6. Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Board of Trustees SIU Pacific District Pension Plan 1422 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 7. 2002 for an advance determination as to whether the Plan meets the qualification requirements of section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to the amendment and restatement of the Plan. The application will be filed with: EP Determinations Internal Revenue Service 201 West Rivercenter Blvd. Attn: Extracting Stop 312 Covington, KY 41011-1454 8. All employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements, or other written agreements accepted by the Board of Trustees, providing for their participation in the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan are eligible to participate in the Plan. 9. The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification of this Plan. Rights ,,, ,,,,,,,_,,,,, l'artJes The application will be filed on July 31, 10. You have the right to submit to EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as to whether this Plan meets the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Department of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to EP Determinations regarding qualification of the Plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters directly to EP Determinations. 11. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of interested parties unless requested to do so by the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this Plan is 10. If you request the Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which documents are requested, and must also include: (1) The information contained in Items 2 through 5 of this Notice; and (2) The number of persons needed for the Department to comment. A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: Deputy Assistant Secretary Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration ATTN: 3001 Comment Request U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20210-0002 Comments lo . . ""'1mal , , _ Senlce 12. Comments submitted by you to EP Determinations must be in writing and received by Monday, September 16, 2002. However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to EP Determinations to be received by them within fifteen days from the time the Department noti- Seal arers Money Purchase Pension Plan Beneficiary Cards The rules and regulations of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) provide that upon the death of a participant, the beneficiary named by the participant shall be entitled to receive the balance in the SMPPP account at the time of death. The rules further state that the participant may designate a beneficiary on a form provided by the plan trustees and delivered to the plan office prior to the death of a participant. Upon review, it has come to our attention that many members have not completed the proper beneficiary form and, therefore, we are requesting that they fill out and complete the below beneficiary form and return it to the plan office as soon as possible. Doing this will reduce the possibility of a payout being delayed following the demise of a participant. It is worth noting that this form is entirely sepa- I rate from the beneficiary form currently used by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and the Seafarers Pension Plan. The form on file for these plans cannot be utilized for the SMPPP and vice versa. Some participants mistakenly believe that they have to fill out only one beneficiary card for all plans. As you can see, this is not correct. A majority of participants in the SMPPP do not have beneficiary cards on file and, therefore, their timely response is important. If further information is required, or if you need to request a new beneficiary form at any time, you may do so by calling the SMPPP administrator at (800) 485-3703. It's a good idea to update all of your beneficiary forms every so often, especially if the status of the beneficiary changes; for example, in the case of divorce or death of the beneficiary. r------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN c/o Basil Castrovinci Associates, Inc. 3235 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306 (800) 485-3703 < Participant Enrollment Form & Designation of Beneficiary (Please provide all requested information) First Name Middle Initial Home Address - Street City Last Name Zip Code State ( Date of Birth Social Security Number Marital Status: D Single D Married D Divorced ) Area Code D Widowed Telephone Number D Other _ _ _ _ _ __ Spouse's name (if married)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date Married_ _ _ _ _S.S. # _ _ _ _ _ __ Please designate a beneficiary (person/s) to receive your pension in the event of your death) 1. Name S.S.# Share(%) to Be Paid Address Name 2 S.S.# Address 3. Name S.S.# Address 4. Name S.S.# Address lY1lIJ1;.. Each surviving beneficiary shall share equally, if the shares to be paid the beneficiaries are not indicated above. Spouse's signature (Required if spouse is not the sole beneficiary. Spouse's signature indicates agreement with the above designation of beneficiaries.) Member's Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date Witness's Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date If you have any questions, please contact the Fund Director at the above address and telephone number. You also may contact the Plan Administrator at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; or call at (800) 485-3703. 14 Seafarers LOS fies you that it will not comment on a particular matter, or by Monday, September 16 2002, whichever is later, but not after Monday, September 30, 2002. A request to the Department to comment on your behalf must be received by it by Thursday, August 15, 2002, if you wish to preserve your right to comment on a matter upon which the Department declines to comment, or by Monday, August 26, 2002 if you wish to waive that right. Addillonal lntonnatlon 13. Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in Sections 17 and 18 of IRS Revenue Procedure 2002-6. Additional information concerning this application (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the Plan and related trust; the application for determination; any additional documents dealing with the application that have been submitted to the IRS; and copies of Section 17 of Revenue Procedure 2002-6) are available at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 during regular business hours for inspection and copying. (There may be a nominal charge for copying and/or mailing.) NOTICE The Seafarers Pension Plan is seeking updated addresses for the following individuals. Please contact the Pension Plan if you can provide the current mailing address for any of the following individuals: Abdulla, Fadel M. Aboubaker, Saeed A. Acevedo, Wilfredo Ahmed, Abulgabar H. Ahmed, Zein Alexander. David Alexander, James E. Ali,AliM. Allen, Robert S. Alomary, Abdulaziz S. Green, Henry E. Gregel, J, Grundy, Joseph Hare, William H. Harpole, Marsha Hayden, Robert L. Helm, Cleo Henderson. Ben W. Hester, Donnie D. Hill, Harrill AlshanunamJ Qasim M. ,.am, Michael. A. , Hokanson, Richard E. Apodac~ Steven Arellano, Antonio Hollingsworth, Don M. Arredondo, G. Hollins, Ralph Bailey, P. Honorio, Jamie A. Bartolon. Frank D. Hubble, BillieJ. ·· Bedford, Anthony Hurlburt, Charles M. Hyatt, Tomothy L. Biondi, P. Ibbott, R. f_ Biugos, E. Bodie, Alfred J. Jacintho, Mary Boiser, Michael Jackson. Roy Johnson, Claude N. Bongoloan, D. D. Jones, Charles E. Booth, Oliver J. Justin, Reginald V. Boris, Michael Juzang, Rickie L. Bracken, Scott A. Kead, D. Brandon, Linell Keefe, Richard E. Brickley, Thomas J. Brown, B. Kennington, Dennis L. Bubakr, Hussain A. Ketchem, Martin Khulaqi, Yousif Bukis, Brian A. Killiam, Elizabeth A. Bulawan, John N. K.inanahan., Santiago Bunnell, Larry R. Burch, Douglas E. Kingo, C. Konas, Julie M. Camry, Najib Laffitte, Tyler N. Cardwell, Joanna Charleston, Cornell Lewis, Hennax;i Cherry, John T. Long, Paul Loprinzi, Joseph Christmas, William F. Mack, Charles Cladinos, Diane G. Martin, Warren C. Collado, Edward W. Collings, Stanley E. Maurer, Janet M. McBride, Donovan A. Crews, Fred Cromwell, Willie J. Mccowan. Henry P. McCree, Johnnie Cue,. Lawrence W. McGurk, Thomas B. Cuevas, Luis S. Davis, Robert Mehia. Raymond W. Melrose, C.A. Dechamp, Arthur A. Delorey, Joseph F. Milabo, Goodfredo T. Demo, Gary F. Miller, James L. Mills, David W. Dhalai, Hazaim Mineo, Frank J. Echeverio, Ronald H. Elegan, Gerald Mohamed, Abdulla, A. Mosad, Abdullah Ely, Lany Muzayyad, Nassir Evanosich, Anthony J. Femandezees, C. Nason. Diana L. Flores, David Nasser, Ahmed A. Nassir, Hussain M. Francisco, Roland Netters, Willie French, Michael G. Furman, Edward C. Nixon, R.D. Gal1eguillos, Ruebin S. Norczyk, Leo Ortiz, Sharon L. Gebbia, Sandra Gegenheimer, Richard A. Overton, Robert L. Gierlich, Bradley J. Palacio, Leopoldo Pavao, Whitey A. Gomez, G. Peterson, Ernest W. Pratt, David D. Pratt, John A. Prescott, Dennis P. Price, James E. Rambow, Kenneth L. Redding, Stanley Richardson, Nathaniel Rivera, Robert Robbins, RR. Robert.son, Michael W. Rodriguez,.Wilfredo F. Rogers, Harl J. Rogers, Paul R. Rosete, Reynaldo B. Royals, Roy F. Russi, Leonard Russo, Michael F. Ryan, Joseph S. Santiago, Robert S. Sasaki, George Saxton, Jim Scamale, Willy K. Scruggs, Dvaughn N. Seager, Samuel Serrano, J. A. Sheard, Timothy Slaney, Eddward R. Smith, C. C. Smith, Clyde G. Smith, Robert L. Smith, Samuel N. Smithennan, Marvin E. Spencer, Jack W. Spratley, William St. Julien, Lionel Stock, Francis A. Syor, David E. Taan, John A. Takahashi, Kevin R. Tapanan, Sharon A. Taylor, Linton N. Taylor, Norman F. Thorpe, Charles W. Thrasher, Jesse Tinsley, Thomas V. Torro, Jerson I. Tourere, Cassie D. Velez, Gustavo Vidaurre, Victor E. Ward, John K. Ware, Efrem M Warren, Richard T. Weddington, Victor Weed, Jimmie L. Wicks, Percival Wiggins, Edward J. Williams, Carlos C. Williams, Yvonne A. Wolfel, Edward I. Yadao, D. V. Yafai, Ahmed Zachary, James C. September 2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 - AUGUST 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam · Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals l 9 5 1 0 8 34 10 12 21 8 19 11 14 4 8 4 38 9 17 30 15 9 2 12 22 17 3 2 14 12 5 13 17 5 0 1 2 6 20 3 18 31 15 170 3 3 10 15 107 264 Algonac Baltimore 0 1 0 8 6 Guam 0 2 l 0 3 14 22 10 2 2 10 20 4 7 2 New·York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point ~: Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 9 15 8 1 2 3 5 1 11 10 122 9 11 11 0 4 10 16 9 4 1 0 0 4 1 6 5 125 47 4 6 3 9 2 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville · Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco 0 0 1 1 1 13 14 15 4 9 18 4 0 4 2 7 3 5 5 9 2 3 3 22 3 0 5 St. I:ouis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 20 21 151 0 0 1 0 5 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 56 18 Por t ·"~" Algonac Baltimore Ouru;n Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals.AU Departments All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ............. Monday: October 7, November 4 DECK DEPARTMENT Port · Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans **REGISTERED ON BEACH Trip Reliefs October & November 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 0 0 9 2 4 0 3 4 0 3 1 17 10 13 5 11 24 7 1 10 2 2 9 3 28 3 3 I 7 0 23 37 10 8 20 9 11 18 9 18 9 3 l 9 21 7 7 2 3 4 7 19 13 0 4 0 6 16 19 8 9 0 4 3 1 6 10 1 4 8 3 1 4 8 2 4 8 2 0 8 13 1 1 0 3 2 3 o -~- 1 0 0 0 0 4 14 0 5 2 1 4 30 Baltimore ................ Thursday: October l'O, November 7 18 52 71 1 18 16 34 25 18 13 10 39 59 33 31 31 25 33 19 11 3 18 42 6 57 52 493 24 7 9 13 16 3 26 27 272 0 l 9 0 6 23 9 0 8 17 39 38 i4 7 16 22 25 23 16 6 5 6 1 8 4 6 2 6 0 0 2 1 3 3 0 6 9 3 10 13 4 14 20 20 0 4 6 6 21 33 257 2 2 1 0 3 4 0 7 3 2 1 2 14 0 22 16 109 1 1 0 0 5 0 0 4 9 1 2 0 9 0 1 .,2 3 0 20 15 9 66 18 28 582 501 364 445 287 5 5 4 0 2 0 5 0 7 2 51 137 0 0 286 1 0 0 13 6 4 5 0 0 41 0 4 5 2 31 3 12 23 62 72 0 15 3 1 18 Personal BOSUN RHETT DAVIS Please contact Eddie in Corpus Christi, Texas at (361) 884-3345 or (361) 883-1818. Seafarer, Spears & Supe~ Bowl 6 6 43 0 0 11 7 18 78 303 374 215 1,063 884 765 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Each port's meding starts at 10:30 a.m. 30 27 4 Wilmington ............... Monday: October 21, November 18 49 20 24 11 15 I Tacoma ...................Friday: October 25, November 22 4 54 13 0 0 St. Louis .................Friday: October 18, November 15 3 5 0 0 0 0 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 17, November 14 2 3 15 96 10 4 18 9 21 0 41 25 0 0 New York ............... .Tuesday: October 8, November 5 2 0 5 7 3 3 6 7 12 15 2 5 2 37 34 5 2 4 0 10 4 11 17 3 13 20 0 9 4 1 l 3 0 0 5 4 2 2 0 0 1 1 6 0 1 5 0 43 3 9 18 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: October 15, November 12 San Juan..................Thursday: October 10, November 7 4 0 19 27 36 10 14 31 14 4 2 0 1 4 New Bedford ..........Tuesday; October 22, November 19 Savannah ................ Friday: October 11, November 8 0 2 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 l 0 0 2 7 0 0 2 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: October 16, November 13 9 1 93 5 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: October 23, November 20 - San Francisco ;........ Thursday: OctQber 17, November 14 14 8 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: October 10, November 7 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: October 9, November 6 213 3 0 (*change created by Veterans' Day holiday) 8 1 2 0 18 2 Houston ..................Monday: October 14 Tuesday: November 12* Norfolk ................... Thursday: October 10, November 7 206 12 4 Honolulu ................. Friday: October 18, November 15 7 14 2 2 112 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: October 16, November 13 10 8 0 22 54 75 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 9 ·7 4 1 9 9 9 Boston ..................... Friday: October 11, November 8 2 14 12 13 192 September 2002 Algonac .................. Friday: October 11, November 8 8 4 2 2 32 13 3 2 0 0 150 17 12 6 19 14 '9 0 27 0 6 9 4 8 196 120 49 95 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 7 5 9 3 l 22 45 16 1 0 2 2 ll 23 2 0 2 5 3 8 0 8 4 1 6 10 3 I 8 0 5 2 3 1 2 0 10 0 4 0 7 0 7 5 72 0 0 0 1 3 While on the beach last winter, Seafarer Denis Burke worked as a manager at the Planet Hollywood restaurant and night club in New York City. During a Super Bowl party co-hosted by entertainer Britney Spears, Burke and the celebrity posed for this photo. No word on whether Spears asked for his autograph. Brother Burke sails as a certified cook and baker. Seafarers LOG 15 �l\T1'111 Monthly Shipping A Registration Report AUGUST 2002 Mlthael Sa«o, President 1Jobn Fay; Executive Vice President All Groups Group I Group II David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer REGISTERED ON BEACH TOTAL SlllPPED TOTAL REGISTERED Group ill Group I AU Groups Group II Group III Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group II Group ill ,Augo$tin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Plce President Lakes and Inland Water$ Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett M8llgram, Vice President Government Services Rene Lioeaujie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at large • • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfo]k DECK DEPARTMENT 7 8 2 3 0 16 4 3 0 San Pedro Savannah Tacoma 11 Totals 0 4 3 4 0 0 6 1 3 0 2 61 15 10 7 5 5 3 9 2 10 8 43 0 0 . 2 7 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 12 12 IO 36 2 2 10 0 2 0 0 20 3 5 24 0 4 54 0 0 7 5 6 10 1 6 106 5 5 12 0 0 1 0 28 25 0 3 3 24 0 0 13 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 4800 I (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30l·E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647·1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., .Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 - HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St._ Houston, TX 77002 ('113) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Pauphin Island Pkwy,. Mobile, .AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997~.5404 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 3 5 1 6 2 7 2 3 29 0 I 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 8 3 Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk · San Pedro Savannah Tacoma 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 1 9 0 0 0 22 8 15 2 0 4 0 9 2 5 1 0 0 29 77 14 22 7 4 0 2 2 4 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 17 2 8 l 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 15 12 0 0 0 ·o. 1 54 4 12 0 3 2 3 0 1 0 0 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Totals 2 2 4 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 2 3 5 0 0 7 3 5 2 0 0 2 J 4 14 5 1 5 0 6 0 8 41 2 27 0 17 26 '52 3 38 0 . 24 3 10 51 0 8 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 3 45 16 14 16 3 0 0 0 15 0 3 26 96 156 139 128 38 30 75 5 4 124 333 210 195 NEW-01lLEANS 3911 'LapalCQ Blvd,, Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY~ H~2 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (7181832-8767 NORFOLK 11 S Third St, Norfolk, VA 23510 (151) 622-1892 PHILADELPBIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 {215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P-0. Box 75, Piney .Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 009Q7 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 ,,, TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510N. Broad Ave., Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seatarel'S LOG Totals All Departments PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST The photos on this page were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Jimmy Soto of Sandpoint, Idaho. In a note accompanying the pictures, he writes: "My first ship with the SIU was in July 1968 on the Overseas Lena, seen here at Danang, Vietnam . AB Tom Shoemaker from St. Louis, Mo. is on my left. He more or less was showing me the ropes. The ship was chartered by the Military Sea Transportation Service. We were carrying supplies for the war. "I was still attending high school in San Pedro, Calif. It was summer break, and most of my friends were either looking for work in service stations or restaurants, but I decided to go to sea . I had a great time that summer traveling throughout Asia. "I'm still sailing deep sea, and my last ship was the Overseas Juneau, sailing as QMED/pumpman." The smaller photo shows Soto doing a little fishing at Knowles Head Anchorage in Valdez Alaska from aboard the Overseas Juneau. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. September 2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. · T hree inland captains are among the 18 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Charles Foster, Stephen Latocha and Lee Roy Lepretre worked at the helms of vessels on the inland waterways for a combined time of more than 60 years. Thirteen of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division, one plied the Great Lakes and four navigated the inland waterways. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. enhanced his skills in 1977 at the Seafarers training school. He last worked aboard American Hawaii Cruises' Independence. Brother Domingos calls Sacramento, Calif. home. CALVIN HAZZARD, 63, hails from Alabama. Brother Hazzard began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in his native state in the port of Mobile. His first trip was aboard the AlleDEEP SEA giance, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The steward LOUIS B. ANDERSON, 58, department member upgraded his joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North · skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. His last voyage was on the Carolina native first sailed aboard USNS Algol. Brother Hazzard still Waterman Steamship Corp. 's De lives in Alabama. Soto. Brother Anderson worked in all three departments and upgrad- -.. . . . JOHN ed his skills at the Paul Hall CenJACKSON, ter for Maritime Training and 65, started his Education. He last shipped aboard SIU career in the Cape Nome, an American 1972 in Port Overseas Marine vessel. Brother Arthur, Texas. Anderson lives in Virginia Beach, He first went Va. to sea aboard the William T. LONNiE BETTIS, 65, started Steel, a Richmond Corp. vessel. his career with the Seafarers in Born in Beaumont, Texas, he 1962 in the port of Mobile, Ala. worked in the .steward departBrother Bettis worked in the ment. Brother Jackson upgraded steward department, last sailing his skills at the Paul Hall Center on Liberty Maritime Corp. 's Liberty Sun. Brother Bettis makes in Piney Point, Md. in 1985. His last voyage was on Matson his home in Mobile. Navigation's Manukai. Brother Jackson still lives in Beaumont. LEO TE CORDOVA, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of New York. Born in La Ceiba~ Hon.__.......___............._.....___, duras, he first shipped on the Houston. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1988 and 2001. He last went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Robert E. Lee. Brother Cordova is a resident of New Orleans. THOMASK. CURTIS, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Houston. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, L-~~""-=-..L.----' the Indiana native worked in the engine department and was a :frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Curtis' most recent trip to sea was on the USNS Patlifi.nder. He makes his home in Gulfport, Miss. MANUEL DOMINGOS JR., 71, began his career with the SIU in 1961 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Air Force. The California-born mariner worked in the engine and steward departments and September 2002 JOSE G. LIMA, 69, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in New Bedford, Mass. Brother Lima's initial voyage was aboard the USNS Bold. Born in Portugal, he worked in a11 three departments while at sea. His last voyage was aboard the USNS Assertive. Brother Lima continues to live in New Bedford. at the Paul Hall Center in 1996, 2000 and 2001. His final voyage was on the Liberator, a USSM vessel. Brother Luse makes his home in Shelton, Wash. GERARDO MORENO, 73, was born in Puerto Rico. He started his SIU career in 1980 in Miami. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Moreno worked in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1990. Brother Moreno's last voyage was on the Sea-Land Pride. He calls Spring Hill, Fla. home. .------:-=:::-----, STEPHEN SENTENEY, 69, began his SIU career in 1966 in Seattle. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Brother Senteney's maiden voyage with the Seafarers was aboard Bloomfield Steamship Co. 's Alice Brown. Born in Illinois, he shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills on four occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Senteney last went to sea on the Great Land, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. He is a resident of Everett, Wash. QUITMAN YOUNG, 65, started his SIU career in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, Brother Young is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. His first ship was American Hawaii Cruises' Independence. He worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Maj. Stephen W Pless. Brother Young calls Gautier, Miss., home. GREAT LAKES deck and engine department, last sailing aboard the Padre Island. He still lives in Kingston. CHARLES FOSTER, 64, started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Foster first worked aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. He is a resident of Belhaven, N.C. DAVIDHUBBARD,65, began his career with the STEPHEN LATOCHA, Seafarers in 1970. Brother 61, hails from Hubbard first Harrisburg, Pa. He joined worked aboard the SIU in the Hennepin, a Redland Steamship Co. vessel. 1973 in the The Michigan native shipped in port of the deck and engine departments Philadelphia. Boatman Latocha is a veteran of and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1981. · the U.S. Air Force. A deck departBrother Hubbard last sailed on the ment member, Boatman Latocha Richard J Reiss. He resides in shipped as a captain. He last Bay City, Mich. worked on an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel and makes his home in Felton, Del. INLAND ROBERT ANDE~ON, 62, hails :froµi Kingston, N. Y. Boatman Anderson began his SIU career in 1978 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Padre Island, operated by North American Trailing Company. Boatman Anderson worked in the LEE ROY LEPRETRE, 61, started his career with the SIU in 1989 in the port of Houston. Born in New Orleans, Boatman Lepretre shipped in the deck department as a captain. He last worked on a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Morse, La., is his home. CLYDE LUSE, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in ers, the SIU-contracted Maritime Overseas Corporation • 1947 The ship is the third in a series of similar vessels ordered by Maritime Overseas and will be NEW YORK-The presence of hundreds of used mainly for the carriage of petroleum white~capped Seafarers prevented strikebreakers from forcing their way through picket lines products in the United States domestic trades. However, the 660-foot Overseas Vwian, with a established by the CIO Shipyard Workers . capacity of 3 30,000 barrels in 15 tanks, has around two Brooklyn plants of the Bethlehem been constructed so it Steel Company. The rr.:::=============================:=;;i can be easily convertlines were set up by ed to carry as much Locals 12 and 13 as 1,500,000 bushels more than 12 weeks of grain. ago, but early this week the company stated that it would 1992 "throw its gates open" Responding to sepato any employees who wanted to return, a t=:=;:;;;;;;:;;;;;;:;;;;;:=;:;;;;;:=;:;;;;;:=:=:=:=:=:=:=~ rate stonns which battered Hawaii and move that the union Guam, Seafarers sailed ships out of hann's way immediately branded as "strike-breaking." and then provided supplies and other aid for The regional representative of the Shipyard the victims. Workers called upon the Seafarers for help In Hawaii, the SIU-crewed SS Independence and, with the same speed that the SIU has and SS Constitution took different courses of shown in the past, aid was dispatched to the 29th Street and 56th Street, Brooklyn, plants action to avoid damage from Hurricane lnild, which struck most of the islands September of the company. 12. The Constitution sailed out of Nawiliwlli, All the SIU members who went to join the Kauai-the island which took the brunt of the picket lines did so on a volunteer basis. storm-early that morning and traveled to a safe area, while the Independence safely Seattle. He 1968 JIM CHIEN LIU, 66, began his SIU · · career in 1996. . His first ship ~\ was the Inde. ;. pendence, · operated by - American Hawaii Cruises. Born in China, he shipped in the deck and steward departments. Brother Liu upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He is a resident of Seattle. served in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. i......c:.,..............._ _~ Air Force Reserve. Brother Luse first sailed under the SIU colors aboard the Flor, an Altair Steamship Co. vessel. The Montanaborn mariner enhanced his skills Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THIS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY The Overseas Vwian, a 37,500 deadweighHon tanker capable of cruising in a range of 12,000 miles because of her unique design, has been launched at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's yard in Sparrows Point, Md. and is being readied for winter delivery to its own- remained docked in Kahului, Maui •••• On August 28, Typhoon Omar and its 155mph wind gusts hammered Guam .... Among the ships which took part in the initial aid operation were the MV 1st Lt. Jack Lummus and the fleet tug USNS Navajo, both manned by Seafarers. Seafarers LOii 17 ~- - �Final Departures DEEP SEA EUGENE BENT Pensioner Eugene Bent, 74, passed away May 30. Brother Bent started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port ofNewYork. Born in New Jersey, be was a U.S. Army veteran. Brother Bent first shipped for the SIU aboard a Cabin Tanker Inc. vessel. The engine department member last sailed on the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Bent started receiving his pension in 1989. He made his home in Hayward, Calif. WILLIAM R. CARROLL Pensioner William R. Carroll, 78, passed away May 9. The Ohio-born mariner started his career with the SIU in 1944 in the port of Baltimore. He first went to sea aboard the Del Sol, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. A member of the engine department, he last shipped on the Charles L. Brown. Brother Carroll started receiving payments for his retirement in 1994 and lived in Honolulu. HUANCHENG Pensioner Huan Cheng, 70, died April 26. He joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. Born in China, Brother Cheng worked _,,. primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises, including the Independence. The engine department member started collecting retirement stipends in 1998. He lived in Kekaha, Hawaii. ..-------~ JAY COHEN Pensioner Jay Cohen, 81, passed away May 5. Brother Cohen started his SIU career in 1952 in New Orleans. His initial voyage was aboard a Nautilus Petroleum Carriers vessel. Born in Texas, Brother Cohen shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the Sea-Land Portland. Brother Cohen began receiving his pension in 1985 and lived in Seattle. ....-r~,,.--,---==-----.. ROBERT COLANTTI Brother Robert Colantti, 55, died May 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port ofNew YOik Brother Colantti's maiden voyage for the SID was aboard theAlcoa Mmter, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in New York, he shipped in the engine department He also was a long time member of the shoregang. Brother Colantti lived in Puerto Rico. JOHN CUNNINGHAM Pensioner John Cunningham, 83, passed away April 1. Brother Cunningham started his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard a Sinclair 18 Seafarers LOB Oil Corp. vessel. Born in New York, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Cunningham last went to sea on the Amco Trader. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984 and resided in St. Petersburg, Fla. THEODORE DROBINS Pensioner Theodore Drobins, 78, passed away May 26. Brother Drobins joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port .....,...................J of Baltimore and worked in the deep sea and inland divisions. The Pennsylvaniabom mariner was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Drobins shipped in the deck department and last worked on a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1985 and lived in Baltimore. ROBERT ENKE Pensioner Robert Enke, 65, died May 18. He started bis career with the Seafarers in 1978 in New Orleans. Brother Enke's initial SIU voyage was aboard the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. Born in Brazil, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Enke last went to sea aboard the Overseas New Orleans. He started receiving payments for his retirement earlier this year and lived in Kenner, La. CHRISTOS FLOROUS Pensioner Ghrist.0s Florous, 78, died April 27. Brother Florous started his SIU career in 1968 in Yokohoma, Japan. His initial voyage was aboard the Transwestem, a Hudson Waterways vessel. Born in Greece, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Florous' final voyage was aboard Seahawk Management's Falcon Leader. He started receiving his pension in 1998 and lived in East Elmhurst, N.Y. LEON LEVIN Pensioner Leon Levin, 77, died May 9. Brother Levin started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of New York. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Born in Pennsylvania, he worked in the engine as well as steward departments. Brother Levin last sailed aboard Puerto Rican Marine Management's Nuevo San Juan. He started receiving retirement stipends in 1990 and made his home in Mays Landing, N.J. JANET MAURER Sister Janet Maurer, 47, passed away April 23. She joined the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Her initial voyage was aboard the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Sister Maurer worked in the steward department and last went to sea on American Steamship's Cape Blanco. The Pennsylvania-born mariner was a resident of Ormond Beach, Fla. GEORGE McKENNA Pensioner George McKenna, 83, passed away April 11. Brother McKenna joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He initially sailed aboard Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Bull Finch. Born in New York, Brother McKenna worked in the deck department. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother McKenna began collecting payments for his retirement in 1989 and resided in Suffolk, Va. GEORGE MELEAR Pensioner George Melear, 75, died May 17. Brother Melear started his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Houston. The U.S. Army veteran was born in Texas and worked in the engine department. Brother Melear began receiving his pension in 1991 and lived in Houston. MANNY MITTLER Pensioner Manny Mittler, 81, passed away June 13. Born in New York, Brother Mittler began his career with the MC&S. His initial voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Maria. A member of the steward department, he last sailed on the President Taft. Brother Mittler started receiving payments for his retirement in 1982 and called Medford, Ore. home. ALVAR NORDSTROM Pensioner Alvar Nordstrom, 86, died May 9. Brother Nordstrom started his career with the MC&S in 1978 in San Francisco. Born in Finland, he initially sailed on Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Magdalena. The steward department member last worked aboard the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. dr m Brother ordstrom st his pension in 1983 and lived in San Francisco. STANLEY RUZYSKI Pensioner Stanley Rusyski, 83, died May 30. He started his SIU career in 1942 in the port of New York. Brother Ruzyski first went to sea aboard the Alcoa Patriot. Born in Canada, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Ruzyski last worked on the SeaLand Newark. He began collecting payments for his retirement in 1983 and lived in Seattle. CHARLES D. SKEEN Brother Charles D. Skeen, 63, passed away May 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1997 in Detroit. Brother Skeen was born in Virginia and first shipped aboard American Steamship Co. 's Buffalo. The engine department member last sailed on Pronav Ship Management's LNG Taurus. Brother Skeen was a resident of Bidwell, Ohio. LARRY STANBACK Brother Larry Stanback, 51 , passed away May 16. Brother Stanback joined the SIU in 1986 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of Virginia, be was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Stanback's initial voyage was aboard the UNSN Vindicator, an SIU-crewed vessel operated by Sea Mobility, Inc. He worked in all three departments and last sailed on Interocean Management Corp. 's Gopher State. Brother Stanback called Portsmouth, Va. home. LEROY TEMPLE Pensioner Leroy Temple, 74, passed away May 20. The U.S. Army veteran joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Temple first went to sea aboard the Josefina, a Liberty Navigation Trading Co. vessel. A deck department member, he last sailed on the Overseas Alabama. Brother Temple lived in Stockton, Calif. and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1992. ONETIA WESTLIN Pensioner Onetia Westlin, 70, passed away April 25. Sister Westlin started her career with the MC&S in 1981 in Seattle. Her initial voyage was aboard the Santa Juana, a Delta Steamship vessel. Sister Westlin shipped in the steward department and last went to sea aboard Matson Navigation's Ewa. She started receiving retirement payments in 1998 and made her home in Seattle. LEON YEARWOOD Pensioner Leon Yearwood, 96, died April 4. Brother Yearwood began his career with the MC&S. The steward department member visited many world ports during his career while sailing aboard American-flagged vessels. Brother Yearwood started receiving his pension in 1973 and was a resident of Bronx, N. Y. ANTHONY ZIGGO Brother Anthony Ziggo, 56, died April 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1978 and first shipped aboard Manhattan Tankers Corp. 's Manhattan. 0 fa, ro er Ziggo shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Liberator. Brother Ziggo called San Diego home. J - GREAT LAKES EDWARD ELDER Pensioner Edward Elder, 68, died May 9 . Brother Elder began his SIU career in 1976 in Detroit. His first SIU voyage was aboard the J.S. Young, an American Steamship Co. vessel. The South Carolina-born mariner shipped in the engine department and last worked on Bell Steamship's Saint Clair. Brother Elder started receiving his pension in 1999 and was a resident of Campobello, S.C. INLAND RICHARD CONWAY '""""""""'""""I Pensioner Richard Conway, 71, passed away April 5. Boatman Conway began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and first sailed on a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Born in Massachusetts, he shipped in the steward department. Boatman Conway began receiving his pension in 1993. He lived in New Jersey. CHESTER FOSTER Pensioner Chester Foster, 77, died May 24. Boatman Foster worked in the inland and deep sea divisions during his career. He was a member of the deck department. Boatman Foster last sailed on a Mi°chigan Tankers vessel and began receiving his pension in 1991. He lived in Cleveland, Miss. MARVIN HAUF r--:;:;::::=.,.,'!!"l'l"._:;a_ Pensioner Marvin Hauf, 83, passed away July 19. Boatman Hauf launched his SIU career in 1944 in the port ofNewYork and sailed in the inland as well as the deep sea divisions. Born in Maryland, he first worked aboard a Bay Dreding Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Liberty Navigation Trading Co. vessel. Boatman Hauf began receiving his pension in 1977 and made his home in Norfolk, Va. MORRIS JORGENSEN Pensioner Morris Jorgensen, 80, died April 6. Boatman Jorgensen started his career with the Seafarers in 1983 in Port Arthur, Texas. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain and worked primarily aboard Hvide Marine vessels. He started receiving his pension in 1982 and was a resident of Jasper, Texas. WILLIAM LOTZ P-ensrone William Lotz, 88, passed away June 19. Boatman Lotz joined the SIU in 1985 in Port Arthur, Texas. He first worked aboard an Ellis Towing & Transport Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, the Texas-born mariner shipped as a captain. He last worked on a vessel operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Lotz started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in Trinity. Texas. LAWRENCE PAUL Pensioner Lawrence Paul, 69, died June 26. Boatman Paul started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport vessel. The North Carolina-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain. He last sailed on a Taylor Marine Towing Co vessel. Boatman Paul began receiving retirement stipends in 1988 and was a resident of Quakerstown, Pa. ALLEN SEGREST Pensioner Allen Segrest, 68, passed away March 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1979 in New Orleans. A veteran of the U.S. 1 - -_ _..___ __,.. Army, Boatman Segrest was born in Memphis, Tenn. The steward department member. worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessels during his career. Boatman Segrest began receiving his pension in 1995 and made his home in his native state. September 2002 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union s,bipboard minutes as possible, On occasion, because of spa• · limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minute$ first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Th0$8 issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt 11/ the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG far publication. MAERSK ALASKA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), May 9---Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary Felipe Orlanda, Educational Director Frank J. Michalski Jr., Deck Delegate Ernest M. Richardson, Engine Delegate Agustin Clotter, Steward Delegate Samuel Johnson. Chairman announced arrival May 13 in Sunny Point, N.C., with payoff next day. Ship then scheduled to sail to Germany. Educational director stressed need for mariners to have required STCW training. Steward thanked deck and engine department members for help in keeping crew lounge and mess hall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New dryer requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), June 23---Chairman Kevin 0. Nattoo, Secretary Robert G. Maschmeier, Educational Director Angelito S. Pertobal, Deck Delegate William Powell, Steward Delegate Alice Poree. Chairman informed crew members there will be no reimbursement for workboots. He led discussion about foreign nationals aboard ship and requested copies of union contract with Sealift be made available to crew members. He also asked for clarification of e "al hands." Secretary . · reminded..t;hoSCT · ea roo can ' hfr h linen for replacement mariner. Educational director suggested e ~one take advantage of upgrading classes offered at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Recommendation made for fumigation of ship. Next port: Houston or Lake Charles. DEFENDER (USSM), June 23Chairman William J. Dean, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Henry L. Paquin, Deck Delegate Benedicto P. Miranda, Engine Delegate Gualberto Salaria, Steward Delegate John Bennet. Chairman thanked everyone for smooth voyage and advised crew members make sure all shipping documents are up to date. Educational director Celebrating the 4•h They may have been at sea, but crew members aboard the Endurance (USSM) celebrated the Fourth of July like many of their shoreside brothers and sisters-with chicken, steak, hamburgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill. September 2002 spoke about upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next port: Oakland, Calif. EL MORRO (IUM), June 29qiairman Steven W. Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director Sheldon S. Greenberg, Deck Delegate William Rackley, Engine Delegate Michael N. Blue Jr., Steward Delegate Duane K. Washington. Chairman reminded everyone to be respectful of others aboard ship and keep noise down in passageways. Steward thanked DEUs Cecil Edwards and Gary Timmons for good job on sanitary. He also thanked Chief Cook Matthew Scott and his steward department for their fine efforts. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $200 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters regarding tours of duty was received and posted. New dryers for laundry room expected soon. Suggestion made to remove age requirement for retirement. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. HM/ BRENTON REEF (Seabulk Tankers), June 29---Chairman . Dav S. Cole l ecretaf}' ' Timothy A. Laird, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Engine Delegate Charles Jensen. Chairman announced payoff on arrival June 30 in Pascagoula, Miss. He mentioned that solution to question of e-mail use aboard ship is being worked out. Educational director spoke about opportunities available at Piney Point, both upgrading and academic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made that Seabulk use standard tanker contract and that 75-day rotations be made available. Everyone asked to try and separate plastic items from regular trash. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. INNOVATOR (USSM), June 30Chairman Abdulla R. Alwasee~, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Olie E. Webber, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Shawn L. Clark, Steward Delegate Merucrion Abuan. Chairman praised entire crew for job well done and pleasant voyage with no accidents. He announced payoff in port of Long Beach, Calif. and wished everyone a happy Independence Day. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD when applying for vacation pay and thanked crew members for helping keep crew lounge and mess hall clean. Educational director talked about how upgrading one's skills at Paul Hall Center can lead to better pay and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Six new mattresses requested for unlicensed crew. Letter of thanks received from the Owens family, rescued by the Innovator on May 20 from aboard their sailboat. /TB BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation), June 26-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Pedro Ramos Mena, Educational Director David S. Fricker, Engine Delegate Steven Pollard, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman spoke about importance of contributing to SPAD, upgrading skills at Piney Point and keeping noise down in passageways, among other issues. He stated he was awaiting response from union regarding old business of getting day's pay in lieu of day off. Educational director noted $200 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Thanks given to SA for excellent salad bar and for keeping mess hall so clean. Next ports: Cherry Pt., Wash.; Long Beach, Calif LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), June 23---Chairman Ralph W. Gibbs, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director Daniel A. Rodriguiz, Deck Delegate Ron Owens, Engine Delegate Samuel Akuffo, Steward Delegate Nadine Butler. Secretary noted bags for dirty linen to be placed on each deck for those getting off. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point and improve job security. All departments reported five-day restriction to ship. Suggestion made to schedule laundry times (to reduce noise in rooms next to laundry room). Request made for new mattresses and linen as well as juice machine, paper cups and paper plates. Clarification requested on policy for washing cargo holds each day. Next port: Portland, Ore. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), June 23---Chairman Joseph W. Moore, Secretary Ronald J. Davis, Educational Director Joseph B. Dunnam, Deck Delegate Floyd Patterson, Engine Delegate Joseph Williams IV, Steward Delegate Mark Werfarien. ·Cfiarrman announced payoff July 2 in New Orleans. Room inspection will take place at that time. Those getting off should clean rooms and turn in keys. Educational director spoke about educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members informed of 3 percent increase in overtime and penalty rates as of July 1. Vote of thanks given to steward department, especially for great barbecues. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), June 28---Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Edward H. Self. Chairman announced payoff June 30 in Cherry Point, Wash, From there, ship scheduled to go to San Francisco, probably for a few days at anchor. Bosun thanked crew for hard work, with special thanks to riding gang for all the painting they did. All rooms now have satellite cables in them. Anyone who buys a TV can get a dish box from the captain. Secretary thanked DEU John Stewart and GSU Ahmed Nasser for outstanding sanitary jobs. He also thanked entire crew for helping maintain common areas. Educational director stressed importance of supporting union through SPAD donations and upgrading skills at Piney Point. He noted that movie library has been inventoried and tidied up and asked that all movies be returned to officer's lounge when finished with them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to include medical benefits for those seafarers who take early retirement. Crew unanimously thanked Bosun Kicey for being a great shipmate, terrific ship's chairman and great bosun. Crew also acknowledged retirement of AB Patrick F. Mathes, who was making his final voyage on the Overseas New York after 43 years of going to sea. "Enjoy your retirement." PACIFIC (CSX Lines), June 30Chairman Benedict B. Born, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director David M. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan. Bosun spoke about importance of donating to SPAD and explained how it benefits SIU members. He advised everyone to check in with customs and immigration at payoff in Tacoma as well as with the port agent and to Beach, Calif. He noted mooth voyage with no accidents. Secretary and educational director added their thanks for smooth voyage and recommended seafarers take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD for future of maritime industry. New chairs received for crew mess hall. Treasurer stated $600 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Chief cook requested more OT for his department. Several suggestions made for next contract regarding standby relief and parking at dock. Clarification of new contract Birthdays =Personalized Cake on the Endurance Chief Steward Russell B. Beyschau (right) always tries to make each fellow crew member's birthday a special one with a decorated cake. This one was for "Darrell" aboard the USSM vessel Endurance. leave rooms clean and with fresh linen for new crew member. Secretary urged mariners to take upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. He also reminded them to keep all necessary shipping documents up to date. Educational director suggested seafarers read monthly LOG to keep abreast of union bu ines ·· industry. Treasurer stated $223 in cookout fund and $346 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for more information on money purchase pension plan. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Two unlicensed apprentices on board this trip-Larry Howard and Chris Bryant-who are both doing a very good job. After payoff in Tacoma, ship heading to Oakland, Calif., Hawaii, Guam and Hong Kong. USNS BOWDITCH (Dyn Marine), June 24-Chairman Donald G. Rezendes, Secretary Francisco Madsen, Educational Director Gary Torres, Deck Delegate David Manix, Steward Delegate Leocadio Colon. Chairman talked about repairs done in shipyard and welcomed all new members on board. He thanked engine department for their help during the shipyard period, especially getting air conditioner working and water and sewage system on line. Secretary noted everything running smoothly. Educational director offered assistance to anyone interested in upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about need to have all shipping documents and medical records up to date, including having immunizations entered on medical records. Information requested on insurance (health, dental) issues, including list of accepted hospitals/clinics/doctors. ENDURANCE (USSM), July 9Chairman Romeo Lugtu, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Engine Delegate Steve Roberts, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman announced payoff July 11 in Long requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially for great July 4 barbecue (photos on this page of barbecue and birthday taken by Russell B. Beyschau). MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS (Waterman Steamship Corp.), July 2-Chairma c0bert agoed, Secretary Linda L. McPhefridge, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Deck Delegate Kenneth R. Lacour, Engine Delegate Brian W. Monnerjahn, Steward Delegate Frederick A. Gilbert. Chairman announced upcoming payoff and crew change in port of Klaipeda, Lithuania on July 8. Return U.S. port not yet known. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for union to check into possibility of combining pre-sign on and yearly physicals. Resolved to start ship's fund and elect treasurer at next meeting. Request made for new TV antenna as well as clothes irons in both crew laundries. Copies of online newspapers also would be appreciated. Crew members expressed displeasure at current transportation arrangements and hoped for some solution. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), July 5---Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Glenn Barnes, Deck Delegate Pedro V. Ramos, Engine Delegate Rolando E. Bundang, Steward Delegate Patricia J. Geras. Bosun informed crew they should go through chain of command when an grievance or beef arises-and not go directly to captain. He stated he has tour of duty certificates to be filled out at end of tour in order to collect 16 days vacation. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and keep STCW and other required merchant marine documents up to date. Treasurer noted nearly $3,000 in ship's fund, although new satellite system ($2, 100) not yet paid for. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. Seafarers LOG 19 �Hot Times In the Gulf Litten to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) ABs Elshawa, Castlllo ~lstlngulsh Themselves I just got back to the office after responding to the fire aboard . the MIV Patriot. Titan Salvage fixed the tug and sent a team over the water from Ft. Lauderdale. I led the team as salvage master, and the job was completed without incident; the ship is safely secured in Charleston. Prior to our boarding the vessel, all non-essential crew had been removed from the Patriot, by way of tug, to the sister ship Mormac Sun. When we boarded the ship, it was drifting in the Gulf Stream with six people on board, two of which were SIU members-Able Seamen Zach Elshawa and Jose Castillo. In my initial meeting with the Patriot master, I asked him who was still aboard, and he informed me that the chief engineer, first assistant, second assistant, two able seamen and he remained. I was initially surprised that no other deck officers were aboard and that instead two ABs remained, but it didn't take long to figure out why the captain had kept whom he did. Both Zach and Jose are two of the finest seamen I have ever had the pleasure of working with. During the beat of battle, both men remained alert, attentive and focused on jobs that they were assigned. Both men were smart, tireless, safety-conscious and vital assets to ·our response. And this was after they had spent 30 . hours on the deck of a dead ship after having secured spaces for release of the C02 system, including the taping of vents as heat and smoke fought their efforts. Prior to our arrival, they had sustained themselves on nothing more than lifeboat rations. Both of these men are a credit to the SIU and the American Merchant Marine. I would be proud to sail anywhere with them. . . . These men are SIU heroes and you should be proud of them. Dan Schwall Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Seafarer Commended For 'MercY' Voluntarlsm I am writing this letter in appreciation of a man from the SIU who volunteered his services on board one of our hospital ships. Mr. Ed Lobb (QMED) volunteered his time when our ship, the Caribbean Mercy, was schedule for a move. His service as an engineer aboard our ship was exemplary, and he went beyond the caJl of duty in serving with us. He left his friends and family to help our ship make a strategic move in preparation .for its medical outreach in Honduras. Mercy Ships is an all-volunteer organization and operates three hospital ships around the world, serving the poor and . needy. I greatly appreciate Mr. Lobb's service to our organization and, in tum, to those we serve, the poorest of the poor. Steve Wargo Marine Staffing Manager, Mercy Ships Rescued Owens Famlly Thanks Innovator Crew (This letter was sent to Capt. Bob Lamb and the crew of the SeaLand Innovator, and then forwarded to the LOG. The rescue was reported on page 7 of the July issue.) We thank you so much for coming to our rescue on May 20. You and your awesome crew went out of your way and totally over and beyond the call of duty. You helped us achieve a safe transfer from our disabled vessel to yours. This was the hardest thing we ever had to do. We can't begin to tell you what your hospitality meant to us. We're at a loss for words, but we will never forget what you did for us. Thank you so much. Sept. 2-7, 2002 Seafarers LOG Second Mate Stephen Barry Aboard the USNS Watkins The Owens Family (Harvey, Krista, Taysia and kitty) Vista, California Union Label Week 20 Greetings from the Persian Gulf. Here is a shot of the USNS Watkins pulling into Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait for "Operation Vigilant Hammer." It was l 20F in the shade. Sweat evaporated off you as it hit the air. You had to drink 8 oz. of water every 15 minutes to stay properly hydrated. We were the first LMSR to drop off the metal. All was a sue- · cess, the download was done in 39 hours when originally estimat. ed at 48-72. That's a piece of cargo every two minutes. · A big Bravo Zulu from the Army. As always the SIU crew was paramount and did an exemplary job. The Captain (Dave Smith) gave the crew a big Bravo _ Zulu. Also sending photos (see below) of our U.S. Army armed guard ("sea grunts" we call them!). They mounted 50-caliber machine guns on the bridge wings. These boys were happy to get out of the desert (and eat some dessert!) for a while arid eat like kings under the stewardship of Mike Briscoe. We had an extra 30 people on board and the steward dept. stood to the challenge. Giving credit where it's due, the steward department consists of Briscoe, relief Steward Chris Cassie, Chief Cook Raul Napoles, ACU Ali Hussein and SAs Harry Hernandez, Shad ~arrington and Ali M. Abdulla. Bravo Zulu to all! Union Goods and Services: They're Everywhere! If you can eat it, drink it, or ride it ... If you can sit on it, play on it, work in it or stay in it ... If you can tell time with it, build with it or cook with it ... If you watch it, listen to it or keep things cold with it ... If you use it for work or just to have fun . .. You can find one made by union workers. But, did you also know that union members treat you when you're sick and help you stay well. They fight fires, fly airplanes, drive buses and trucks ... They build houses and buildings, churches and schools ... They make trains, airplanes and boats and the engines that move them ... They build autos and trucks and the roads they follow ... They run railroads and subways and ships big and small ... They make glasses to wear .. . and the kind that you drink from ... They keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer ... They make music and movies, and they film TV news . . . They write newspapers and print them, take pictures and tint them . . . They do thousands of things to make life more secure. So, look for the union label-just to be sure. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters n ·istrict/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20_746 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 hav:e been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or· officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., · as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING .THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. September 2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRABIN6 COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses schedu~~ .~f 9<>~~8,~~,\~t !~:i:~~~!J°!'.lfl . Gen~t}tfor M~rltitne ill .\ is Jhe . ucatio~ ~n ~riJ;l~~'.: E .·- -~;; ¥~: fronl' -September-through December .,~ll:PfOgtam~ a!:e,gear~~:t? ~J'l'f>'Xtflhe..job skills of Seafarers and to promote 'eric~ .J}l .~ti~~ . ~11dJ1Slry} ·., . . .- · ftijis.scheaule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, Date of Arrival Date Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 ()ctober 25 ··· December 20 QMED • Junior Engineer September 30 December20 Welding September 23 October 21 November 18 October 3 Novembers December6 Engine Utility (EU) October 20 November 25 November 15 December 20 Course ··&W-~; i11dustry and- in times of conflict~the nation's security. t;ntS·· attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their s"'start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of , start Uates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be l made Yor Saturday. Seafarers xyho have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Beck Upgrading Courses · ;;\..utomatic .Ra~ar Plotting Aids* f"tnllst have radar urtlimited) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland Arrival Date of Date Compl~tioy September 30 October28 November22 September 23 October 14 September 27 October 18 September 30 October21 November 11 · J>ecemher 9· October 4 Oc.tober 25 November 15 Decemb~r 13 October 25 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW · Arrival Date Date of Completion October 7 Decemberl October 18 December 13 September 27 October4 October 18 September 23 . , ,S eptember 30 October 14 October28 October 18 November 15 December 13 September 27 October25 Academic Department Courses ,.. , Novemb~rJ October 7 General education and .college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support · pr~gr~m . courses are offered througMut the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED,.FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self·study. With this app lication, COPIES of the follo wing must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (I 20) days seatime fo r the previous year, one day in th e last six months prior to the date Name~--------------------------~ Address----------------------------'----~ y our class starts, USMMD (z -card) front and back, front page of y our union book indicating y our department and seniority, and qualify ing seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aJl.plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The Jl.avment should be made with a monev order only. pavable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D BEGIN END DATE DATE , Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be. processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class # - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken -------~--------------­ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken September 2002 D No CPR: D Yes D No Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or Jax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9;o2 Seafarers LOB 21 - �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Oass 630 - Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 630 are (from left, kneeling) Bryan Fletcher, Eddie Lastimosa Jr., (first row, standing) Nadia Wright, John Shea, Desmond Jones, Ralph .Williams Ill, Jerrard Key, Clinton Betties, Eileen Lammers, (second row, standing) Christian Rosado, Christopher Rosado, David Barber, Lonnell Carter, Raymond Flores, Demond Williams and Roy Logan. QMED - Earning their QMED certification July 18 are (in alphabetical order) Eli Ade, Daniel Avery, Mark Campbell, John Collins Jr., Joshua Davenport, Jon Hemba, Richard Huffman, Paul Kucan, Steven Lombardi, Mark Maduro, Joseph Mccrosky, James McDonald, Clarence Murphy, Niko Nomsales, Celina Ortega, Robert Pinkard, Jason Roate, Justino Sanchez, Lane Schroeder, Michael Sims, Donna Sylvia and Craig Verdine. (Note: Not all are pictured.) CBR-D-The CBR-D (chemical, biological, radiological defense class), held aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen in Guam recently, was taught by Paul Hall Center Instructor Stan Beck (fourth from the left). Awaiting their certificates are (in no specific order) Salvatore J. Ali, Dana Naze, Michael Bowers, Raymond Jones, Ahmed Quraish, Marion Brown and Kenneth Brown. Government Vessels - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels course June 28 are (from left, front row) Carolyn Milstead, Martin Zeidenberg, Geronimo Bareng, (second row) Willie Waddell, Glen James, Stanley Kordinak, Robert Odmark and Jennifer Senner. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is at far right. ARPA- Welding- Seafarers who successfully completed the welding course June 28 are (in With their instructor, Mike Smith (left), are graduates of the ARPA class, which ended June 28. From the left are Smith, George Payne, Donald Lash and Douglas Carson. alphabetical order) Gregorio Alvarez, Manuel Gasper, Timothy Jackson, Anthony Neathery, James Ortiz, Carmus Peet, William Sholley, David Wade and Clarence Murphy. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, stands in back row (with plaid shirt). Computer Lab Classes In photo at left, Bernardino Eda (left) and Richard Ho proudly show their certificates of achievement for completion of the Computer Basics/ Windows Operating System course. With them is their instructor, Rick Prucha. At right, Dimitre Dimitrov (seated) displays three certificates he received for computer courses he successfully completed under the instruction of Rick Prucha. - 22 Seafarers LOG Welding- Completing the two-week welding course July 19 are (from left) Buzzy Andrews (instructor), Rahul Bagchi, Lloyd Marsh, Dwaine Nolte, Gregory Johns and Ivan Ingram. September 2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Inland boatmen who graduated from the tankerman (PIC) barge class recently are (from left) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Peter Funk, Ronald Corgey, George Wyatt, William Harvell, George Sadler, Kenneth Graybill, Bruce Murphy, Marc Grantham, Lon Piner and Daniel Milligan. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course July 26 are (in alphabetical order) Mian Ahmad, David Ayou, David Ballard, Benjamin Barnes, Clebert Berthelot, Jose Boza, Bernardino Eda, James Gasca, Phillip Harmon, David Hawkins, Arthur Hurd, Nathaniel Lynch, Lyle Mccorison, Lee McMillan, Patricia McNulty, John Mensah, Antonio Miana, Lawrence Richardson, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Emani Viii, Henry Whitt and Nevis Williams. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Government Vessels Upgrading Seafarers who graduated from the government vessels course July 26 are (from left, front row) Robert Mcfeeley, Michael Sims, Timothy Tyree, (second row) Phillip Widmer, Jonathan Carter, Brian McAllister and Clarence Murphy. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is in back in white shirt. Marine Electrical Maintenance- Working their way up the engine department curriculum are July 27 graduates of the marine electrical maintenance course. They are (in alphabetical order) Ehtesham Ahmed, Lawrence Banks, Andre Carriere, David Cuffe, George Grigorovitch, Antoine Jennings, Darrell McDonald, Lamar Parker, Allen Pryor, Ron Schexnayder, James Tyson, Andrew VanBourg, Jevon Vontoure and Leroy Williams. Any student who has registered for a class and GMDSSCompleting the GMSDSS course July 19 are (in alphabetical order) James Braddy, Michael Daniels, Bruno Kalmeta, Daniel Marks, Mark Schultz, Phillip Spoerle and Alvin York. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. finds -for whatever reasonthat he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Engine Utility- Unlicensed apprentices in phase Ill of their training completed the engine utility course Aug. 8. They are (from left, front row) Christopher Cash, James Grasseth, Brian Shaw, LeRoy Dominguez, (second row) Jay Henderson (instructor), Jeffrey Thomas, Daniel Amesbury, Gregory McKinnon, Bradley Flowers and John Jackson. Basic Safety Training Classes Carl Wonderly, Hamdi Hussein, Bruce Watson, James Sullivan Carma Petersen, William Rios, Carmine Bova, Jorge Santana, Donald Garrison, Thomas Sybo, Thomas Hulsart Jr., Kenneth Kitchen, John Howard, Jeffrey Carter, Thomas Bert, Sherman Anderson, Douglas Burch and Stan Beck (instructor, at far right)). September 2002 Dimitre Dimitrov, Sherwood Foster, Steven Gray, Elton Jeansonne, Charlie Pierce, Robert Rush, Zaid Said, Donlee Wilson, Gerasimos Ballas, Franz Eder, Russell Dean and Stan Beck (instructor, at far left). Seafarers LOS 23 �to ew .... Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the newly crewed ATB Sea Reliance in Ferndale, Wash. He said that everyone was very pleased with conditions aboard the ATB and with the new contract. Everything is running smoothly aboard the new SIU-crewed tug Sea Reliance and its accompanying double-hulled barge 550-1, according to SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell, who recently met with its crew members in the port of Ferndale, Wash. Together, the tug and its barge form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel unit that transports clean oil products. The hinged connection system between the units "allows movement in one axis or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch," noted Intrepid Ship Management, which operates the equipment. Following the ATB's April christening in New Orleans (see July 2002 Seafarers LOG), the American-built, -crewed and -owned unit- which incorporates the latest environmental and safety advances in its design- now carries petroleum cargo between Portland, Ore. and Anacortes, Wash. The tug and barge units of the ATB are connected in Ferndale, Wash . (top photo). The picture above shows, in greater detail, the tug in the notch of the barge. Right: AB/Tanker man Willie Allen performs some routine painting on deck. Captain Charlie Tuck and Utilityman Larry Soulier inspect the integrity of the hydraulic lines on the 5501, the ATB's double-hulled barge unit. The communication and navigation equipment on board the Sea Reliance, seen in this photo of the bridge, is among the most technologically advanced in the industry. Seafaren Approve Contract First reviewing the new Matson contract July 2 (photo at left) and then voting unanimously in favor of the agreement (right) were Seafarers aboard the SS Lihue, which was in Honolulu harbor. From the left in each photo are Room Steward Sam Rashid, Chief Cook Abdulla Falah, Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz and Chief Steward Colleen Mast. Additionally, Assistant Cook Jorge Barahona is on the far right in the photo above. Above left, SA Nasser Rashid (left) and Chief Cook Steven Sun intently read the terms of the new Matson agreement during the contract ratification meeting aboard the SS Matsonia, July 3 in Honolulu harbor. Above right, aboard the same vessel, Chief Steward Ruti Demont (seated) and SA Nasser Hussein give their "thumbs up" to the new pact. Details about the contract were published in last month's LOG On board the SS Chief Gadao July 5, also in Honolulu harbor, voting was unanimous in favor of the Matson contract. From the left are Assistant Cook Peter Scheutz, Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz, Chief Steward Douglas Swets and Chief Cook Mohamed Omar. Matson - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MARINERS ASSOCIATION QUESTIONS FOREIGN VESSEL ACTIVITY IN GULF SIU TO CREW 8 LMSRS IT'S UNANIMOUS! TOTE'S NEW CARGO SHIP CHRISTENED IN SAN DIEGO CAPE KNOX CREW EAGER TO SAIL EPI VOLUME REINFORCES BENEFITS OF GOING UNION 'GLOBALIZING SOLIDARITY' IS RALLYING CRY FOR WORLD'S SEAFARER AND TRANSIT UNIONS HEINDEL RE-ELECTED ITF VICE CHAIRMAN SIU'S JOHN FAY HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE MAN'S 'BEST FRIENDS' RESCUED MORMAC SUN REFLECTS UNITY ATTENTION SEAFARERS: NEW SPAD PROMO INCLUDES 'POLITICAL ACTION TEAM' JACKET RECERTIFIED STEWARDS GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN SIU FIFTY YEARS IN THE HARBOR: THE STORY OF A SHIP DOCKING PILOT SEAFARERS SAIL INTO SAN FRANCISCO FAST RESCUE BOAT WITH THE SIU IN GUAM NUMBER 1 FOR A REASON SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN NEW TUG/BARGE OFF TO GOOD START Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 9/1/2002 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 64, No. 9 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fef0c526933e842d85d62ac889451150.pdf 31f1356a7e80f8f8d09acc18fcd7bebc PDF Text Text ,www.seafarers.org Volume 64, Number 1O October 2002 ... ~-----------1 Delegates and guests at the SIUNA's 24th convention, conducted Sept. 11-12 in Piney Point, Md., tackled an overflowing and crucial agenda that mapped out ways to strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet and to boost protections for all American workers. Guest speakers including (clockwise, from lower left) MSC Commander Adm. David Brewer (welcomed by SIUNA President Michael Sacco), AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) (pictured with SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz), U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao (also greeted by President Sacco) and others expressed strong support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. The convention featured the theme "Leading the Way for Working Families," and it also carried powerful patriotic messages as the nation observed the anniversary of September 11. Pages 3, 5, 10-14. Union Gains Jobs as Ma·ersk Line Commits 4 Modern Ships to MSP Finishing Touches for New Hotel The new hotel at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md . is scheduled to open this month. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Sept. 11 at the totally refurbished facility, which features 94 single-occupancy rooms. The building is located behind the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. Page 6. SIU-contracted and Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. on Sept. 25 announced plans to purchase four modern Panamax "G-class" vessels that it will operate under the U.S. flag beginning this month. The vessels replace four older and slower ships enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and will carry larger crews than the ships being replaced. The newer vessels are virtually identical to the one pictured above. Page 3. Seal arer Lagana Wins Prestigious 'ACE' Award ~~~~~--- Page4 FOC Ship Linked To Al Qaeda? - - - - - - Page 4 �School's Advisory Board Keeps Working To Stay Ahead of Training Requirements President's Report lnsplratlonal Convention The SIUNA convention which took place last month in Piney Point, Md. was anything but typical. It featured a number of deeply emotional, reflective moments as our nation observed the first anniversary of September 11. The convention also included some truly exceptional, encouraging remarks by a wonderful lineup of guest speakers. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, the leader of the American labor movement, inspired the delegates with his vision of what lies ahead for union members and their families. He also reminded us that the federation stands solidly behind the U.S. Merchant Marine. Of special note to SIU members comments concemMichael Sacco ing the U.S.-flag fleet delivered by the Secretary of Labor, the head of the Military Sealift Command, the head of the Maritime Administration and the CEO of a major U.S.flag carrier were quite positive and insightful. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao wasted no time in reaffmning the administration's strong support for the Jones Act, which is the backbone of the U.S. fleet. With our nation's cabotage laws constantly under attack by foreign-flag interests who have no regard for our national security, President Bush's consistent backing of the Jones Act is respected and appreciated. But Secretary Chao didn't stop there. She credited American mariners as a valuable resource in helping the nation identify and implement port security measures-a huge task that requires input from all segments of the industry. She also repeatedly described the U.S. Merchant Marine as the nation's "fourth arm of defense" and cited our valuable role in supporting the armed forces throughout the country's history, up to and including the current war on terrorism. Finally, she complimented the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and recognized the key role of training for today's mariners. Brothers and sisters, those kinds of statements from the United States Secretary of Labor are exceptionally heartening for our industry. They reflect an excellent understanding of the U.S.-flag fleet and what it means to America. The same can be said of the remarks delivered by Rear Admiral David Brewer, who is in charge of MSC, the biggest employer of U.S. mariners. Let me tell you, this is a gentleman who truly bas a high opinion of the merchant marine. He knows from firsthand experience the fact that we deliver the goods. Admiral Brewer said that he's committed to increasing the number of U.S. Merchant Mariners going to sea, including those in the government services division. He cited our reliability and said the merchant marine "delivers freedom." He got a rousing ovation when, in describing conversations about America's readiness to engage in conflict, he exclaimed, "I am sometimes asked, 'Will the merchant marine fight?' I say, 'Hell yes, they're going to fight!"' I wish every one of our members could have been in the auditorium at that inspiring moment. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert described some of the successful efforts to bring new tonnage under the American flag. He stated that his top priority is the reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program -a goal which we certainly share. Capt. Schubert also touched on a subject that occasionally is overlooked, but one that's incredibly important for our industry. Namely, the fact that maintaining a U.S.-flag presence in the international trade is critical to our nation's well-being because it allows MarAd "significant responsibilities in the international arena." He correctly pointed out, "We won't have a voice unless we have a U.S.-flag fleet. It's that simple." In a slightly different vein, but also quite interesting and important were the remarks by John Reinhart, CEO of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Ltd. Maersk Line operates 54 U.S.-flag ships and obviously is a primary carrier for the U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. Reinhart laid out some sensible approaches for revitalizing the commercial fleet, and he stressed the need for cooperation in this key effort. It's worth noting that Maersk's commitment to the U.S. fleet recently was underscored by two developments. First, the company reflagged a modem tanker under the Stars and Stripes. Then, late last month, Maersk announced the acquisition of four modem cargo vessels that will reflag U.S. and enroll in the Maritime Security Program. We covered many other topics during our convention, but maritime naturally was the front-and-center issue. It was a highly successful meeting, and every one of the guest speakers did a tremendous job. In fact, I encourage you to read highlights of the remarks from our other good friends- U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, MM&P President Tim Brown, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, MEBA President Ron Davis, Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason, AMO President Mike McKay, Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and MTD Vice President Ernie Whalen-which are published in this issue of the LOG. I came away from the convention more convinced than ever that we in the Seafarers have the will, the strength and the support within our government and the U.S.-flag industry to continue revitalizing maritime. We also will continue working with our brothers and sisters from other unions in leading the way for working families. Volume 64, Number 10 October 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes v-~oR coMMUN1cAr/ and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. ~ ..4 ~ Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790; ~ 9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address ~' ·AFL-cioicLc ,l\o:::! changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne i.i Textor. Copyright© 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Members of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's deep sea and inland advisory board last month worked through a jam-packed agenda on the school's Piney Point, Md.-based campus. Board members met Sept. 910 to focus on issues that will affect training techniques and requirements, given the fairly constant changes in maritime regulations, laws and equipment. SIU President Michael Sacco provided an overview of the board's purpose and the objectives of the meeting, along with a recap of some of the improvements that have taken place at the school over the years. He cited the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the new state-of-the-art building which houses simulators for ship handling, engine room operations, liquid cargo transfer and crane operations. The newest of the upgrades is the school's 94room hotel annex, scheduled to open this month. "Of all the things that have been accomplished over the years here at the school, the new building we've just put up (the hotel annex) is a particular source of pride," Sacco said. Sacco also briefed the board on the school's small arms training center, which tentatively is schedule for completion within one year. "What we are trying to develop here at the school is a onestop shop," he said. "When one of our operators bids on a contract and the training requirements require everything from firefighting to small arms, we want to be able to train everyone here at this school." Sacco concluded bis remarks by telling board membersamong them many ship owners and operators-that the SIU believes that charity begins at home. "If you're healthy, we're healthy . . . if you're hurting, we're hurting," he said. "It does not make sense for us to not work with you. We're going to work with you any way we can to help you expand and grow your companies and provide additional jobs for our people." SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez gave a history of the advisory board and its purpose. "The advisory board is the formal body through which the school gets its direction to implement whatever training is required by regulations, the companies, by law and by the natural order of the industry," Tellez said. "Many of the hardware pieces that you will see (while at the school), many of the buildings, many of the training programs and curriculums we have in place here are a direct result of previous advisory board meetings." Tellez then pointed out that the focus of past meetings has been compliance with the amended STCW convention and the myriad of requirements that accompany it. "I think the school has done an admirable job of putting together programs that help you meet and comply with all of the regulations," he told the board Assistant Director of Education J.C. Wiegman conducts the meeting for the group discussing the implementation of a new engineering upgrading program that the school's vocational staff has put together. members. The key to the school's success in this arena so far has been timing, according to Tellez. "We did not wait for regulations to come out ... for laws to change, or for various requirements to be implemented," he said "We got a head start so that when the new regulations went into effect, we already had people trained to meet the new requirements," he said. Tellez then outlined the board's goals and announced the formation of three subcommittees. Their respective purposes were: to monitor developments and formulate inputs for port security; discuss the benefits of bridge resource management training; and implement a new engineering upgrading program that the school's vocational staff has put together. The last two subcommittees were further divided into working groups and charged with reporting back to the main board prior to the conclusion of the meeting. Paul Hall Center Education Director Bill Eglinton then provided a historical perspective highlighting the board's accomplishments in meeting the training and assessment requirements of the amended STCW convention. He noted: • In 1997, the Paul Hall Center received U.S. Coast Guard acceptance for the first U.S. training record book and began the new, expanded unlicensed apprentice program that includes shipboard training. • STCW Basic Safety Training was implemented in 1998, years ahead of the requirement. • In 1999, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) and Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman came on line at the school. • Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting, Crowd/Crisis Control Management and Human Behavior, Medical Care Provider and Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch (AB) all were developed and implemented in 2000. • The year 2001 saw Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) and Celestial Navigation put into action. • And in 2002, ratings Forming Part of the Engineering Watch (oiler), Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch and Fast Rescue Boats got the go-ahead. Still to be developed is the Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch Program, Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) and Tankerrnan Person-in-Charge (PIC). STCW was on the agenda again this year, but, as a result of the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001, the chief concentration of this year's exchange changed. Board members turned their attention to concerns associated with combatting terrorism and ensuring port security. Other topics addressed during this the 35th annual meeting included the International Maritime Information Safety System, specialized STCW training including the Global Maritime Distress Safety System, vessel security training including chemical, biological and radiation defense. Anti-terrorism awareness and small arms training also were discussed. In addition to SIU officials, advisory participants included representatives from SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland companies and the U.S. Coast Guard. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, November 11, 2002 for the observance of Veterans' Day and Thursday, November 28, 2002 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. October 2002 �SIONA: 'Leading the Way' Convention Delegates Chart Course For Strong U.S. Fleet, Worker Rights On the first anniversary of September 11, delegates representing the dozen affiliated organizations of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) remembered the victims and heroes and also vowed to keep fighting for working families. The delegates met Sept. 11-12 who proclaimed support for the for the SIUNA's 241h convention, merchant marine and for workhosted by the Paul Hall Center for ers' rights. Addressing the conMaritime Training and Education vention were (in order): U.S. Rep. in Piney Point, Md. During the Neil Abercrombie CD-Hawaii); quinquennial gathering, they ITF General Secretary David called for actions to boost the Cockroft; American Maritime OfU.S.- and Canadian-flag mer- ficers President Michael McKay; chant marine, improve the living Maryland State and District of standards of working families, Columbia AFL-CIO President remain active and effective in Fred Mason, Jr.; Marine Enginpolitics, organize new members, eers' Beneficial Association and support the work of the President Ron Davis; Masters, International Transport Workers' Mates & Pilots President Tim Federation (ITF) in its fight Brown; U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; against runaway-flag shipping. An estimated 250 delegates Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen and guests attended the conven- Kennedy Townsend; Maryland tion, which featured the theme Comptro1ler William Donald "Leading the Way for Working Schaefer; Maersk Line, Ltd. Families." They heard from a CEO John F. Reinhart; AFL-CIO notable lineup of guest speakers President John Sweeney; Rear Adm. David L. Brewer Ill, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao; and AFLCI O Maritime Trades Department Vice President Ernie Whalen. In addition, SIUNA affiliates reported on their recent activities, and delegates elected by acclamation President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Sacco was re-elected while Heindel succeeded John Fay, who did not seek re-election. Nineteen vice presidents also were chosen by the convention. They are Theresa Hoinsky, Donna Walsh, Henry "Whitey" Disley, Gunnar Lundeberg, Tom Orzechowski, Nick Celona, Dean Corgey, Rene Lioeanjie, Kennett Mangram, Nick Marrone, Joseph Soresi, Augie Tellez, Roman Gralewicz, Jorge Cruz, Surinder Bhanot, James Martin, Orlando Diaz, Herb Perez and John Spadaro. Topics on the convention agenda included port security, the SIUNA President Michael Sacco (left) tells convention delegates that the U.S. Merchant Marine answered the call on September 11, and today "remains at the ready for whatever comes next, whether it's in Iraq or anywhere else. And it's not just Seafarers-all of our brothers and sisters throughout maritime labor are ready to go." New Maersk Line II/ISP Ships Signal II/lore Jabs far SIU SIU-contracted and Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. on Sept. 25 announced plans to purchase four modem Panamax "G-class" vessels that it will operate under the U.S. flag beginning this month. The vessels replace four older and slower ships enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The move means new jobs for the SIU because the four replacement ships-the Maersk Missouri, Maersk Carolina, Maersk Georgia and Maersk Virginia-carry more unlicensed personnel than the vessels they're supplanting in the MSP. Additionally, the contract covering the new ships calls for increased wages for Seafarers. "Maersk Line has been an extremely reliable anchor for the U.S. Department of Defense, and this latest announcement reinforces their commitment to the MSP," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "One intent of the MSP was to bring in new tonnage under the American flag, and that's exactly what is happening." The G-class ships-built between 1997 and 2002- also signal increased productivity. Each vessel has 4,300 TEU capacity, which is nearly three times that of the ships they're replacing. Also, each of the newer vessels is 958 feet long, with a beam of 106 feet a draft of 44 feet. Each ship can travel at greater than 24 knots. Maersk Line will operate the four vessels in liner service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, the company announced. "Maersk Line, Ltd. 's continued investment in modernizing and upgrading its U.S. flag fleet will increase the containership capacity and capability available to support the needs of the sealift readiness October 2002 requirements of the U.S. military as well as our commercial customers," said Ken Gaulden, senior vice president of marketing and government relations. He added, ""This direct U.S.-flag service will shorten transit times, improve service reliability and provide added cargo security." John Clancey, Maersk lnc.'s chairman, stated, "Maersk Line, Ltd. has assembled the largest U.S.flag fleet in the industry and is proud of that accomplishment. We are working hard to remove various impediments that have stifled growth and investment in the U.S. merchant fleet. In this instance, we were successful. However, many impediments still remain that must be addressed to ensure that a healthy U.S. merchant fleet is available to support our nation's foreign commerce and national security needs." Maersk Line, Ltd. supports each of the branches of the U.S. military by providing ocean transportation services under contract with the Military Traffic Management Command and vessel operations services for the Military Sealift Command; and is a participant in the Voluntary Intennodal Sealift Agreement. 'G-Class' Ships At a Glance Years Built: 1997 (2 vessels), 1998 (1 vessel), 2002 (1 vessel) Capacity: 4,300 TEUs each Speed: 24.2 knots Length: 958 feet Beam: 106 feet Draft: 44 feet The Southern Maryland Firemen's Association Honor Guard presents the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance to open the convention. war against terrorism, extending and expanding the Maritime Security Program, fairness for U.S. mariners and U.S.-flag companies, freedom of association, and Gulf Coast organizing_. Delegates also examined such issues as "paycheck deception," health care, retirement security and political action. President Sacco during his acceptance speech at the end of the convention noted, "During the past two days, we've laid out our objectives. Some are specific to the SIUNA, but many are part of the overall agenda of the AFLCIO. And really, most of them boil down to one word: fairness. We want fair treatment for our members-and for all workers across the country and around the world. Good wages and benefits, safe working conditions, a voice in the workplace-that's what unions are all about. That's what the SIUNA is all about." He concluded, "We learned a lot of lessons on September 11. One of those lessons is that we cannot take tomorrow for granted. That's why I challenge every- one in this room to rededicate yourselves to the SIUNA and the labor movement. Give your best effort every day on behalf of the people you represent. Get results that will benefit the membership. Continue 'leading the way for working families.' At the same time, we must never forget the people who-worked so hard in the past to ensure that our union stayed strong and on a steady course. More convention coverage appears on pages 5 and 10-14. "This is our time in history. I know we'll be smart enough and strong enough and dedicated enough to make the most of it." The SIUNA was chartered in 1938. It consists of 12 autonomous affiliate unions, including the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, which is the largest U.S. union representing merchant mariners in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. Maersk Tanker Reflags U.S. Early last month, SIU members crewed up the double hull tanker Maersk Rhode Island, a former British-flagged ship that now sails under the U.S. flag. The vessel is owned and operated by Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line, ltd. Maersk took delivery of the Rhode Island on Sept. 6, a week later than originally planned. The ship departed Hong Kong on Sept. 9 to pick up its first load in Korea, with discharge scheduled to take place either in Panama or Los Angeles. The Rhode Island is a 35,000 tonnage clean product tanker. It is 562 feet long and 90 feet wide. SIU to Crew 'Ice-Class' Ship Seafarers will crew a newly contracted vessel for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) which mainly will be used for annual resupply missions to the McMurdo station in Antarctica and Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. SIU-contracted Osprey Ship Managment won the contract, MSC announced last month. The agreement, which could last as long as 51 months, calls for the Liberian-flagged Kariba to re- flag under the Stars and Stripes before the end of the year. The ship will be renamed and is scheduled to begin MSC-chartered operations in December, when the vessel reports to Port Hueneme, Calif. The Kariba is a 521-foot long ice-class cargo ship, MSC announced. In addition to its resupply missions, the vessel will carry· ammunition and general cargo for hospitals. The ship will replace the Green Wave. Seafarers LOS 3 �Report: FOC Ship Linked to Al Qaeda Case Demonstrates Need for Ownership Transparency Fifteen Pakistanis with suspected links to the terrorist organization Al Qaeda were arrested in August aboard a flag-of-convenience ship in Italy, according to news reports which first surfaced in mid-September. The case involves a Tongaflagged ship that has changed names four times in two years and changed flags twice during that span. The owner apparently is a Greek national who lives in Romania, according to authorities. However, according to the International Transport Workers' Federation, in a potentially galling twist, some records indicate the involvement of what appears to be a storefront registration office: Delaware-based Nova Management, Inc. That company in turn may be linked to another Delaware company, Sea Crystal Enterprises Inc.-which has been incorporated since 1997 but has no address nor phone number available, according to the Delaware Secretary of State's office. "It's another example of FOCs often being untraceable, or at minimum being deceptive," noted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as vice chairman of the ITF's Seafarers' Section and who recently testified before Congress about the threat of runaway-flag ships to U.S. security. "We've said all along that these are the types of problems you face with FOCs." Italian authorities seized the vessel Sarah in early August off the island of Sicily. The 15 Pakistanis were charged with "association" to commit terrorist acts, according to reports in The Hamilton Spectator and The Washington Post and according to information gathered from the ITF. The authorities reportedly acted on a tip provided by U.S. naval intelligence officers. An Italian police official told reporters that the suspects apparently were not planning an attack on Italy, but may have planned to transfer to another vessel and attack elsewhere. "We are certain that these people are part of a terrorist organization and we are almost certain that the organization is Al Qaeda," the official stated. "It was obvious that these men were not sailors or even normal immigrants." The vessel also included eight Romanian crew members, who are not believed to have been charged. In fact, some or all of those mariners had contacted the ITF for assistance in securing unpaid wages. The ITF was investigating when authorities seized the vessel, which had received orders from an unknown source to pick up the Pakistanis. At various points since the year 2000, the Sarah has sailed under the flags of Tonga, Bolivia, and Sao Tome and Principe. It has changed names from (in order) Nova to Nova Glory to Lory to Ryno to Sarah. This case supports the contentions of the SIU, the ITF and others who state that the FOC system is a scam that threatens security and harms workers. The union and the federation expanded on those points June 13 during a hearing before the Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine-part of the Armed Services Committee. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) chaired the session and stated, as the hearing began, "From my view of certain registries, it is apparent that we have virtually no idea who owns, or who controls a number of these ships. It is also clear to me that we likewise lack a clear understanding of who is manning these vessels-or even whether the documents they hold are valid-or even whether they have the required training." Representing the SIU and the ITF (an international federation of 594 transport trade unions in 136 countries representing approximately 5 million transport workers), Heindel said the FOC system "provides a hiding place for shipowners to avoid the restrictions of international law, where states sell their sovereignty to those wishing to avoid flag state interference in safety, environmental or labor standards and the transparen- Notice: NMU Upgraders Beginning Oct. 1 (this month), all applicants working under NMU benefit plans who want to attend the Paul Hall Center must apply through the admissions office in Piney Point instead of through Terry Hayes (Montgomery) in New York. Students should apply for school well in advance of the class they want to attend, in order to increase the likelihood of available space. To obtain an application, members may go to their local hiring hall, complete the application in the back of the LOG or contact the admissions office at (301) 9940010 to have one sent by mail. Along with your application you must send a copy of your z-card; proof of 120 days sailing in the previous year; proof of one day (at least) sailing in the last six months prior to the date the course begins; a copy of your union book (page with pie- cy of their corporate structure. "And herein lies one of the most serious deficiencies with the FOC system- the lack of transparency in corporate structure-that both the ITF and SIU view as a facilitator of transnational criminal activities and terrorism. FOC vessels have been linked to the registration of hijacked ships, phantom ships, fraudulent mariner documentation, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, illegal alien smuggling and, most recently to international terrorism." He said that the lack of transparency in the corporate structure of FOCs "is a threat to national and maritime security." ture); and any discharges required for a U.S. Coast Guard-regulated course. Upon receipt of your application by the admissions office, it will be evaluated for the course(s) you want to attend, and you will be contacted directly. If you are scheduled for class and want the school to arrange your travel, you must go to your local union hall no later than 14 days prior to your arrival date to fill out the necessary paperwork for the school to arrange your transportation. All classes are filled on a first come, first served basis and there are waiting lists for classes once filled. If you have any questions about upgrading at the Paul Hall Center, please feel free to contact the admissions office at the aforementioned phone number or contact your local port agent. Any updates concerning these procedures will be announced in future editions of the LOG and at the monthly membership meetings. AB Lagana Is First Seafarer to Win ACE Award AB Jeffrey Allan Lagana has added yet another "first" to his career as a Seafarer- that of "Adult Leamer of the Year," an award presented by the American Council on Education (ACE). The Adult Learner of the Year Award is presented annually to a student who uses ACE college credit recommendations to earn a college degree or advance his or her career. The recipient must show outstanding achievements to the community or workplace while successfully balancing a family, career and education. Following his 1995 graduation from St. Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Md., Lagana, enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park, as an engineering major. After three semesters, he realized he did not wish to pursue engineering but wasn't sure exactly what he wanted except to get away on his own and experience life as an adult. So it was that in January 1997, at age 19, Lagana found himself at the Paul Hall Center in the first class of the revamped unlicensed apprentice program. His leadership qualities were evident, and he was selected to be the chief bosun for Class 561. His first voyage during his training was aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. He has been an active union member ever since, enjoying the chance to "see and experience a vast number of places and people that many never have the opportunity First in Line to Support SPAD SIU President Michael Sacco (right) last month wrote a check to the Seafarers Political Activity Donation fund and secured the first jacket issued through the new SPAD promotional program. Accepting the donation is SPAD Chairman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. As reported in previous issues of the LOG, the core program includes SPAD merchandise available to Seafarers (including members who formerly were in the NMU) who contribute to the fund through a checkoff authorization found on the vacation application (and also available at the union halls). The jacket is available to members who make a one-time donation of $300 or more in addition to their check-off authorization. 4 Seafarers LOG to do in a lifetime." Lagana continued to upgrade both his vocational and academic skills while sailing. He was one of the first students from the unlicensed apprentice program to complete the Able Seaman course. He also received three college credits for successfully completing all the requirements for English 102: Composition and Literature, and later became the first Seafarer to earn his Nautical and Technology Science Certificate at the school. This achievement, coupled with other credit courses recommended by ACE, provided him the incentive to apply for- and win-one of the yearly $20,000 scholarships for Seafarers sponsored by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in 2001. With scholarship in hand, the deep sea member continued his studies full time at the University of Maryland, where he maintained a 4.0 grade point average. In August of this year, the 24year-o ld completed his degree with a double major of environmental science and policy (with a concentration in mapping and data management) and geography (with a specialization in geographic information systems and computer cartography). Lagana said that working in Following the awards ceremony, Jeff Lagana (third from right) is congratulated by (from left) Paul Hall Center Director of Education Bill Eglinton, . SIU President Michael Sacco, ACE VP Susan Porter Robinson, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Jan Downing from Maersk Line, Ltd. the maritime industry has afford- deserving. ed him the opportunity to travel to Thanks to generous assistance numerous countries throughout from Maersk Line, Ltd., Lagana, the world where he has witnessed . who has been working aboard the many different cultures and land- Maersk Texas on its South scapes. He found many of those America run, was able to take views to be disturbing, particular- part in the Sept. 19 ceremony at ly in developing countries where ACE headquarters in Washpeople are less fortunate. He ington, D.C., where he was preanticipates launching a career that sented with a plaque and an will combat the degradation of engraved silver bowl. the world's three most important Joining Lagana at the award elements-land, water and air. ceremony were his parents, And now Lagana is the first Yvonne and Allan Lagana, his Paul Hall Center student to win grandmother and his girlfriend as the annual Adult Learner of the well as SIU President Michael Year award from the American Sacco, Sill Secretary-Treasurer Council on Education's College David Heindel and Bill Eglinton, Credit Recommendation director of education at the Paul Service. As one of 15 Hall Center. Also in attendance national entrants, the judges unanimously were Jan Downing from Maersk picked him as the most Line, Ltd. and members of the ACE advisory board, state affiliate directors, ACE national coordinators, invited members of the Left: Jeffrey Lagana's local business community and proud parents, Allan local universities, and Dr. and Yvonne Lagana, Nicholas Allen, provost and chief are visibly moved by academic officer at the University the educational award of Maryland, College Park, where given to their son. Lagana completed his studies. October 2002 �Labor's Brave Response To September 11 Attacks Sheds New Light on Unions Speakers Cite Ongoing Need to Organize The American labor movement now in a race for governor of that was tested September 11, 2001, and it state. passed with flying colors. Although She said that we should respect hundreds of union members were those who died in the terrorist attacks among the victims of terrorist attacks of a year ago and honor the heroes at the World Trade Center, the who put their lives at risk. And, if it Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, many can be said that any good has come more contributed to the relief efforts. out of the attacks, it is that Americans Fire fighters, emergency services and more fully appreciate the freedoms medical workers, iron workers, .car- they have, such as the rights of penters, operating engineers-and women, the rights of religious tolerseafarers-among others, stepped up ance, the right to organize. without hesitation in the hours and days after the attacks. That infamous event happened exactly one year ago to the day of the start of the SIUNA convention, and many of the speakers at the quinquennial gathering last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. mentioned the new recognition earned by labor-America's working people-not only as victims, "This country is strong because we have strong unions," said but also as heroes. SIUNA President Michael Sacco Townsend. "We [the Kennedy famiopened the meeting, affirming that ly] understood that this country was union members have shown the made strong because people stood up world by their act1v1tles on for those who couldn't speak up for September 11 that they are a vital part themselves." But, she added that we of the community. "People who pre- as a country must do a better job with viously knew nothing about the labor such issues as health care, increased movement suddenly became aware educational opportunities and help that union members are some of the everyday heroes who helped keep our nation running," he said. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii) agreed, noting "the ·best way we can honor tho e who fell one year a o toda ... is to carry on our busiand women in free ' ocieties, able to organize ourselves collectively for the benefit not just of Many of the speakers at the ourselves but for those we represent." SIUNA convention addressed the He acknowledged that the role of critical importance of maintaining a labor is recognized in protecting and · viable U.S. Merchant Marinedefending the values of working peoincluding the need to extend and ple everywhere, but that some people expand the Maritime Security are trying to break down labor's misProgram; maintain the nation's cabosion. In particular, he cited the ongotage laws; and curb flag-of-conveing struggle by members of the fire nience ship registries. They noted fighters and police unions who, after that when U.S. mariners answered their incredible ordeal in the afterthe call following the terrorist attacks math of the terrorist attacks, can't on September 11, 2001, it reaffirmed even get a pay raise. "Organized the need to maintain a pool of welllabor can no longer be passive," he trained civilian mariners ready to said. crew the nation's military support "Beyond words and rhetoric," ships that are so vital to any war Abercrombie added, "it's action that effort. counts." He brought up the fact that David Cockroft, general secretary the United States is the richest counof the International Transport try in the world but doesn't have a Workers' Federation (ITF), stated universal health -care service to take that after the events of September 11, care of its workers, and stated that 2001, "things changed a great deal," foreign-flag interests continue to including within the transportation attack the Jones Act. The only way to industry. The federalization of securicombat these anti-worker views is to ty at airports and the testing of shipvote for people in Congress who will ping containers in port are but two of enforce the laws of this country on the great number of modifications behalf of working people, not against taking place in the United States and them. "It's the winners in Congress who set the agenda," he stated, and urged those present at the convention to support candidates who support working families. "We have to work for it. We have to be committed." A labor activist for more than 35 years, Fred D. Mason Jr. currently is president of the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO. He spoke about the challenges of organizing. "We all lose when we fail to organize," he said. While acknowledging that organizing campaigns usually are quite difficult, Mason stressed the need for unions to increase their efforts, especially since most workers in this country don't have a voice at work. One person who has always been Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kencommitted to fighting for working nedy Townsend cited the critical men and women is Maryland Lt. role played by merchant mariners Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, following the Sept. 11 attacks. for our senior members, particularly in the area of prescription drug costs. William Donald Schaefer, comptroller of the state of Maryland (and former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor), talked about the role of labor unions in his state and how they helped him find ways to reduce the deficit. As a good friend of the SIU, he urged voters in Maryland to vote for Townsend, a strong supporter of labor unions. Organizing has been the top priority for John Sweeney since he was elected president of the AFL-CIO in 1995. Whether the issue is workers' rights, health care, fair trade, retirement security or any of the other important concerns, Sweeney has led the fight for all workers, noted Sacco. As the convention delegates and guests paused to remember those who died doing their jobs and helping others, Sweeney noted that those heroes remind us of the tough year it's been for working families. Terrorism and corporate greed were the depressing highlights of the year. But on a more positive note, he said, the workers have "demonstrated the resilience of our values and the value of our work." Sweeney said that the SIU and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left) and SIUNA President Michael Sacco express their commitment to organizing. AFL-CIO stood tall behind President Bush to fight the enemy, but now it appears that the president is undermining the collective bargaining rights for many Americans like those working in the airline industry, the construction trades and the police and fire department members who worked so tirelessly after September 11 and are still waiting for raises. "That is no way to treat the workers of America, no way to treat our heroes," he said. He added that corporate America has been waging war against the workers year after year. More people have been thrown out of work, losing pensions and basic health benefits while the government sends American jobs overseas. The labor movement in America needs to find new solutions, Sweeney said. Business, government and labor must work together to protect our way of life. American workers need more protections-more jobs, minimum wage, public education, a guarantee to collective bargaining. Sweeney stated that the federation must "do a better job of educating our members and mobilizing them on Election Day." Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said she would continue to seek out the SIU and other labor unions for input into "creating good, safe and well-paying jobs for all Americans." She also spoke about how the SIU, along with other unions-with no time for planning-answered the call for help in the height of chaos and confusion following the attacks in New York and Washington. Chao concluded that both President Sacco and President Bush care about people, and that the Bush administration "is proud to call you partners in defending America's freedom and in strengthening America's economy." Need for Strong U.S. Fleet n s ct October 2002 throughout the world. Cockroft noted that the ITF is particularly concerned with the FOC scam, which dominates much of the world's shipping. He said his organization has succeeded in eliminating a few small flags, like that of the country of Tonga and soon, Cambodia, and is now working hard to get rid of the Liberian registry. He acknowledged that the Paul Hall Center has a good infrastructure to keep a strong U.S. Merchant Marine going and that the ITF "is deeply involved in everything you're doing to defend the U.S. fleet." The ITF also is concerned with strong and effective security in the maritime industry, including the need for real identity documents and acknowledgement aboard each ship as to who actually owns and controls it, Cockroft added. Captain William Schubert, head of the U.S. Maritime Administration, stated that the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks is a time to reflect on the horrific events of the The ITF is concerned with strong and effective security in the maritime industry, stated David Cockroft, ITF general secretary. past year as well as a day to celebrate the accomplishments of the SIUNA. He said he recently attended the christening of the Enduring Freedom, the latest of six new SIUcrewed NY Waterway ferries, and that there could be "no greater tribute to the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives on that day." (Operation Enduring Freedom also is the name of the U.S. war against terrorism.) Schubert spoke about the close cooperation and tradition of working together enjoyed by MarAd and the SIU to create a strong merchant marine and a strong U.S.-flag fleet. In that vein, he stated his top priority as maritime administrator is the reauthorization of the MSP program. "This is not a political agenda," he said. "We won't have a voice unless we have a U.S.-flag fleet." Another strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine is John Reinhart, chief executive officer at Maersk Line, Ltd., which is a major carrier for the Department of Defense. He confirmed that Maersk has 54 ships under the U.S. tlag-27 operated with pride by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and 27 in the commercial trade, and that his company will continue to invest in others, like the recently converted Maersk Rhode Island. Reinhart spoke about the rich tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine and expressed his belief that with strong leadership and cooperation, "we can create opportunities." He stated that many people are trying to tear down the U.S.-flag fleet, but that with a common vision, the future of the industry will be bright. That vision includes expanding and extending the MSP. "I want to work with you to make a future better for the U.S. Merchant Marine," he said. Though the industry is threatened, Reinhart asserted that with one voice, "we will make John Reinhart, CEO at Maersk Line, Ltd., is a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. the flag stronger." The MSC is one of the SIU's best partners and is the world's largest employer of U.S. Merchant Mariners. Rear Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander of MSC, said there are currently 3,800 civilian merchant mariners (CIVMARS) and 1,200 "contract jobs," and that his goal is to increase that number over the next five years. He spoke about Operation Enduring Freedom and the work done by CIVMARS as well as other mariners, including members of the SIU, in that action-including pumping fuel, delivering ammunition and cargo, carrying a fleet hospital to Guantanamo, Cuba, and getting the USNS Comfort ready for aid in the rescue activities in Manhattan. Brewer added that the MSC also is sailing tugboats and small harbor craft, piloting commercial helicopters, helping the Marine Corps in their movements and sailing combat stores ships to all parts of the world. In closing, Brewer spoke about the Navy Jack, the flag that was flown by Commodore Hopkins in the Continental Navy in 1775, on which is written "Don't Tread on Me." He said our enemy should heed those words, and noted that the U.S. Merchant Marine is delivering more than logistics. "They are delivering freedom." Continued on page 10 Seafarers LOG 5 �CIVMARs Sail into San Diego The 35 ships of the Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force are the lifeline to U.S. Navy ships at sea. Providing fuel, food, ammunition, spare parts and other supplies, these vessels enable the Navy fleet to operate at top efficiency at all times. This fleet is composed of ocean tugs, fast combat support ships, oilers, ammunition ships and combat stores ships, as well as two hospital ships that are kept in a reduced operating status. All are government owned vessels crewed by civil service merchant mariners (CIVMARs). The three vessels pictured on this page--the USNS Shasta, USNS Guadalupe and USNS Niagara Falls-are crewed for the Military Sealift Command by CIVMARS in the SIU's Government Services Division (which includes the old NMU). USNS SHASTA - The USNS Shasta (T-AE 33) is one of seven ammunition ships in the Military Sealift Command. The 564-foot vessel, whose area of command is in the Pacific, can sail at 20 knots. The Shasta was recently in voyage repair at 3200 Street in San Diego, where these two photos were snapped. Above, ABs Jaime Columna and Mike Goodman stand watch. Below, AB Evan Hastings has the run of the deck on a forklift truck. USNS GUADALUPE - Also in for minor repairs in San Diego when these photos were taken, the USNS Guadalupe (TA0-200) is one of 13 oilers in the Military Sealift Command fleet. Above, AB Maintenance Alf redo Bagtas works on deck. At left amid the repairs are (from left) AB John Albers, 2nd Assistant Engineer Mike Colpen and Pumpman Clarence Pearson. Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation, particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school's apprentice program. To qualify for the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requlrement USNS NIAGARA FALLS - As one of six combat stores ships in the Military Sealift Command fleet, the USNS Niagara Falls (TAFS 3) provides supplies to U.S. Navy ships at sea, including fresh, frozen and chilled food; dry provisions; repair parts; clothing; and mail. Working on deck is Bosun's Mate Robert Sanchez. No Worries on the Cape Gibson is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wish· ing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry·levet positions, and includes practfoal work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements, specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. tf you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342~ or visit VJWW· seafarers.erg. School Completes Renovation Of New Hotel Building "This is probably one of the biggest accomplishments we've had at the school," said SIUNA President Michael Sacco at a ceremony Sept. 11 to open the new hotel on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Helping cut the ribbon to dedicate the building were SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan and SIUNA Trustee Michael DiPrisco, director of labor relations at Crowley Maritime. As vocational schooling becomes increasingly vital for Seafarers, the 94 single-occupancy rooms allow upgrading students to have their own room. Formerly an administration building, the new hotel is located behind the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. The totally refurbished facility has many of the comforts of home. Three study carrels with computer stations are located in the lobby, and each room is internet-ready. There is a vending machine area on the main floor as well as a laundry room on each floor of the 3-story building. Additionally, the facility houses a main laundry for housekeeping staff. The as-yet unnamed building was scheduled to be "Hang loose" is the word from the galley gang aboard the Cape Gibson. Posing on deck for a group shot are Chief Steward Brian Cushing, Chief Cook Donna Moore, Chief Cook Susan Rafferty, Assistant Cook Danilo Ramos and SAs Mohamed Ali, Nasser Kassim, Fakhruddin Malahi, Nasser Sallahaldin and Mohsen Hubair. 6 Seafarers LOG , , Among the assets of the new hotel are an attractive courtyard (left) and well-furbished single-occulllll~~~~E:~Ztk=S::'.;J pancy rooms. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new hotel are (from left) Plans Administrator Lou Delma, SIUNA President Michael Sacco, Trustee Michael DiPrisco, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. ready for occupancy Oct. l (after the LOG went to press). The Paul Hall Center, in its continued quest to make U.S. merchant mariners the best trained in the world, also will soon start construction of classrooms for a small-arms firing course. The facility will include one indoor classroom, one outdoor classroom, restrooms, hand and eyewash stations, a weapons-cleaning station, and a protected vault to store firearms. The new building will be on the grounds of the fire fighting school. October 2002 �Left: Pictured aboard the USNS Bellatrix in New Orleans are (from left) Wiper Bill York, AB Arthur Machado (who is in charge of shipboard security), AB Samuel Spears and AB Harold Boone. Labor Mourns Zenga William F. "Willie" Zenga, retired business manager of Local 25 of the International Union of Operating Engineers Marine Division and retired vice president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD), passed away on Labor Day, Sept. 2, in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 79. "He was a close and dear friend, going back to the old days," recalled SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco. "Willie was very active in organizing and he especially was active in promoting a dredging program for New York and New Jersey." MTD Vice President Ernie Whalen worked extensively with Zenga at Local 25. "I had the privilege of working with Willie Zenga for more than 17 years. In his 55 years of service to the Operating Engineers and to Local 25, he was a dedicated voice for the dredgemen," Whelan said. "Also, as business manager of Local 25 and as vice president of the MTD, he was an outspoken advocate for our nation's ports." Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney knew Zenga through maritime port councils and central labor councils. "He was a great guy, very sincere and dedicated," McCartney stated. Local 25 represents dredgemen, drillers and boat operators in 38 states. Zenga served as an official at Local 25 since its inception in 1959. Other than during his service in the U.S. Navy in World War II, he was active in the Operating Engineers since graduating from Dickerson High School in Jersey City, N.J. in 1939. "He did a tremendous amount of work to promote the maritime and dredging industries," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "He served on a number of key maritime committees in New York and New Jersey, and he was a tireless advocate for the membership." Donations in the name of Brother Zenga may be made to The American Heart Association for the State of Florida, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742. Altair, Bellatrix Crews Serious About Security While maintaining a ship in reduced operating status (ROS) presents its own set of challenges that may differ from those aboard fully crewed vessels, at least one important thing is the same. "We are extremely serious about security," notes AB Arthur Machado, who effectively serves as the chief of security on the USNS Bellatrix, which is maintained in ROS alongside the sister ship USNS Altair in New Orleans. "We're on watch around the clock, we make rounds aboard the vessels and of course we check anyone and everyone who comes aboard." Operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA), the Bellatrix and Altair are known as fast sealift ships or SL-7s. They are part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet of vessels that supports U.S. armed forces. Both vessels long ago were modified to provide roll-on/roll-off capabilities, along with helicopter handling and storage facilities. Bosun Tom Lister USNS Bellatrix In this March 1998 photo, MTD VP Willie Zenga (left) and President Michael Sacco (right) welcome the president of the AFLCIO, John Sweeney, to meetings in Las Vegas. SA Tonya Johnson, USNS Altair Each ship is roughly 946 feet long, 106 feet wide and can travel at 30 knots. The vessels left port last month to avoid rough weather. AB Arthur Machado and AB Hennie Haylock USNS Bellatrix Recertified Steward Norman Jackson of the Bellatrix and AB James Stimage of the Altair are quite stern when it comes to helping enforce the vessels' security policies. Liberator Crew Memorializes Brother Brooks NMU Pensioner Dudley "Doug" Brooks, 76, passed away April 10. In keeping with bis wishes to be forever at sea, the late mariners' ashes on June 24 were scattered from aboard the SIU-crewed Lykes Liberator. Conducted by Captain David A. Sulin, the services were held as the vessel made its way back to New Orleans from a voyage to Europe. "I waited until the return portion of our voyage to conduct the ceremony as I thought it only fitting that Doug should at least symbolically make one more ocean voyage," Captain Sulin said in a letter he wrote to Brother Brooks' widow, Mrs. Winfred Brooks, shortly after the services. Captain Sulin in Steward Leonard T. Benton stands before the remains of Brother Dudley Brooks (in wooden box), a family wreath and the Holy Bible at the start of the ceremony. October 2002 past years had been a shipmate of Brother Brooks, as had the Liberator's first assistant engineer, Robert Hale. The vessel's entire crew, excluding those who were on duty, joined them during the memorial service. Besides Captain Sulin and Hale, those taking part in the services included: ABs Joe Morgan, Jerry M. Devoe Jr. and Juan A. Cepeda, OS Frank Bennet, Electrician George W. Bieselin, Wiper Alexandro Tolnaci, DEU Norman Obehi, Chief Steward Leonard T. Benton, Chief Cook Leonard Archie, Chief Mate Jeffrey C. Bridges and Chief Engineer Jude Y. Petroski. Born Oct. 6, 1925, Brother Brooks joined the NMU on April 24 1945. The Youngstown, La. native first went to sea aboard the Augutem, a U.S. Army transport vessel. A member of the steward department, he sailed as a chief cook. Brother Brooks last worked aboard the Tillie Lykes and retired Oct 1, 1997. He lived in New Orleans. Captain David A. Sulin, front left, conducts the June 24 burial at sea services aboard the Lykes Liberator for Brother Dudley Brooks who passed away April 10. Also participating in the services were, from left, Chief Engineer Jude Y. Petroski, Steward Leonard T. Benton, Chief Cook Leonard Archie, First Assistant Engineer Robert Hale, and Wiper Alexandru Tolnaci. The USNS Altair (above) and its sister ship, the USNS Bellatrix, were built as containerships and later were acquired and converted by MSC. Remembering Brother Colantti As reported in the September LOG, Brother Robert Colantti, 55, passed away May 23. In accordance with his family's wishes, his remains were committed to the sea, on June 20 from aboard the CSX Hawaii. The shipboard memorial service included the reading of the Lord's Prayer, a moment of silence and the "Mariner's farewell salute," which was sounded on the ship's whistle. Those in attendance included Bosun Mark Trepp, Oiler Reinaldo Roman and Chief Cook Leopoldo Ruiz. Pictured above, friends and former shipmates remember Brother Colantti during a gathering in Elizabeth, N.J. before the Hawaii got under way. Brother Colantti sailed in the engine department and was a long time member of the shore gang. Seafarers LOB 7 �Seafarers came out in force to attend the Labor Day parade in Wilmington. Included in the group were Carey Heinz, Manuel Hernandez, Michael Fields, Mario Baja, Mauro Gutierrez, Maximino Dagoldol, Frank Cacayuran, Edgardo Basye, Rey Chang, James Boss, Robert Gilliam, Jesse Solis, Jesse Solis Jr., Dennis Coleman, Christina Middleton, Arthur Castro, Mark Wain, John Cox and Jeff Turkus. At left, AB Mark Wain chats with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who came to show his support for the event. Above and at left: The Cape Isabel's angled ramp is lowered to load and unload vehicles. Payoff took place aboard the Endurance on arrival in Los Angeles. From the left are Chief Cook Enrique Garrido, AB Eduardo Malabad and GSTU Jaime Castillo. Steward/Baker Russell Beyschau begins preparations for his next creative cake aboard the Endurance. From Shipboard Fire to Barbecue Flames After the Endurance docked at the new Maersk Pier 400 facility, Seafarers got down to work. Clockwise from above are AB Standby Mario Baja and AB Standby Maximina Dagolpol; QEE Tesfaye Gebregziabher and Bosun Romeo Lugtu; and AB Standby Domingo Gordian and BREC Relief Mauro Gutierrez. In mid-June, a switchboard fire disabled the CSX Expedition on a run from Tacoma, Wash. to Anchorage, Alaska. Nobody aboard the 670foot container ship was injured, and engine room personnel were able to make the necessary repairs on their own. The vessel's refrigerated cargo also suffered no ill effects since it was protected by auxiliary generators. The Expedition pulled into Anchorage just a day later than scheduled and was warmly welcomed with a dockside barbecue for the crew. Above, ABM Cleofe B. Castro (who sent these photos to the LOG) stands near the grill. At left, crew members and appreciative representatives from CSX join in the cookout. B Seafarers LOS Left: When a tall ship from Ecuador entered the port of Los Angeles recently, it was escorted by the Crowley assist tug Admiral. The tall ship-a training vessel for mariners in Ecuador-was in the area to take part in a sailboat race from San Francisco to Los Angeles. October 2002 �With the Crew on,the Rover These photos were taken during a shipboard meeting while the Rover was en route,to New York from Israel. Once the Intrepid Smp Management vessel arrived in New ¥:9r,k and completed a payoff, these picture$ ~e~"tumed over to an SIU representative for iiiCl\lsion in the LOG. ~ Left; Ta/{jng part in the union meeting aboard the Rover, an Intrepid Ship Management vessel, are, from /eft1 AB David Wright, OMU Walter Bagby and AB James Shepard. Seated in the ship's mess hall during the meeting are (from left) Wiper James Castillo, SA Yelena N. J~qsar and AB Richard O'Brien. F"'..,......'i M~~'°'~;<;~;"\;:.;:''~"~ Right: Regular shipboard meetings/flfe a way for crew ers to find out a t is$ues that may t their livelihood. From the left are OMU Cornelius Cade Jr., ABJ. Grayson and AB Richard Thomas. Chief Steward Fernando Guity, Chief Pumpman William Stone and Bosun John Habib fill out the ship's minutes form to send to headquarters. Tidying up the galley before the Rover's arrival in port is Chief Cook Eduardo Elemento. Joseph Vitela, OMU aboard the vessel, takes on diesel fuel. Chief Steward Leslie Davis is proud of the variety of items in his salad bar. On gangway watch is AB Thomas Powe. October 2002 Chief Cook Mario Martinez (right) prepares the next meal while SA Dagoberto Norales looks on. When the Seabulk Mariner docked in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. , Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro prepared to discharge the cargo. Castro sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG Seafarers LOG 9 �Labor ·Secretary Real firms Administration Support For U.S. Merchant Marine U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao strongly reaffirmed the administration's backing of the U.S.-flag fleet when she addressed the SIUNA convention Sept. 12 in Piney Point, Md. Chao also lauded the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (which hosted the convention), and credited SIUNA President Michael Sacco for his key role in promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine. "Recently, President Bush said that the Jones Act must be maintained," Chao noted. "The Jones Act is an essential element of U.S. policy that provides important economic and national security benefits to the nation, such as, among other things, maintenance of a labor base of skilled mariners. "As Secretary of Labor, let me assure you that this administration is committed to maintaining a labor base of skilled mariners as well as working with the seafarers to recruit the next generation of mariners .... I know that when we recruit these individuals, the SIU will be there to provide them with the necessary training." Chao said that President Bush's administration "is proud to call you partners in defending America's freedom and in strengthening America's economy .... It is because of your services that America sustains the strongest military force the world has ever known, and President Bush and his administration thank you for your strong sense of duty, patriotism and commitment." She also commended U.S. mariners for their response to the attacks of September ll, 2001. "In light of chaos and confusion, the seafarers did what you've always done when your country needed you, you answered the call for help. Because of this union and other maritime trades, over 160,000 people were evacuated from lower Manhattan and returned safely to their loved ones. There was no time for planning -your members instinctively sprang into action. Whether it's ferrying victims away from danger or protecting our waterways, the merchant marine indeed [is] America's fourth arm of the national defense. "I saw the spirit of sacrifice firsthand when I visited your fellow members in New Orleans and then joined a tour of the Bellatrix, an SIUcrewed vessel, where I was joined by (SIU Vice President Gulf Coast) Dean Corgey." Emphasizing her open-door policy, Chao noted, "There are no gatekeepers at the Department of Labor. We speak with everyone and we're Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao presents SIUNA President Michael Sacco with a framed copy of her Maritime Day 2002 declaration hon-· oring U.S. mariners. pushing the president's energy .plan. It's a plan that's going to eliminate our nation's dependence on foreign oil. And we also want to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs right here in America." Turning to the issue of port security, she stated, "You know what it's like, you know what's needed because you understand what it's like on the high seas. You know the dangers, you know the risks and you know the solutions to keep America's ports and especially the shipping sector safe and productive. And this administration will need your input as new safeguards are created and implemented." Continued on page 20 Maritime Union Presidents Advocate Continued Unity Michael McKay President, AMO 10 Seafarers LOS Unrelenting cooperation and commonality in political action are the avenues that must be taken if a strong U .S.-flag Merchant Marine is to be part of America's future landscape. This position was echoed repeatedly September 11 by the presidents from the three maritime officers' unions as they addressed the Seafarers International . Union of North America's convention at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Capt. Timothy A. Brown, of International Organization Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); Ron Davis, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Michael McKay, American Maritime Officers (AMO) each advised delegates and guests about the need to extend and expand the current Maritime Security Program, and the crucial necessity to preserve the Jones Act. Each also reflected on the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and how it forever changed America, especially the maritime industry. "The more I get to know your president, Mike Sacco, the more I appreciate his aggressiveness in pursuing the interests of your membership, whether it be new jobs, more types of jobs or influencing the congressional representatives in Washington to listen to the maritime guys," Brown told those in attendance. "Earlier this year Mike (Sacco) called a meeting and gave us his thoughts about what would happen to all of us if we were not able to get an extension of the current Maritime Security Program that is in place," he said. "Mike's vision is so very true. "From that point, we brought the companies in the picture, worked out some of the details and problems and then began the long process of convincing our friends in Congress that our battle was also America's battle," Brown continued. "Without a viable American Merchant Marine, America is at risk militarily and, even more ·importantly, America is at risk of being taken advantage of by our trading partners." To avoid such a state of affairs, Brown said, "All of us in maritime leadership positions believe that a new program is needed. We are all working toward a program that will include tax relief for sailors who sail internationally; reduction in tonnage taxes for American carriers; an elimination of the hated ad valorum tax, which only Americans companies pay; and, hopefully, a faster depreciation schedule for Americanbuilt vessels or new vessels built foreign but re flagged American." Davis concurred and reflected on the role leadership has played over the years to sustain the merchant marine. "As maritime leaders, each of us stands sentry ensuring that the merchant marine never becomes weak, but remains vigilant and strong," he offered. "Our nation will always need capable, professional merchant seamen to respond in a moment's notice." Davis said that in addition to the problems of national and international terrorism in the U.S., the labor movement-particularly maritime labor-faces many future challenges. He is confident, however, that the industry will overcome these obstacles. "Whether it's renewing the Maritime Security Program, advancing cargo preference laws or safeguarding the Jones Act, the MEBA is working together with the SIU and all of you to ensure our future," he assured. "With the SIU and MEBA coordinating efforts in unity and friendship, our future is bright." After reflecting on the appropriateness of the convention's theme (Leading the Way for Working Families), McKay said the SIUNA has been out in front and taking the lead in battling for the most important and worthy causes affecting working families since 1938. "As we all know, there are many people who neither know these needs, nor respect these values,' McKay warned. "In our industry we see their harmful influence in the growth of flag-of-convenience cargo and cruise ships worldwide; in the relentless political battles over cargo preference and the Jones Act and on other fronts ... We learned in a terrible way one year ago today, there are people in this world who have no values at all." Continued on page 20 SIUNA President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert for a great motivational address, while SIU Executive VP John Fay looks on. Convention Speakers Stress Need For Revitalized U.S.-Flag Fleet cited the critical role played by merchant mariners to keep trade routes flowing as well as moving troops and Fred D. Mason Jr., president of . supplies following the terrorist the Maryland State and District of attacks of last year. But the terrorists Columbia AFL-CIO, acknowledged also taught us that we have to protect that the U.S. depends on foreign ourselves, she said. "You truly are countries for the steel that "is so vital our fourth arm of defense." to producing the arms that we need in In her closing remarks, Townsend order to be able to defend ourselves quoted from her uncle, John F. against even greater attacks," as well Kennedy: as the automobiles we drive. Flags of I really don ~ /mow why it is that foreign registry carry these goods to us, and that, in itself, is a threat to all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's" because the light national security, Mason stated. changes, and ships change, its He said there is a lack of transparency in registering ships and that because we all came from the sea. America needs to know which flags And it is an interesting biological fact are carrying the goods necessary for that all of us have in our veins the our daily living as well as for our exact same percentage of salt in our continued security. Mason declared blood that exists in the ocean, and, that this is a challenge for the entire therefore, we have salt in our blood, labor movement-and for the whole our sweat, and in our tears. We are courtry. ·"Seafarers demand and the tied to the ocean. And when we go citizens of this country demand a back to the sea, whether it is to sail vital, energized U.S. maritime fleet." or to watch it, we are going back As former ·deputy maritime from whence we came. "Each of you is tied to the sea," administrator, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao has a strong affinity with she said. "You are tied to the change maritime unions. She said that of life, you are tied to the fact that President George W. Bush agrees that nothing remains the same, except our the Jones Act must be maintained at values, which is to fight for working all costs, calling it "an essential ele- men and women ... which is to proment of U.S. policy that provides tect our country in times of need. You important economic and national do that; nobody does it better." Ernie Whelan, vice president of security benefits to the nation, such as, among other things, maintenance the AFL-CJO Maritime Trades of a labor base of skilled mariners." · Department and business manager of Chao presented Sacco with a local 25 of the Operating Engineers, framed copy of a Maritime Day stressed the need to "train and eduProclamation, recognizing and cate our members ' for today's everremembering the role merchant changing times." Very little progress, mariners have played in our country he said, would have been made in the area of education without coopera-and will continue to play. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, tive efforts between management and lieutenant governor of Maryland, unions. Continued from page 5 Ot:lober 2002 �CHECKING IN Delegates and guests arrive at the auditorium of the Paul Hall Center. Directly below, SIUNA President Michael Sacco sounds the gavel, signaling the opening of the convention. Speakers addressing the convention praised the U.S. Merchant Marine and stated support for the working families' agenda. Below: Union Service Coordinator Valerie Lilja welcomes visitors to a booth highlighting programs available through Union Plus (formerly known as Union Privilege). EVERYONE PITCHES IN SIU Controller Maggie Bowen helps Unlicensed Apprentice Peter Rines prepare to escort guest speakers to the stage. Ot:taber 2002 Seafarers LOG 11 �Left: SIUNA President Michael Sacco notes that the U.S. Merchant Marine answered the call on September 11 and its aftermath. Below: SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) is congratulated by SIU Exec. VP John Fay on his election. Fay formerly served as SIUNA secretary-treasurer but did not seek reelection. ··~ .... ( . Ambrose Cucinotta Asst. VP, SIU Fred D. Mason Jr. President, Maryland State & D.C. AFL-CIO The Honorable Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) Michael R. , McKay AMO President Ed Kelly Port Agent, SIU Ron Davis MEBA President Anthony McQuay Port Agent, SIU Capt. Timothy Brown MM&P President John F. Reinhart CEO, Maersk Line t Ltd. Capt. William Schubert U.S. Maritime Administrator William Donald Schaefer Comptroller, Maryland James Malone Port Agent, SIU Ernie Whelan VP, MTD The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Lt. Governor, Maryland Orlando Diaz VP, UIW John J. Sweeney President AFL~CIO Rear Adm. David L. Brewer Ill, USN Commander, MSC 12 Seafarers LOB The Honorable Elaine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Labor �.. Dean Corgey SIUNAVP Kermett Mangram SIUNA VP Nicholas J. Marrone SIUNA VP Joseph T. Soresi SIUNAVP Thomas Orzechowski SIUNA VP 1 STS m. Al Herberger Retired U.S. Maritime Administrator Nick Celona Asst. VP, SIU Charles Stewart VP, SIU Edd Morris Port Agent, SIU Thomas Walsh Jr. Rep./Organizer, IPTW Michel Desjardins Exec. VP, SIU of Canada Donna Walsh President, IPTW Carl Peth HQ Rep., SIU Amos Peters Retired VP, UIW Steve Judd Port Agent, SIU Gunnar Lundeberg President, SUP John Cox Port Agent, SIU Desiree Gralewicz Sec'y-Tresurer SIU of Canada Dennis Metz Port Agent, SIU Rebecca Sleeper Port Agent, SIU George McCartney Retired VP, SIU Roman Gralewicz President, SIU of Canada Steve Edney Retired Nat'I Director, UIW Elizabeth Brown Nat'I Coordinator, SEATU Theresa Hoinsky President, Fishermen's Union Jim Martin SIU Rep. Henry Disley President, MFOW Victor Nunez Port Agent, SIU Lou Delma Plans Admin., SIU Talmage Simpkins NMU/AFL-CIO Catina Sicoli Comptroller, SIU of Canada Bill Ellis VP,UIW Rene Lioeanjie SIUNAVP George Tricker Asst. VP, SIU Angus Campbell Retired VP, SIU Maritime Committee Bryan Powell Port Agent, SIU Donald Thornton Port Agent, SIU Eugene Irish Asst. VP, UIW Neil Dietz Port Agent, SIU Dave Connolly VP, SUP Seafarers LOB 13 �COMMITTEES • Committees consisting of representatives from the SIUNA affiliates met during the convention and carried out their assignments. Each committee reported on its work to the full convention. Whether providing credentials to the delegates, reviewing resolutions submitted by the member unions, or developing recommendations for rules by which to conduct the convention, the committees work to see that the event functions democratically and efficiently. RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE - James Martin, Eugene Irish, Nick Celena, Dean Corgey (Chairman), Bryan Powell and James Malone. Dave Connolly, Robert Iwata, Orlando Diaz, Roman Gralewicz (Chairman), Anthony McQuay, Michel Desjardins, Ambrose Cucinotta and James McGee. CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS & PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE - LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - Theresa Hoinsky (Chairman), Henri Franyois, Michel Galarneau, Kermett Mangram, Dennis Metz, Lonnie Partridge, John Spadaro and Charles Stewart. (Note: Not all are pictured.) John Fay, Donna Walsh (Chairman), Thomas Orzechowski, Elizabeth Brown, David Heindel, Donald Thornton and Joseph Soresi. AUDITING COMMITTEE - 14 Seafarers LOG OFFICERS' & AFFILIATES REPORTS COMMITTEE - Gunnar Lundeberg (Chairman), William Berger, Desiree Gralewicz, Nicholas Marrone, Joe Palacio, Benjamin Ross, Michael Sacco and Thomas C. Walsh Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE - Augustin Tellez (Chairman), James Given, Steve Judd, Ed Kelly, Rene Lioeanjie, Herb Perez, Talmage Simpkins and Rebecca Sleeper. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Ot:lober 2002 �·spatchers' Report for ·neep Sea AUGUST 16 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New Yo* Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 1 6 3 7 28 33 17 17 23 18 3 1 9 3 3 2 5 0 2 0 8 22 5 18 12 14 5 21 20 2 4 3 6 0 1 7 9 2 2 19 29 26 236 15 3 Tacoma Wilmington 33 14 21 17 8 10 238 149 99 3 1 /\tgonae· - · Baltimore Guam i 1 3 1 0 0 10 17 8 4 12 4 5 21 4 11 11 11 1 0 0 0 5 9 o. 4 9 1 0 2 0 0 3 I3 0 1 11 1 2 4 1 13 9 102 15 7 110 3 0 l 0 0 3 2 7 14 24 3 4 8 7 2 3 2 0 3 4 4 0 4 0 6 0 0 0 I 1 0 1 148 47 24 0 0 0 1 1 7 4 8 6 43 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 7 ~21 5 3 5 3 24 2 15 10 Port . . ,..Algonac.. · Baltimore .Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville · Mobile . New Orleans 4 2 4 2 2 ... :New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma · Wilmington Totals · Totals All Departments 17 21 5 6 6 17 6 19 11 10 0 1 0 0 9 3 4 8 12 4 5 6 1 13 46 59 24 29 56 2 8 8 7 4 4 19 5 5 1 0 8 3 9 1 0 19 32 3 7 3 16 13 135 2 2 3 37 53 16 7 93 40 416 4 7 2 ·2 l 14 13 36 2 39 23 ·8 0 ··- =--7 27 18 23 7 5 30 3 it 18 4 ·· 4 3 34 16 2 0 17 23 24 27 235 208 • • Piney Point ............. Monday: November 4, December 2 Algonac .................. Friday: November 8, December 6 Baltimore ................ Thursday: November 7, December 5 Boston ..................... Friday: November 8, December 6 Duluth .•...................... Wednesday: November 13, December 11 Honolulu ................. Friday: November 15, December .l3 Houston .. •............... Tuesday: November 12* Monday: December 9 (*change created by Veterans' Day holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: November 7, December 5 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: November 20, Decemberl8 Mobile .......••....•••.... Wednesday= November 13, December 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans • New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 6 25 40 8 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 7 2 I 0 0 1 10 8 9 16 7 Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Loujs Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C November & December 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 4 0 1 0 0 3 .0 2 4 0 2 3 4 16 15 16 2 15 28 15 1 26 6 14 1 24 7 0 0 1 3 3 5 2 0 1 0 2 10 24 10 7 5 5 0 3 2 6 1 10 8 0 2 6 16 2 8 6 11 3 1 3 8 4 8 4 0 0 1 1 0 l 0 0 6 0 4 2 17 7 0 1 4 30 4 2 0 3 5 IO 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 4 30 5 17 20 3 3 2 0 6 2 2 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 l 17 10 131 4 0 0 1 0 1 29 New York................ Tuesday: November 5, December 3 12 0 Norfolk ........... ........ Thursday: November 7, December 5 6 16 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: November 6, December 4 0 27 13 10 9 St. Louis ................. Friday: November 15, December 13 184 188 84 Tacoma . .................. 0 0 l 2 0 2 0 14 23 7 29 7 6 9 5 1 1 9 5 13 2 4 6 9 3 0 8 13 5 4 0 0 0 0 7 .} 9 5 45 3 7 33 2 5 43 30 13 95 35 o, 0 4 0 0 '4 8 2 7 2 0 10 43 5 0 0 0 0 4 34 22 24 8 21 9 0 13 4 0 0 1 I 10 1 6 3 8 6 2 11 3 3 2 3 0 13 5 0 0 3 1 8 11 5 10 3 110 361 2 26 194 140 2 34 514 500 306 495 9 5 1 0 0 44 27 5 4 9 1 19 56 62 12 12 0 2 30 9 12 7 0 26 2 48 16 25 18 3 0 0 0 0 65 55 313 322 147 166 908 831 649 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ·day: embe 22, ece er 2()., Wilmington ............... Monday: November 18, December 16 Eat:ll port's metJling starts at 10:30 a.m. Life Ring Stays Ashore AB Boyce Wilson designed and made a life ring for the Maersk Texas-with the help of a few other crew members. It was donated to a local restaurant in Sari Antonio, Chile that is regularly patronized by the ship's crew. The ring was greatly appreciated by all and hangs proudly in a conspicuous place for everyone to see. Frorri the left aboard the vessel are AB Frank Hedge (who sent this photo to the LOG), Bosun Johnny Zepeda, Chief Steward Donna Decesare, Wilson and Chief Cook Malcolm Holmes. It was taken on the Maersk Lines, Ltd. vessel during its run along the west. coast of South America (Panama, Colombia, Peru and Chile). 5 17 0 0 0 0 0 6. 5 San Juan .................. Thursday: November 7, December 5 2 2 253 6 10 11 3 7 21 14 2 San Francisco ......... Thursday: November 14, December 12 4 2 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 J .Q 0 0 0 0 l 0 2 0 0 . 2 2 2 Port Everglades .......Thursday: November 14, December 12 23 15 11 5 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: November 12, December 10 2 11 12 4 2 4 3 j) _ -~-· I 29 16 8 0 2 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: November 19, December 17 1 0 I 9 1 6 3 1 0 1 9 7 18 25 13 3 3 3 14 2 4 14 34 6 13 6 3 2 6 1 3 4 0 6 29 10 3 2 30 94 87 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 I 0 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 10 16 18 5 7 11 4 30 a){d~ews Sea~arers to the Send your stories. photos LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOii Oatober 2002 • 15 �:N1'1U 1'1onthl31 Shipping A Registration Report • SEPTEMBER 2002 Michael Sacco, Presii:fent .John Fay, Executhte TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Group I Group Il Group Ill Pie~ Pr~i~etlt David Heindel, Secretarj..»~;tire,. TOTAL SIDPPED AU Groups Group I Group Il Group ill Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Group I Group IT Group ill ,\ugusttn Telle%, Vice President CcQ,n/J'acts Tom Oruthowsld, PlcePmtdent Lakes and Inland Waters f'" ?\'~an Corgey, Plce Pre.rident Gulf Coast J. M1lnone, Vice President West CQO.St .N • Sorest Yice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram~ President Government Senices t Lioe.njk, Pice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large • • HEADQUARTERS Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 6 10 3 13 4 5 6 47 1 3 0 4 2 2 0 0 2 12 7 4 0 0 0 13 6 5 6 6 3 0 27 1 0 3 0 3 1 2 0 0 17 4 18 0 10 32 14 0 6 9 31 4 10 0 4 6 65 98 35 31 0 1 5 9 0 16 0 1 0 0 0 2 52Q}Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, Ml 4800 l (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Altonr IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Port Boston Houston 0 1 0 3 l 4 New York Norfolk San Pe-Oro 7 l 0 1 3 4 O- 0 l ff ,, 0 Tacoma 2 0 20 1 Totals l 6 4 10 5 6 14 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 4 2 Harvey, LA 4 16 0 6 19 0 5 0 0 0 5 7 '1 4 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 () 0 0 4 23 0 4 17 0 2 27 72 16 25 1 3 3 4 11 0 0 7 5 27 18 0 4 39 0 0 11 2 7 0 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston. MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH Port 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4 ll 0 Boston Houston GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 9692 l 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 New York Norfolk HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Harvey, LA San Pedro Tacoma Totals STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 4 0 4 5 1 0 17 0 1 8 0 0 5 6 2 4 3 0 5 0 0 0 10 11 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 5 3 17 1 2 25 66 55 3 16 26 0 1 2 56 0 6 0 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston. TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSO VILLE 3315 Liberty St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 {904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99,M'ontgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 ' (201) 435~9424 MOJlll.E 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, 1v;!.A ()2/40 Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston 2 3 0 1 0 4 3 2 0 Houston 8 3 0 3 7 Harvey, LA 0 2 0 6 2 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 65 0 0 0 9 6 0 0 2 New York Norfolk San Pedro 0 Tacoma 0 Totals 9 16 19 13 0 5 93 39 39 76 3 15 4 4 21 19 6 41 0 1 33 18 3 ~8 49 22 22 112 169 132 139 348 275 259 0 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey. LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Divisioci: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK IJS Third SL, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 2~04 PffiLADELPHIA S. 4 St., Pbilll~lphia, PA \!H48. (215) 336-3818 PJNEVPOINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 POR'f EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANC1SCO 35Q Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94 J05 (415) 543-ms Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 34I1 So'1th Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272· 7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Totals All Departments PIG-FROM-THE-PAST When Retiree Phil Rosenstein of Corpus Christi , Texas was the bosun aboard the SS Gulf Service back in December 1961, the Gulf Oil Co. tanker came upon a stranded 34-foot fishing boat, the SigmaX, which had been adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Mexico. There were 1O Cuban fishermen aboard, whom they rescued. With the help of the chief steward, who spoke Spanish, Rosenstein interviewed the men and found out they had fled Fidel Castro's Cuba and were headed for the coast of Florida. But their engine broke down and they drifted for days, constantly afraid of being picked up by Cuban gunboats. Rosenstein (in the center, posing with two of the 1O rescued men in front of their salvaged boat) said he corresponded with two of the refugees, who moved to Houston, but has since lost track of them. He thought perhaps someone might recognize them from this picture. It was the fifth rescue at sea performed by the NMU-crewed tanker in a 10-year period. October 2002 �Welcome Ashore • Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A recertified bosun is among the 11 Seafarers who are announcing their retirements this month. Bosun Abad Calero completed the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Including Calero, seven of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division, one plied the Great Lakes and three navigated the inland waterways. Five of the retirees worked in the deck department, three shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA ELIAS C. BUNDA, 64, hails from the Philippines. Brother Bunda joined the Seafarers in 1997. He is a retired veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1960 to 1980. The steward department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by l..:i<.J._i\)~e1r11·~an awaii Cruises, including the Independence. Brother Bunda makes his home in Vacaville, Calif. ABAD CALERO, 61, began his SID career in 1972 in New Orleans. Born in Puerto Rico, he enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on several occasions and completed the bosun recertification course in 1994. In addition to shipping as a bosun in the deck department, Brother Calero also worked in the engine and steward departments. He last went to sea on the SeaLand Crusader. Brother Calero makes his home in his native commonwealth in the city of Isabel a. HUGO DERMODY, 53, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Dermody's initial oceangoing voyage for the SID was aboard Westchester Marine's Ultramax. Born in Guatemala, he worked in the deck department. Brother Dermody last shipped on the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He makes his home in Jefferson, La. HUGH DILLON, 68, began his SID career in 1984 in San Francisco. Brother Dillon first shipped aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Maria. Born in Jamaica, he worked in the deck department. Brother Dillon last Ot:tober 2002 went to sea on the Sea-Land Spirit. He is a resident of Punta Gorda, Fla. MATTHIAS SOLDIERER, 65, was born in Germany. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Soldierer's initial sea voyage was aboard the Marine, a United States Shipping Co. vessel. He worked in both the engine and deck departments during his career and last sailed on the SeaLand Independence. Brother Soldierer calls Long Beach, Calif. home. GEORGE WILLIAMS, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. The Virginia-born mariner first went to sea aboard the Steel Navigator, operated by Isco, Inc. Brother Williams worked in the engine department and last sailed on Alice Tankship's Overseas Alice. He makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. NAGI M. ZOKARI, 67, was born in Yemen. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of New York. Brother Zokari's initial SID voyage was aboard the Cantigny, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. A member of the steward depart- · ment, he last worked on Tyco 's Long Lines. Brother Zokari lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. GREAT LAKES JAMES W. KUCHNICKI, 64, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1987. Born in Alpena, Mich., he served in the U.S. Navy. The deck department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. His initial voyage was on the Steel T. Crapo. He last sailed on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Kuchnicki still resides in Alpena. INLAND RODGER ALLBRITTON, 57, started his SID career in 197 6 in the port of Houston. Boatman Allbritton served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. The Shreveport, La. native worked primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels and shipped in both the engine and deck departments. Boatman Allbritton lives in Lake Jackson, Texas. WEBSTER DUBROC, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in New Orleans. Boatman Dubroc is a native of Louisiana and shipped in the engine and deck departments. He worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels. Boatman Dubroc makes his home in Saucier, Miss. DONALD LEE JONES SR.,'61 began his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Boatman Jones served honorably from 1958 to 1972. The Virginia native worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing Co. Boatman Jones shipped in both the steward I and engine departments. He resides in Camden, N.J. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all members of the former NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension: William Bacon, 65, engine department John Blair, 67, deck department Robert Bruno, 78, deck department (Bosun) Ancel Connor, 55, deck department Antonio Fonseca, 65, steward department Mack Little, 75, steward department Booker Oliver, 76, deck department Earnest Perry, 65, engine department Abdo Sharif, 64, deck department Paul Stephens, 71, deck department A Well-Deserved Retirement After 36-plus years in the NMU and shipping out of eight different union halls from coast to coast, Tyrone "Pat" Patrick is pleased to receive his first retirement check. Patrick started sailing in May of 1966 from the port of New York and completed his sailing career in August 2002, also in New York. He worked for many companies over the years, most recently with Nicholas Bachko and was happy about the SIU-MNU merger agreement. Originally from the Boston area, Patrick now makes his home in northwest Florida. signed the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. This Act, which incorporated many provisions 1939 backed by the Seafarers International Union On Wednesday, October 2, 1939 in had passed both houses of Congress-by·sub.. Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, stantial majorities before tt was sent Gulf and Great lakes Districts met for the pur~ Pres~dent. ~ixo!-1 fo~ hif signature•.President. "·~·~e of (iraftfng. a ~onstituti " th~..Seafarers . Nixpn said tht. ~iff m~r~ed the beginning fot+a; "tntemationaf -Uriion: ln.atf4'.f ·.·. on tfieb~ic --new era for the .tirottbfe9 ,maritfme industry .a~£t ; tion, ··wes·"«r;b¢·· y.b~d- oo·· intlU<letl' the '°' yopened the prosp~~·.q(reVjtalization of the . .:: '": : ~ .- . ... ng rules, hospi~J~,~;· · ·. · ,...,; ,., ,:. ';v '<· ·- · ':.i:/µ.,~,r~~i, maritime -·:and strike · :ft~eb . ' .·-;. ,. :."a' nd a cons. TU . Thfbili'wlfi'b~beijt amendment th .fn. 1~.fn SIU men more than vided that in 0 others by means of itS' become a me : provision to construct man must be a. 1~ .f .f ' A 300 new ships for the The constitution foreign trade in the adopted by a vote of next 10 years. The _1,225 in favor: .". . .. _ ., bulk of those 300 t 80 opposed. Th.~' . on the constitutional ships will go to SIU-contracted companies.. L~.m.e.~2?J.l;!n.t,, :~r~"~~t:! ':·:·~;Jules and ih~ ~e~­ <tttent.f.Hkew.fse,. carnet1:. b · : . la e maJ"orities~' ·· . <.::. ::::.::-.::. ·::,:. . ,. .,·~:::..,.'·'"''·"· .,.,;,::::'.::/.=''"··'··'"·''/·'·'"' ': · "Y.L~.· rg . ' .: :,:. ··;,+h~ contribution of American merchant 1952 mariners to their country, in war and In the Seafarers and their children will have an oppor:- pursuit of peaceful commerce, was finally rectunity to get a four~year college education, free ognized in a ceremony which marked the of charge, under a new plan proposea by the unverting of a New York Qty memorial depictSIU and approved by the trustee§ Q(. tlle ing surviving World War lJ seamen aboard a life Seafarers Welfare PJan•.BeginningWith the fall raft. During the ceremony, an honor guard of :-:i~rm:of t 953, four.·mideo.t.$ ye°aHy will receive 23 World War II veteran seamen marched out )fuil·;. :¢.9H~ge scho~a~ljJP.f9f-' $l;5bQ a year for onto the breakWater and stood at attention as a foufy~~rs, good at any;.r~~pgniZtd (Ollege or 144~pound time capsule containing the names unjv.~~J!Y in the U.S. ·and·: @r= any course select.;_;- of the 6,775 mariners who died in WWII was ed. M;oneyalready has been ~set aside by the lowered into the bow of the life raft. Taps was trustees for the scholarship fund to cover the played and a New York Qty fireboat unleashed next four years. a stream of red, white and blue water. This is the first scholarship plan in maritime and Among the honor guard members was SIU one of the few union scholarship plans in the pensioner George Alexander, the only one of U.S. The union scholarship will be enough in the veteran martners present at the ceremony practically all cases to cover aJI tuitions and fees to have served in both World War I and WWII .. and still leave money for ample monthly subsis- The 98-year..old veteran steward department tence payments. member, reflecting on the simple but moving ceremony, said of the recognition of merchant mariners, "It was a long time in coming,·but 1970 . when it did happen, it was beautiful." On October 21, 1970, President Nixon Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG to TUJS MO, .. JM SJU H'•STi0.1ay ...:. Seafarers LOS 17 �final Departures • DEEP SEA under the SIU colors on the York- mar, a Calmar Steamship Corp. ves- DANIEL BOWLER Brother Daniel Bowler, 77, died June 21. He started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S). Brother Bowler shipped in the steward department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by States Steamship Co. He made his home in Richmond, Calif. ROBERT DRAKE Pensioner Robert Drake, 88, passed away July 16. Brother Drake started his career with the MC&S. Born in Kentucky, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Drake started receiving bis retirement stipends in 1976 and made his home in Santa Clara, Calif. BOB FERNANDEZ Pensioner Bob Fernandez, 82, died July 31. Brother Fernandez joined the Seafarers in 1959 in San Francisco. The i;::::..~z:...L.~~"-""'-..J U.S. Army veteran first sailed aboard Delta Steamship's Santa Maria. Brother Fernandez shipped in the steward department and last worked on the President Polk. Born in the Philippines, he started receiving his pension in 1981. Brother Fernandez resided in Virginia Beach, Va. OSCAR FIGUEROA Pensioner Oscar Figueroa, 79, passed away June 16. Brother Figueroa joined the Sill in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Figueroa shipped in the steward department. He last worked on a Sea-Land vessel and began collecting retirement pay in 1981. Brother Figueroa made his home in Orlando, Fla. Brother Napoleon Gavin, 78, passed away June 7. He began his career with the MC&S in 1972 in Seattle. The .__.-..;s.;:.c.~oE....-"""---'-- steward department member worked primarily aboard American President Lines vessels during his career, including the President Jackson. Brother Gavin was born in Mobile, Ala. He made his home in Seattle. HAROLD GRADY Pensioner Harold Grady, 91 , died June 14. Brother Grady joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the po rt of New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1930 t 0 1934. Brother Grady first sailed 18 ( Seafarers LOG sel. The Montana native shipped in the engine department and last went t o sea aboard the Sea-Land Galveston. Brother Grady began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1976 and made his home in san Francisco. J AMES HOLMES Pensioner James Holmes, 77, passed away June 14. Brother Holmes started his career with the MC&S. Born in Wiens, Ark., he shipped in the steward department. Brother Holmes began receiving stipends for his r etirement in 1974 and lived in seattle. '""' JESSIE JAMES Brother Jessie James, 57, died July 18. He began his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, Brother , James worked m the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Keystone State, a Pacific Gulf Marine, Inc . vessel. Brother James lived in his native state in the city of Mobile. ---~,,.,...,,~-.. JOHN LATIMER ~---~.................., Pensioner John Latimer, 91 , passed away June 17. Brother Latimer joined the Seafarers in 1951 m New Orleans. Born in Garrison, Texas, he worked in the engine department. Brother Latimer last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Venture. He began receiving his pension in 1976 and resided in Baytown, Texas. ROY LEE Pensioner Roy Lee, 76, died July 15. Brother Lee launched his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. His first ship was the Alcoa Puritan. Born in Bradley County, Tenn., Brother Lee worked in the engine department. He last worked on the Overseas Artie, an Overseas Bulk Tank Corp. vessel. Brother Lee began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1982. He lived in Cleveland, Tenn. PETER MAZZITELLI Pensioner Peter Mazzitelli, 75, died June 17. Brother Mazzitelli began his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Fabricator, operated by Isco Inc. The New York-born mariner shipped in the steward department and last sailed aboard Westchester Marine's Charleston. Brother Mazzitelli began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1992. He made his home in Gainesville, Texas. ~---------, OTIS McGAFFEY Pensioner Otis McGaffey, 86, passed away July 19. Brother McGaffey started his career with the MC&S . The Texas-born mariner worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1973. Brother McGaffey called Inglewood, Calif. home. shipped in the deck department. His final Pensioner William O'Brien, 76, passed away June 24. Brother O'Brien began his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. The Massachusettsborn mariner served in the U.S. Navy. He first sailed on the Salem Maritime, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Brother O'Brien worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Long Beach. A resident of Waveland, Mass., Brother O'Brien started receiving his pension in 1987. Pensioner Harold Stever, 78, died June 16. Brother Stever started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in North Whales, Pa., he first shipped on Isco Inc. 's Steel Apprentice. Brother Stever shipped in the deck department. He started receiving his pension in 1986 and made his home in Philadelphia. PAUL POWERS DONALD TAWWATER Pensioner Paul Powers, 71, died June 10. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. A military veteran, Brother Powers L--L--.::::i..io.~----' served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. His initial voyage for the Seafarers was on the Columbia Star, a Sea Transport Inc. vessel. Born in Oklahoma City, Okla., Brother Powers shipped in the deck department. He last sailed aboard Westchester Marine's Ultrastar. r state and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. Brother Donald Tawwater, 44, passed away June 6. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Texas, Brother Tawwater worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. The deck department member last sailed on the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Tawwater resided in Dickinson, Texas. BILLIE PRICE Pensioner Billie Price, 75, passed away July 28. Brother Price began bis career with the Seafarers in 1947 in Pennsylvania. The Edgecombe, N.C. native worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. Brother Price shipped in the deck department as a bosun and last went to sea on the Montpelier Victory. The Hertford, N.C. resident began receiving retirement stipends in 1983. ~---------, ROBERT REYMER Pensioner Robert Reymer, 77, died July 24. Born in Illinois, he began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. The :.......i_._;;:...;._._....i engine department member served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1952. His maiden voyage for the SIU was on Ore Navigation's Oremar. Brother Reymer last went to sea on the Houston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1990 and was a resident of Hagerstown, Md. RICHARD SPENCER Pensioner Richard Spencer, 77, passed away June 7. Brother Spencer began his career with the Seafarers in 1946 in New Orleans. The U.S. Army veteran first sailed for the SIU on a Delta Steamship vessel. Born in Washington state, he s.c. JOSEPH ZESCIDTZ WILLIAM O'BRIEN L____ _ _ _ ___, collecting his pension in 1987 and was a resident of North Augusta, n r Vasquez, 91 , died July 17. ~ Brother Vasquez ~ began his SIU career in 1953 in New Orleans. His initial voyage was on Waterman Steamship Corp.'s City ofAlma. Born in Chile, Brother Vasquez shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Finance. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Vasquez started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1980. LONNIE WALKER Brother Lonnie Walker, 58, passed away June 24. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A military veteran, Brother Walker served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1964. He first shipped aboard Bay Ship Management's USNS Bellatrix. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas New Orleans. Brother Walker made his home in Harvey, La. CLINTON WEBB - - - - - - - - . Pensioner Clinton Webb, 77, died July 1. Brother Webb started his career with the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. Born in Wheeling, W. Va., he shipped in the engine department. Brother Webb began Pensioner Joseph Zeschitz, 85, passed away June 19. Brother Zeschitz started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Del Mundo. Born in Hoboken, N.J., Brother Zeschitz shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea aboard Sea-Land Service's Seattle. Brother Zeschitz started receiving his pension in 1982. He resided in Hoboken. GREAT LAKES RONALD KRUG Pensioner Ronald Krug, 65, died June 7. Brother Krug began his SIU career in 1961 in Cleveland. He fust worked on a vessel operated by Erie Sand Gravel Co. Brother Krug was a member of the deck department and last shipped aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1998 and lived in Ohio. JOHN McGREEVY Pensioner John McGreevy, 79, passed away . uly 0. Brother Mc started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. Born in WilkesBarre, Pa., he shipped in the deck department. Brother McGreevy worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, Inc., including the Seniority Men . He started receiving his pension in 1987 and lived in Ashley, Pa. INLAND GERVASE BARTHOLMEY Pensioner Gervase Bartholmey, 69, died June 19. He started his Sill career in 1966 in St. Louis. Born in Stacyville, Iowa, Boatman Bartholmey was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. A member of the deck department, he sailed as a captain. Boatman Bartholmey worked primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels and staned receiving his pension in 1988. He lived in Galveston, Texas. ARTHUR BRYANT Boatman Arthur Bryant, 60, passed away June 11, 2001. He joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Houston. The deck department member worked primarily aboard Higman Barge Lines, Inc. vessels. Boatman Bryant was a resident of Buna, Texas. SAMMIE BUSH SR. Pensioner Sammie Bush ~ Sr., 68, passed away June 21. Boatman Bush began his career with the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Continued on page 20 October 2002 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests ot union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because ot spate limitations, some will lie omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), July I-Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Marvin T. St. George, Educational Director Joel C. Trotter, Engine Delegate Jose A. Quinones, Steward Delegate Donald L. Huffman. Chairman announced payoff July 5 in Jacksonville, Fla. and talked about increase in wages. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $40 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested pay voucher at payoff. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Management), July 7--Chairman David M. Graves, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill Jr. Chairman announced payoff July 10 in Houston. Secretary noted smooth voyage. Educational director reminded everyone to be aware of new shipping regulations and attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested patrolman talk with captain about keeping officers out of crew mess hall during meal hours to give assignments. 1st LT BALDOMERO LOPEZ (Amsea), July 24--Chairman William L. B , ecre ary l-!!!!!!'f'~B'Mrl?..r Bottin" o-, Edttcationa Director Ronald A. Ladd, Deck Delegate Eric Vonzell, Engine Delegate Laurence M. Croes, Steward Delegate Sarni Abdulla. Chairman spoke about importance of attending union meetings. Lots of interesting items are discussed to help crew members, including handouts related to taxes as well as upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. Secretary noted ship's fund is healthy. No beefs or disputed OT reponed. Steward department given hearty vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Saipan. GREAT LAND (IUM), July 30-Chairman Timothy J. Fitzgerald, Secretary Antoinette M. Spangler, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Abraham M. Murray, Steward Delegate Mohamad M. Shibly_ Chairman asked crew members to read amendments to TIJM's harassment policy. He noted that internal audit with IUM went well and that accidents have been kept to low levels the past few years. Some disputed OT reported in the deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted in engine or steward departments. New washing machine has been ordered. HMI BRENTON REEF (Seabulk Tankers), July 29-Chairman Dave S. Coleman, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Engine Delegate Walter E. Garcia. Chairman announced arrival July 30 into Los Angeles port. Secretary suggested mariners take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to improve contract. Crew expressed desire to use e-mail, which was supposed to be set up several months ago. Clarification requested on oilers' pay rate. Octobe,. 2002 /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), July 4--Chairman William K. Barrett, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate James Harris, Engine Delegate Romeo Harriell. Chairman reminded crew members to separate plastic items from regular trash in order to expedite garbage handling. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and common areas clean and orderly. Educational director advised members to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. The school is a state-of-the-art facility and helps keep SIU Seafarers the best-trained mariners in the world. He also reminded everyone to check expiration dates on shipping documents and credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter of clarification received from headquarters regarding previous question. It was read and posted. Request made for another washing machine due to additional riders. Next port: Philadelphia, Pa. KODIAK (CSX Lines), July 30-Chairman Michael Watson, Secretary Scott Opsahl, Educational Director Ronald C. Smith, Deck Delegate Sanford C. Klavano, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Sam Y. a sem. Chairman announced payoff July 30 in Tacoma, Wash. He thailked crew for great run. He also noted that with tightened security, merchant mariner's documents are sometimes requested at security gates for identification purposes. He advised crew to keep these documents in a safe place when carrying them. Fanny packs are a prime target for thieves. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean_ He reminded crew that steward department members live on same deck as galley and mess halls, so try and keep noise down at night. Steward thanked Chief Cook Kassem and GSU Leroy Jenkins for jobs well done. Educational director reminded crew to keep all shipping documents (STCW, TRB, clinic card, etc.) up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Crew members asked to keep door to crew laundry open so that smoke detector does not go off due to humidity. Steward department thanked for job well done. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime). July 28--Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Jimmy Sabga, Deck Delegate Reynaldo Gonzales, Engine Delegate Mohsen M. Said. Chairman announced vessel will load grain for port in Africa following payoff Aug. 5 in New Orleans_ Steward asked that anyone needing new mattress should let him know when trip begins so it can be ordered. He also requested that those leaving ship get clean linens for next crew member. Educational director advised mariners to make use of educational facilities at Piney Point to upgrade skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication received from headquarters in response to question about fresh milk. Requests made for toaster for crew mess and cold drink machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line, Ltd.), July 30--Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. Decesare, Educational Director Joseph H. Brown, Deck Delegate Boyce E. Wilson, Engine Delegate Robert W. Lindie, Steward Delegate Malcolm C. Holmes. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 1 in Balboa, Panama. Secretary thanked his department, especially Malcolm Holmes and Bob Lindie, for all their help. He also asked that everyone pitch in and help keep common areas clean. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He also advised crew to check all shipping documents for expiration dates, particularly noting that z-cards expire every five years. Recommendation made that movies sent by company should be put in movie locker immediately. Clarification requested on mixing of departmental duties. Request made for copy of standard freightship contract. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine meals. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), July 28--Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Glenn Barnes, Deck Delegate Pedro V. Ramos, Engine Delegate Rolando E. Bundang, Steward Delegate Patricia Geras. Bosun posted repair list and asked crew who are having problems with hot water to fill it out. Vessel is going into shipyard next month. Problems should be fixed at that time. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. He advised crew members to upgrade skills rather than wasting time. Treasurer stated $3 ,182 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked to keep noise to a minimum on 03 de ol · o . He also reminded them that all problems or issues should be discussed with departmental delegates or bosun, not topside. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Long Beach, Calif. NEW YORK (ATC), July 27Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Steward Delegate Rolando C. Callejas. Chairman noted orders for upcoming trip are Port Angeles for 24 hours before shifting to Cherry Point, Wash_ Bosun thanked riding gang for chipping and painting outside of house. Several crew members had requested their showers be painted. Paint was backordered and finally came in_ Secretary reminded crew to dog outside doors on crew deck, close elevator doors and protect furniture before sitting with wet clothing. Educational director urged mariners to support SIU and Paul Hall Center and upgrade at every opportunity. He also requested that movies be returned to officer's lounge when finished_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to practice good seamanshiir-including keeping noise down_ Remember, someone is always off watch and might be trying to sleep. SEALAND ACHIEVER (USSM), July 14-Chairman Anthony Maben, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Nicholas A. Viera, Engine Delegate Samuel M. Addo, Steward Delegate Ricky Carter. Chairman announced payoff July 22 in Houston, Texas. Steward reported upcoming replacement of crew mattresses and his attempts to negotiate with ven· dor for higher quality than originally specified. Seafarers reminded to clean lint tray in dryers. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to electrician for troubleshooting and repair of air condi- tioning system. Thanks also given to steward department for good chow. Next port: Charleston, S.C. OT in engine or steward department. Steward department given vote of thanks for good chow. SEALAND COMMITMENT DEVELOPER (USSM), August 4--Chairman Barry M. Carrano, Secretary Terry J. Smith, Educational Director Demarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Arthur F. Saeli Jr., Steward Delegate David Camacho. Chairman asked all members to read Seafarers LOG, especially president's report. Educational director suggested everyone look at IDs and shipping documents to make sure they are still valid. Request made to check (USSM), July 21--Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Panagiotis C. Kanavos, Deck Delegate Gary L. Dates, Engine Delegate Romulo R. Gutierrez, Steward Delegate Luis M. Caballero. Chairman announced payoff July 28 in Houston. He thanked all hands for helping keep vessel clean. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade • Dining al Fresco on the Integrity Crew members aboard the USSM vessel Integrity take advantage of the beautiful July weather to enjoy a meal outdoors. The ship recently paid off in Elizabeth, N.J. skills at Piney Point and be sure STCW training requirements are satisfied. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. SEALAND PRIDE (USSM), July 14--Chairman Jessie L. Thomas J.-.., retary L. Holland, Educational Director Christos Tsipliareles. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Houston. Secretary stated stores will come aboard at that time. Educational director stressed need for all members to complete upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $300 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. USNS SUMNER (DynMarine), July 21-Chairman John R. Wolfe, Secretary Isoline Major, Educational Director Edward J. Krebs, Engine Delegate Jerrol L. Jones, Steward Delegate Willie Toomer. Chairman noted our country is still at war against terrorism. He warned crew members to be careful when going ashore in foreign lands. He also advised everyone to stay off decks in bad weather. Secretary talked about showing consideration for fellow brothers and sisters aboard ship. Educational director reminded crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. DEFENDER (USSM), August 4Chairman William J. Dean, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Henry L. Paquin, Deck Delegate Benedicto Miranda, Engine Delegate Asher J. Liss, Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman suggested crew members check all shipping documents and make sure they' re current. Secretary noted smooth trip. Educational director thanked deck department for good job painting house and recommended everyone take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Beef reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed on distribution of new movies. Steward department delegate noted beef relating to disputed meals; no beefs of disputed OT in deck or engine department. Any beefs or problems aboard ship should go through proper SIU channels, not directly to captain or officers. _ Question raised about rate of reimbursement for transportation by car to join vessel. Next ports: Houston, Texas; Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va_ LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), August 5--Chainnan Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Roman J. Zarkiewicz, Deck Delegate Raymond L. Johnson, Engine Delegate Emmanuel M. Bayani, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Bernardez_ Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Stockton, Calif. He thanked steward department for helping keep ship clean and thanked two GUDEs for helping · support deck department. Secretary asked everyone getting off to straighten up rooms, turn in keys and clean and defrost room refrigerators. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Disputed OT reported by steward delegate; no beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or engine department. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), August 4--Chairman Werner H. Becher. Secretary Richard A. Riley, Educational Director Lawoo S. Shete, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman announced arrival Aug. 6 in Oakland, Calif. with payoff same day. Then moving on to Long Beach. Everyone asked to keep doors locked in port and protect valuables. Chairman reminded members to clean rooms for next person reporting to ship. Educational director spoke about Paul Hall facilities for upgrading maritime skills. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; no beefs or disputed OT in deck or steward department. Discussion held about dogging hatches to engine room to keep out heat, dust and noise. Seafarers L06 19 �Latter to the Edkor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves ·the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and ship-: mates and.will publish them on a timely basis.) Wall Street Clerical Workers. It was men like Paul Hall who gave us the highest standard of living in the world. Without them, the American worker today would be living the life of coolies. Peter Salvo Clarion, Pa. Remembering a Man Dedicated to Labor Thanks to Union For Great Medlcal Plan Paul Hall was one of the greatest union leaders of our time. He died in 1980 after being a member of the executive board of the AFL-CIO. Paul was greatly admired and respected for the leadership and courage he displayed. His strength and foresight will always serve as an example to those who strive to further the mission of the labor movement. My association with Paul Hall, years ago, was as a picket captain on the New York waterfront. We had to battle the commies and company goons, using steel helmets and garbage can lids for shields. Paul Hall helped many unions in distress, especially the The purpose of this letter is to express my gratitude to the union and to the Baltimore hall, especially Port Agent Dennis Metz. For the past year, I have been battling a rare and deadly form of cancer. I have survived at least five major surgical procedures, some lasting fourteen hours and with a recovery period of 30 days or more before I could even stand without the aid of crutches. I can't begin to describe the absolute physical and emotional devastation caused by the postoperative care such as chemotherapy and radiation. I fought hard and stayed positive to conquer this disease. However, the ... .. ... Chao Promises Support .. brunt of the success so far is owed to the union's medical plan, which has provided me with the level of expertise found at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center in Baltimore When it was discovered, the cancer was in its final stage, and the outlook was bleak. Through the skill of the surgeons and my unwillingness to succumb, at last examination it does appear to have been arrested for the time being. I will never be able to repay the debt owed by me to the union, for the price is my very life. As for the quality of professionalism displayed by Dennis Metz and the invaluable assistance he has given me and my wife and children throughout this difficult emotional and financial hardship, I can't thank him enough. Mr. Metz was highly instrumental in securing Social Security disability benefits for myself and family as well as other requests made by me of him. Once again, I wish to declare my highest degree of gratitude to all parties concerned at every level and to very humbly thank you. Gerard T. Costello Dundalk, Md. President Sacco's long time friends-a label that I wear very, very proudly." Continued from page 10 Chao said that the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center "demonstrate the Seafarers' serious commitment to the highest standards of training. They have earned the admiration of government agencies and shipping companies from around the world. I know- I hear it all the time." She recalled frrst meeting Sacco when she served as deputy maritime administrator. "He has always been a person that's welcoming of everyone. He always wanted to talk and listen and I really appreciated his friendship at a time when there were not very many women in the industry," Chao said. "His friendliness, his openness impressed me so deeply and I count myself as one of Final .,O~partµres Contfnuetlfrom page 18 The Alabama-born mariner shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. Boatman Bush started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1996 and made his home in Jackson, Ala. JAMES CARR ------......--, Pensioner Jam.es Carr, 72, died June 30. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, .: " t ·;., · Boatman Carr served in the U.S. Army. A member of the deck department, Boatman Carr last shipped as a captain aboard an Allied Towing vessel. He st.arted receiving retirement compen'sation in 1998. Boatman Carr called Holmes Beach, Fla. home. DAVIDLOMOT Boatman David Lomot, 60, passed away June 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1998 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Lomot 1...-..a..----.~~'-'-'- shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Co. vessels. A native of Staten Island, N.Y., he made his home in North Wildwood, N.J. ~---=--------, 20 Seafarers LOG Maritime Union Presidents Vow Continued Cooperation Continued from page 10 McKay concluded by saying that under Sacco's leadership, he believes the SIUNA will continue to promote the needs and values of working Americans at sea and ashore. He then CHARLES ROUSE Pensioner Charles Rouse, 96, died July 26. Boatman Rouse joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Houston. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the engine department and sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He last worked aboard a vessel operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Rouse lived in his native state and began receiving his pension in 1974. FRED THOMAS Pensioner Fred Thomas, 78, passed away June 3. Boatman Thomas launched his sru career in 1960 in the port of Houston. A L..;:flil!!!i!.c:tzZfilll.~2:1 veteran of the U.S. Army, he first worked for the Seafarers aboard a G&H Towing vessel. A captain, Boatman Thomas shipped in the deck department. He last worked on a Bay Houston Towing vessel and began collecting retirement compensation in 1991. Born in Blanconia, Texas, he resided in Houston. RICHARD TURNER Boatman Richard Turner, 47, died June 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Georgia-born mariner worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels and shipped in the deck department. Boatman pledged his support and that of the AMO, saying, "I look forward to working with the sru to pursue our common political interests including expansion and extension of. the Maritime Security Program." Turner called Jacksonville, Fla. home. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, al/former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Their names appear in alphabetical order with date . of death. The NMU was notified of their demise in August. Name Abbott, Horace Aitto, Ame Andersen, Henry Brown, Mirl Burtnett, Philip Burtnett, Philip Cadiz, William Carter, James Crutcher, William DaCruz, Henrique Damiens, John DeRoche, Marcus Diamond, Jensen Dubowsky, John Gill, Garland Holloway, Jimmie lgle ias, Manuel Jerez, Baltazar King, Billy Loving, John Lucin, Vincent Maldonado, Martin McDonald Melendez, Tomas Meola, Vincent Mertens, Clyde Mitchell, Julian Moberg, Paul Montelon, Salome Thomas, Madison Trusty, Lochiel Vela, Bernardo Villanueva, Enrico Williams, Charles Wilson, Samuel Zambelli, Jack Date of Death July 20 May 13 June 11 June 18 Feb. Feb. July July June 17 17 l0 18 1 July 15 July 4 June 26 July 13 July 11 July 10 June 4 June 23 June 17 June 9 June 29 June 30 July 12 July 16 July 21 July 6 July 11 June 18 June 22 July 16 July 2 May 18 July 4 June 9 June I July 19 Feb. 10 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership 's money and union finances . The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings . . TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights . Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between th uni n and ployer , t y should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a 'm ember 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 Sp~ngs, MD 20746. October 2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from October through December 2002. All programs ate geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students atten,ding any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's "start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations shou e made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the PauUiall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Date Date of Completion Oiler November 11 December 20 Welding October 21 Novembers November 18 December 6 Engine Utility (EU) Date of Completion Course Date Able Seaman October %8 ;:s" November 22 Automatic Radarllotting Aids* Oetober14 October 18 Arrival ""' "' Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland October 25 November 15 November 11 December9 Tanker Familiadzation! Assistant Cargo (DL)* October 18 November 15 "·~;';"'\Detember October 14 October 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (one week) October 28 November 1 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman November4 December9 November 15 December 20 . October 18 December? December 13 October 28 November l October 14 October28 November 18 October 18 November 1 November22 Deeemberl3 December20 December 13 Tankerman (PIC Barge* , 'e·Tighting) Basic Fire ·Fighting/STCW October 25 STCW Medical Care ProVider 13 · · Lifeboatman/Water S\lrvival ;(.: ~~~OS) . October 7 December% (*must have basicjJrefigltting) ·- December 13 ()ctober7 November4 December 2 GMDSS (Sim,ultitnr) Date of Completion Date Course (*must have b4f- ("musJ have r11dfii ilnlll'Hited) November 15 December 20 Safety Specialty Courses Deak Upgrading Courses Arrival October 20 November 25 Academic Department Coul'SllS to computers course will be self~study. .. Steward Upgrading Courses ·· ••• # ••. ~;,:... •• ... .. Be 1repared tor the future ·~ . ·• , Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. .Upgrade your skills lfllJ! . Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning Sept. 28. at the Paul Hall Center. · Recertification ......qctob~r 7 '. .. November 1 .:/:°S:}:t~~-'--·-·---·- ~.::0;£::.2··.~:~ si~::f1:~j:~::~L:::::·~~· : _.-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·i.::~:·s~::.-_::· ~-.~-----J~.· ~.~.i.~·-·-·---:-.--~~~·-·-·~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·­ UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be... sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee <!f $280 with their anplication. The payment should be made with a money order only. pavable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN END DATE DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member 0 If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # Book # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen; Yes D No D Horne Port Endorsement( s) or License( s) now held - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes~ class# _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DNo DYes If yes, course(s) taken ______________ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatrnan Endorsement? D Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- October 2002 LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - -- -- - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75. Piney Point. MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10102 Seafarers LOB 21 .,.. �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman - Aug. 20 was graduation day for members of the most recent able seaman class. In alphabetical order are Billie Jean Gooch, Byron Graham, Rusty Kaufman, Justin Koger, Michael McFarlin, Dain Medow, Harry Morales, Adam Riley, Jennifer Senner and Paul Voison. Tankennan (Plq Barge - Inland boatmen who graduated from the tankerman (PIG) barge class Aug. 9 are (in no particular order) Ronnie Powell, Alfred Acheampong, Paul Narro, Jim Eastman, Carl Wonderly, Joseph Cooper, Ivan Ingram, Eddie Townsend, Stephen Murray, Mike Woolard, Jim DeClark, John Gilston, John Paffrath, Lee McMillan and Robert Rush. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far right. Radar - With their instructor, Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the radar course Aug. 9. They are (in alphabetical order) William Buhrig Ill, David Hawkins, Thomas Higgins, Charles James, Chris Kalinowski and Mark Stabler. Medical Care Provider - Seafarers who successfully completed the medical care provider course recently are (kneeling) Edgar Townsend, (standing, from left} Steve Lewis, Donna Silvia, William Dekker, Lee McMillan, William Parker, Ivan Ingram an Robert Rush. .- GMDSS- Completing the GMDSS course Aug. 9 are (from lefl) Leslie Hollowell, Grant Donley, Danfillci Lfilsh, Kf.m Graybill, Gene Payne, Joseph Meravy and William HaNell. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. , f Bridge Resource Management- Welding - The two-week welding course was completed Aug. 6 by (in alphabetical order) Dominic Arrington, Secundino Arzu, Norman Dauphin, Donald Lumpkins, Sjarifudin Noor, Andrew Peprah, Jeffrey Roddy, Mark Vidal and Jevon Vontoure. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row. 22 Seafarers LOG seatarers who graduated from the bridge resource management course Aug. 30 are (from left, front row) David Hawkins, Chris Kalinowski, William Buhrig Ill, Mark Stabler, (second row) Herb Walling (instructor), Frank Gray, Edward Townsend, James Cunningham and Guy Delgreco. October 2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes • > Fast Rescue Boat - Completing the fast rescue boat class Aug. 30 are (from left) Vladimir Salamon, John Joyce, stan Beck (instructor), Jonathan Buffington and John Boudreaux. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Unlicensed apprentices as well as upgrading Seafarers took part in the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course, which ended Aug. 23. They are (in alphabetical order) Darryl Alexander, Austin Ayers, Christopher Bartholmey, Edward Black, Willie Booker, Justin Bowe, Josette Brown, Caleb Buckley, Edward Cain, Trevor Cohn, James Dewey; Beato Diaz Jr., Maximo Dising, Michael Fernandez, Harold Gerber, Robert Grable, Aaron Matuszny, Joshua McDaniel, Antonio Mendez, Brent Midgette, Lon Molnar, Paul Narro, Jayson Ray, William Ray Jr., Michael Ribeiro, Michael Sinclair and Kevin steen. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the Oil Spill - Seafarers working at Penn Maritime who completed the oil spill class Aug. 16 are (in no specific order) Daniel Cronan. Stephen Hackney, Houston Money, Ronald ~.i.r~~l[l.!11,·· dward Whitfield, James Smith, James Olsen, Jeffrey Cummings, Marc Fitton ay enderson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. --- admissions department so that another Basic Safety Training Classes Benjamin Magliano, Johnny O'Neill, Jack Parkins, Antonio Prazeres, William Racette, Orlando Reveron, Douglas Reynolds, Michael Ribeiro, Edward Rittenhouse, Michael Russo, George Sadler, Michael Santangelo, Michael Sims, Clifton Skinner, Robert Stevenson, Julian Taylor, Robert Taylor, Lowell Topham Jr., Adolphus Young and Royce Barrett. Ahmed Al-Mlhany, Michael Brooks, John Bull, Denis Burke, Mark Gaffney, Stephen Hackney, Bobby Hancock, Glenn Holmes, Walter Jarvis Jr., Joe Johnson, Lavy Lawrence Jr., Shawn Lindley, Kevin Lombardo, Charles Lore Jr. and Abedon Lujan. October 2002 Matthew Alexander, Keith Carter, Lawrence Cram, Stuart Diggs, Maximo Dising, Timothy Dombrowski, Afrizal Efly; Eli Rivera, Mark Field, Nicholas Galmiche, Rafael Gonzalez, Donald Graves, Kenneth Greenidge, Avis Hawkins, Charles Hefley; Reeves Homby, Glen James Sr., Karen Laycock, Kenneth Long Jr., Dennis Hunt and William Behan. Seafarers LOS 23 J �October 2002 Attention: Seafarers Remember SPAD for Job Security • t has been nearly two-and-a-half years since the SIU opened a hiring hall in Guam. And considering the amount of activity there, it has proven a most welcome addition. There's always something to do for Port Agent Matthew Holley and his assistant, Frances Booker. Seafarers can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related union business- just as they do in any other SIU port. But the U.S. territory also is the center hub and major supply point for the Military Sealift Command, and Holley meets with SIU members, including CIVMARS, aboard the ships that are prepositioned there as well as other vessels that enter the area. Located on the third floor of Sunny Plaza in Tamuning, the hall has contracted with a nearby medical clinic in Harmon to provide those members shipping out of Guam or employed on a vessel there the ability to take their annual physical examinations and benzene tests. Holley also assists Seafarers as well as mariners of other nationalities with problems they may be having--contacting family members, relaying messages, sending paperwork home-and never fails to take the time to inform them about the union and its benefits. As treasurer for the Labor Council of the Western Pacific, Holley promotes the Jones Act and is presently working with the council to try and overturn several anti-union laws. The group is trying to form an organization to "Get Guam Working for a Living Wage," to counter "Get Guam Working," an antiunion organization of hotels and -*restaurants in the area. A number of local residents already have completed the unliceMed apprentice training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. • f 1 lsagani Caole, a longtime SIU member and resident of Guam, works aboard the USNS Flint, 2 Port Agent Matthew Holley is flanked by USNS Lummus crew members Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag and SA Shaddad Musa; 3 Steward Delegate Linda Barber signs the patrolman's report before a ship's meeting on the USNS Lummus; 4 Frances T. Booker, secretary at the Guam hall, helps process a claim; 5 Bosun Thomas Minton (left) presents a union book to AB John Williams; 6 AB Lhando Olea just came into the Guam hall from the USNS Kiska with a claim for processing. With him is his wife, Aida. The couple resides in Guam; AB Lemuel Silignon checks his e-mail aboard the USNS Concorde; Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley (right) meets with Matthew Scrofani, ship's chairman on the USNS Concorde; AB Thomas Miles reads the latest LOG on board the USNS Concorde; Waiting for the union meeting to begin aboard the Gopher State is Bosun William Henderson. D � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SCHOOL'S ADVISORY BOARD KEEPS WORKING TO STAY AHEAD OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS SIUNA: 'LEADING THE WAY' NEW MAERSK LINE MSP SHIPS SIGNAL MORE JOBS FOR SIU SIU TO CREW 'ICE-CLASS' SHIP REPORT: FOC SHIP LINKED TO AL QAEDA AB JEFFERY LAGANA IS FIRST SEAFARER TO WIN ACE AWARD LABOR'S BRAVE RESPONSE TO SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON UNIONS NEED FOR STRONG U.S. FLEET INCLUDES MSP, JONES ACT CIVMARS SAIL INTO SAN DIEGO LABOR MOURNS ZENGA ALTAIR, BELLATRIX CREWS SERIOUS ABOUT SECURITY LIBERATOR CREW MEMORIALIZES BROTHER BROOKS AROUND THE PORT OF WILMINGTON WITH THE CREW ON THE ROVER LABOR SECRETARY REAFFIRMS ADMNISTRATION SUPPORT FOR U.S. MERCHANT MARINE MARITIME UNION PRESIDENTS ADVOCATE CONTINUED UNITY SERVING THE MEMBERSHIP IN GUAM Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/1/2002 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. 64, No. 10 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b14f752ceeb83b5d3ec32d8897941aeb.pdf 22959839d2695c5bd789cb6116fbfab5 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 11 November 2002 ... TRANSCOM's Gen. Handy States Powerful Case for Maritime Security Progra Gen. John W. Handy (USAF), Commander, TRANSCOM, last month told Congress that America needs immediate reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program. Page 3. Hands-On Training for Apprentices Practical training is an integral part of the unlicensed apprentice program offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Above, student Edward Willis prepares to close a hatch on the training vessel Osprey. Page 8. SIU Member Honored For Rescue at Sea CIVMAR News Page1 ITF Spotlights Treatment Of Cruise-Ship Mariners ~~~~~~~~~~-Page2 JB Joi s SIU Fleet The union last month welcomed Intrepid Ship Management's newest SIU-crewed tug and accompanying double-hulled barge at a ceremony in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Seafarers are sailing aboard the tug Ocean Reliance and the barge 550-3 (pictured at left). Pictured in the wheelhouse following the christening are (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Capt. George Sadler and SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Page 3. SIU Helps Deliver The (Baseball) Goods When volunteers in Pennsylvania began collecting baseball equipment for donation to kids in Puerto Rico , they quickly were overwhelmed by the strong response . SIU-contracted CSX Lines, working with the Baseball Hall of Fame, stepped up to the plate and voluntarily delivered the gear. Helping sort out the details of the transport are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) and former Cincinnati Reds great Tony Perez, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Page 4. �President's Report Answering the Call In and around the nation's capital, October 's headlines have been dominated by sniper shootings which alarmed the entire ::---ir.......,,..,, region. In fact, the story has received worldwide attention. As of this writing our region finally is breathing a sigh of relief. It appears the killers have been caught. Still, it's rare to get through a conversation around here without the subject coming up. That's understandable, considering both the frequency of the attacks and the fact that everyone Michael Sacco who works at the union's headquarters lives in an area that was at risk. Yet, as consuming as the sniper case has been, the SIU also hasn't taken its eyes off an even bigger story: our nation's potential conflict with Iraq. For some time now, the conventional wisdom across the nation mostly has been, it's not a case of "if' we'll go to war with Iraq, but rather ''when." Whenever the balloon goes up, I know that the SIU and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine will deliver. It is our duty as the nation's "fourth arm of defense." It is also our legacy, from the very beginnings of our country. While the Persian Gulf War presented its own unique challenges 11 years ago, the next conflict with Iraq-whenever it might take place-figures to offer a different set of difficulties. For now, it's unclear how our allies from the last war will react. Also, as in any other industry, shipboard technologies have changed dramatically. Presumably, so have the capabilities of our enemies. Despite the uncertainties, recently it has been heartwarming and inspirational to hear the confidence expressed in the U.S. Merchant Marine by the heads of the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Transportation Command, respectively. As mentioned in my previous column, MSC Commander Rear Admiral David Brewer truly provided a highlight of the SIUNA convention in September when he enthusiastically spoke about his belief in our merchant marine's readiness. He has seen firsthand that we deliver the goods. A few weeks after the convention, TRANSCOM Commander General John Handy went before Congress and, in the course of promoting the Maritime Security Program, noted the U.S. Merchant Marine's reliability and value. His message was crystal clear: America's national security is best served by maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet. There are many other examples of prominent, highly respected people declaring their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, none of which is taken for granted. It's always reassuring to know that others understand our industry's history and its importance. Soon, it seems, we'll have another chance to prove our worth and capabilities as the fourth arm of defense. You know the old saying: What have you done for me lately? That's the only thing that'll matter whenever we get the call. That's why it's so absolutely critical that Seafarers live up to our patriotic history. We must be willing to make sacrifices- just as we did during World War II. We must be willing to support our troops wherever they need us- just as we did in the Korean War. We must be willing to sustain the war effort for a prolonged period- just as we did in Vietnam. And we must be willing to face new and unprecedented threats in order to protect freedom-just as we did during Operation Desert Storm. Naturally, it would be great if war became a thing of the past. Just as it would be welcome news to hear that Saddam Hussein has learned to behave and cooperate. I'm not counting on either of those things happening. But I'm very much counting on every SIU member as well as all of our brothers and sisters from throughout maritime labor to answer the call and deliver the goods. We may not know when the call will arrive, but we are ready. We know our duty, we love our country, and we absolutely will get the job done. Volume 64, Number 11 November 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A . Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB ITF Steps Up Campaign Ta Spotlight Mistreatment Of Cruise-Ship Employees Excessively long hours, very low pay, and management as abusive as anything one might find in sweatshop factories are common on many cruise ships, says a new report jointly published by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the British campaigning organization War on Want. Together with ITF-affiliated maritime trade unions in the United Kingdom (RMT and NUMAST), the two organizations launched the "Sweatships" campaign for the rights of cruise ship employees. The SIU is an ITF affiliate and is active in the federation's worldwide campaign on behalf of cruise-ship workers. In recently announcing the report, the ITF said that cruise lines "offer a dream way of taking a holiday, and 12 million passengers do so every year. But for those working on board, particularly those below decks from the developing countries, the reality can be a dream gone sour." The federation further reported that nearly onethird of the 114,500 maritime and hotel/catering staff members working on cruise ships worldwide are covered by union agreements. But some cruise employers remain hostile to union organization on board. "On these vessels, the ITF Cruise Ship Campaign has found serious abuse of human rights below decks in total contrast to the luxury enjoyed by the passengers above," the federation stated. The ITF is particularly concerned that some crewing agents in poor countries charge new recruits $1,500 or more for airfares, medical costs and so-called administrative fees just to get the job. This violates international labor standards. Cruise companies also take an indemnity from the first month's wages against the worker going AWOL. Such practices tum cruise ship workers into virtual bonded labor, the federation declared. The report's author, Celia Mather, says, "It was a shock to interview people such as an Indian crew member who works in the galley, peeling vegetables for 11 hours a day, six or seven days a week, and some receptionists and cabin stewards from Peru and Lithuania put under sexual pressure by their managers just to keep their jobs. Their anger is palpable, particularly because they were sold a dream ---0f working in a luxury industry. But they soon learned that if they complain they will be sent home at the next port." The ITF has taken up numerous cases of individual cruise ship employees who are mistreated by their employers. It has also assisted in the repatriation of several thousands of crew members left abandoned across the globe as the Premier, Renaissance and Commodore lines went bankrupt in recent years. The Sweatships campaign marks a new phase in ITF activity on the cruise industry, now enlisting the support of the general public and consumers. Cruise-goers in particular are urged to take up cruise workers ' rights with their tour operators when planning a vacation, favoring the cruise companies which have union agreements on board. Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers' Department, said, "This is a highly profitable part of the maritime industry, and many cruise companies are maximizing their profits through putting an unfair squeeze on their workforce, particularly those from poor countries who are desperate for an income. Some cruise lines are getting away with abusive labor practices partly because they register ships in 'flag-of-convenience' countries such as Panama and the Bahamas. We hope that raising public awareness will help us to put more pressure on the international regulatory authorities to take stronger action against bad practices." 'Sweatships': Faots.Abaut ~Cruise Industry 1. About 114,500 :seafarers, both marine and hoteVcaterfng staff, are.wor.king on board cruise ships at any one time, with a total workforce of nearly 150,000 worldwide. 2. About 12 million passengers tat<e a cruise ~very year. The figures have been increasing every year since the cruise Industry took off in the 1970s. 3. Cruise passengers by nationality in 2000 were North American 61 percent; Europeap 22 percent; 'Other' approx- · ''imately 17 percent. The number of European passengers has been growing at r,pughly 15 percent a year since the mid-1990s. 4. With.tn tourism, the cruise industry is one of the two fastest growfng seetors•.WithlnJhe maritime industry, cruise shipping has ~ipped the growth of any other sector since the mki-19a0s. 5. At the turn of the millennium, there ~e ~boµt 4l cruise lines operating around th& wortd;'with near1y.200 veS: sels of 4,500 total gross tonnage and above. 6. W~.re ~ qrt.rise passengers sail: America and the ·Caribbean 58 percent; Eorope'21 percent; Asta 1Tpereent; Other 4 percent 7. Miami fsthe top cruise pert, wfth. needy 3 mtlUon:•"' sengers In 1999. 8. Four giant comparnes dominate the cruise industry: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, P&O Prln_cess, and Star Crui~~- They account for more than hal(the total number of farg~· cruise vessels. merger discussions which would tum the cornbinecf ve?ture into the wortd's largest cruise corporation, QirniVal~ :their main rival, has h;;su~ hosttle takeover bids far ,; P-&O Princess, The merger is l}fldef C<)rlsiqerationby U.S. a~ European trade commlssfons. ·.: · ·· .,.. .., · 10. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, currently being built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St.•Nazaire. F.rance. and due in service from January 2004, Will be the largest vessel in terms of gross tonnage: 150,000. ·.,,,11,. ·. Royat Caribbean·s AdVenture of the Seas, which started sailing Jn late Z001, is the largest by berths: a total of 5,020 passengers and crew. 12~.Ma.gy c.i;µf$f) vessels are flying lhe so-calle9 flag of convenien~ 9{t~,8ahamas or Panama. This,pta~ these. ships tin~ the' ~f :framework of countries. Wttlch.1'are. notonoos.fot nQJ ~ intemationaf. m(titimtii s@." $'~· .-- ' . ,,,., ":;_f '· ,·~·- Federation's New Web Site Shows Candidates' Records The AFL-CIO in mid-October launched a new web site (www.socialsecuritypledge.org) to document candidates' positions on Social Security privatization and adding a genuine prescription drug benefit to seniors under Medicare. "The next Congress will make key decisions that determine the future of Social Security and Medicare. Many candidates are trying to confuse voters about what privatization means and what plans they support. Whether a candidate signs the pledge or refuses to will clearly define his or her position on saving the program as a monthly guarantee or gutting it and letting Wall Street take over," explained AFL-CIO ''"'· a Royat Caribbean and P&O Prince$$ a~ enga~d in President John Sweeney. The new site will be updated daily so those interested in the issue can easily check to see if candidates in their state have signed the pledge in support of Social Security and Medicare. The site only documents where at least one candidate in a race for elected office has signed the .'.>~:,-~ '"'~:~'' ·--~%t pledge. Pledges were mailed to all incumbents and challengers for federal office. As of Oct. 8, 172 Republicans and Democrats have signed the pledge. Their names, as well as the names of their challengers, are documented on the site. "The pledge asks a straightforward question that the public deserves to hear answered," said Sweeney. "Changing Social Security would affect more than 46 million people today and millions more in the future." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Wednesday, December 25 for the observance of Christmas Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2002 �Chief Backs MSP TRA Gen. Handy Delivers Airtight Case for Reauthorization The head of the United States Transportation C~m­ mand (TRANSCOM) last month urged Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). In the strongest possible terms, U.S. Gen. John W. Handy declared his support for the MSP and explained in detail how the program benefits America. Gen. Handy appeared before the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee on Oct. 8. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.) chairs the panel. TRANSCOM is responsible for all of the U.S. military's sealift assets. The MSP program, set to expire in 2005, helps maintain a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American citizens. Participating ship operators agree to make their vessels and other transport-related resources available to the Department of Defense in times of war or national - tr o l and global response capability. As .we look at operations on multiple fron in upport of the war on terrori m it is clear that our limited defense resources will increasingly rely on partnerships with industry to maintain the needed capability and capacity· to meet our most ~eali Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.) while still maintaining a noted that some foreign . commercial presence). A crews refused to deliver lot of the discussions about U.S. materiel during the MSP reauthorization ultimately have an impact on Persian Gulf War. "A viable U.S. mariner mariner availability- the capacity precludes those lack of viable U.S. shipping sorts of things from becom- determines the success or ing a reality," the general availability of the mariner answered. "Every endeavor pool." of Gen. Segments that we can take as a nation to secure and sustain a Handy's testimony follow: "MSP is a cost-effective viable U.S .-flag shipping and mariner capability, program that assures guarfrom a [Defense Depart- anteed access to required ment] perspective we ab- commercial U.S.-flag shipsolutely, categorically sup- ping and U.S . Merchant Mariners, when needed. port-no questions." In other discussions The alternative to MSP is, with the panel, Gen. Handy ultimately, reliance on forstated that America must eign-flag vessels manned maintain a shipbuilding by foreign crews during crisis. MSP provides the security of resources we "MSP reauthorization is, without must have in a very uncertain world fraught with question, the linchpin in our asymmetric threats. MSP ' ensures the development wartime U.S. commercial sealift and sustainment of critical strategic partnerships favcapability .... MSP reauthorization orable to the United States. And, MSP helps ensure the now is a national security imperative viability of America's merchant mariner pool needed of the highest magnitude" to activate the Reserve Fleet. MSP makes sense. -Gen. John W. Handy,'TRANSCOM Commander We can't afford not to invest in MSP. I strongly advocate for swift reauthorization. At the same time, if the capability. H "MSP is a critical comcribed ealift a P weren' t renewed the rnment would face the greate t ontri utor to our ponent of our strategy untm , multi-billion dol- force projection capability which recognizes and relies lar prospect of replacing over the long term." upon significant augmentathe assets currently availThe general was asked if tion from the U.S. commerable through the program. America has the mariner cial sealift industry to supThe latter ceaario, though pool needed for an activa- port the warfighter's needs. it seems very unlikely, tion. He answered, "As a We limit our organic fleet would require planning that nation, we ought to be con- to those assets Jhat the already would be late if it cerned about our mariner commercial sector cannot began today. pool. Today, we probably provide. Only 33 percent of After submitting his tes- have the mariners we need the vessels we may require timony, Handy answered to operate the ships that we reside in our organic fleets. questions from the panel. would activate (in war The remainder of the sealift demanding wartime scenarios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future." SIU This summer, President Michael Sacco led a group of maritime union officials in urging Congress to extend the program by an additional 20 years and expand the MSP fleet to at least 60 vessels. The maritime labor delegation pointed out that the nation can't afford to wait for MSP reauthorization, in part because operators need time to plan for replacement tonnage and other considerations to sustain the program beyond 2005. Seafarers Crew Up Newest ATB Foul weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 100 people who celebrated the christening of Intrepid Ship Management's newest SIU-crewed tug and accompanying double-hulled barge Oct. 18 in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Seafarers are sailing aboard the 9,280-hp tug Ocean Reliance and 155,000-barrel barge 550-3, which together form a state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge (ATB). The ATB was built by The Manitowoc (Wis.) Company, Inc . . SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Representative Todd Brdak represented the union at the christening, which took place in a steady downpour of rain and sleet. An ATB has a hinged connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. The new ATB tank vessel incorporates the latest advances in environmental protection and safety while addressing increased efficiencies in hose handling, anchoring, mooring, discharge and The barge 550-3 is designed for safety and loading of product. · efficiency. The 550-3 is double hulled and the tug is double sided. The barge ria, and has a foam-capable fire monhas an inert gas system as well as an itor; twin fuel-efficient reduced emisenhanced cargo system and a fully sion electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades redundant ballast system. The Ocean Reliance meets all to increase crew comfort. The comSOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and munication and navigation equipment American Bureau of Shipping crite- is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today. Left: SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) and Chief Engineers Bob Carroll (left) and Marc Grantham were on hand to welcome the new ATS . Right: SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (center) and Seafarers Marc Grantham (left) and Bob Carroll examine the Ocean Reliance after its christening. Naflember 2002 Gen. John W. Handy (USAF), Commander, TRANSCOM capacity needed to transport military equipment and supplies comes from the commercial sector. Looking ahead, the War on Terrorism could eventually push our baseline requirement for commercial sealift even higher. "MSP reauthorization is, without question, the linchpin in our wartime U.S. commercial sealift capability, through its integral support of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). VISA is a threeprogram that pha ed enables time-phased access to militarily useful U.S.flag commercial dry cargo sealift capacity. VISA is cost-efficient because it contractually provides assured access to commercial U.S. sealift assets, mariners, and intermodal capacity when required, releasing the American taxpayer from otherwise bearing the procurement, overhead, and maintenance costs of a profoundly larger organic military capability. Our current organic military fleet is much improved over just 10 years ago and is structured to support our surge requirements in time of conflict. However, the bulk of large-scale sustainment sealift in times of major conflict resides with the commercial sector ·that we also depend on for day-today support of peacetime requirements. That is what makes the VISA-MSP link such a perfect fit. MSP and VISA are truly complementary force multipliers. We need both MSP and VISA. MSP's guaranteed access to vessels, combined with VISA's capacity and supporting global intermodal infrastructures fulfills the sealift requirements to meet war fighter needs.... · "We need MSP now. MSP in it~ current construct Continued on page 10 NY Waterway Adds 2 Ferries SIU-contracted NY Waterway recently added two more boats to its rapidly expanding fleet of passenger ferries. The company, based in Weehawken, N.J., christened the Fred V. Morrone on Aug. 13 and the Enduring Freedom on Sept. 3. NY Waterway owns 35 ferries and charters about a dozen more. Five more ferries are on order. The Enduring Freedom and the Fred V. Morrone each can carry 97 passengers at more than 30 knots. They will transport customers from Queens to lower Manhattan and back. NY Waterway noted that the Enduring Freedom was named in honor of the heroes of September 11 and the war against terrorism, while the Morrone was named for the 37 port authority police officers who died during the attack at the World Trade Center. Fred Morrone was the superintendent of police for the Po·r t Authority of New York and New Jersey. The SIU represents captains and deckhands aboard NY Waterway ferries . Those Seafarers evacuated more than 160,000 people from Manhattan on September 11. NY Waterway is the largest privately owned commuter ferry operator in the United States. This past summer, the company became the first private ferry operator in the nation to require its captains and deckhands to complete a formal course in crowd management. Two years ago, NY Waterway became the first to estab.lish STCW Basic Safety Training as a requirement for captains and deckhands. Seafams LOG 3 �Quickly But Cautiously, Sealarers Help Rescue 5 Cuban Refugees Editors note: AB Tom Komenda recently submitted the following article about a rescue at sea that involved special security considerations. On Friday, August 9 at 1135 the Maritrans/Interocean Ugland Management tanker Perseverance (bound for Beaumont, Texas) was two days west of her last port of call, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. She was on a course of 290 degrees, her position was 22-47N, 078-34.5W and 11 nautical miles north of Cayo Coco, Cuba when the 1200-1600 AMO 3n1 Mate (on bridge watch) Bill McNiel noticed a small craft in the distance. After a closer look, the persons on board appeared to be waving their arms and oars. At 1136 the mate on watch notified the captain of a possible refugee craft. Once confirmed, he contacted the Coast Guard in Miami. At 1145 the Coast Guard advised our vessel to "slow, maneuver and pick up migrants." The mate on watch then sounded the general alarm and all hands to emergency stations. The wind and seas were calm that morning so Captain Jim Todd decided to lower the accommodation ladder instead of launching a lifeboat. By the time the ladder was rigged into position the tanker was stop-dead, making no headway, and the refugee vessel bore 500 yards off her starboard bow. The refugees paddled desperately but with smiling faces toward the ship. As the rickety craft, rigged with inner tubes, a sheet for a sail and five sunburned Cubans inched closer, Capt. Todd wondered out load if he were doing the right thing. In light of the aftermath of 9/11, shipboard security is para- Lakes Pact Inked The new Great Lakes Standard Freight Ships Agreement was signed Sept. 10 during the 35th annual meeting of the Paul Hall Center Advisory Board in Piney Point, Md. Bargaining committee members present during the signing were (from left) Chris Kamm and Joe Sullivan of Kinsman/Great Lakes Associates; Kevin McMonagle of American Steamship Company (ASC); SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski; Roy Walker of Kinsman/Great Lakes Associates; Kathy Elinski of ASC; and SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton. Also serving on the negotiations committee (but not pictured here) were John Young of U.S. Great Lakes Fleet; Gerry Grammenos of Cleveland Tankers; Jeff Covinsky and Ed Hogan of Hannah Marine; and SIU Representative Todd Brdak. SIU members on the Lakes unanimously approved the contract. Seafarers-Crewed CSX Hawaii Carries Baseball Gear to Kids It began with a charitable but seemingly small-scale idea. A man in Newtown, Pa. wanted to donate some old youth baseball equipment that still was in great shape. Soon, volunteers from throughout the community joined the effort- leading to a packed garage full of quality baseball gear. Enter SIU-contracted CSX Lines, the Baseball Hall of Fame Meeting last month in Washington, D.C. to help cement plans for voluntarily transporting youth baseball equipment to kids in Puerto Rico are (from left) Mark Ruge of the law firm Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds; SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez; Baseball Hall of Fame member Tony Perez; CSX Lines CEO Chuck Raymond; and Baseball Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey. 4 Seafarers LOG mount and even more so on board tankers. Various security alerts and bulletins, including updated terrorist threats learned by the U.S. government, have become routine. "Isn't the terrorist prison camp for the al Qaeda and Taliban at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba?" quipped one crew member. The migrant vessel was now alongside and the crew was in place for a humanitarian rescue. First aid equipment, stretchers, automatic external defibrillators and fresh water were laid out and available next to the top of the ladder for emergency assistance. In case there was to be any unruliness on the part of the migrants, the first man to greet them was 215 lb., former Puerto Rican police officer, AB Hector Cumba. Next up was a 6-foot-4, 250-lb. AB named Dave Harvey, equipped with baton and plastic cable ties for handcuffs if needed. They boarded one at a time and were searched thoroughly for contraband. Their confiscated baggage was searched; it contained old clothing and identification. They were five males, ages 25-45 and spoke no English (AB Cumba translated). They appeared sun-weary and seasick. The men had said they had been out at sea for five days and had not eaten since, although they did have a small amount of fresh water on board. The men were then led to the decontamination showers on the main deck. Capt. Todd instructed the emergency party to sink the small craft. Bosun Jim Bishop had the honors. Equipped with PFD (personal flotation device) and lifeline, he made his way down the ladder, slashed the tubing, flooded the small compart- Key Transportation Forum Tackles Treatment of Crews, Shipboard Security Issues The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) tackled a wide range of security-related issues at its recent forum in Greensboro, N.C., and the maritime industry got its share of attention. SIU President Michael Sacco served on the maritime panel, headed by the chief of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. David Brewer. Also appearing on the panel were Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; Bethann Rooney, manager of port security for the Port of New York & New Jersey; Raymond Ebeling, president and chairman, American Roll-on Roll-off Carriers; and John Reinhart, CEO of Maersk Line, Ltd. The 56th annual forum-with the theme "Transportation Security-Global Changes, Challenges and Solutions"-took place Sept. and the Roberto Clemente Sports City, which coordinated efforts to transport the equipment to kids in Puerto Rico. CSX Lines voluntarily carried the cargo from Elizabeth, NJ. to Carolina, P.R. aboard the SIU-crewed CSX Hawaii. The parent company also arranged for ground transportation in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. "Youths are the future of baseball. By providing baseball equipment to those less fortunate, we are ensuring that baseball continues to develop for a new generation of aspiring athletes," said Brad Hom, a spokesman for the Baseball Hall of Fame. "The generosities of CSX Lines, the Roberto Clemente Sports City and the volunteers that provided this equipment are symbols of the enduring spirit found in this great game." The Clemente Sports City is a popular, multi-purpose athletics and education center named in memory of the Pittsburgh Pirates' late right fielder who died in a plane crash while on a humanitarian mission in December 1972. Clemente posthumously entered the Hall of Fame the following year. 29-0ct. 2. It featured high-ranking officials from throughout all sectors of the nation's transportation industries. The forum's sponsor is a nonprofit educational association organized in 1944 and dedicated to Defense Transportation preparedness. Sacco told the audience about some of the security concerns shared by maritime labor; steps n o that h un·on h , improve security; and some additional possible solutions. He emphasized the need for a reliable means of verifying identities of foreign mariners arriving at U.S. ports. He also noted the recent lack of consistency from port to port, both within the U.S. and internationally, in enforcing security measures-and specifically in the treatment of crews. For example, Sacco pointed out that by some estimates, 20 syste ' In a retat ment with a firehose and sank the craft. The migrants were given showers and the 2nd mate's clean clothing, then quarantined on board in the crew lounge where they were fed a hot, hearty meal. The Coast Guard was made aware of the situation. A time and position was set up for a rendezvous with the Coast Guard vessel Block Island out of Key West for transfer. All the Cuban men departed safely. So congratulations to the crew of the tanker Perseverance in their professionalism to duty and concern for the safety of fellow man. They handled the situation in the true tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine, by hearing the call and answering without delay. I would have liked to have been on the main deck to see the uien and their boat but I was summoned by Capt. Todd to be the helmsman. - AB Tom Komenda percent of the private oil terminals in Houston have denied leave to crews, including those from U.S.-flag ships. Some ports also at least occasionally have barred crew changes. "Obviously, no one is arguing against being cautious," Sacco told the forum. "The problem is consistency." He described the anti-terrorism training received by every student at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.) as well as other security-related courses offered at the school, such as damage control and CBRD (chemical, biological, radiolo ical defense . In summary, he stated, "The SIU and the other unions are extremely committed to working with the NDTA, MSC, the Maritime Administration, the Coast Guard, the Office of Homeland Security, the numerous international organizations including the IMO and ILO, the ports and the shipping companies to improve and ensure maritime security. We will do whatever it takes." ment. members from the ~U now may fufly uti· lize the u ortunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Tff!fQJttj''attd Education in Piney Point, Md. Previously. they could on!Y -·· io certain courses as diptated by NMU funding. tne MSC Commander Promoted Rear Admiral David Brewer, USN, a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, became the U.S. Navy's newest three-star admiral when he was promoted Oct. 23, 2002, by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vern Clark at ceremonies on the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Rear Adm. Brewer is the commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, the command responsible for the Navy's 120 noncombatant ships operating worldwide. Many of those vessels are crewed by Seafarers. Rear Adm. Brewer becomes one of only 32 officers that hold the Navy's second-highest rank. As commander, Rear Adm. Brewer has led the MSC support of the war against terrorism. MSC has been at the forefront of the U.S. response, delivering a variety of services and supplies to U.S. and allied forces around the world. November 2002 �.... ............................_ _..~-----------~----------------------------~~~-- - Maersk Missouri Joins U.S. Fleet Seafarers Begin Crewing 'G-Class' Vessel SIU members last month began reporting to the newly reflagged (and renamed) Maersk Missouri, one of the modem Panamax "G-class" vessels which Norfolk, · Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. will operate in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The Maersk Missouri reflagged under the Stars and Stripes on Oct. 18. It was scheduled to sail from Crete on Nov. 3. As previously reported, Maersk Line, Ltd. on Sept. 25 announced plans to purchase four G-class vessels for operation in the MSP. The vessels replace four older and slower ships enrolled in the program. For Seafarers, the announcement car·ried good news on several fronts. Not only are the G-class vessels-the Maersk Missouri, Maersk Carolina, Maersk Georgia and Maersk Virginia-newer than those they replace, they also carry more unlicensed personnel. Also, the contract covering the new ships calls for increased · wages for Seafarers. The G-class ships were built between 1997 and 2002. Each has 4,300 TEU capacity, nearly three times as much as the vessels they're replacing. Additionally, each of the G-class vessels is 958 feet long, with a 106-foofbeam and a 44-foot draft. Each ship can travel at greater than 24 knots. Maersk plans to operate the four ships between the U.S. East Coast and ports in Cruise Ship Conman Still At Large, ITF Cautions Maritime unions worldwide have received a new warning to be on the lookout for a conman who has cheated more than 120,000 desperate job seekers out of millions of dollars. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) early last month issued a warning to its affiliates about the shady "businessman" who has di appeared after embezzling million in o- ailed health · check fees from ap licants for work on cruise ships that do not exist. The ITF believes that the perpetrator may already be setting up a new racket under a different name. Job seekers in nine countries have been cheated, an investigation by the maritime magazine Fairplay revealed. The man is unlikely to stop trying his scheme unless prosecuted, the ITF warned. "There are two ways to stop this scam," said ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft. "One is to ·arrest and prosecute those involved. The other is to In May, the ITF was make the fraud so well known that no one can be first to publicly label the Al cheated by it." Najat scheme as a fraud. "One of the features of The ITF has called on this racket was the speed governrnents that harbored with which the victims lost . or cooperated with the their money," he added. company to prosecute "We are asking affiliated Pasha and to act to recover unions worldwide to in- the millions he has stolen. form us as soon as they At least in Kenya and become aware of any sight- Morocco, the key to the ing of Ali Pasha or a new success of the fraud was the active participation of scam." Muhammad Ali Pasha, those countries' employwho may also use the ment ministries in promotname SA Mohammed Ii ing the scheme, the ITF Pasha and Sajjad Akbar, stated. The ITF has passed a has cheated thousands across Kenya, Syria, Indo- file on Al Najat to the internesia, India, Pakistan and national police organizaMorocco. The operation in tion Interpol, as well as the Kenya was halted in May, British Serious Fraud only after the ITF revealed Office. Pasha has boasted it as a fraud. of frequently doing busiVictims of the con part- ness in London, though his ed with up to $1,600 in claim to British and Pakmedical examination fees, istani passports has not illegal charges made by been confirmed. local agents of Pasha's "We call on all those company, Al Najat Marine governments to do now Shipping, and passport what they should have charges levied by govern- done long ago, and begin ments. Many sold all they real investigations into had to pay the fees, after Mohammed Ali Pasha and being promised high wages how they came to support him," said Cockroft. on board a cruise ship. SIU VP, Calif. Governor Discuss U.S. Fleet SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (left) took advantage of the chance to discuss the U.S. Merchant Marine with Calif. Governor Gray Davis during a recent forum in San Francisco. "It was a great opportunity to talk about a number of maritime-related issues, including port security and the importance of the U.S.-flag fleet," noted Marrone. November 2002 the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. Maersk Line, Ltd. supports each of the branches of the U.S. military by providing ocean transportation services under con- tract with the Military Traffic Management Command and vessel operations services for the Military Sealift Command. The company is a participant in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. ITF Affiliate Unions Promote Safety ·on World Maritime Day Maritime trade unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), including the SIU, celebrated World Maritime Day's focus on safety Sept. 26 by organizing events under the theme "Give Seafarers the Freedom to be Safe." ITF-affiliated unions in an estimated 50 countries marked the day with events expressing the safety and employment concerns of their members. The activities included seminars, demonstrations, and meetings with governrnent officials and shipowners to explore the best .ways to achieve safer shipping. World Maritime Day is promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to highlight the importance of the maritime industry and areas of concern such as safety and environmental protection. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft noted, "The ITF and it affiliates worldwide are glad to participate in an event designed to unite governments, seafarers and employers in a mission to improve the lives of- and recognize the importance of -all those who work at sea." He added, "Safety must be the primary concern of everyone involved in shipping. Human and trade union rights are an essential part of this. Giving seafarers the freedom to be safe means developing a fair and sustainable industry, where seafarers' expertise and training is respected. We have no doubt that respect for th_e human and trade union rights of seafarers is inextricably linked to the safety of the ship on which they serve." ITF affiliates participated in activities in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Georgia, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu and Ukraine. World Maritime Day Letter Signals New Support in Energy Sector For Offshore Mariners United Efforts to promote the rights of Gulf of Mexico mariners to choose for themselves whether to be represented by a union have been boosted significantly by strong support from a coalition of labor unions in the nation's oil capital of Houston. The expanded support was demonstrated on World Maritime Day (Sept. 26) when leaders of the Harris County (Texas) AFL-CIO Central Labor Council (CLC) delivered a letter to Houston-based Trico Marine Services Inc. demanding that Trico end its longstanding anti-worker campaign and agree to fully respect the freedom of association and freedom of speech rights of its employees. The letter was signed by Harris County AFLCIO CLC President E. Dale Wortham and Sec- retary-Treasurer Richard Shaw, and delivered in person to Trico's Houston headquarters. A copy of the letter was also mailed to Trico's Houston headquarters. In delivering the letter, the two union officials were accompanied to the Trico offices by a delegation of more than 20 mariners and representatives of unions from throughout the Houston area. A day earlier, repre· sentatives of OMU had addressed a gathering of officials and members of some of the 74 labor organizations affiliated to the Harris County CLC. At that gathering, numerous council-affiliated unions, including a number of organizations deeply involved in the energy sector, pledged support for OMU's campaign against Trico's anti-worker policies. The OMU's campaign seeks an end to the Trico · policies and practices that have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among workers. The World Maritime Day letter specifically calls on Trico to stay neutral on the question of union representation for Trico mariners, to allow freedom of speech between mariners and union representatives and to engage in the Constructive Resolution Agreement put forward by the U.S. maritime unions. The four U.S. maritime unions that jointly form the OMU are the American Maritime Officers (AMO); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Seafarers International Union (SIU). Seafarers LOB 5 -- - - - �Highly Regarded CEO Mt:Millen Dies at 67 named a building after. He set the standard for labor relations in our company and he took a lot of pride in good relationships." Garvey described McMillen as someone who treated everyone respectfully-from the doorman to the fellow CEO. "That was part of his character that I really liked," Garvey said. "Also, he always was a really charitable guy. He didn't talk about a lot of those types of activities, but I know for a fact he was quick to help-financially and with his time." Saltchuk President Mark Tabbutt called McMillen "an amazing person. At TOTE, he was so popular with the customers and all the employees -every employee. The labor leaders and the competitors respected him. In a job like he has, to win over all those audiences is pretty remarkable." Tabbutt added that McMillen "was probably the best listener I've ever met. When he talked to you, he was so focused on what you were saying. But it went beyond just the words- he read people so well." At the simulator dedication, Robert Magee, president and CEO of TOTE, said McMillen's lasting legacy to the transportation industry will be the reinvestment that he has helped promote. He also said McMillen "always demonstrated respect for the men and women who work in our company and respect for the people who represent them in labor. He always attempted to understand their point of view because he recognized that we are all in this together." McMillen previously served as president and CEO of TOTE, from 1977 to 1993. A native of suburban Pittsburgh, he graduated from Denison University of Granville, Ohio and served in the U.S. Air Force. His list of civic activities is overwhelming. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the Alaska Committee; a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Washington Foundation, chairman of the Tyee Board of the University of Washington (which advises the athletic department) and a vicechairman and a member of the Board of the Swedish Medical Center Foundation; a member and director of the Washington Roundtable; member of the Seattle Rotary Club; member of the Board of Directors of the Sports and Events Council of Seattle/King County; member of the Board of Directors of Northwest Racing Associates of Auburn, Wash.; member of the Board of Directors for Key Bank of Washington; member of the Board of Trustees of the Washington State Chapter of Leukemia Society of America; member and director of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce; member of the Board of Trustees of the Transportation Institute in Washington, D.C.; member of the Propeller Club of the United States; and a member on the Board of Trustees of Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska, and Life Center Northwest. He also was a member and past chairman of the Board and past president of the Management Council of the American Trucking Association. Services were scheduled for Oct. 24 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. Remembrances may be made to the Northwest Kidney Center Foundation, P.O. Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114, or Harborview Medical Center, McMillen Memorial Fund, N.W. Lipid Research Clinic, Box 359950, Seattle, WA 98104. Seafarer Barrett Mitchell· Recognized for Rescue zation. Mitchell was a crew member aboard the USNS Charlton while the vessel was at anchor in Diego Garcia on the night of March 30, 2002. He was on a launch returning to the ship when a stop was made to discharge two passengers to the Gus Darnell at anchorage. Gusting winds and rough waters hampered the operation, and the two individuals fell overboard as they tried to reach their vessel's accommodation ladder. According to a letter of com- mendation to Mitchell from Maersk Line, Ltd. (which operates the Charlton), the launch operator moved away from the ship because he feared that the people in the water might be caught in the propellers or crushed between the hulls of the two vessels. At the same time, his deckhand tossed two life rings. "The wind and current quickly swept both rings out of the struggling victims' reach," notes the letter. "You quickly realized that rescue efforts had stalled and the tiring swimmers were in danger of drowning before the ship or launch could rescue them. You dove into the water, retrieved one of the drifting life rings and swam to the aid of the victims. Your actions gained precious minutes, which allowed the ship time to lower its gangway into the water and retrieve the crew members. Your lifesaving aid to fellow seafarers upheld the oldest tradition of the sea and gained the respect of all those who know and serve with you.': Robert "Bob" McMillen, a widely appreciated maritime company official and philanthropist, passed away Oct. 12 after battling both kidney and heart disease. McMillen, 67, died at his home in Bellevue, Wash. "He was an exceptional guy and a genuine man of his word," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob was honest and kind-a real partner and friend. He was very charitable in the community and a very valuable ally in the effort to strengthen the U.S. fleet." McMillen served as co-chairman and chief executive officer of Saltchuk Resources, Inc. (the parent company of TOTE). In June 2001, the new simulator building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. was named in his honor. ''He was extremely proud of having that annex named after him," noted Michael Garvey, cochairman/CEO of Saltchuk. "What made him particularly proud is, he's only the second businessman that the school has Brown, Crowley Tapped for AOTOS Awards GUDE Barrett Mitchell is scheduled to receive an award this month for his heroic actions earlier this year when he helped save two mariners from another ship who had fallen into the water in Diego Garcia. Mitchell will receive a "Mariner's Rosette Award" during the 33rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) ceremony, hosted by the United Seamen's Service. This year 's event is slated for Nov. 8 in New York. The primary AOTOS awards will be presented to Thomas Crowley Jr., president of Crowley Maritime Corp.; and Capt. Tim Brown, president of the Masters, Mates & Pilots. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will present Crowley's award, while International Longshoremen 's Association President John Bowers will present Brown's 'Something Drastic Was About lo Happen' GUDE Barrett Mitchell award. Additionally, a special AOTOS award will be given to Tal Simpkins, president of the United Seamen's Service, for two decades of service to the organi- Discussing Maritime in Seattle SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (left) recently participated in a breakfast reception for U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) (second from left) in Seattle. Approximately 70 people attended, many from the maritime industry. Among the topics discussed by Rep. Baird and the attendees were U.S. Maritime Security Program reauthorization and expansion; port security and homeland security; and pro-maritime legislation cosponsored by U.S. Reps. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Don Young (R-Alaska). Pictured with Powell and Baird are (from left) MEBA Representative John Mccurdy, MEBA Patrolman Mike Jewell, SUP Branch Agent Mike O'Halloran and Puget Sound Pilots President Capt. Bill Bock. 6 Seafarers LOG Bob McMillan addresses the crowd at the simulator building dedication in June 2001. As Barrett Mitchell watched the pair of mariners struggUng in the water, he quickly realized two things. One, "something drastic was about to happen." Two, "I never would have forgiven myself if I hadn't tried to hetp. I knew I at least was capable of retrieving the fife ring and bringing It to them." With those thoughts. Mitchell dove into the water, retrieved a drifting life ring and gave it to the other mariners (a man and a woman). "They took it and that kept them afloat until the gangway was lowered to -them," Mitchell noted. The Seafarer said he was confident throughout the ordeat "I'm a pretty strong swimmer, and the only time I thought about the sharks was when I was swimming back to the launch,• he added with ~ chuckle. MitcheU, one of about 10 people aboard the launch, said he didn't g~t the names of the people he assisted. Their vessel departed early the fotlowing morning. "The current was rough, and you could tell they were getting exhausted;' he said. "The situatiof) was becoming dire." Evidence Suggests Terrorists Attacked French Oil Tanker, Killing One Mariner Investigators recently uncovered compelling evidence that the Oct. 6 explosion which heavily damaged a French oil tanker off the coast ofYemen and killed one mariner was the result of terrorists using a small boat. The Limburg, chartered by Malaysia International Shipping Corp., a subsidiary of Malaysia's state-owned oil company Petronas, was loaded with 400,000 barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia. A newly built double-hulled super tanker, the French-flagged ship was on its way to Yemen's Ash-Shihr oil terminal to load another 1.5 million barrels of crude when the attack occurred. An explosion left a gaping hole in the vessel's hold near the waterline, causing the discharge of more than 50,000 barrels of heavy crude into the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Aden. One crew member, a Bulgarian mariner, lost his life during the incident. As many as 17 others from the 25-man crew were injured. Despite early claims by Yemeni officials that the explosion was an accident, French investigatorsworking with U.S. and Yemeni counterparts aboard the Limburg-have found pieces of wood, metal and other materials believed to be debris from another boat. Officials close to the investigation say this physical evidence reinforces the account of a mariner aboard the Limburg that he saw a small vessel about to ram the tanker just prior to the explosion that caused a massive fire. "The preliminary results of the inquiry conducted by French, Yemeni and American investigators lead us to believe that the explosion suffered by the French oil tanker Limburg was due to an attack," the French Foreign Minister said in an Oct. 10 statement. "The course of the inquiry will enable the verification of these first results and determine the exact causes of this explosion." The former evidence was discovered as investigators scoured the tanker's hold in the vicinity of a huge hole near the waterline. Authorities said that experts from France's premier anti-terrorism agency, the DST, determined that the materials were consistent with a small boat and suggested a seagoing attack with explosives. Published reports quote a French law enforcement official as saying, "They found pieces of wood and other materials that apparently come from a small boat. This looks more an more like a terrorist attack." Investigators also found metallic debris at the blast site that they suspect came from such a craft, another French official said. Yemeni officials are investigating the possibility that the explosion may have been set off by remote control. November 2002 �Lakes Cargoes Increase in September A much-welcomed increase in the U.S.-flag carriage of dry-bulk cargos in September was realized on the Great Lakes. According to a Lakes Carriers' Association (LCA) release, cargos totaled 11.5 million net tons during the month-a nine percent hike over the mark registered during the same period a year ago. Officials said that with the foregoing increase to its credit, the Great Lakes fleet now has narrowed the margin with last season to 4.3 percent. And while they say that the remaining fall-off still is significant, they remain optimistic because the gap was 19 percent at the end of April of this year. In the iron ore cargo sector, carriage totaled 5.2 million net tons in September-an increase of 13.6 percent compared to a year ago. For the season, the U.S.-flag ore float is still 6 percent behind last year's total. In other developments, stronger demand for western coal pushed the fleet's September coal total to 2,546,951 net tons. This mark represented a 14 percent increase compared to a year ago. For the season, the coal total through September remains virtually unchanged compared to last year. OS Jeff Hester, left, poses with SIU Patrolman Joe Basilice and Engineer John Macari in Chicago during a servicing of the tug Hannah D. Hannah. early 1,000 people are dead in Senegal, the result of one of the deadliest ferry accidents ever in Africa. The MS Joo/a, a Senegalese state-owned ferry, operated by the army, on Sept. 26 capsized off the West Coast of Africa in high winds. At least 1,034 people were on board at the time of the catastrophe. Not included in the figure were a number of children, who were allowed to board the vessel as unticketed passengers. The Latest reports say there are only 64 known survivors, but no official count has been released. The boat quickly overturned in stormy seas, and those who escaped did so by hanging onto the doomed vessel's exposed hull for hours. Many victims were trapped beneath the overturned platform, according to accounts from rescue divers. About 150 military personnel, fishermen and rescue divers from Senegal, neighboring Gambia and France initially were deployed to participate in the recovery. Gambian and Senegalese authorities retrieved more than 360 bodies from inside the ferry before decomposition made recovery of intact victims impossible. Refrigerated ship containers holding bodies now are lined up at Dakar's port. Five crisis centers were set up in Dakar to display photos of those retrieved, for identification purposes. Approximately 1,000 military, rescue, medical and security personnel have been deployed to assist family members. Bad weather initially was November 2002 Elsewhere, a slight increase in stone cargo in September helped narrow the gap in that commodity. For the season, however, lethargic demand from the construction industry has produced a 2.1 percent decrease in limestone moved in U.S. bottoms. Also during September, the SIU-crewed Kinsman Independent ended its summer-long Layup and resumed moving grain between Duluth/Superior and Buffalo. The vessel is the only U.S.-flag "straight-decker" to see service in recent years. The LCA is the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes, many with SIU contracts. The association is made up of 12 American companies that operate 57 U.S.-flag self-propelled vessels and integrated tug/barge units ranging in length from 383 to 1,013.5 feet. In recent years, cargo movement by LCA fleets has soared to more than 125 million tons during the 10-month Great Lakes shipping season. Iron ore, coal and limestone are the primary commodities carried by LCA members. Other cargoes include cement, salt, sand, grain and liquid-bulk products. SIU Patrolman Basilice looks over the engine of the Great Lakes Towing tug Colorado in Chicago. blamed for the disaster, but that assessment soon changed. According to published reports, a German shipyard built the Joo/a some 12 years ago specifically for voyages on the placid Rhine River-between the southern Senegalese province of Casamance and the capital, Dakar. The vessel was designed to accommodate no more than 536 passengers and 64 crewmembers -nearly half the number Senegal says was aboard at the time of the disaster. Senegalese television footage showed a video of the ferry tilting heavily to one side as it left southern Senegal, bound for Dakar. Passengers were massed at the ship's rails as it moved out, the skies darkening under heavy clouds. Then the film showed the ship disappearing into a driving rainstorm. Some hours later, around 11 p.m., the large redhulled vessel capsized. Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade, in the days that followed, acknowledged the ferry was overcrowded when it capsized and tumbled under the waves during a heavy gale. He blamed "an accumulation of errors" for the tragedy and promised criminal prosecution for those responsible. Ferries are the main mode of transportation between north and south Senegal, in part because travel by road is slowed by border checks passing through Gambia. Merchants carrying dried fish, mangos and other goods from Casamance make up many of the usual travelers. AB Grant Hult conducts a tour for SIU officials aboard the tug Colorado in Chicago. OS Jeff Hester, left, and Engineer John Macari, aboard the Hannah Marine tug Hannah D. Hannah in Chicago, display a bumper knot that Macari made by hand. Union, MSC Continue CMPI Negotiations The union and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) have been negotiating changes to the Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction provisions (CMPI) over the past several months, as reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG. Most recently the union and MSC have been working on Instruction 553, Allotments of Pay and Instruction 750, Discipline. Instruction 750 is one of the largest and most significant sections of the CMPI and includes processes and procedures for employees who may face minimum disciplinary action such as a logging, up through discharge proceedings. This section involves such topics as oral reply rights, employee representation during disciplinary matters and who will have the authority to determine a penalty to address misconduct. The Command has proposed many changes to the CMPI involving disciplinary matters. The union believes that many of these changes will have a detrimental impact on CIVMARS who may face disciplinary action during the course of their careers. The SIU expects that these negotiations will be prolonged. To continue with negotiations, union representatives will submit a complete set of counter proposals to the agency. These counter proposals will include more comprehensive language that protects the rights of mariners who may face disciplinary measures. Once proposals have been exchanged, the parties will meet in Virginia Beach, Va. to complete negotiations on this subject. 'Open Seasan 1 far Federal Warkers 1 Health Benefits Plan Starts Nov. 11 Beginning Nov. 11, mariners working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Army Corp of Engineers and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) will have a chance to review their health benefit coverage and change to a new provider. The "open season" runs through Dec. 9, 2002. Choosing a health plan to meet your needs and the needs of your family is one of the most important decisions you can make. Premiums for HMO's and Fee for Service Plans offered through the program are expected to increase an average of 11 percent in 2003. Mariners who only have coverage for themselves will pay approximately $4.45 additional per pay period. Mariners who select family coverage will pay approximately $10.21 more per pay period. In 2003, employees will have 188 plan choices so it is important to get as much information as you can about your current plan coverage and how it compares to other plans in the program. The Office of Personnel Management web site contains a great deal of information to help make this very important decision. It includes a complete description of plan offerings, the 2003 premiums, plan changes for 2003, a guide to choosing quality health care, health plan report cards and satisfaction surveys. The site can be found at www.opm.gov/insure/health. You can also receive health plan comparison information and prices in book form by contacting Washington Consumer Checkbook, 733 15th Street NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC or at 800-213-7283, or at http://www.checkbook.org/. Seafarers LOG 7 �Apprentice Program: Springboard for Maritime Careers The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is committed to providing the U.S. maritime industry with skilled, physically fit and responsible deep sea and Great Lakes mariners and inland waterways boatmen. The school, based in Piney Point, Md., believes that the men and women who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with the know ledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances within their industries. A key component of that commitment is the highly regarded unlicensed apprentice program, a staple of the school since its founding in 1967. The apprentice program begins with 12 weeks of introductory train- their careers at the school, those ing at the Piney Point campus, latter curriculums- included in then shifts to the invaluable Phase III--<lon't mark the cul"Phase II," during which the stu- mination of their training. The dents spend at least 90 days. Paul Hall Center facilitates proaboard Seafarers-contracted fessional advancement through ships. Phase II includes assign- career upgrading programs that ments in all three shipboard students may utilize over the departments. Finally, appren- course of many years. Additionally, the school oftices return to Piney Point for more advanced and department- fers the academic education which is an essential complespecific training. For most mariners who start ment to the modem technical Jimmy Orr (above left) and Brian Goeson (below left) keep close eyes on their paint jobs. Left: Students in the unlicensed apprentice program practice routine maintenance aboard the training vessel Osprey. skills needed in today's maritime industry. This includes everything from a GED program to Adult Basic Education to a college degree program and more. Still, the unlicensed apprentice program probably is the school's hallmark. More than 21,000 individuals have completed the entry-level curriculum. The Paul Hall Center also offers a program for veterans who have qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating. Separated and retired personnel who Adam Revels does his part to have the neces- spruce up the vessel. sary deck or engine ratings required by the U.S. Coast Guard to sit for the Naval/Coast Guard rating. For more information about able bodied seaman's endorsement or the fireman/oiler en- the apprentice or veterans' prodorsement may take advantage grams or the school in general, of this program. Those individu- call the admissions office at als must have at least two years · (3 01) 994-0010 or visit of sea service in an accepted www.seafarers.org. Edward Willis prepares to close a hatch. Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Pauf Halt Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation. particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school's apprentice program. To qualify for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions and inctudes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.org. B Seafarers LOG November 2002 �QMED Douglas Speer gets a chance to check his e-mail on the PFC Dwayne T. Williams. The Petersburg's cargo line gets a coat of paint from AB Alexander Burmudez. Leopoldo Viernes, an AB aboard the Petersburg, wears the proper safety glasses and ear protection while performing his job. Bosun Christopher informs AB Jimmie Casey about safety issues aboard the PFC Dewayne T. Williams. AB Armondo Alvarez tightens lashing gear aboard the PFC Dwayne T Williams. SIU Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley (standing, center) serves as treasurer for the Labor Council of the Western Pacific, seen here following one of their meetings. Bosun Terry Armas shows the essential guide needed for conducting a shipboard union meeting. Armas is the bosun on the USNS Dahl. The Matson ship Mahimahi brings everything to the island of Guam-from paper towels tot-bone steaks. Protecting the Environment Swift and immediate response to an oil spill can make all the difference when it comes to both personal safety and environme!}tal protection. To this en4 the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. offers a number of safety and environmentaJ classes. One example is the one-week oil spill prevention and containment course, which consists oflaboratory and on-the-job training. Students learn about different types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, spill prevention and small boat operations. As seen in these photos> students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Additionally covered in the course are the selection of adsorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. November 2002 Sealamrs LOG 9 �about sailing is, you can always go to another ship. "I've met a lot of good people and I wouldn't trade it for anything," he c'ontinu~s. "Plus, the travel is great. The thought of being a professional 'tourist' is appealing." Before joining the SIU, James was a bartender and unemployed Seafarer, who first sailed during ironworker. In the late 1990s, he the Persian Gulf War following wound up working part-time at a his graduation from the old restaurant whose manager largetrainee program at the Paul Hall 1y was unfamiliar with wines . Center in Piney Point, Md. "They gave me the green light to "Writing the column has been a redo the wine list, and it was a lot of fun since I started last trial by fire," James recalls. "I May, and the restaurant is enjoy. had worked at other restaurants able, too. We have wine-tasting and already was good, not great, events, and I also consult for in terms of knowing my way other restaurants in the area." around.wines. Each place you He is equally enthusiastic · worked at, you had to know about shipboard life--so much what was selling." so that he encouraged his brothJames made the most of the er, David, to join the union four chance, completing numerous years ago. David currently sails classes and seminars along the as ail AB. way, and now enjoys balancing "It's a good life," states Rick his time at sea and ashore. James. "I've been sailing for 11 Similarly, he and the weekly years and I'll say one thing: It's paper have proven a good fit. "I never boring. You hear comwas reading a wine column in plaints that people have about another newspaper and thought I their jobs, but the great thing could do better, so I found [a publication] that didn't have a wine column," he notes. "I went to them with two columns and they said, 'Sure, we'll run your articles.' I set up an email account, and all of a sudden 45 people sent questions." (A common one: What wine goes good with crabs?) The Seafarer adds that people read his column "because they're trying to find a (suggestion for) . good bottle of wine and keep it under $20 per bottle. You can go Bosun Rick James enjoys his anywhere and find a $65 bottle work as an SIU member (left) and know it's going to be good.'.' and, when on the beach, as a James' email address is beverage manager in Baltimore. info ine@yahoo.com. BosunJames Blends Shipboard Life With Shore-Side Avocation Equipped with a keyboard · and wine list, Bosun Rick James is taking the cliched image of the drunken sailor and .turning it on its ear. James, a member of the SIU since 1991, is a state-certified wine specialist and a wine consultant. He writes a column for the popular weekly newspaper The Baltimore Guide, which began publishing 76 years ago and currently enjoys an estimated circulation of 45,000. When he's not sailing, James works as the beverage manager at a pair of restaurants in Baltimore's Little Italy (Luigi Petti Italian Restaurant, and Soprano's Italian Ristorante). "You try to separate the two lives," notes the 36-year-old Gen. Handy Backs MSP Continued from page 3 ships sail under the U.S. flag, are crewed by U.S. mariners, are offers great return on investment, operated by U.S. companies, and are subject to U.S. laws. As a supporting a sizeable and capable warfighter and as a concerned fleet of 47 U.S.-flagged vessels American this is what I must for relatively little annual cost. If have, and I have it in MSP. we fail to reauthorize or make Currently, MSP comprises both program participation unattrac- · Section 2 and Documentation tive, the potential erosion and Citizens. Both Section 2 and eventual disappearance of a Documentation Citizens must viable U.S.-flagged fleet and, execute the same contingency ultimately, the U.S. Mercliant contracts with DOD committing Mariner pool, would force vessels to VISA Stage III and increased and potentially total thereby assuring us we will have reliance on ships of foreign reg- access to their 'vessels. This is istry, entrusting precious military important because VISA Stage III cargo to non-U.S. crews in times is our highest sealift mobilization level and provides government of great crisis .... "While MSP offers guaranteed access to all 47 ships enrolled in capability, it also provides the MSP. As a warfighter, my resecurity we, as a nation, must quirements are met by both have to 'go it alone.' While for- Section 2 and Documentation eign companies dominate the Citizens. "We simply cannot, as a world maritime market, MSP Hard Work Pays Off During the October membership meeting at Piney Point, Vernon S. Thibodeaux (right) is presented the high school diploma she earned through the academic program at the Paul Hall Center by SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Thibodeaux sails in the steward department. 10 Seafarers LOG nation, fight the fight without the partnership of the commercial maritime industry. We rely on the commercial maritime industry to provide the primary source of manpower to crew our organic vessels. Our nation's organic sealift capability, in the form of highly capable prepositioned, fast sealift ships , large medium speed roll on and roll off ships (LMSR), and Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships which provide emergency and surge response capabilities to globally deploy our combat and support forces, would literally be useless without the support of the commercial maritime industry. As such, MSP supports not only our commercial wartime sealift, but is absolutely essential to providing the labor pool of U.S. Merchant Mariners for our organic fleet. This is a huge aspect of MSP. Given that the events of 9/11 have forever changed how we view the world, the absolute, unequivocal necessity for U.S. mariners, ready and able to .crew a guaranteed fleet ofU.S.-flagged vessels in times of crisis, mandates MSP reauthorization .... "We need MSP reauthorization soonest. Guaranteed access to U.S.-flag shipping, the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marinet pool, and the associated security requirements mandate MSP reauthorization. An improved, longterm program, adequately funded, which provides stability for the government and industry is the right approach from the warfighting perspective. MSP reauthorization now is a national security imperative of the highest magnitude." Capt. Rice Retires After a 36-year career in the inland division of the SIU, Henry Rice Jr. (center) is given a retirement party at Express Marine, Inc. in Camden, N.J. Rice most recently sailed as a captain aboard the EMI tug Russel B. Murray. Helping him celebrate are (from left) Chief Engineer Roy Gritz, Mate Dennis Gaskill, Rice, AB/Cook Steve Jones and Second Engineer Roland Mason. John Zalusky (left} and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan agree that the ship model Young America has found an appropriate home at the Paul Hall Library in Piney Point. Sbip Model a Good Fit At Paul HaD Library When John Zalusky began considering a new home for the valuable ship model he'd safeguarded for the AFL-CIO, he quickly realized the answer. "I really wanted the Seafarers' school to have it, to show others. It is a marvelous model, and it will be best appreciated at the Seafarers," stated Zalusky, a retired senior economist for the AFL-CIO who also headed the federation's office of wages and labor standards for more than 20 years. The la,test addition to the Paul Hall Library and M~ritime Museum's collection .o f approximately 40 ship models has a history longer than that of its new home in Piney Point, Md. It has indirect SIU connections, too-Zalusky's sons Timothy and John sailed with the union years ago, while the elder John has worked with several SIU officials on various labor campaigns and events. Built during the mid-1950s, the model is a three-foot wooden replica of the clipper ship Young America, a vessel that Zalusky said is fairly well known in sailing circles. It was built by trade unionist Hank MacKennel and given to George Meany, the first president of the AFL-CIO. MacKennel "said it was a gift for all the good things the AFLCIO had done for him and other working people," Zalusky recalled. "For a time it was displayed in the lobby of the AFL-CIO (based in Washington, D.C.). ·It was then moved to the (AFL-CIO) library." Zalusky was asked to take possession of the model when the library was moved from Washington to the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, located in Silver Spring, Md. "When the library moved, the librarian did not want to take it to the new location," he noted. "Because the model had no cover, it collected dust and resulted in breakage. I repaired it a number of times and built a plastic cover for it." "We're grateful that John wanted the model displayed at the Paul Hall Library," stated Don Nolan, vice president of the school. "It's a fitting adqition, and it will be seen by many people." November 2002 �Birth announcements, anniversaries, retirement . . . These are some of the events we all look forward to and like to share with our fellow Seafarers. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. November 2002 Seafarers LOS 11 �Whether sailing aboard U.S.-flag ships. upgrading at t for Maritime Training and Education, participating in activities or supporting brothers and sisters from othe remain extremely active across the United States. SIU members work aboard a wide variety of vessels, in containerships and tankers, military support ships, tugbm senger vessels and others. Seafarers have been part of the I· of defense" since the union's founding in 1938. The SIU prides itself on providing the best-trained, mo At the union hall in Norfolk, Va. , SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (left) congratulates Recertified Bosun Bobby Riddick on his retirement. At the hall in San Francisco, Port Agent Vince Coss displays an oil painting on canvas that was done by retired Recertified Steward Joe Williams. The painting depicts the late SIU Patrolman Kwong Jin Hom-much better ~~~~~~~ known as "Tom Tom." Brother Williams' painting is on display at the hall. 12 Seafarers LOB •om·'···~<··'·e ..··J.·"..,,........ QM ED/Electrician Gibbons (left) demonstrates with striking IBEW Local 50 members in Norfolk, Va. The workers in early September approved a five-year contract with Dominion Virginia Power, ending their first strike in 38 years. Roughly 3,700 IBEW members are covered by the agreement. P141iCC;.;~ November 2002 �1e Paul Hall Center grassroots political unions, Seafarers luding commercial ts and barges, pasation 's "fourth arm t efficient crews in the world. The key to sustaining that mission.is the Paul Hall Center, a worldclass vocational training facility based in Piney Point, Md. (The school also offers academic support, including programs for GEDs and college degrees.) Additionally, Seafarers recognize that the maritime industry is heavily regulated-a fact that makes political action a matter of survival. With that in mind, the union's officials and rank-and-file members actively support candidates who back the U.S. Merchant Marine. Their activities on this front include participating in maritime port councils, volunteering for campaign work, and donating to the union's voluntary political action fund. Similarly, Seafarers are active in AFL-CIO central labor councils and state labor federations throughout the nation. Those organizations help union members advance the working families' agenda at every level of government. They also facilitate solidarity among unions-a principle the SIU has promoted since its earliest days. The union's activities don't stop at America's coastlines. The SIU is active in the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). For more information about the SIU, visit www.seafarers.org. Crew members on the former NMU ship Cape Alexander, docked in Baltimore when these recent photos were taken, include (left) Chief Steward Romeo Arquines and {above, from left) Electrician Mohamed Hafid and Bosun Peter Frigolett. �... • Above: It's the last trip to the Overseas Juneau mess hall for these crew members. Enjoying their meal aboard the vessel before it arrived in Alang, India for scrapping are, from left, Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, DEU Earl Shakes and Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer. Bosun Kissinfor Taylor Overseas Juneau .-------------------~~­ Lee, OveneasJ11neau Finish Final Voyages The Overseas Juneau is pictured in Alang, India. Recertified Bosun Eugene Grantham, left, and AB Tom Stephens on the Robert E. Lee A pair of SIU-crewed vessels recently made their final voyages when they charted course for a ship graveyard in Alang, India. The vessels-the Robert E. Lee and the Overseas Juneau- were scrapped June 11 and June 12, respectively, at the direction of ownership. Both had been operating on the high seas for nearly 30 years. A LASH ship, the Robert E. Lee was built in 1974 and was operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. OSG Ship Management owned the Overseas Juneau. A crude oil tanker, it came off the assembly line in 1973. Both vessels were built by the Bethlehem Steel Company in Sparrow's Point, Md. Seafarers aboard the Robert E. Lee during its final voyage were: Bosun Eugene Grantham, AB Bernard Blunt, AB Gregory Hickman, AB John Holmes, AB Burlin Left: Chief Cook Anthony Bach, Recertified Steward Miguel Pabon and Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva on the Robert E. Lee Pinion, GUDE Justice Agha-Kuofie, GUDE Romel Holland, QMED Alton Hickman, Chief Electrician David King, Chief Cook Anthony Bach, Steward Baker Miguel Pabon, Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva and Steward Utility Christopher Love. Donning the SIU colors aboard the Overseas Juneau during its last run were: Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, AB Joseph Archer, AB Nathaniel Rivera, AB Michael Earhart, AB Adel Shaibi, AB Ray Hebert, Oiler Michael Drost, Oiler Lionel Taylor, Oiler Joseph Egan, DEU Earl Shakes, Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer, Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya, Chief Cook Mohamad Shibly and SA Ronald Dewitt. Right: AB Burlin Pinion Robert E. Lee Recertified Steward Miguel Pabon (left) and Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva on the Robert E. Lee Members of the Overseas Juneau crew gather after bidding farewell to their vessel. Pictured in photo above are, from left, OL Joseph Egan, DEU Earl Shakes, SA Ronald Dewitt (bending), Chief Cook Mohamad Shibly, AB Adel Shaibi, Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer, and OL Michael Drost. In photo below are, (kneeling, from left) AB Nathaniel Rivera, AB Adel Shaibi, and GUDE Earl Shakes. Standing are AB Michael Earhart, OL Michael Drost, DEU Earl Shakes, OL Lionel Taylor, SA Ronald Dewitt, and Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya. Recertified Bosun Eugene Grantham Robert E. Lee The crew of the Robert E. Lee gathers one last time for a photo before their vessel is beached in India. 14 Seafarers LOS Going about their duties aboard the Overseas Juneau as the vessel makes its way to India are AB Nathaniel Rivera, left, and AB Joseph Archer. Novem,_. 2002 �I Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 - I I· *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York ·Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis · Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma ·Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville .Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 4 8 0 9 27 30 16 17. 28 10 7 7 8 17 1 22 18 229 0 4 DECK DEPARTMENT l l 2 3 4 4 2 2 3 3 0 9 10 2 7 2 8 24 4 21 2 11 2 2 16 1 6 3 0 1 0 2 4 0 9 24 8 20 13 10 59 3 42 27 36 2 17 7 0 11 15 111 1 6 4 24 5 6 18 4 3 7 8 4 5 4 10 -6 2 1 2 0 7 3 11 7 _J 25 18 160 0 0 2 3 0 4 15 11 6 15 IO 7 2 1 11 3 l 10 15 10 2 12 5 8 6 146 123 60 91 11 23 2 8 13 10 4 5 1 18 0 0 2 5 4 11 5 1 0 3 4 4 4 0 4 10 1 6 } 0 4 0 21 21 14 151 67 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francis·co St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 I 4 1 3 9 0 0 0 3 2 0 7 5 39 Totals All Departments 565 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 2 18 22 15 5 1 42 4 3 6 .31 23 4 3 7 7 2 2 2 10 5 81 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 20 l Q 7 8 13 4 6 0 2 2 2 5 0 0 1 8 30 11 0 6 15 .1 6 6 14 0 7 3 28 14 12 11 205 193 105 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 5 46 0 1 11 6 46 31 12 2 3 8 0 1 3 1 4 178 180 23 108 63 0 0 538 380 393 337 158 135 0 0 0 2 2 8 5 0 7 1 1· 7 0 1 1 0 2 39 0 0 2 4 3 36 36 22 3 6 6 0 1 3 2 3 0 5 17 6 . 11 8 11 57 Norfolk: ...................Thursday: December 5, January 9 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: December 4, January 8 Port Everglades .......Thursday: December 12, January 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 12, January 16 San Juan..................Thursday: December 5, January 9 St. Louis .................Friday: December 13, January 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: December 1.0, January 24 Wilmington ............... Monday; December-16 Tuesday: January 21 * ~-""' *(change created by Marlin Luther King's birthday) Eat:h ptid's meeting starls at 10:30 a.m. Aboard MSC Ships in Norfolk, Va. ~~~~5::;::~~~-i Crew members aboard the USNS Arctic take a look at the latest LOG. From the left are OS Gary Turner, OS Benjamin Wilson and AB Dwane Bazemore. 38 38 10 19 58 16 0 5 4 0 7 7 JO 26 2 46 12 62 313 24 352 952 883 702 l New Orleans ............Tuesday: December 10. January 14 53 11 0 27 0 January 21 11 109 6 5 1 14 6 17 5 10 2 258 0 4 7 9 9 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 4 6 15 4 2 2 0 32 0 4 7 5 13 11 3 0 14 5 14 22 35 0 5 0 3 9 23 13 17~ 11 6 9 16 New Bedford ... :......Tuesday: December New York. ...............Tuesday: December 3. January 7 3 17 8 4 0 3 17 ] 24 18 0 0 3 4 l 9 10 36 13 0 2 23 2 20 12 22 0 13 0 6 0 8 5 8 21 8 0 13 1 12 0 10 206 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 I 6 0 0 1 3 0 .1 3 1 1 2 268 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 427 0 30 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: December 5, January 9 Mobile ....................Wednesday: December 11, January 15 6 38 1 0 2 6 0 6 3 Houston ..................Monday: December 9, January' 13 17 23 8 7 10 4 0 0 2 Honolulu .................Friday: December 13, January 17 26 25 2 . l 3 Duluth ........................Wednesday: December 11, January 15 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: December 18, January 22 5 2 0 5 10 20 21 6 26 37 12 Boston .....................Friday: December 6, January 10 9 4 4 3 1 119 33 4 6 0 2 8 2 2 2 6 37 6 2 1 1 2 ..J? 2 21 62 32 4 0 2 5 13 54 28 1 5 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 16 24 0 0 1 2 9 8 63 ENGINE DEPARTMENT I 0 0 2 l 0 0 10 2 12 4 0 S 0 9 4 40 8 5 3 6 10 3 1 . 1 2 10 6 11 5 3 4 9 0 4 Baltimore ................Thursday: December 5, January 9 24 lO 16 18 170 0 56 9 22 15 Algop.ac ..................Friday: December 6, January IO 27 14 19 19 7 9 Piney Point .............Monday: December 2, January 6 2 0 6 4 . 3_ 13 10 116 0 • December 2002 & Janua,, 2003 Me~bership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 4 4 3 6 2 -~~ 0 3 13 2 13 0 5 11 11 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 3 4 10 22 5 0 2 6 0 0 13 -Trip Reliefs 19 35 10 32 16 21 7 12 10 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C '1 0 18 26 6 11 OCTOBER 15, 2002 ,,,,, 2 18 Meeting with the crew of the Mt. Baker, when it arrived in Norfolk, is SIU Rep Maurice Cokes (directly behind seated member in front). 8 18 . 0 35 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at th~ port. November 2002 Seafarers LOS 15 �I"!!"""----------------------------- ----- - --- -.. Seafarers lntemalional Union Ditectory :Nm11 monthly Shipping A Registration Report OCTOBER 2002 Michael Sacco, President John Fay, Executive Vi~ TOTAL REGISTERED President All Groups Group I Group II David Heindel, Secretary-Treas.urer TOTAL SIDPPED Group ID Group I All Groups Group II REGISTERED ON BEACH Group m Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group Il Group III Augustin Tellez, Jlice President Contract$ Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and lniancl Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President GulfCoast Nicholas J. Marrone, Jl'ice President West Coast Joseph T. Sorest, Pice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Jlu:e !'resident Government Services Ren~ Lioeanjle, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice l'residenl at Large II( • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk DECK DEPARTMENT 1 12 1 0 0 4 4 6 5 1 2 2 0 0 5 5 l 0 0 1 Tacoma 13 6 7 8 Totals 52 3 San Pedro 0 9 Port 325 Market St.. Suite B, Alton. IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #tC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 5614988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269- 7877 DULUFJl 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705. Duluth. MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Batrigada, Guam 9692J 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalih.i St., Honolulu, ill 968 l 9 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 5 4 9 0 0 0 9 0 24 6 20 30 4 25 0 0 58 108 57 48 0 0 0 19 5 0 3 5 22 10 7 5 0 4 3 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma 3 2 I 0 6 1 2 0 0 2 3 2 9 6 2 26 0 0 5 Port _,_.,,.,., .o,,.,_ -·· 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 16 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 10 3 0 0 2 18 1 6 21 58 16 31 1 3 2 0 14 5 5 15 0 0 0 11 3 8 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT l 1 1 6 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 16 0 4 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 4 3 2 0 4 6 Port Totals All Departments 0 0 1 Totals 0 0 0 Tacoma l 16 0 5 Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro 4 6 3 ~------· ~-.,..., 3 Totals 0 10 11 34 9 16 0 0 6 Boston Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma 4 18 12 0 13 Houston Totals 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT (810) 794-4988 ALTON 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 13 3 0 3 7 0 6 2 22 4 17 64 21 27 18 1 26 62 0 38 12 67 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 11 I 2 0 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 4 1 3 3 5 0 3 0 0 10 15 28 3 0 8 104 27 52 62 1 15 2 3 0 0 5 3 12 0 8 28 0 0 52 32 2 8 0 18 11 35 101 122 171 127 331 216 277 0 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services. Division: (718) 832-8767 . NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk. VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510N. BroadAve., Wilmingto°' CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 t6 Seafarers LOS PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Charles A. Bortz of Hellertown, Pa. They were taken during a voyage aboard the SS Steel Recorder on an around-the-world trip from May through August 1963. Bortz notes that "it was a great trip and a great ship, and that when the vessel landed in New York, nobody wanted to get off!" The bosun , who is running the chipping gun (seated), was on the Steel Recorder for five years. Harry, the day man (standing at left), sailed about three years. And Bortz, himself (coiling line, inset), stayed on for 18 months. Bortz has been retired 11 years now and says he enjoys every minute of it, thanks to the union's generous pension and health plans. "Never thought I would have it so good," he noted in a letter accompanying these photos. Some of the oldtimers may remember Bortz's story, "The Ship's Cat," which appeared in the July 1984 LOG. He also wrote a followup story in September 1995 as well as an article about Kenya in May 1986. November 2002 �e come As ore ; Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently • retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead wo inland captains and a recertified bosun are among the 20 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Henry R. Rice Jr., and John Toups navigated the inland waterways at the helms of ves els for a combined time of nearly 81 years. Bosun Gerald Westphal completed the highest level of training to members who sail in the deck department when, in 1989, he graduated from the bosun recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Including Westphal, 12 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes and five navigated the inland waterways. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. Brother Edwards is a resident of Neptune Beach, Fla. DEEP SEA JAMES BOVAY, 62, started his SIU career in 1963 in Houston. Brother Bovay, who ~ served in the , U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1959, sailed in the deck department. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Bovay make hi horn in ~ m_ t n, ALFRED LANG, 55, hails from Mobile, Ala. Brother Lang began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of New York. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the R. Semmes, a CSX Lines vessel. The engine department member upgraded hi kills frequently at the Paul Ia enter in Pin ' P · t. 1 H a t nt t • n the Overseas Boston. Brother JOHNA. Ala. T ALBERTO GARCIA, 66, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He started his career with the Seafarers in 197 6 in Puerto Rico. A member of the engine department, Brother Garcia worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. Brother Garcia enhanced his skills on seven occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Garcia lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Carolina. Lang makes his home in BROWN, 70, wa born in Alpine, Texas. He joined the Seafarers in 1988 in Honolulu. Brother Brown is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1951 to 1955 and again from 1962 to 1966. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Seabulk Trader. The deck department member last shipped on Maersk Line's USNS Victorious. Brother Brown resides in his native city. ROBERT CROOKS, 71, joined the SIU in 1966 in San Francisco. The Illinoisborn mariner is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving honorably from 1947 to 1961. Brother Crooks sailed in the Great Lakes as well as deep sea divisions. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 1978 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Crooks lives in San Francisco. BOBBY EDWARDS, 64, hails from North Carolina. The U.S. Navy veteran joined the Seafarers in 1960.in the port of New York. A member of the engine department, Brother Edwards upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1975. He last sailed aboard the Ultramax, a Westchester Marine Corp. vessel. Nove111ber 2002 obile, SPIRIDON PERDIKIS, 70, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. Born in Greece, he shipped in the engine department and was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Perdikis last went to sea on the Overseas Chicago. Jupiter, Fla. is his home. JOHN J. RODE, 64, started his SIU career in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Rode's first ship was the Fair Port, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Maryland-born mariner worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Panama. Brother Rode lives in his native Baltimore. ALVIN SMITH, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1992 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Smith's initial voyage was on the Cape Florida. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed on the Sea-Land Motivator. Brother Smith resides in Mobile. LARRY THOMPSON, 64, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959. Brother Thompson started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Iowa, he shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1978 and 2002 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Thompson last sailed on the Sea-Land Endurance. He makes his home in Las Vegas. GERALD WESTPHAL, 54, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in Chicago, working in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The U.S. Navy veteran was a member of the deck department and shipped as a bosun. Brother Westphal upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center and completed bosun recertification training in 1989. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Performance. Brother Westphal calls Belgium, Wisc. home. DONE. WHITLOW, 53, joined the SIU in 1975 in San Francisco. Born in Vallejo, Calif.. hi initial 'O) age wa ab ard the Santa fagdalena. a D lta t am hip Lines vessel. Brother Whitlow shipped in the steward depart- ment and upgraded hi skill at the Piney Point, Md. training facility in 1988 and 1994. He last worked on the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Whitlow is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. INLAND LARRY GASTON, 55, was born in Texas. The U.S. Army veteran joined the Seafarers in 1977 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Gaston was a member of the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1999 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Gaston calls Ho1,1ston home. HOWARD IRELAND, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia. The New Jersey-born mariner is a veteran of the U.S. Navy (1957 to 1961). Boatman Ireland worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transport Co. He resides in Lehighton, Pa. HOMER RABIDEAU, 63, began his SIU career in 1980. The Indiana-born manner shipped in the steward and deck departments and upgraded his skills in 1997 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Rabideau lives in Mooers Forks, N.Y. HENRYR. RICE JR., 63, is a veteran of the U.S. Army ( 1963 to 1965). Born in Pamlico ounty, . ., ~...,..__..;.;...........,............... he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member shipped as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. Boatman Rice last worked on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. Bayboro, N.C. is his home. JOHN TOUPS, 62, hails from Sabine Pass, Texas. Boatman Toups began hi~ career with the Seafarers in 1961 in Port Arthur, Texas. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Boatman Toups worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co. He continues to live in Port Arthur. GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE KACZROWSKI, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in Chicago. He worked in the Great Lakes and inland divisions. Born in Green Bay, Wisc., Brother Kaczrowski worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the Richard J Reiss. Brother Kaczrowski lives in Mishicot, Wisc. MARVIN LARSON, 65, served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. He joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Algonac, Mich. and worked in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. Brother Larson shipped in the steward and deck departments, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. He is a resident of Alpena, Mich. JOSEPH SAYLES, 64, hails from Michigan. He started his SIU career in 1965 in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Sayles' first voyage with the Seafarers was on a Mackinac Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last worked on the Chief Wawatam, a Straits Car Ferry Corp. vessel. Brother Sayles makes his home in East Lansing, Mich. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOED. HAWTHORNE, 55, started his career with the NMUin 1971. Born in Waynesboro, Miss., he first shipped out of the port of Mobile, Ala. aboard the Norman Lykes. Brother Hawthorne shipped in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the Cape Knox. DONALD KLOPP, 63, was born in Minnesota. He joined theNMUin 1965.and initially shipped aboard the Polaris out of the port of Chicago. A member of the deck department, he last sailed aboard the Green Lake. BOOKERT. OLIVER, 76, joined the NMUin 1973. The Dallas County, Ala. native's first voyage was aboard the USNS Gen. Maurice Rose. Brother Oliver worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the SS Rover. JUAN RIVERA, 66, began his NMU career in 1977. Born in Puerto Rico, his initial NMU voyage was out of the port of New York and was aboard the Export Champion. The deck department member last sailed on the Enterprise. In addition to the members listed above, also going on pension recently were: Antonio Fonseca, 65 William Hall, 60 Lillian Medina, 67 Tyrone Patrick, 62 ± Seafarers LOS 17 �DEEP SEA SALVATORE ALPEDO Pensioner Salvatore Alpedo, 79, passed away Dec.11, 2001. Born in Reading, Mass., he served in the U.S. Marines from 1940 to 1945. Brother Alpedo joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Yaka. A member of the deck department, Brother Alpedo sailed as a bosun. He last worked aboard the Great Land. Brother Alpedo began receiving his pension in 1987. He lived in Arlington, Wash. CHARLES ALSTON Pensioner Charles Alston, 60, died July 28. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Brother , Alston started his SIU career in 1974 in Seattle. He worked in the steward department. The Warren, N.C. native started collecting stipends for his retirement in 2000. Brother Alston lived in Bellington, Wash. JAMES CAMP Pensioner James Camp, 63, passed away Aug. 1. Brother Camp began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of ew York. he U.S. Army veteran was born in Rutherford County, N.C. Brother Camp shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Chemical Explorer. Brother Camp started receiving his pension earlier this year and made his home in Mooresboro, N.C. STEVE COPELAND Brother Steve Copeland, 49, died July 8. He started his SIU career in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Copeland's initial voyage was on the Mohawk. The California native worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the El Morro. Brother Copeland lived in Vacaville, Calif. GENEROSO CORPUS Brother Generoso Corpus, 68, passed away July 4. He joined the SIU in 1997. A member of the steward department, Brother Corpus worked primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels. Born in the Philippines, he made his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. RAFAEL CUEVAS ~ 'IB Pensioner Rafael Cuevas, 79, died July 26. Brother Cuevas began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of New York. Seafarers LOG Born in Puerto Rico, the steward department member last went to sea aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management's Arecibo. Brother Cuevas lived in Pembroke Pines, Fla., and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. JAMES FORTSON Pensioner James Fortson, 99, died July 4. Brother Fortson began his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Washington state, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Fortson began collecting his retirement in 1969 and lived in Los Angeles. RUFINO GARAY Pensioner Rufino Garay, 75, passed away Aug. 74. Brother Garay started his career with the Seafarers in ~, 1956 in the port of New York. A U.S. Navy veteran, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The deck department member shipped as a bosun and last worked aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. Brother Garay began receiving his pension in 1992. Born in New York, he was a resident of Guayama, P.R. RICHARD GRAVES Pensioner Richard Graves, 61, died May 3. Brother Graves started his career with the MC&S in 1977 in San Francisco. The California-born mariner shipped in the steward department and first sailed on the Santa Magdalena. His last trip to sea was aboard the President Johnson. Brother Graves lived in Richmond, n r i ing i p na i . an sion in 1994. Pensioner Pauli Johnson, 77, passed away July 28. Brother Johnson joined the SIU in 1946 in Galveston, Texas. Born in Seadrift, Texas, he first sailed on the Cedar Rapid. The engine department member last worked aboard the Cove Leader. Brother Johnson started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1989. He lived in Galveston, Texas. SANG LEE Pensioner Sang Lee, 83, passed away Aug. 4. Brother Lee joined the MC&S in 1954 in the port of New York. Born in China and a U.S. Navy veteran, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Lee worked primarily aboard Delta Steamship vessels. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. and started collecting retirement compensation in 198 l. Brother Ploppert started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in St. Bernard, La. EDWARD PUCHALSKI Pensioner Edward Puchalski, 78, died Aug. 4. The Trenton, N.J. native started his SIU career in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Puchalski sailed in the inland and deep sea divisions as a member of the deck department. He most recently shipped as a bosun. Brother Puchalski's last trip to sea was aboard the Santa Barbara. A resident of Spring House, Pa., he began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. Boatman John Baker, 53, passed away July 19. Born in Panama, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1999. A member of the deck department, Boatman Baker worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Westbank Riverboat Services, Inc. He was a resident of Jefferson, La. WILLIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Willie Williams, 85, passed away Aug. 9. Born in Alabama, Brother Williams was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He began his SIU career in 1943 in Tampa, Fla. Brother Williams sailed in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Consumer. The Attalla, Ala. resident started receiving his pension in 1982. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM LOTZ JOHN BAKER GILBERT BROOKS Pensioner Gilbert Brooks, 79, died Aug. 8. Boatman Brooks joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Philadelphia. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. His initial voyage was aboard the Arizpa. Born in Virginia, he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Brooks started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1985. He made his home in Richmond, Va. DAVID TOLER Boatman David Toler, 35, passed away Aug. 5. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 and shipped in the deck department. The Alabama native worked primarily on Orgulf Transport Co. vessels. Boatman Toler lived in Bay Minette, Ala. Pensioner William Lotz, 88, passed away June 19. Boatman Lotz joined the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. He first worked aboard an Ellis Towing & Transport Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, the Texasborn mariner shipped as a captain. He last worked on a vessel operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Lotz started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in Trinity, Texas. ARANTIC FISHERMEN FRANK DOMINGOS Pensioner Frank Domingos, 92, passed away July 24. Brother Domingos started his career with the Gloucester Fishermen's Union in Gloucester, Mass. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1974. A Massachusetts native, he lived in Gloucester. The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. WILLIAM BECKER PABLO PENA >I > passed away Aug. 8. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. he joined the NMU in 1969. Brother Becker worked in the deck and engine departments during his career. He began receiving his pension in 1985. WILLIAM FARRELL Pensioner William Farrell, 77 ,died Aug. 2. He started his career with the NMU in 1962. Brother Farrell first went to sea aboard the City Service Missouri. A member of the steward department, he last worked aboard the Edgar M Queeny. Brother Farrell started collecting his pension in 1986. ,p away July 23. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico and shipped for the NMU out of Kenosha, Wisc. He first sailed on the Flying Spray and last worked on the American Aquarius. Brother Pena started receiving his pension in 1985. PIERRE LA PLACE Pensioner Pierre La Place, 82, died Aug. 20. Brother La Place joined theNMU in 1947. His initial voyage was aboard the Bear Paw. The engine department member started receiving his pension in 1968. WILFREDO RIVERA PAUL FUECHSLIN SR. Pensioner Paul Fuechslin Sr., 79, passed away Aug. 26. The Pittsburgh native began his NMU career in 1943. A member of the deck department, he first shipped on the William L. Davidson. Brother Fuechslin began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1987. FRANK PLOPPERT Pensioner Frank Ploppert, 78, passed away July 14. Born in Philadelphia, Brother Ploppert was a U.S. Navy veteran. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. The steward department member last worked on the Sam Houston. INLAND Pensioner Wilfredo Rivera, 72, passed away Aug. 23. Born in Puerto Rico, he started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1993. MIKEJAMPAS Pensioner Mike Jampas, 91, died Aug. 8. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Jampas began receiving payments for his retirement in 1978. In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers and sisters passed away on the dates indicated. The NMU Pension and Trost office was notified of their respective demises during August. Robert Chandler, July 29 Joseph Hance, Aug. 8 James Moore, Aug. 20 Rue Phelps, Ju]y 25 Clyde Cummings, July 25 Clarence Conaway, Aug. 20 Alexander Bell, Aug. 17 Paul Sze, Aug. 15 Farish Selig, July 22 Harold Bretz, July 17 John Guillory, June 11 Edward Haskins, July 29 Pedro Da Silva, Aug. 27 Sebastian Torres, July 31 Enrique Casanova, July 30 Michael Buters, Aug. 4 George Taparuskas, June 26 Robert Bently, July 5 Bernard Petro July 27 John Karpovich, July 28 Thomas Hicks, Aug. 8 John Damiens, July 4 Ludwig Ladtkow, Aug. 6 Melvin Ross, July 29 George Topin, July 26 Rudolph Morgan, July 27 Santiago Machahilas, July 29 Luis Miranda, Aug. 2 Pedro Perez, Aug. 2 Pablo Rodriguez, Aug. 26 Roman Arabski, Aug. 5 Robert Angel, Aug. 26 Ernest Ervin, Aug. 17 Richard Williams, Aug. 17 Walter Schultz, Oct. 28, 200 I Fernando Cora, May 4 William Larkin, Feb. 3 Alfonso Remon, July 6 Arthur Farmer, March 5 Jesus Manautou, Oct. IO, 2001 Thomas Meehan, Jan. 27 Walter Bonner, April 13 William Spencer, Feb. 25 Juan Basurto, April 16 Albert Demly, Oct. 1, 200 l Thomas O'Brien, Jan 19 Robert Dalzochio, April 18 Lee Poin, Feb, 12, 2001 James Sanders, April 8 November 2002 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the unions contract depadment. Those issues requiring attention or resolution a1e addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Aug. 12--Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Deck Delegate Efrain Alvarez, Engine Delegate Jose A. Quinones, Steward Delegate Donald L. Huffman. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 15 in Jacksonville, Fla. He reported on pending sale of CSX and that Matson is building two new ships, which means more jobs for steward department members. He said union members need to do all they can to prevent U.S. ships from reflagging. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He said STCW is good for five years provided member has met one-year seatime qualification. Treasurer announced $40 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to provide transportation from ship to port gate from 1200 to 1300 when seamen are not on duty. Currently no shuttle service exists at that time. Suggestions also made to purchase TV monitor 25-inches or larger for crew lounge, raise daily maintenance and cure rate and lower time needed to qualify for health benefits. Vote of thanks given to Chief Cook Huffman for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and an Juan. P.R. """""~~Jr~votfRANCeft-r~\1n-mro~. ~­ Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Darrell E. Peterson, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter. Chairman reported smooth trip with payoff expected Aug. 21 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary thanked everyone for great teamwork. Educational director looking forward to vacation. He advised crew members to stay current with shipping documents and take advantage of upgrading opportunities available in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about new gym equipment. Steward noted all rooms received new curtains. Vote of thanks given to galley gang for great job. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Aug. 11--Chairman Samuel Reed III, Secretary Doyle E. Cornelius, Educational Director Tony Burrell, Deck Delegate James P. McCarthy, Engine Delegate German C. Valerio, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Secretary thanked chief cook and GSU for job well done. Educational director stressed importance of supporting SPAD as well as obtaining required STCW training and upgrading regularly at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for gym equipment. Suggestions also made for new furniture, including sofas for crew lounge, mattresses for crew bunks, new chairs for crew quarters and larger ice machine. INNOVATOR (USSM), Aug. 11Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem; Secretary Benedict N. Opaon, Educational Director Olie E. Webber, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Abdul November 2002 Mohamed. Chairman reported new mattresses received and distributed. He announced payoff Aug. 15 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary advised crew members to check shipping documents and make sure all are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Response from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding previous inquiry received and posted. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan. LIBERATOR (USSM), Aug. 25Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Hans F. Schmuck, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate William Foley, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Amer A. Ghaleb. Chairman thanked all departments for jobs well done. Educational director reminded crew members to keep track of shipping documents and keep them current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck and engine department members thanked for using second washing machine for greasy clothes, thereby leaving one for regular laundry. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Line, Ltd.) Aug. 25-Chairman ott . Heginbotham ecretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Eugene . edar , Delegate Earl Jones, Engine Delegate Chris Graham, Steward Delegate Susano C. Cortez. Chairman announced vessel going into shipyard in Panama Sept. 2. Everyone asked to give valuables to captain for safekeeping since there are no room keys. Also, there will be no watches during shipyard period. Secretary stated that following time in shipyard, vessel will load grain in Gulf port and head for West Africa. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer noted $50 remain in ship's fund following purchase of rowing machine for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although question raised regarding lack of ferry service in Hong Kong. Discussion held about importance of contributing to SPAD. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering age needed to receive pension benefits. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Balboa, Panama. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Aug. 25-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Pedro V. Ramos, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Chairman announced vessel to depart for shipyard Sept. 2. Upon arrival, ABs will be released; all other unlicensed personnel will remain on board. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $3,332 in unlicensed fund and $145 in TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for hiring halls to be updated on extra day vacation procedures. Three refrigerators currently on order. Captain and chief engineer looking into lack of hot water in staterooms. Crew reminded to separate paper and plastics and keep trash out of cans for cigarette butts. Next ports: Port Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. MOTIVATOR (USSM), Aug. 11Chairman Allan A. Rogers, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director Ernest L. Gibson, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate George H. Bixby, Steward Delegate Andres Caballero. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 12 in Houston. He said be hoped dryers for crew laundry will be brought aboard at that time and thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary reminded mariners to keep all documents current or risk losing their jobs. Educational director stressed importance of paying dues, donating to SPAD and buying MDLs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Due to outbreak of West Nile virus, particularly in southern states, deck department requested bug repellent. Vote of thanks given to trustees of pension plan along with request to increase benefits. announced arrival Aug. 13 in Anacortes, Alaska. He hoped boarding patrolman could clarify apparent change in benefits at that time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Anacortes and Nikolski, Alaska. SPIRIT(CSX Lines), Aug. 12Chairman Daniel Teichman, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard. Chairman explained and posted rules for trip off for rated seamen. Those who completed 22- Educational Director Andrew Hunt, Deck Delegate Timothy L. Smith, Engine Delegate Dennis S. Adjetey, Steward Delegate Patrick L. Durnin Jr. Chairman announced vessel going into drydock at Todd Shipyard in Seattle to replace shroud on propeller. Payoff to take place Aug. 31 at sea. Secretary reminded everyone to turn in room keys when leaving ship or leave in desk drawer. Steward thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised Seafarers to read safety circulars, especially one on accident avoidance. He also recom- Independence Day BBQ on the O/S Joyce PERSEVERANCE (Mari trans), Aug. 11--Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Kenneth A. Roetzer, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate David Harvey, Engine Delegate Daniel Tapley, Steward Delegate Marvin James. Chairman announced clarification received Enjoying the festive barbecue aboard the Overseas Joyce are regarding tours of duty for current Capt. James Salano Ill, Chief Mate Matt Pouliot, 3n1 Mate Bob contract. He thanked entire crew for Meyer, Chief Engineer Robert Smith, 1•1 Engineer Leonard Buck, efficient job rescuing and caring for 2nd Asst. Engineer John O'Brien, 3n1 Asst. Engineer Josh Lemmon, five Cuban refugees picked up on Recertified Chief Steward James Willey (who sent these photos raft in Gulf of Mexico. Educational to the LOG), Chief Cook Julita Crodua, GSU Hernan Sanga, director urged crew members to take Wiper David Johnson, OS Anthony Antonio, AB Bernard Essiful, advantage of opportunities for AB Abdulkarim Mohamed and AB Aubrey Benjamin. Not pictured upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No are 2nd Mate Ted Duke (on watch), Bosun Roger Tupas (taking beefs or disputed OT reported. Some photo) and OS Inocencio Roxas (on watch). Seafarers waiting for medical cards. New scale purchased for weight mended they check expiration dates room. Hoping to buy microwave month tour of duty will get three on STCW and z-cards and look over oon. Vote of bonus vacation days. He thanked o en for crew me course listings for Paul Hall Center, everyone for following safety procethank given to te-. ard department located in monthly LOG. No beefs for great meals and service. Next <lures, especially while loading and irort ca.nm - -,---,- 11-Trrrtnadin·g cargo. . . 1-nrr-r+n,·nn+ed OT repo~- ~ tor talked about Paul Hall Center, mendations sent to headquarters ROVER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), both a an educational facility as regarding pension plan. Bosun to Aug. 11--Chairman John S. Habib, well as for family vacations. Bosun investigate and fix or replace broken Secretary Fernando R. Guity, holds $249 in movie fund. New lock. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent job in galley, Educational Director William Stone, DVD player has been installed and mess halls, lounge and passageways. Deck Delegate Jam es Shepard, crew hopes to buy larger TV for Engine Delegate Walter Bagby, Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; lounge. No beefs or disputed OT Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Anchorage, Alaska; Seattle, Wash. reported. Crew members asked to Elemento. Chairman spoke about add any needed room maintenance BLUE RIDGE (Intrepid Ship good trip to Israel and announced to repair list. New mattresses and payoff Aug. 16 in New York. He pillows are on order. Steward depart- Mgmt.), Sept. I --Chairman Willie urged everyone to upgrade at Piney M. Marsh Jr., Secretary Demont A. ment thanked for good job. Next Point. No beefs or disputed OT Edwards, Educational Director ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, reported. Clarification requested on William M. Hudson, Deck Delegate Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. vacation on board Intrepid vessels Celso Fernandez. Chairman advised and about ship's funds. Crew memcrew members to make sure all docUSNS SISLER (Maersk Line, uments required for shipping are up Ltd.), Aug. 10-Chairman Glenn P. bers were asked to use separate to date. He also talked about faciliBaker Sr., Secretary Susan K. washing machines for street clothes Bowman, Educational Director ties available at Paul Hall Center and and greasy clothes. Thanks given to Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate that union is always available to and steward department for excellent meals and keeping very clean ship. Godofredo F. Milabo III, Engine supportive of its members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Delegate Wilfredo Custodio, SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Steward Delegate Adele E. Suggestions made to improve optical Shipholding), Aug. 14--Chairman Williams. Bosun thanked all departand dental benefits for self and Michael R. Hester, Secretary ments for their hard work during the spouse. Big vote of thanks given to Thomas C. Barrett, Educational day in Charleston. He also comsteward department for "best food." Director Henry M. Cacal, Engine mended steward department for Next ports: San Francisco and Los Delegate Juri Novozilov. Chairman good food and reminded everyone Angeles, Calif. reported receipt of letter of clarificathat safety gear and PPE must be utiCHICAGO (ATC), Sept. ! tion from headquarters regarding lized at all times while working. Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, standard contract. Educational direcSecretary added that union literature Secretary Mike Callahan, Educator reminded crew members of and forms are available on the table. tional Director LeBarron West, upgrading opportunities available at Educational director advised crew Deck Delegate Marshall Turner, Paul Hall Center. Treasurer members to upgrade skills at Piney Steward Delegate Arthur Edwards. announced $2,380 in ship's fund. No Point, make sure all training requireChairman announced vessel returnbeefs or disputed OT reported. Crew ments have been met and re-register ing to coastwise trade after successasked to keep noise down in pasat hiring hall with 72 hours. No sageways. Request made for repair ful clean-up and shipyard period in beefs or disputed OT reported. of portside door to crew lounge. Discussion held regarding new Singapore. He is awaiting clarificaAlso, DVD player needs to be agreement signed Aug. 6. Numerous tion on AB status of those who were shipped as reliefs. No beefs or disquestions arose, resulting in letter secured for sea. Next port: Hawaii. sent to headquarters for clarification. puted OT reported. Recommendation made that medical bills be paid in SEABULK PRIDE (Seabulk Crew reminded to use proper washing machine for street clothes and full, deleting term "usual and cusTankers), Aug. 12-Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Ernest greasy clothes. Ship currently in tomary." Everyone reminded of mess deck courtesies: i.e., no hats, tankDiego Garcia. J. Dumont, Educational Director tops or sandals without socks. Moses Mickens Jr., Deck Delegate Thanks given to steward department Bartow H. Bridges, Engine WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), for great job. Next ports: Valdez, Delegate Andrea Simmons, Steward Aug. 26-Chairman Roger J. Alaska; Cherry Point, Wash. Reinke, Secretary Larry Lightfoot, Delegate Sisto DeAnda. Chairman Seafarers LOG 19 -' �(Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG wel-: comes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) 1996 as an OS and worked his way up to AB/Splicer Joiner. His last ship was the Global Sentinel. Recertified Bosun J. Olsen adds, "He was a great shipmate, and his jokes and tricks will be missed." flags from stem to bow. It turns out we were the first ship since the war to go up the Garonne River. We received a ticker-tape parade with thousands of people and flags waving to honor the ship and the merchant veterans. We stayed four days. We then went to England and took 700 troops aboard bound for Boston, Mass., where there was a big welcome home for the troops. S. Fujiwara, Chief Steward CS Global Sentinel Else Sorensen Acworth, Ga. Remembering a Fallen Shipmate Seafarer Recalls Best Voyage "Lou" and "Cecll" What a teaml We, the unlicensed crew of the Cable Ship Global Sentinel would like to pay a special tribute to a fallen shipmate. AB/SJ Kamal Moore passed away suddenly on Sept. 20, 2002 in Oakland, Calif. Moore first joined the cable ships on board the CS Global Mariner in July I came aboard the Liberty Ship Charles Brantley Aycock in New York as a troop cook in July 1945. The destination was France. We arrived in the port of Bordeaux. When the captain gave the orders to clean up, he also said to r~ise all the navigation A lot ofpeople who sail this ship Started out skinny and lean of hip. We eat gourmet cooking day after day And sooner or later we have to pay. Our pants are tighter and ready to split, Man, I've got to get off this good-feeding ship. Letters to the Editor ... .. ... . ... .. I don ~ know how you do it day after day In all kinds of weather, all kinds of heat. It s always "great " when we get there to eat When your belly s full, theres a smile on y our face. We thank you guys. You 're just great. " Tom Larkin SUP Delegate Aboard tbe Mahimahi (Editors Note: The Mahimahi steward department members referred to in the above poem are Steward/Baker Sivasa Laupati and Chief Cook Cecil Gubisch.) < Buying? ?elling ·Refinancing? ou time & money. We Cail save lal Estate program can help you.navigate The Union Plus Mortgage & e ' b ing selling or refinancmg. the lending process, whether you re uy Special pro~ms for first-time buyers!· ' We work with one of the largest lenders in the country to offer competitive rates and low down payments.* · Cal\-800-848-6466 se habla espanol Union ~Plus® Working For Working Families Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit ·by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the . members~ip by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the· finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees . All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Member should get to know their shipping right . opies of these contracts are posted and a\ ailable in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the umon and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is : Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 20 Seafarers LOii 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. Con sequently, no member may be disc riminated against because of race. creed, color, sex, national or g OJaphic origin. If any member e 1 that he or she is denied the equal rights to which or she is entitled, the mem ber should n tify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY D0>~1UJ~....-~ SPAD. 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 ·m embership in the union or of employment. If ·a ·contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE f Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from November through December 2002. All programs are -geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure rese"!a.. tions shoul4be made for Saturday. Seafarers:-who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (30 l) 994-0010. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler Novemberll DecemberlO Welding November18 December6 Engine Utility (EU) November 25 December20 Safety Special"' Courses A~vanced FiJ;efighting Date of Arrival Date Completion December 2 December 13 December2 Decemberl3 Noveniber 18 November 22 December9 December 13 Decemberl6 December20 ':t:• Tanker Fami~irizatfonl Assistant Cargo (DL)* Deck Upgrading Courses Date of Arrival Date Completion November 11 November 15 (BRM) - Inland December9 December 13 GMDSS (Simulator) November4 November 15 December2 December 13 November4 December9 November IS December20 Course ~ .~ B~~ilge Resource Managetiient Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (S',I'OS) (*must have b~ic fire fighting} Basic Fire Figllting/STCW Academic Deparl111ent Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED,FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival Stewattl.Upgradlng COUISl!.S courses. An introductio~ to computers course '!fill be self-study. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. lbe lleaemla edlllOn of tbe Sealarel's I.OS will contain ..,. CGW'S8 listlngs Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every -other week, most recently torti:. ·~year. b~lnning OeL 2s. _;_ ..Js:::___ ,_o_Y_o_C._o_•_•-•-•-•-•-•-·- · -•-Y- •-•-•-·-~ -·-·-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-•---Y-·-·-Y-0With thi application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address -----~~---------------------- _your class slart USMMD (z-card fmnt and bac_k, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED «JWlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order on{y. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth Lakes Member D END DATE - - - - - - - -- - Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______ ____ Book# _ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ __ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ LAST VESSEL: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class#----- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken Noflember 2002 D No CPR: D Yes DNo ---~~~------ SIGNATURE Date Off: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. wo2 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, noq-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOS 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Damage Control - Paul Hall Center instructor Stan Beck conducted on-site damage control, CBR-D and EPA training aboard the USNS Soderman. SIU and AMO members successfully completing that class Sept. 8 are (in no specific order) Mark Zarynoff, J. Michael Murphy, Charles Ducharme, Ronald Von Drachek, Lewis Kitzmiller, John Fleming, Eric Overby, Vance Sisco, Patricia Hausner, Isaac Diaz, Michael Mayo, George Collier, Jonathan Leck, Christppher Hale, Claudia Kammeyer, Linda Rotter-Canon, Shawn Canon, John Herget, Russell English, Dale Harrison, Richard Gathers, Jeffrey Artingstall, Nathan Elliott, Adel Shahter, Robert Brown, Willie GMDSS - Completing the GMDSS course Oct. 18 are (from left) Chris Kalinowski, Leo Bonser Sr., Clifton Noe, Chad McCaulay, Mark Marler, Brad Wheeler (instructor) and Thomas Hulsart. Harrington, Clinton Gillins, Richard Abbott and Keith Mcintosh. Government Vessels.Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels cours~ Oct. 4 are (from left) Porfirio Amaya, Leon Smith, Edvaldo Graver, Eli Falcon, Clinton Cephas and Domingo Sesante. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, stands in back. Water Survival - Graduates of the Sept. 27 upgraders er survival class are (in alphabetical order) Ritche Acuman, Michael Aikens, Joseph Arnold, Weston Beres, Eric Bourdon, Herbert Daniels, Tonald Garber, Charles Huggins, Miguel Matos, Mohamed Mohamed, Thomas Muncy, Kris Piper, Gerry Querubin, Otis Reynolds, Raymond Ryan, Charles Sadler, Michael Sottak, Mark Vidal and Christopher Waldo. Government Vessels - Upgrading Chief Cook - Working their way up to chief cook are steward department members (from left) Theresa Ballard, Barbara Smith, Juan Boisset, Nannette Yant, Chef/Instructor John Dobson, Velonder Alford, Manes Sainvil, Alex Aguinaldo and Taffi Khaled. Seafarers who graduated from the government vessels course recently are (from left, front row) Justin Bowe, Robert Stevenson, Robert Grable, William Roy, (second row) Christopher Bartholmey, Brent Midgette, Caleb Buckley and Jayson Ray. Their instructor, / Greg Thompson, stands in the back. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left are (from· left, seated) Vernon S. Thibodeaux and Diane L. Wilkins . "( - In the photo at right are (from left, seated) Bartow Bridges and Michael Hester. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in back in both pictures. 22 Seafarers LOB Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another . student may take that place. November 2002 �J Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course that ended Oct. 11 are (in no specific order) David Burnham, John Stephenson, Angelina Willoughby, Jill McGeorge, Vernon Thibodeaux, Shane Petschow, Jeffrey Hawkins, Ryan Johnston, Joseph Whitmore, Jerry Solangon, Sjarifundin Noor, Shwe Aung, Mark Vidal, Brent Williams, Masteredseed Paletaoga, George Velez-Rivera, Javier Gonzalez, Michael Fernandez, Andrew Peprah, Otis Reynolds, Edward Black, James Martin, Paul Riley, Trevon Mobley, Michael Graham, Martin Cooper, Kevin Steen and their instructor, Jim Sha~~(N~~N~allare~ctured . ) Fast Rescue Boat - Oct. 4 was graduation day for members of the most recent fast rescue boat course. In alphabetical order are Janet Baird, Eric Baliantz, Archi Bodden, Timothy Burke, Bartley Lane, Roy Matteson, Bruce Murphy, Michael Presser and John Stegeman. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ pecia aioed OS - Members of the specially trained OS class, graduating Sept. 27 under the instruction of Tom Gilliland, are Xavier Alfaro, Shwe Aung, Mohamed Fara, Kenneth Holly, Constantin Josan, George Lavender, Hector Pilgrim, Arthur Quinney, Daryl Spicer, Abe ARPA - Welding - The two-week welding course was completed Oct. 11 by (from left) Randolph Patterson, Scott Lucero and Joseph Roderiques. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far right. azquez an Leonard With instructor Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who graduated from the ARPA course Sept. 27. From the left are Smith, Richard Dozier, Ralph Kirby, Robert Minor, Charlie Pierce, James Brady and Bartow Bridges. e come. Oil Spill Containment - Seafarers working at Penn Maritime who completed the oil spill class Oct. 11 are (in no specific order) William Whited, Alvin Moore, Jimmie Ordoyne Jr., Archi Bodden, Albert Bodden, Andrew Packer, Jeffrey Rydza and Joseph Leech. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes Eric Baliantz, Alexander Bendoph, Gilbert Castillo, Alaa Embaby, Brenda Grays, Vance Holly, David Hudgins, Johnny Kemper, Jose Maisonet, Terrance Maxwell, Francis Oglesby Jr., Mark Schultz, Edward Shamburger, Phillip Spoerle, Theordore Wallace, Ricky Williams and Richard Wythe. November 2002 . Najib Camry, Robert Cando, Robert Gates, Elwin LeBouef, Cameron Peterson and William Thomas. Their instructor, Dave Martin, is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �November 2002 .. Joins Pleased with their initial voyage on the new USNS Soderman are (from left) Supply Officer Chuck Ducharme, Chief Steward Chris Hale and Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer. The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman-the last of eight new LMSRs (large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ships) built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) in San Diego-was delivered to the U.S. Navy Sept. 24. Prior to delivery, the Watson-class vessel successfully completed sea trials with SIU crew members aboard. Named for Army Pfc. William A. Soderman (19121980), a World War II recpient of the Medal of Honor Bosun Michael Mayo (left), who sent the LOG the photos appearing on this page, meets with Electrician Russell English to make sure everything's running properly. for his heroic actions in Belgium in 1944, the newest member of the MSC fleet is a non-combatant vessel that will carry U.S. Army equipment, vehicles and supplies and will be prepositioned to quickly deli er the cargo to potential areas of conflict around the world. The ship is 950 feet in length, has a beam of 105.8 feet, displaces approximately 62,000 long tons when fully loaded, and can sustain speeds of up to 24 knots. Its cargo carrying capacity exceeds 394,000 square feet. Wiper Isaac Diaz does his part unreeling the hose to help make the fire drill successful. Right: Posing on deck is AB Richard Gathers. ,, I Gathering on deck for a group shot are (from left, kneeling) Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer, Wiper Isaac Diaz, Bosun Michael Mayo, QMED Keith Mcintosh, (standing) Chief Steward Chris Hale, Electrician Russell English, AB Patrtician Hausner (hidden), QMED Robert Brown, OS Dale Harrison, OS Nate Elliot, Supply Officer Chuck Ducharme, AB Clinton Gillins, AB Willie Harrington, AB Richard Gathers and OS Adel Shahter. (Not pictured are SA Linda Rotter-Canon, Shawn Canon, Electronics Officer George Collier, AB Jeffrey Artingstall and QMED Richard Abbott.) . All hands take part in the shipboard fire and emergency drills. At right, simulating his actions in a "smoke-filled" room is AB Jeffrey Artingstall. Manning the hose on deck are (from left) Electronics Officer George Collier, Wiper Isaac Diaz, OS Nate Elliot, AB Clinton Gillins, AB Jeffrey Artingstall and AB Richard Gathers. '! \ \, \ AB Clinton Gillins (above) and QMED Robert Brown (right) are two of the hard-working crew members aboard the USNS Soderman who helped ready the latest LMSR for delivery to the U.S. Navy's Strategic Sealift Program. 1, ... , ' • I ... � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ITF STEPS UP CAMPAIGN TO SPOTLIGHT MISTREATMENT OF CRUISE-SHIP EMPLOYEES FEDERATION'S NEW WEB SITE SHOWS CANDIDATES' RECORDS TRANSCOM CHIEF BACKS MSP QUICKLY BUT CAUTIOUSLY, SEAFARERS HELP RESCUE 5 CUBAN REFUGEES KEY TRANSPORTATION FORUM TACKLES TREATMENT OF CREWS, SHIPBOARD SECURITY ISSUES SEAFARERS-CREWED CSX HAWAII CARRIES BASEBALL GEAR TO KIDS MSC COMMANDER PROMOTED MAERSK MISSOURI JOINS U.S. FLEET ITF AFFILIATE UNIONS PROMOTE SAFETY ON WORLD MARITIME DAY CRUISE SHIP CONMAN STILL AT LARGE, ITF CAUTIONS WORLD MARITIME DAY LETTER SIGNALS NEW SUPPORT IN ENERGY SECTOR FOR OFFSHORE MARINERS UNITED HIGHLY REGARDED CEO MCMILLEN DIES AT 67 SEAFARER BARRETT MITCHELL ERCOGNIZED FOR RESCUE EVIDENCE SUGGESTS TERRORISTS ATTACKED FRENCH OIL TANKER, KILLING ONE MARINER LAKE CARGOES INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER SENEGAL FERRY DISASTER CLAIMS NEARLY 1,000 UNION, MSC CONTINUE CMPI NEGOTIATIONS 'OPEN SEASON' FOR FEDERAL WORKERS' HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN STARTS NOV. 11 APPRENTICE PROGRAM: SPRINGBOARD FOR MARITIME CAREERS SIU-CREWED SODERMAN JOINS MSC Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/1/2002 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. 64, No. 11 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/41895255c0f2a1b1fd762945bdff0aa5.pdf a13a3fe8be843bb4f63a9d45dc71cb9c PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 12 December 2002 SIU-Crewed Cornhusker State Honored For Supporting 'Enduring Freedom' SIU members aboard the RRF ship Cornhusker State were among the first U.S. civilians to support Operation Enduring Freedom- the nation's war against terrorism. Last month , those Seafarers were honored by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert, who presented them with the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal during a Nov. 15 ceremony in Newport News, Va . At left, Mineta (center) and Schubert (nght) present a medal to Bosun Scott Palen. Aoove, SIU VP Gov't Services Kermett Mangram (left) joins Seafarers (from left) Dionce Bright, Gualberto Mirador, Leander Garrett, Ryan Neathery, Scott Palen and Ricky Langley before the ceremony. Page 3. American Tern Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers soon will crew the American Tern (left)-a newly con- tracted, reflagged and renamed vessel-for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Formerly called the Kariba and sailing under the Liberian flag, the vessel now will fly the Stars and Stripes and principally will be used to support Operations Deep Freeze and Pacer Goose, the --------Page 3 SIU Web Site Gets Upgrade - - - - - - - - Page 2 Congress Passes Port Security Bill At the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash. and aboard ships in the area, Seafarers recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Exec. VP John Fay for discussions on a wide range of important, time- annual resupply missions, respec- ly tively, to McMurdo Base in Antarctica Steward Brenda Kamiya greets and Sacco aboard the Cape Island. Thule Air Force Greenland. Page 4. Atlantic Forest Ref lags U.S. Tacoma-Area Seal arers Welcome SIU President Base in matters. Here, Recertified Pages 12-13. Bosuns Credit Union, School For Great Career Opportunities When the SIU's newest class of recertified bosuns addressed the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., many of the Seafarers offered compelling firsthand stories about how both the union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training Education have helped them. At left, Recertified Bosun Gregory Agren (left) shows Unlicensed Apprentice Edward Tanaka how to tie a bowline knot. Page 7. �President's Report Union Upgrades Web Site Well-Eamecl Praise On behalf of the entire union, I extend congratulations to our SIU brothers and sisters aboard the Cornhusker State who recently received the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal. Clearly, the recognition is well-deserved, and I couldn't be more proud. As reported in this issue, SIU members on the Cornhusker State were some of the first Americans to mobilize for Operation Enduring Freedom. Their work and their dedication drew strong praise from U.S. Labor Secretary Norman Mineta and U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Michael Sacco William Schubert during the medal ceremony last month in Virginia. The Cornhusker States performance reminds us that although the war on terrorism is different than past conflicts, it's apparent that the U.S. Merchant Marine will continue playing an important role in this campaign. That's one thing that doesn 't change: When the nation needs us, we deliver! Along those lines, during recent meetings aboard SIU-contracted ships and in the union halls, I was encouraged by the readiness of our membership to answer the call to defend our nation, whenever the call comes. We know our role. We know what's at stake. Our hearts may be preparing for the holidays, but our minds and bodies are prepared to serve our country. And you'd better believe we'll deliver the goods-just like our brothers and sisters on the Cornhusker State. Polltlcal Action I also congratulate all the Seafarers who participated in grassroots political activities across the country leading up to last month's elections. Very often, those types of behind-the-scenes activities are difficult in that they involve sacrificing personal time. They may even seem thankless. But, believe me, the efforts are worthwhile and appreciated. Our membership is exceptional when it comes to being politically active. We study the issues. We attend rallies and man phone banks for promaritime candidates. We contribute to SPAD, our union's voluntary political action fund. It is noticed and it definitely makes a difference in the ongoing struggle to continue revitalizing the U.S.-flag fleet. As for the elections themselves, our outlook really doesn't waver. We support those who support the U.S. Merchant Marine- period. Many of our good friends, from both political parties, are returning to Congress. Now that the elections are over, we will work with the new faces on Capitol Hill and at the state and local levels of government to educate them on the importance of our issues and industry. Voices of Experience At last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, the union's newest class of recertified bosuns offered some interesting and encouraging words about the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A lot of their quotes appear on page 7. In a nutshell, many of the bosuns said that the SIU and the school helped them tum their lives around and offered them a true career, not just a job. They also urged the unlicensed apprentices in the audience to apply themselves and take advantage of the opportunities that exist with the school and the union. Those opportunities are real. The recertified bosuns, recertified stewards and QMEDs are living proof. As several said last month, the school is first-class all the way, from the facilities to the instructors and staff. The courses are designed to promote career advancement and boost general academic studies, too. I encourage all eligible Seafarers to upgrade whenever possible and get the most out of the Paul Hall Center. The school is there for your benefit. Don't waste the opportunity. Happy Holldays With the season upon us, I extend my warmest wishes for safe, happy holidays to all active and retired SIU members and their families. I remain thankful for the SIU family and your consistently strong support. Volume 64, Number 12 December 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Five years after first venturing into "cyberspace," the SIU in late October launched a vastly rebuilt version of its web site, located at www.seafarers.org. The revamped site includes information about the union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, links to other useful sites, and a greatly improved "search" function, among other content. "Although numerous additions had been made to the old site over the years, the new site is a big improvement, both in terms of content and appearance," said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who helped oversee development. "I encourage all Seafarers who use the internet to check out the new site." The home page includes a regularly updated listing of upcoming membership meetings, links to top stories from the current edition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU and industry news briefs (under the heading "Heard at Headquarters"), and the first few lines of a profile of the union (for first-time visitors). It also features a "Job Info" link which directs visitors to information about the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice and veterans' programs, respectively, as well as an electronic form for mariners interested in joining the union. In the "About the SIU" section, visitors will find the full SIU profile, an article detailing SIU and U.S. maritime history, a list of the union's executive board (including photos) and a list of Seafarers International Union of North America affiliates. SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION {~0 Atlaotic, Golf, Lako.s and Inland Water$ Oistrict/NMU, AFl·CIO SIU Pronle The Seafarets IntomaUOnal Union, Atlanlk, Gl!lf, ul<es and Inland Waters Olstrl<l/NMU, ML·CIO, rt!Jtt$tnl$ unlkensea u11ttC!d States merd>ent mariners sattfng •board U.S.·fta9 vessels In the deep sea, Great i.akes and tnland tnde$. The unlon •lso represenl:s li<ensed U.S. mariner$ In the Gn!at Lake• and Inland sectors. Coptmu!:d.,. NfAli.rnW-1.4 , l>Cl't Evergtades, Slt~ ~· l'r~~ Top Stories from the Seafarers Log l'iOY...,berU Honol\llu, St. louf$ President's Report: Answering the call TRANSCOM Chief 8ad<s MSP 111e ~..d ol U>e llnHtd s.. m Yr101port4tfon Comlfl1nd {TIWiSCOH) list /JtOlll/J utp<d Congnss 10 'NIJ(horll• IM fl.S. Morlllmc S«urity Program (l~SP). Seafarers Crew Up Newest ATB F®I ~.tt.her dldtt"t di~ tH enlhusU.sm ol tho m11re th#n JOO JH!Ople W1'0 Ukb<olrd lite <htlftenlng of Intrepid Sofp f'f4"'fl'l"•ntll ~•s< SIU-c:rew<d 1"9 and a«ompaoyi(>g doublt,.huYf!d Nrge ocr. JI! In St~rg•°" &Jy. Wis. The new-look home page includes news briefs, a list of upcoming membership meetings and more. The section titled "Member Benefits & Resources" features a complete list of upcoming membership meetings, White House and congressional links, labor and maritime links, downloadable benefits applications, and a list of all SIU halls. To date, the site's largest section is the one covering the Paul Hall Center. Its content includes a school overview and history, information for contacting the admissions office, a downloadable upgrading application, upcoming course dates, course descriptions, information on the apprentice program, and a remembrance of the late SIU President Paul Hall. Finally, the Seafarers LOG section includes selected articles and photos from the current and immediately previous editions of the union's monthly newspaper, tips for submitting story ideas (including staff email addresses) and information on how to subscribe. Older LOG articles (from July 2002 on) may be accessed through the search function. The internet is a global network of computers which any other properly configured computer may access. It originated in 1969 as the result of a U.S. Department of Defense project that connected the Stanford Research Institute, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara and the University of Utah. The world wide web is a segment of the internet created by Swiss scientists in 1989. Development of today's most popular browsers followed a few years later, and the web's popularity skyrocketed. Council Memorializes Ed Pulver The Jersey City (N.J.) Municipal Council has approved a city ordinance creating the "Edward B. Pulver Way," memorializing the late SIUNA vice president. The council unanimously approved the ordinance Oct. 23. A dedication ceremony is planned for late March 2003. Edward B. Pulver Way will be the address of Washington Street from Dudley Street to the southern terminus of Washington Street at the Morris Canal. A Korean War Memorial is being built at the southern end of the street. Brother Pulver passed away May 26 at age 78. A Jersey City native; he was a tireless philanthropist and dedicated trade unionist. "The ordinance is very appropriate and a great way to remember our good friend and brother," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "Ed did so much to help others. He was a true humanitarian and a tremendous leader for the union." The ordinance recaps Pulver's Edward B. Pulver overwhelming record of generosity. Among other activities, he founded several organizations which helped immigrants adjust to U.S. society without sacrificing their heritage. He belonged to numerous community and c1v1c groups including the National Executive Board of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and the Hudson County (N.J.) Economic Development Corporation. He served as executive vice president of the Filipino and Americans As One organization and as president of the Hudson County SPCA. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Hudson County School of Technology as well as for Saint Francis Hospital and Christ Hospital. On the labor side, his association with the Seafarers dated back more than 50 years. He headed the SIU's office in Jersey City. Pulver was the president and a founding member of the Hudson County Central Labor Council, and served on the state AFL-CIO executive board. He was a delegate to several Democratic national conventions. Pulver lived in Bayonne, N.J. for the past 35 years. He began sailing in the 1940s on railroad tugs in the New York/New Jersey harbor. He became active in the SIU when the fleet he helped organize elected to affiliate with the organization's Inland Boatman's Union. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Wednesday, January 1, 2003 for the observance of New Year's Day and Monday, January 20f 2003 for the observance of Marlin Luther King Jr. s birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. �..... -· ~ -- ----..,,--,------------~----------------._...,_.~--~--.....-_...--"'."P'!l~--_... '!""llll__!lllm_ _. . . . . . . . . . . .~. . . . .lm!I. .~........... 'Duty, Loyalty and Service' SIU Members, Cornhusker State Honored · For Support of Operation Enduring Freedom SIU members aboard the auxiliary crane ship Cornhusker State received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal-presented by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert-during a ceremony Nov. 15 in Newport News, Va. Seafarers received the medals for their professional support of America's war against terrorism. Additionally, Mineta and Schubert presented the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MarAd's) Professional Ship Award to the Cornhusker State for supplying what the agency described as "exceptional service in providing cargo operations and transportation of equipment during Operation Enduring Freedom." The vessel is operated by SIUcontracted Interocean Ugland Management (IUM). "For six months without relief, the Cornhusker State and crew supported the ongoing war against terrorism," said Mineta. ' In years to come, history will recall the valiant service of the Comhusker State and crew with the three simple word : duty, loyalty and service." IU Government Services D i' i ion Vice President Kermett angram and orfolk, a. Port nt org Kenny were a ong t e IU officials who attended the ceremony at the 23rc1 treet Pier. According to MarAd, the Professional Ship Award "is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability, productivity and safety. Ships th.at receive this prestigious award have distinguished themselves through outstanding accomplishments or significant mission contributions to the United States and the American people." The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, first approved in 1990 for mariners who participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert S'torm, may be presented to mariners who serve aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving the U.S. military and national interests. The Cornhusker State is 610 feet long and is part of MarAd's civilian-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF). All RRF ships are owned by MarAd and managed by private American companies. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Seafarers and members of the American Maritime Officers (AMO) aboard the Cornhusker State were deployed in the Indian Ocean without relief or any port visits for six months. In announcing last month's awards, MarAd noted, "The RRF hip, crew, and the supporting maritime industry lived up to President Bush's rally, 'We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail, ' in his September 20, Union, Company Officials Tackle Key Safety Issues SIU Safety Directors from across the country met last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. to hone their skills and study the latest happenings in the maritime industry. Their agenda for the fourth annual SIU ·Safety Directors Conference included training record book (TRB) audits, conflict · resolution, STCW requirements, effective communication, fire fighting training and more. . They received safety presenta- tions from SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. and Dyn Marine, and also met with representatiyes of the SIU's various departments to review key procedures that impact the individual Seafarer's interactions with headquarters and the ports. "It was an excellent course, very valuable," stated SIU Norfolk, Va. Safety Director Samuel Spain. "The program helps you work with people and promotes safety. The presentations from the companies were 2001, address to Congress." SIU members who received medals included Bosun Scott Palen, ABs Michael Borders, Laurentis Colbert, Phillip Harmon, William Humphrey, Jesus Olbes, David Roof and Stacey Twiford, OSs Jose Cuevas and Justin Koger, Electrician Jay Clothier, QMED Brad Neathery, OMUs Kurt Benjamin, Kenneth Garner and Anthony Neathery, GUDEs Brandon Harold and Ricky Langley, Chief Steward Charles Scott, Chief Cook Ronnie Hall and SAs John Noel, Robert Weeks and Talib Aekins. In addition to Mineta, participants in the ceremony included U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; U.S. Rep. Robert "Bobby" Scott (DVa. ); Mr. Joseph Schumacher, representing U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.); IUM President Jorge Aguirre; and MarAd South Atlantic Region Director Nuns Jain. The Cornhusker State initially was activated in 1991 to support the allied coalition's mission in Operations Desert Shield and De ert Storm. In 1994, with only five day notice, the crew set sail for Haiti where the Cornhusker Stat~ effectively supported the humanitilrian peacekeeping mission Operation Uphold Democracy for 74 days. great, especially the parts about how they've implemented various safety programs." SIU New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook described the conference as "very informative. One thing that really stood out was the (presentation on the) Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) safety program. The way they relate to crews, actually rid- Photo courtesy of MarAd U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (left) and U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert (center) present the Expeditionary Medal to SIU member Jay Clothier. ~... ing the ships to promote safety, that says a lot. When they're actually aboard the ships carrying the message, it puts it in perspective." Participating safety directors included Spain, Westbrook, Harold "Duke" Bryan (Tacoma), Receiving their Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and copies of the commendation are AB Stacey Twiford, QMED Brad Neathery and Chief Cook Ronnie Hall. Jeff Turkus (Wilmington), Steve Ruiz (Jacksonville), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Todd Brdak (Algonac), William McLaughlin (Brooklyn), Kenny Moore (Houston), Amancio Crespo (Santurce) and Archie Ware (San Francisco) . . As part of the conference, Paul Hall Center Safety Director James Hanson discusses the importance of including certain types of information on shipboard safety reports. Atlantic Forest Reflags U.S. Seafarers Crew LASH Ship in Rotterdam ATC Labor Relations Director Bill Cole (above right) and Dyn Marine Shipboard Crewing Manager Jake Jacobs (below right) addressed the safety directors last month at the Paul Hall Center. Among other key topics, Cole discussed ATC's safety initiatives and the importance of having the whole crew work together "before potential safety problems become accidents." Jacobs (also standing in photo above) discussed communications skills, including how messages may become distorted, and how effective communication can promote problem-solving and safety. SIU members began crewing the newly reflagged LASH (lighter aboard ship) vessel Atlantic Forest Nov. 14 in Rotterdam. The newly contracted ship, owned by Waterman Steamship, is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). It formerly flew the Russian flag before donning the Stars and Stripes. The SIU contract covering the Atlantic Forest includes the premier "Plan G" medical benefits, participation in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, and vacation benefits at an accrual rate of l 4for-30. · Built in 1983, the Atlantic Forest is 862 feet long and I 05 feet wide. It is equipped with a 500 metric ton LASH gantry crane, and has a capacity of 82 LASH barges. �American Tern Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers soon will crew the American Tern-a newly contracted, reflagged and renamed vessel-for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Formerly called the Kariba and sailing under the Liberian flag, the vessel now will fly the Stars and Stripes and principally will be used to support Operations Deep Freeze and Pacer Goose, the annual resupply missions, respectively, to McMurdo Base in Antarctica and Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. In the interim between missions, according to MSC officials, the ship also will move ammunition, general cargo and fleet hospitals. MSC-chartered operations are scheduled to begin this month, when the ship reports to Port Hueneme, Calif. SIU-contracted Osprey Ship Management won the contract from MSC to operate the vessel. Under the pact, which could last as long as 51 months, Seafarers who crew the Tern will receive medical benefits to the premier Plan G level-which includes 100 percent (reasonable and customary) prescription coverage for Seafarers and their dependentsand a vacation benefit of 14 days for every 30 days worked (increasing to 15 for 30 on the second anniversary of the contract). As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the vessel was in dry dock in Jacksonville, Fla., being fitted with features required by its charter. The American Tern replaces the Green Wave, which had been under charter by MSC since 1984 on the Antarctic route. A larger vessel, the Tern is a 12-year-old German ship. According to officials, the vessel boasts about onethird more cargo space, a higher ice rating and is 10 years newer than the Green Wave. Although the American Tern won't look much bigger that the Green Wave-at 521 feet it is only 14 feet longer and seven feet wider- the vessel can carry 977 shipping containers (milvans) compared to 594 on the Green Wave. Each milvan, which measures 8-by-8-by-20-feet, weighs 5,000 pounds empty and up to 40,000 full and holds the equivalent of an airplane load. The American Tern has three on-board cranes, compared to four on the Green Wave, but those on the newer ship are larger and can lift more, officials pointed out. Additionally, the American Tern is more suited for icy conditions than the Green Wave. McMurdo Station is Antarctica's largest community. Situated on the southern tip of Ross Island, 2,200 miles due south of New Zealand, the station serves as the logistics hub for half the continent. Thule Air Base is located 900 miles south of the North Pole and 950 miles north of the Arctic Circle. MSC is the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense. The command operates more than 120 active ships daily around the world. SIU ITF Inspectors Help Crews Collect More Than $550,000 in Back Wages It has been a busy and productive year for the SIU's International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) inspectors, who have secured more than $550,000 in back pay for crews on runaway-flag vessels and other foreign-flag ships. In one recent case, ITF Inspector Arthur Petitpas and ITF Assistant Coordinator Enrico Esopa (both of the SIU) secured more than $138,000 in back wages for Croatian mariners aboard the Malta-flagged vessel MSC Zrin in early October. The crew hadn't been paid in five months. Petitpas met with them aboard the ship in Baltimore and then in Newport News, Va., where he had the vessel arrested following repeated delays in paying the crew. A few hours later, the back pay arrived. In other recent cases involving SIU ITF inspectors: • On a routine ship inspection in New Jersey, Esopa discovered that Filipino mariners on the Cyprus-flagged Panamax Luck The union's ITF inspectors recently completed computer training at the Paul Hall Center directed by the ITF. Pictured at the Piney Point, Md. facility are {from left) ITF Actions Unit Rep Bill Goodger, Inspector Tony Sacco, U.S. ITF Coordinator John Sansone, Asst. Coordinator Enrico Esopa and Inspector Arthur Petitpas. Greetings from the Paul Buck After performing some routine maintenance on the steering gear space room exhaust fan, Seafarers aboard the Paul Buck are ready to replace the cover. From the left are QMED/Pumpman Peter Joseph, Unlicensed Apprentice Alan Grenier, DEU Jeff Thomas and QMED O'lan Pajarillo Jr. The Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel was loading cargo in the port of Houston at the time this photo was snapped. It then proceeded to Puerto Rico to unload. The crew members wish everyone a happy holiday season. Cain Brotb.en Wear Support For SPAD on (Coat) Sleeves John and Hubert Cain have a combined 75 years of experience in the SIU. It's no surprise, then, that the brothers understand the importance of the union's voluntary political action fund (SPAD). "It's the backbone of the whole union," said John, who lives in the Houston area. "I've been to Washington (D.C.) and I see where the money goes. It's like politics anywhere-if you don't get the money (for political contributions), you don't get support for your industry." The brothers recently showed their continued support of SPAD by donating enough to secure the new jackets that ar part of a were being paid less than what was called for in their contract. He contacted the company and demanded the crew be paid in full. Within a few days, the mariners had received more than $73,000 in back pay- all that was due them. • In a similar case in midSeptember, an inspector found that the crew of the Cyprusflagged Olympia was being paid less than what's called for in the ITF contract. He secured more than $14,000 on the crew's behalf in Lake Charles, La. • In Wilmington, Del., Petitpas secured more than $25,000 in back wages for the multinational crew of the Liberian-flagged Golden Bay. • In Charleston, S.C., Tony Sacco received a call from an AB on the Bahamian-flagged Lancashire because of unpaid wages and lack of provisions. He went to the ship and quickly secured more than $6,600 in back pay for the crew and also ensured that proper provisions were ordered. "The network of ITF inspectors worldwide makes it harder for shipowners to take advantage of mariners, but the problem certainly continues," observed Esopa. "If Seafarers hear of any problems on foreign ships, please advise any ITF inspector and you can be sure we' 11 be there to help." In addition to Esopa, Petitpas and Sacco, SIU Algonac, Mich. Port Agent Don Thornton and Florida-based Scott Brady are the union's ITF inspectors. Standing in front of SPAD posters in the Harvey, La. hall are Bosun John Cain, with his new SPAD jacket, and SIU Port Agent Steve Judd. Retired Bosun Hubert Cain (right) shows his new SPAD jacket to Recertified Bosun Terry Cowans outside the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. promotional program which began earlier this year. In that program. ch dul d t la t through July 2003, Seafarers who contribute to the fund through a check-off authorization found on the vacation application (and also available at the union halls) will receive a SPAD lapel pin (for an authorized contribution amount of 50 cents per day); the pin and a SPAD T-shirt ($1 per day); or the pin, shirt and a SPAD baseball cap ($1. 50 or more per day). The SPAD jacket is available to members who make a onetime donation of $300 or more in addition to their check-off authorization. "The jackets will be a hit when people see them," said Hubert, who retired in 1999 but helps out at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. "It's a quality jack- et and it gets the name out there, too." John. a b un n th r gang, described the SPAD jacket as "good value for the money" and credited the union for supporting pro-maritime candidates regardless of political party. He also complimented SIU President Michael Sacco and other members of the union's executive board. "It's unreal how far we've come, and they've done so much. To name just one example, I never thought I'd see a foreign-flag ship reflag under the Stars and Stripes. Now, it's happening." Hubert said he has only one complaint about the SPAD jacket: "It fits well, but it's been 80 degrees every day lately!" He added that he enjoys working at the hall. "I know all those guys. I tell the kids, 'I went to sea with your daddy."' LOG Awarded 2nd Prize In Labor Press Contest The Seafarers LOG recently earned a second-place award for "general excellence" from the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA). The ILCA is an AFL-CIO organization which provides support to international, national, regional and local union publications and web sites. The association conducts an annual labor journalism competition. The most recent contest (covering the year 2001) drew nearly 1,200 total entries, in more than a dozen categories. In the general excellence competition, the LOG went up against other union newspapers of similar circulation. The Guild Reporter, published by The Newspaper Guild/CWA, received the fust-place award. Judges for the contest are "retired labor publication editors, labor reporters and other professionals in the business of keeping people informed about the news," according to the ILCA. The combined per-issue circulation of the ILCA's 900 member publications exceeds 28 million. �ngress Sends Congress has taken what it hopes will be a major step toward boosting security at the nation's seaports with its passage of The Maritime Security Act of 2002 (S. 1214). The Senate on Nov. 14 approved the measure 95-0 and the House passed it by voice vote Nov. 18, sending it to President Bush for his expected signature. The legislation's passage marked the culmination of a nearly two-year effort by lawmakers to close the security gap that exists at the 361 ports along America's coasts. Sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.), Ranking Republican John McCain (R-Ariz.), Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee Chairman John Breaux (D-La.) and Intelligence Committee Chairman Bob Graham (D-Fla.), the measure combines countless federal, state, local and private law enforcement agencies overseeing the security of the international borders at America's seaports. Further, it authorizes more security officers, additional screening equipment and the building of important security infrastructure at seaports. The legislation also includes the first Coast Guard authorization since 1998. The bill autho- rizes $6 billion dollars for the Coast Guard's total budget for fiscal year 2003, which is $1 billion more than the amount appropriated in the FY 2002 Transportation Appropriations bill. Among its provisions, it allows for an increase in active duty military personnel from 35,500 to 45,500, authorizes $725 million for capital investments, and aims to ensure that the Coast Guard can balance its many roles. "With the legislation, we are, for the first time, creating a national system for securing our maritime borders," said Senator Hollings, "While the terrorist attacks of September 11 exposed the security vulnerabilities apparent in our nation's entire transportation system, we learned long before that tragic day that the lack of security at our nation's seaports presented our nation with one of its greatest security risks. "The sheer size and complexity of our port facilities combined with the enormous volume of commercial cargo that travels through them every day makes them vulnerable to attack. Coupled with the dramatic threat risk and the potential severity of the consequences, our ports represent a significant weakness in our national security. With this bill, we begin to ensure that our ports will have the comprehen- arAd Report Forecasts lntermodal Gridlock . Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert last month announced the findings of a Maritime Administration report on intermodal access to U.S. ports. The report, based on a survey of 70 percent of American ports, focused on the state of roadway, rail and waterside access. It found that while intermodal connections at U.S. ports may be good enough now to keep cargo moving, they probably won't be in a few years. Expected increases in cargo traffic will strain the system-especially in already congested metropolitan areas and major trade corridors. "Getting a ship into port is only part of the story," said Schubert. "If the goods can't move quickly away from the water, then our transportation system isn't doing the job." He noted that most ports anticipate greater cargo flows in the future. An emerging need for all U.S. ports, especially container ports, is for real-time traffic information. Radio transmission and web-based information on traffic conditions is of increasing importance to ports and transportation providers as they manage the inland movement of marine cargo. This is reflected in the large number of ports reporting unacceptable conditions in these emerging elements of the intermodal access system. Significant access issues are found on the local access roads to ports, and at grade rail crossings. Truck-only routes are of increasing significance as cargo volumes grow and there is a critical need to separate freight and passenger traffic on local roads and on state Captain William G. Schubert U.S. Maritime Administrator roads and interstates. The report also revealed the positive results of intermodal access investments. Among the ports surveyed, more than 90 percent noted acceptable or better conditions in terms of the availability of on-dock rail facilities and aids to navigation on the waterways. MarAd plans to continue its yearly assessment on access to ports and terminals. The Maritime Administration has the primary responsibility for encouraging the development and maintenance of a competitive United States merchant fleet that is capable of carrying the nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce. MarAd also seeks to ensure the U.S. has adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency. ecurity Bill to President sive plans, advanced intelligence, to make fair and equitable allocapersonnel, law enforcement, and tions to port authorities, waterregulations in place to vastly front facility operators, and state improve security." and local agencies to provide According to a summary pro- security infrastructure and servided by Senator Hollings' office, vices. Authorizes grants for varithe Maritime Security Act of ous types of security upgrades including reimbursements for 2002 as agreed to by the Senate: • Provides that the Secretary upgrades that are in compliance of Transportation will conduct an with federal national and area assessment of all vessels and security plans that have been facilities on or near the water to made since September 11, 2001. identify those at high risk of Authorizes such sums as necesbeing involved in a transportation sary to help grant recipients comsecurity incident. Once the vul- ply with the federal security nerable infrastructure is identi- requirements mandated by the fied, and interim security mea- Act. The legislation requires the sures have been adopted, the administration to propose fundCoast Guard will conduct more ing levels for seaport security detailed vulnerability assess- programs and mandates annual ments of vessels and facilities. reports outlining compliance with •Mandates a National Mari- the security mandates established time Transportation Security Plan in the act. and regional Area Maritime •Authorizes $90 million in Transportation Security Plans be research and development grants developed by the Coast Guard to be awarded to develop meththat will be adequate to deter a ods to increase the ability of the transportation security incident to U.S. Customs Service to inspect merchandise carried on any vesthe maximum extent. • Mandates for the first time sel arriving in the United States; ever that all ports, facilities and develop equipment to detect vessels have comprehensive nuclear materials; improve the security plans and incident tags and seals used on shipping response plans based on detailed containers, including smart senCoast Guard vulnerability assess- sors for tracking shipments; and tools to mitigate the consements and recommendations. •Requires these plans be quences of terrorist attack. approved by the Coast Guard. All •Authorizes $33 million for ports, waterfront facilities and development of security training vessels are required to operate and for the education and certifiunder approved security plans. cation offederal, state and private • Set up local port security security personnel. Directs the committees to better coordinate Secretary of Transportation to the efforts of federal, state, local, develop a curriculum for training and pri ate law enforcement and standards for the certification agencies and to advise on securi- of maritime security professionty plans. The federal agencies als. The standards are to be develinclude intelligence, FBI, Cus- oped through consultation with toms, Immigration, and the Coast the Federal Law Enforcement Guard. Training Center as well as other •Directs the U.S. Department security and police agencies, priof Transportation to formulate vate organizations, and individuregulations to develop secure als with cargo and maritime secuareas in ports, as part of their rity expertise. These training security plans, and to limit access opportunities will be provided to to security-sensitive areas through maritime security personnel in background checks and the the United States as well as to issuance of a transportation secu- personnel employed in foreign rity identification card, restrict ports used by vessels with United firearms and other weapons, and States citizens as passengers and develop an evacuation plan. crew members. Background checks will be con• Requires the development ducted for employees working in of a maritime intelligence system security-sensitive areas. Mariners to collect and analyze informaalso will be required by to carry tion concerning vessels operating internationally acceptable identi- in waters under the jurisdiction of fication. the United States and the crew, • Establishes a grant program passengers and cargoes carried. A maritime intelligence agency will be expected to work together with other agencies and collect and analyze information not available from other intelligence sources. • Improves the reporting of crew members, passengers and imported cargo to better track suspicious activity. • Compels commercial vessels to be equipped with and operate an automatic identification system (AIS) when navigating on the waters of the United States as well as a long-range vessel tracking system for vessels on international voyages that include United States waters. • Provides for supply chain security and a secure system of trade by allowing for secure maritime borders and an efficient cargo transportation system. The Transportation Oversight Board will establish a trade program to develop standards to enhance the physical security of cargo containers. • Authorizes the Sea Marshal program and requires maritime safety and security teams to safeguard the public and protect vessels, harbors, ports and waterfront facilities. The Coast Guard is more specifically authorized to board ships entering U.S. ports in order to deter highjackings or other terrorist threats and enhances maritime security and safety with the development of security teams. •Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assess the antiterrorism measures maintained by foreign ports, which are served by vessels that also call on the U.S. or which are determined to be a security risk to international maritime commerce and may deny entry to vessels that call on ports that do not maintain effective antiterrorism measures. •Creates a Maritime Security Advisory Committee to report on and make recommendations on national maritime security matters. In addition to the foregoing, the new measure incorporates a Coast Guard authorization bill. The Coast Guard provisions in the bill reflect the provisions of S. 951, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001, which was reported out of the Commerce Committee last year, and H.R. 3983, the House maritime security bill. International Solidarity Works As OMU Campaign Continues movement can bear fruit. Captain Michael Cheramie, who works at Trico in the U.S. and who came to Norway as a witness in this case, said he looks forward to working with Thomas Fairley, CEO ofTrico's U.S. operations, with a just process that covers union organizing in Trico. "Now the workers in Trico have a fair chance to organize without being afraid for their jobs," Cheramie said. An OMU spokesman described the case as a victory for Trico workers. "This is the first time that a µnion has negotiated with Trico USA, and OMU looks forward to following this up," stated Wayne Savoie. OMU is a federation composed of the SIU; the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and the American Maritime Officers. International solidarity last month helped Offshore Mariners United (OMU), the federation of four U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU) that is working to help mariners in the Gulf of Mexico win union representation, take a big step forward in its campaign at Trico Marine. Facing pressure in the form of a boycott from the Norwegian Oil and Petrochemical Workers Union (NOPEF), Trico's Norwegian branch signed a consent decree Nov. 7 in the local court in Volda, Norway. According to the agreement, Trico has agreed to send a letter to every one of its U.S. mariners ensuring that the company accepts the right to organize and declares that there shall be no discrimination or harassment of prounion workers. NOPEF, meanwhile, agreed not to reinstate the boycott as long as Trico lives up to its end of the pact. "I hope that this will show to be a positive contribution to the Tri co workers' struggle to achieve unionization," said the president of NOPEF, Leif Sande. ''NOPEF will carefully follow up their obligations in practice. If Trico will not end their union-busting campaign, they risk that we restart our boycott." NOPEF International Secretary Jarle Vines pointed out that this case shows that international solidarity in the trade union �- - -- - ~~----~--~-------------__.. ________ CIVMAR Notice Changes In MSC Force Medical Program As r-eported earlier this year, the union has negotiated .an agreement with the U.S. Military Sealift Command {MSC) regarding the Outport Medical Process. This process allows CIVMARS to receive medical examinations while on leave at sites which may be closer to their home. Recently, MSC notified the union that it intends to implement changes to the Force Medical Program. These changes will establish new medical facilities in certain areas and redistribute certain medical force personnel away from the San Diego West Coast CSU. New facilities will be placed in Guam and Earle, New Jersey. As a result of this notice the union and MSC are negotiating about procedures and arrangements for CIVMARS who will be affected by these changes. MSC has assured the union that redistribution of medical personnel away form the West Coast will not negatively impact service. Members residing in Guam should note that the Force Medical Office in Guam is not intended to be a CSU {CIVMAR Support Unit). lt is simply an additionaf medical facility for use ·by mariners who choose to receive a physical examination at this site. Procedures for Guam are the same as for any prearranged medical evaluation at an approved facility set by the Marine Placement Specialist (MPS) or MSO on board ship. The ClVMAR requests participation in the "outport medical program" and must agree to be responsible for reporting for the prearranged medical appointment during their leave period. While undergoing a physical examination, mariners are considered to be in a duty status for pay purposes during the physical examination process. Physicals are completed on government time and at government expense. However; if you are found unfit for duty your pay status may change. Please note the following: If you are found not fit for duty (NFF0)1 you have several options: • You may request sick leave or other leave. • You may request to remain in a duty status, and you must report to the CSU at .your own expense. At the CSU, you will receive your advanced notification of enforced leave. At this time you may seek second opinions, receive treatment to resolve your medical issues and undergo reevaluation by the respective Force Medical Officer. Finding a physician and/or a medical facility will be your responsibility as are any costs for these services. • You may remain on leave or leave without pay (LWOP), whichever applies, while you seek second opinions; receive treatments or other evaluations close to your home. Finding a physician and a medical facility will be your responsibility. If you have been declared not-fit-for duty and you remain abroad your personal health care insurance may or may not coverJhese types of follow-up care or evaluations. If you live abroad, you will be responsible for financial costs associated with a second opinion process (such as hotel and food costs) until you can demonstrate you are fit for duty. Make sure you check with your insurance carrier first! It will also be important to keep in touch with your MPS at the APMC (your Detailer). To avoid any misun· derstandings of your leave and pay status, have your MPS fax or e-mail your orders and confirm your duty status. Leave and pay status are important! Make sure you fully understand how these new programs work and how you will be affected before you agree to par~ Ucipate. Notice: 'Geographic Shipping' Discussions: Unlicensed CIVMARS Not Included for Now! Representatives of the union have been advised by our unit members that MSC has made a proposal to its licensed deck and engineer officers. MSC proposes to assign the officers to any ship regardless of the employee's past connection to either the east or west coast fleet. MSC is in discussion with the licensed officer unions regarding this matter and the SIU will continue to monitor the outcome. The union has received questions concerning this proposed policy and how it might affect unli- BECK NOTICE censed mariners. This proposal does not apply to unlicensed CIVMARS. As previously reported, in June 2002 the union entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MSC mapping out a step-bystep labor relations plan. The union had three goals when negotiating this plan: to complete negotiations for the CMPI, negotiate a new union contract to cover both the east and west coast units and to bring wage parity to CIVMARS on each coast. The union believes it is well on the way to achieving these goals. The agreement provides that only when these goals are achieved could MSC implement an "any ship/any ocean" policy for unlicensed CIVMARS. Currently, unlicensed mariners may be assigned to either coast based upon their own request or as a result of agency mission requirements. The union and MSC will continue working together to meet the MOU objectives for the long-term benefit of all MSC employees. Currently, we are working on CMPI 750: Discipline which includes adverse actions This instruction affects all manners and the union ts bargaining the impact of the agency's proposed changes with the best interest of all CIVMARS in mind. Future Seafarers LOG articles will include updates on our progress. ...----................ ..........-- ---------- __....--~~--------_....-- ....... Retired NMU Port Agent Humphrey Dies at 80 Gordon Humphrey, a former National Maritime Union mariner and official, passed away Oct. 6 in Kelso, Wash. He was 80. Answering his call to the sea at the onset of World War II, Humphrey trained as a pharmacist at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y. in November 1942. Upon completion of his training, he boarded American Foreign Steamship Co.'s Bulk Oil and made several voyages to the Far East, Europe and South America. After returning to shore and joining the NMU in 1943 in the port of New York, he was selected for the NMU patrolman's position in Port Arthur, Texas. In the years that followed, he held the same post twice in San Francisco and once in Hawaii. Humphrey was promoted to port agent in Boston and later held the same position in Corpus Christi, Texas and San Pedro. Calif. "Gordon was just a great all around person," recalled former NMU President Shannon Wall. "I sailed with him for years. In short, he was a fantastic shipmate and a real pleasure to be around. I was sailing as a bosun at the time and he was an AB. We worked very well together and got along great as friends. He will be greatly missed." Active in grass roots politics, Humphrey directed a very conscientious political group while working in San Pedro. Local congressmen often Gordon Humphrey Retired NMU Port Agent called upon him to share the union's stances on various issues. Besides the foregoing experiences with politicians, two events that occurred later boosted the mariner's political record. In 1980, President elect Ronald Reagan was scheduled to address the NMU convention in St. Louis. To Humphrey's surprise, Reagan requested that Humphrey escort him to the podium. Then, on May 11, 1982, California Congressman Glen Anderson read Humphrey's "American Merchant Marine Records" into the official records of the 97th Congress. About one month later, Humphrey retired from the NMU and settled in Kelso, Wash. 1:., His wife of 47 yea~s, feaU:G his daughter Christy and three granddaughters survive Humphrey: Gabrielle, Gayla and Heavenly. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing , publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU. 1. Benefits of union membership - While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership - In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $400.00 (four hundred dollars) per year or $100.00 (one hundred dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors - Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrange- ments, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees . Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee-As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2001 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 66.37 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $265.48 (two hundred sixtyfive dollars and forty-eight cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2003 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2002 and November 30, 2003 will have this calculation applied to their 2003 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2004, your objection must be received by December 1, 2003. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 2001. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections - If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor's report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer's Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure- Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees , I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer ~ �Recertified Bosuns Say Union, School Help Nudge Many onto Better Path Over the years, the Seafarers International Union consistently has provided unlicensed mariners with the opportunities and skills necessary to achi~ve success and provide for their loved ones and family members. This assessment was echoed repeatedly on Nov. 4 by members of the Sill's newest class of recertified bosuns as they addressed fellow members and unlicensed apprentices during the monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Sharing their views on how the union has impacted their respective lives, the 12 graduates of the Paul Hall Center's bosun recertification class No. 60 painted vivid images of how the union perpetuated their attainment of rewarding careers-and how those careers have translated into numerous quality-of-life improvements and rewards for themselves and those closest to them. The four-week course-which blends classroom training, hands-on instruction and conferences with representatives of the union's various departments-is considered the "crown jewel" of the training available for deck department Seafarers. Those completing alJ course requirements and graduating were: Dirk Adams (from the port of Wilmington, Calif.), Gregory Agren (Tacoma, Wash.), Delroy Brown (San Francisco), Robert Cando (Norfolk, Va.), Stanley Daranda (New Orleans), Rodriquez Gonzales (Mobile, Ala.), Michael Hester (Tacoma, Wash.), Patrick Lavin (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Thomas Lynch (Jacksonville, Fla.), John Mendez (Philadelphia), Gavino Octaviano (San Franci co) and Grant Shipley (Jacksonville). The SIU has really enhanced my life," ai ando. "It has provided me with reliable employment, a steady and dependable income, health benefits, investment opportunities, retirement, vacation and this stateof-the art training facility (the Paul Hall Center) that keeps us all qualified." Cando has been an SIU member since 1990. "My advice to the trainees is to remember that you always get out of something what you put in," Cando said. "When you are in your Phase II program, be prompt, show enthusiasm and participate. Volunteer during emergency drills, always use your safety equipment and don't leave things up to chance. Always ask questions and be sensible when ashore." Octaviano joined the SIU in San Francisco in 1991. Now a five-time Piney Point upgrader, the 44-year-old Seafarer appreciates his choice of careers. "The SIU changed my life," he proudly proclaimed. "It has been good to me and my family by providing good health and medical benefits to us." Suggesting that the union could make their lives just as rewarding and successful as his has been, Octaviano told the apprentices, "Always keep a good positive attitude when you go out there (to sea) and become part of a crew. Work hard, be safe- The SIU's newest recertified bosuns posed with union officials, above, shortly after their Nov. 4 graduation at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Graduating from the course and pictured are Dirk Adams, Gregory Agren, Delray Brown, Robert Cando, Stanley Daranda, Rodriquez Gonzales, Michael Hester, Patrick Lavin, Thomas Lynch, John Mendez, Gavino Octaviano, and Grant Shipley. Joining them are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, VP Atlantic Region Joseph Soresi, Plans Administrator Lou Delma, and Asst. VP Contract George Tricker. ty conscious and always do the very best you can because you are the future of our union." Adams joined the union in Piney Point and has been sailing for 20 years. "I have been in some countries that are rich and others which are poor," he continued. "While some people only dream about the experience of being a merchant mariner, I have lived it, thanks to the union. I would not have experienced any of this had it not been for the SIU. Being a trainee here (at the Paul Hall Center) built the foundation I needed in order see the world over while making a good living. The SIU is not just a job, it is a career." Directing his attention to the ·trainees, Adams offered, "The SIU will build that foundation you will need if you plan to go to the top .... This school is the best unlicensed merchant marine school in the nation." Hester joined the union in 1991 and has since seen the world while working in a host of capacities aboard a myriad of vessel types. According to him, the SIU made all his childhood dreams become reality. "I was that boy in your high school class who was always looking out the window, I was the dreamer," said the Portland, Ore. native. "Thanks to the way of life offered to me by the Seafarers, I was given an opportunity to indulge my appetite for wandering, my desire for things exotic, and my need to escape the routine," he said. Hester told the trainees - - - - - - - - . that the life of a merchant seaman is a gratifying and worthy one, that nowhere else in American industrial life today are there more opportunities to earn a good living and advance yourself than with the SIU. "Work hard out there," he advised. "Apply yourself to learning your trade, be a good shipmate and an honorable union member and you will be rewarded far more than you can possibly Thomas Lynch, right, discusses deck operations with two imagine today." A veteran of the sea, unlicensed apprentices as Gavina Octaviano, left, listens. Lynch joined the SIU in1962 in the port of New Orleans. He has been sailing since he was 17 and had several lessons to offer the unlicensed apprentices. Prepping them to the challenges they will encounter when they initially go to sea, Lynch offered, "Everyone on the vessel is there to help you. I will teach you everything I can, but you as students have to do one thing for yourselves: keep your ears open. Take a notebook with you and make a habit of writing things down that you don't understand. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions to the right people so you can get answers." Speaking · from his own experiences, Lynch assured the students, "if you take care of yourself, you will make good money and have a great career. You will have a lot of good things in your life because the SIU will give them to you: good medical, pension and great representatives," he said. Gonzales, who donned the SIU colors in 1989, told the apprentices, "You have taken the first and most important step in your lives (enrolling in the program here). Use this and other opportunities that come your way to your full advantage, and nothing but good things will come to you." A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, Gonzales reminded his fellow Seafarers that "everyone needs to constantly improve themselves. By upgrading, you not only enhance skills, you also make the union stronger." Daranda told those in attendance that upgrading at the Paul Hall Center has made a world of difference in his career as well as in the way he views the union. "I started out here as a trainee and was able to meet some of my goals," offered Daranda. "But going back to school has built me up and made me realize that I could make my career easier by upgrading my skills. So being back here and being able to talk to Mr. Red Campbell (retired SIU VP contracts) made me gain a stronger appreciation for what the older guys went through to make this a stronger union. We can honor them and what they went through by doing better in all areas of our careers. It's up to us to keep things moving in the right direction." Even though he was older than most when he began sailing, Agren has no regrets about joining the SIU. "I was 30 years old when I started sailing, but I have been doing pretty good since then," said the three-time upgrader who became a Seafarer in 1986. "I have not had any trouble getting a job." Agren told the trainees that by taking advantage of the opportunities available at the Paul Hall center, they were already ahead in the game. "You don't know how lucky you are to have a school such as this, it teaches you all kinds of stuff." Collectively, the remaining graduates-Shipley, Lavin, Brown and Mendez -reflected on the importance of upgrading at the school, the quality of training given by the center's staff, and the excellence of the facility's accommodations. Shipley joined the union in 1992 in Norfolk. He has upgraded four times and, like his classmates, was grateful for the opportunities the school offers. "I want to thank all SIU members, those who came before me, those here now and those who will come in the future for all they have brought and will continue to bring to the union." Lavin also had enhanced his skills on four occasions at the school. Having joined the SIU in 1974 in Piney Point, he felt especially close to the apprentices and spent a great deal of time with them when not in class. "It was great to be back here in this environment and have the opportunity to spend time with the trainees," he said. "It was a lot of fun getting with them, sharing stories and teaching them how to tie different kinds of knots. We look forward to seeing you all out there." Stanley Daranda hones his skills at the wheel as UA Leroy Jones looks on. Brown has been sailing for more than 20 years. "I've had a great experience while here at Piney Point," he said. "I believe that the school has some of the world's best instructors and staff members. I would recommend that every Seafarer come here, take advantage of the great academic department and upgrade their skills." he said. Three-time upgrader Mendez joined the SIU in 1988 in Piney Point. "I just want to thank the SIU for all the opportunities it has afforded me and for enabling me to be a much better provider for my family than I ever thought possible," he said. "I'd like to send out a special thanks to everyone here (at the school) and at headquarters for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes on behalf of all of us." �SIU Active in Mariner Documentation Talks Seafarers Active on Campaign Trail Sen. Frank Lautenberg speaks at a union rally. Lautenberg, who replaced Sen. Robert Torricelli as the candidate for senator from New Jersey, won his election. Rain did not stop the rally participants in Pennsylvania (above) from listening to their candidate for governor, Ed Rendell. Participating in the event are (below, from left) AB Mike Mahoney, Crowley shoregang member John Gallagher, UIW Assistant VP Rob Wisler, OMU Ben Stanley and AB Chris Nandon. Taking part in the Lautenberg rally are (from left) Hudson County Central Labor Council President Pete Busacca, Joseph Soresi, Tom Soresi, Joe Mieluchowski, Jack Sheehan, Eddie Doruth, James Malone, John Natoli, Joe Marinello and John Alberti. Seafarers join New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd (second from right) at a rally for Senator Mary Landrieu at the Avondale shipyard . Landrieu won the primary vote Nov. 5, and the race for the senator from Louisiana will be decided Dec. 7. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed man of the International Transport Workers' Seafarers ' Section, represented the SIU last month and in October at meetings in Washington, D.C. and Geneva. He said the ILO plans to announce the results of the questionnaire early next year, then place the most popular proposals on the agenda for the organization's June 2003 conference. The next steps would be ratification by individual of member nations whichever proposals are approved at the conference, followed by implementation of the new rules. "The goal is to create new and improved mariner documents while protecting the rights and security of the mariners and the security of their ships and environment," working Heindel noted. "Mariner documents should be consistent worldwide and provide for a means by which authorities can verify that the individual mariner is who he claims to be." Founded in 1919, the ILO is a United Nations agency that promotes social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. In an ongoing effort to protect mariners' rights and security, the SIU continues to participate in domestic and international meetings concerning mariner documentation under the auspices of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The union is helping formulate the U.S. response--due by the end of this month- to an ILO initiative stemming from the attacks of September 11, 2001 and designed to provide a substantially improved international mandate for seafarers identification standards. The ILO earlier this year sent a lengthy questionnaire to member nations concerning the security aspects of mariner identity documents. For instance, the poll includes questions about document format, mariners' rights, background checks, listing ratings, listing sea time, and identifying entities which will be authorized to issue the documents. It also includes a section on · "external means of verifying the authenticity of the identity document or of the information given." SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, vice chair- One way to keep track of all the news which affects the lives and livelihoods of Seafarers is by attending monthly membership meetings. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of any and all issues of importance to them. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2003. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also .lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2003 Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney P(lint Monday atterJi~~tSunday 6 3 3 7 5 2 7 4 8 ,. 5 3 8 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 7 4 4 8 6 3 8 5 9 7 4 9 7 4 10 8 5 10 Port September October November December Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 .Nctttolk Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 1 11 9 6 11 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 San Ju!!' Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 10 7 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 . 10 7 12 Boston Friday after first Sunday 10 7 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12 Houston Monday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 9 14 11 15 13 10 15 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 10 15 12 16 14 12* 16. Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17 Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 . 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 21 * 18* 17 21 19 16 21 19* 22 20 17 22 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 21 18 18 22 20 17 22 19 23 21 18 23 Wednesday after third Sunday 22 19 19 23 21 18 23 20 24 22 19 24 Friday after third Sunday 24 21 21 25 23 20 25 22 26 24 21 26 San Francisco Jersey City Tacoma *New Orleans change created by Veterans' Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday, Presidents' Day and Paul Hall 's birthday holidays. B �UJJd the Port of W.ilmin ABOARD THE LIBERATOR ••• AB And~es Mano ABOARD THE SOUND RELIANCE ••• AB William Foley Standby AB Mauro Gutierrez gets to work painting the hull. Chief Cook Ernest Polk begins preparations for lunch aboard the U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel while in the port of Los Angeles for a payoff. QEE Elwyn Ford (left) and standby QEE George Cruzen talk shop. The Sound Reliance and its accompanying double-hulled barge 550-2 is one of the new articulated tug-barge (ATS) tank vessel units crewed by SIU members. like the Sea Reliance/Barge 550-1, the Sound Reliance/Barge 550-2 transports clean oil products. Built at Halter Marina's Moss Point (Miss.) yard, the Sound Reliance meets all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and American Bureau of Shipping criteria. The ATS is seen above at pier 48 in long Beach. Recertified Steward Guillermo Thomas attends the shipboard meeting prior to payoff. Above: AB John Lavergne (left) and Chief Engineer Charles Young pose in the engine room of the new tug. At left: This photo shows the wheelhouse and chart tables as well as the GMOSS system. AU the standby ABs join forces to paint the hull. Dennis Pickering is an AB aboard the Liberator. Relief Bosun Bob Pagan controls the crane to bring stores and other gear aboard ship. Relief Steward Hans Schmuck gathers the ingredients needed for a super salad bar. Tied up along the same pier as the Sound Reliance are the Crowley tugs Guardian, Master and Tioga. �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR WELFARE FUND OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN 2003 This is a summary of the annual report of the Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan EIN 13-6700827, Plan No. 501, for the period January l, 2001 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Insurance Information The plan has contracts with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company to pay medical claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2001 were $560,137. Because they are so called "experience-rated" contracts, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2001, the premiums paid under such "experience-rated" contracts were $549,360, and the total of all benefit claims paid under these experience-rated contracts during the plan year was $313,208. Basic Financial Statement START THE APPLICATION PROCESS TODAY! our-year colleges and universities have raised their tuitions and fees by an average of 9.6 percent for the current school year, notes the College Board in a recent survey of colleges. This is the largest price hike in the past 10 years, caused mainly by state budget cuts, dwindling endowments and a slowing economy. The tuition increases, in addition to a rise in the costs for room and board, have resulted in the average annual cost of atten.ding a four-year public university for students who live on campus to be $9,663-or $672 more than last year. Those attending two-year public schools are seeing an average annual increase of 7.9 percent. Many students secure some sort of financial aid, but much of that money is in the form of loans-which eventually must be repaid-and only puts a student deeper in debt. Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next year have a benefit unique to them. For in addition to any other grants or stipends they may be awarded, they also are eligible to apply for one of eight scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIU members. One is in the amount of $20,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The first step in the application process is sending away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a F copy of this guide, fill -out the coupon at the bottom of his page and return it to the address listed on the form. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should then check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting some of the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2003 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the requests are made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant's character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2003 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously have applied for a Seafarers scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the eligibility requirements. Don't let the steadily increasing costs of a college education stop you from reaching your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference! r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2003 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P Mariner's Social Security Number ______________________ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 12/02 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------~ The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $21,69~,222 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $24,391,989 as of January 1, 2001 . During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $2,697,767. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan bad a total income of$8,285,742 including employer contributions of $6,458,792, realized gains of $185,235 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,638,924. Plan expenses were $10,983,509. These expenses included $1,562,719 in administrative expenses and $9,420,790 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights ta Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant 's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of Mr. William Dennis, who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31" Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.90 for the full annual report or I 0 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31" Street, New York, NY l 0001) and at the U.S. Department of labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room 5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY AllNUAL REl'ORT FOR NMU l'EllSIOll PUii AllD IUlllUITY PLAN 401 K l'LAN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Plan and Annuity Plan 401 K Plan EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ofl974 (ERISA). Basic Fiaandal Statement Benefits un:der the plan are provided through insurance and through a trust fund. Plan expenses-were $258,610. These expenses included $258,610 in benefits paid to participants and b~neficiaries. A total of 329 persons were participants io or benefi~ ciaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,5 71,889 as ofDCC"ember 31, 2001, compared to $2,345,497 as of January l, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $226,392. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total incoijle of $485,002 including employee contributions of$639;.239cand earnings from investments of $(162,133). , .., Rights to Alldlllonal lllfllrmaflon You have the right to .receive a copy of the full annual report. or any part there· of, on request The items listed below are mclnded in that report: l, an account.ant's report; 2. financial information; l. assets held for investment; • 4. :insurance information, including sales conunissions paid by insurance,. carriers; and 5. information regatding any colll!Uon. or collective trusts~ pooled separate accounts, master trusts or l 03~ 12 investment entities in which the plan participates. · To obt.ai.I) a oopy of the .full annual report~ or any part thereof,. wri~ or call the office of Mt. William Dennis. who is PranAdministrator. Board of Tru~ees of the NMU Pensiun)tnd Welfare Plans, 360 West 31" Street, New York, NYJOOOl; tele· phone {212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.90 for the full annual report or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also bave the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charg~ a statement of the asset!) and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes. or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying 9.0~}lf, both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the; plan administrator, two statements and acc()Dlp8Uying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to e<>ver copying-oo$1S given above does not include a charge for the c()pying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You alsobave the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of1heylan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., ot fo these obtain a mpy itom the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of eopying costs. Requests to 1he Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room Nl513, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration. U.S. DepartmentofLabor, 200 Con.stitutionAvenue, N.W. 1 Washington, DC 20210. �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACAnON FUND SUMMARY AllNllAL REPORT FOB SEAFARERS PEllSIOJI .TRUST This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust EIN 13-6100329. Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 2QO1 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with tbe Pension arid Welfare Benefits Administration. as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Mt 1974 (.6~SA). of '' Ba$11; .Finaltl:lal Statement are ~eneftts under the _pl~n provided through a trust fund. expenses were $36,110,795. These expenses included $6,308, 760 in administrative expenses and $29,802,035 in benefits paid to ;p~cie~ts .and beneficiaries, A total of 14,542 ~~ns were -pattici~~ in or beneficiaries of the plan at the ,. ~pd pf 1J1~ 2~ Y~ru:, i\lth~~~ not all of these persons had yet ''eatn~d the.right to ~ce.ive benefits. .The value of plan assets; after subtracting liabilities of the plan. was $5~5.'246,250 as ofDecember31, 2001, compared to $5?5~9,9.3J)98 as of January 1, 2001. During the plan year, the plan ~Pfrienced an increase in i~s~et assets of $19,252,252. , This..· includes unrealized. iation and depreciation ,Pfan ..·. · in th~" . o'( plan assets; that · difference between tile yalu~ ot':~~ptan•s assets at the enq ?.f tbe year and the~J~epf -at the beginning of the yeaf'-0r the cost assets ac~uired e Y,~· The plan had a total income of $55,363,M7 · includi o •.~ contributions of $11,452,666, realized gains ·91 :ft.Qro the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $31,t40~79. unrealized appreciation of asset$ of $5,868,237 and other in.come 0~$14,283. Mill1mlunFIJndlng . . . . . An actuary's statiment.sllow; thaferl'O~gh.inoney was oonttibuted . to the plan to keeti it funded in accordance with the roi:n,itnum funding s~4ards of BRISA. SUMIWARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 00 I, for the period January 1, 200 I through December 31 , 2001. The annual report ha been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income ec uri ty ct of 1974 (ERI A). Basic Rnant:lal Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund . Plan expenses were $427,293 . These expenses included 174,498 in administrative expenses and 252, 795 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 8,411 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $13,723,415 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $9,981,416 as of January 1, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3, 741,999. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $4,169,292 including employer contributions of $3,755,926, employee contributions of $67,996, earnings from investments of $391,608 and unrealized (depreciation) of assets of $(46,238). Your Rights to Additional lnlannation You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1,80 for the full annual report or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Your Rights to Additional lnfolmallon You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding tbe funding of the :pJan; and S) Financial information and infonnation on payment'S t<> service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual repo~ or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying ~ostf will . Pt $9.30 for the full annual report or I 5 cents~pef·page l9! any pal} thereof. You also have the right to receive from the tor, on request and at no charge, a statement o liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes. or,as: . income and expenses .o f the plan and accompanying )lot _ both. If you 'request ~ copy of the full annual report Mm 'the plan administrator, these two. statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of thatieport. You also have the legally protected right 10 examine the <anu'\ialteport at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, ·9a~~,S~r:Pl_gs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor ' in Washitigfon D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. De~ent ~f Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the . ~pattment should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Rooµi, Room N56381 Pension and Welfare Benefit~ Administration, U.S •. Oepartmen1 of Labor. 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, EIN 135602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15,419,286 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $15,967,279 as of January 1, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $547,993. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $45,728,400 including employer contributions of $43,642,403, realized gain of $682,570 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of$1,502,961, and unrealized depreciation of assets of $(99,534). Plan expenses were $46,276,393. These expenses included $5,577,843 in administrative expenses and $40,698,550 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. You Rights to Additional lntonnatlon You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.40 for the full annual report or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of the report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR #MU VACAnON PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU Vacation Plan EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501 , for the period January l, 2001 through December 31 , 200 J . The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) Basic Finant:ial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,463,692 as of December 3, 2001, compared to $2,003,004 as of January 1, 200 J. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $539,312. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $7,301,364 including employer contributions of $7,162,051 and earnings from investments of $139,100. Plan expenses were $7,840,676. These expenses included $725,764 in administrative expenses and $7,114,912 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional lnfannation You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l) an accountant's report; 2) financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3) assets held for investment; and 4) transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Wiiliam Dennis, who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31" Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.30 for the full annual report or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31 " Street, New York, NY 10001) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SllMflARY AllNllAL REPORT Fllll lllfll l'EllSIOll 1'llllST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE l'l.AN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Trust of tbe NMU Pension and Welfare Plan ElN 13~6592643, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 200 l through December 3 J, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). .Bas/I: Flnant:lal Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $36, 134,184. These expenses included $2,641,357 in administrative expenses and $33,492,827 in benefits paid to par~ ticipants and beneficiaries. A total of 10,517 persons were partic]pants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan yeat although not alt of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits The value of plan assets. after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $~57,980,940 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $388,800,076 as of January 1, 2001. During the plan year, the pJan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $30,819,l36. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or tbe cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $5,315,048 including Trustees of the NMU Pensfon and Welfare Plan. 360 West 3ltt Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.20 for the full annual report or Minimum Fllndlng Slandanls 10 cents per page for any part thereof. An actuary's statement shows that enough You also have the right to receive from the money was contributed to the plan to keep it fund- plan administrat<>r, on request and at no charge, a ed in accordance with the minimum funding stan- statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan dards of ERISA. and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, YfMll' Rights to Addillonal lnlflnnatlon or both. 1f you request a copy of the full annual You have the right to receive a copy of the full report from the plan administrator, these two stateannual report, or any part thereof: on request The ments and accompanying notes will be included as items listed below are included in that report: part of that report The charge to cover copying l. an accountant's report; costs given above does not include a charge for the 2. financial :infonnation and :infonnation on copying of these portions of the report because payments to service providers; these portions are fumished without charge. 3. assets held for investment; You also have the legally protected right to 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the examine the annual report at the main office of the plan assets; 5. insurance information, including sales plan (Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31" Street, New York, NY commissions paid by insurance camers; 6. infonnation regarding any common or col- 10001) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in lective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment ofcopyplan participates; and ing costs. Requests to the Department should be 7. actuarial information regarding the funding addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room of the plan. N 1513, Pension and Welfare Benefits AdminTo obtain a copy of the full annual report. or istration, U.S. Department of Labor, 20() any part thereof; write or call the office of Mr. Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC William Dennis,. who is Administrator, Board of 20210. employer contnbutions of $974,462, realized losses of $1,161,426 from the sale of assets, and earn~ ings from investments of$11,ll2,957. �- - - - - -- --- Officials, Members Discuss SIU Jobs, MSP, Homeland Security and More - - - - --- - - - - - - -- When SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President John Fay met last month with Seafarers at the union hall in Tacoma, Wash. and aboard ships in the area, there was no shortage of important, timely matters to be discussed. During the monthly membership meeting Oct. 25 at the hall and throughout that same week on · Seafarers-contracted vessels, Sacco led discussions about vital topics includmg: tions; •H •New shipboard job opportunities for the SIU; •The union's push to extend and expand the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP); at the • The continued readiness of the SIU fleet for anticipated military activa- On the weather deck of the Cape Intrepid, Seafarers and officials discuss the role of the Cape ships in the event of an RRF activation. Pictured from left to right are Port Agent Bryan Powell, SIU President Mike Sacco, Recertified Bosun Dana Cella, SIU Exec. VP John Fay and GUDE Billy Borne. SIU President Mike Sacco, Chief Steward Joia de Leon, Port Agent Bryan Powell SIU President Mike Sacco, Steward/Baker Darlene Cherry Below: SIU President Mike Sacco (left) meets with crew members from the CSX Tacoma as well as members of the shoregang and maintenance crews at the Maersk/CSX terminal in Tacoma , Wash. Seafarers 1 Recertified Bosun Dana Cella, SIU President Mike Sacco, Shoregang Chief Bosun Vern Poulsen �I meland security U.S. Coast Guard; e importance of the union's volunitical action fund) union's constant 1 activity; nefits of upgrading aul Hall Center for e Training and on; and e lockout of West Coast longshoremen and how it relates to the SIU and labor as a whole. Chief Steward Terry White attended the membership meeting and said he welcomed the presence of Sacco and Fay. "We were really impressed," White stated. "People were happy to see the top officials at the hall. Everyone was encouraged by what they had to say, and there's definitely reason to be optimistic about the future." Sacco addressed the membership and answered questions for an hour- a fact not lost on QMED Joe Laguana. "It was a good meeting for getting questions answered," Laguana noted. "Mike talked about the military contacts and the fact that we have to be ready to go .... I always come to the meetings and they're always good, but this one was educational and outstanding." QMED Michael Birke described the meeting as "informational" and said he wasn't surprised to see Sacco at the hall. "I've met Mike many times before and seen him at different SIU halls." The membership meeting drew a standing-room crowd. QMED Alan Ward, GUDE Joe Flesner and Electrician Stanley Castro listen while SIU President Mike Sacco speaks aboard the Cape Island in Tacoma , Wash. aO ., At the SIU hall in Tacoma , Wash ., SIU President Mike Sacco (right) reviews some of the programs offered at the Paul Hall Center with AB Tzvetan Ovalov. SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson reads the secretary-treasurer's report during the membership meeting. Right: Tacoma SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell reads his report during the meeting . Pictured at his left is SIU Exec. VP John Fay. At his right is SIU Representative Trebion Dixon . Right: SIU President Mike Sacco discusses the push for a new ritime Security Program during the membership meeting in Tacoma . Pictured at Sacco's left is SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya, SIU President Mike Sacco �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH ADAIR Brother Joseph Adair, 71, died Aug. 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Adair sailed in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. His initial voyage was aboard the Alcoa Roamer. The Florida-born mariner shipped in the deck department and last worked on the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Adair lived in Pierce, Fla. ANASTASIOS AVZANGELIS Pensioner Anastasios Avzangelis, 88, passed away July 12. Brother Avzangelis started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the William H. Aspinwal, a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Greece, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Avzangelis last went to sea aboard Sea Transport, Inc. 's Columbia. He lived in Greece and began receiving his pension in 1980. NATHANIEL AYLER _.,.. Pensioner Nathaniel Ayler, 78, died Oct. 3. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Ayler first went to sea on the Cedar Rapid, an Isbradtsen Co. vessel. Born in Alabama, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Ayler was a resident of Mobile, Ala. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1981. RALPH BAKER ..-----==------, Pensioner Ralph Baker, 75, passed away recently. Brother Baker launched his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Houston. A U.S. Navy veteran, his first SIU ship was the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The Lancaster, Ohio native worked in the deck department and last went to sea aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management's Kaimoku. Brother Baker made his home in New Orleans and started receiving retirement stipends in 1992. ALLEN BATCHELOR Pensioner Allen Batchelor, 90, died Aug. 20. He commenced his SIU profession in 1952 in the port of New York. The Newton, Ga. '--------'----'native worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Patriot, an Ocean Carriers Inc. vessel. Brother Batchelor began receiving his pension in 1985. He called North Miami Beach, Fla. home. LAVETA BLACKWELL Pensioner Laveta Blackwell, 57, passed away recently. Sister Blackwell started her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1967 in San Francisco. Born in Texas, she sailed in the steward department. Sister Blackwell was a resident of El Paso, Texas and began collecting compensation for her retirement in 1978. WILLIAM BURKE Pensioner William Burke, 70, passed away July 5. Brother Burke joined the SIU in 1970 in Detroit. Born in Canada, he worked in the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. The deck department member last worked on the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Burke began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1999 and lived in the Philippines. JOSE DaCOSTA Pensioner Jose Dacosta, 86, died July 11. Brother Dacosta embarked on his vocation ...~ with the Seafarers in 1952 '----""""--'""""'""--"""'"'~ in the port of Baltimore. The Brazilian-born mariner shipped in the deck department and last went to sea aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management's Northern Lights. Brother Dacosta started receiving retirement stipends in 1981. He called Baltimore home. TIMOTHY DALLY Brother Timothy Dally, 44, passed away Aug. 22. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Jacksonville, .____.........___.____.....___... Fla. His first ship was the CPL Louis J Hauge Jr. Born in Yokosuka, Japan, Brother Dally worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Sea-Land Atlantic. Brother Dally was a resident of Atlantic Beach, Fla. GEORGE DANG Pensioner George Dang, 75, died Sept. 16. Brother Dang began his career with the MC&S.Bornin China, he shipped in the -'---''-------'.....,,,., steward department. Brother Dang called San Francisco home. He began collecting his pension in 1973. VITO D' ANGELO Pensioner Vito D'Angelo, 80, passed away Aug. 12. Brother D' Angelo commenced his career with the SIU in 1959 in ----------!l.:l~ the port of New York. The Massachusetts native shipped in the deck department and sailed on many vessels during bis career including the Steel Admiral and the Robin Good Fellow. Brother D' Angelo resided in Miami Lakes, Fla. and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. EUGENIO DE SOUSA Brother Eugenio De Sousa, 31 , died Sept. 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The Massachusetts-born mariner initially went to sea aboard the Sea- Land Performance. Brother De Sousa shipped in the deck department and last sailed on the PFC Dewayne T. Williams, operated by American Overseas Marine. He lived in New Bedford, Mass. GEORGE DOEST Pensioner George Doest, 81, passed away Aug. 2. Brother Doest joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port ofNewYork. _ _____, Born in South America, he initially sailed aboard an Isco Inc. vessel. The engine department member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Pittsburgh. Brother Doest started receiving his pension in 1985 and made his home in The Woodlands, Texas. WILLIAM DREW Pensioner William Drew, 77, died Aug. 14. Brother Drew joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. A U.S. Navy veteran, the Maine-born mariner first sailed on the Del Rio, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Drew shipped in the engine department. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1981 and made his home in Morehead ity, .C. BEVERLY DUNN Pensioner Beverly Dunn, 69, died Aug. 2 . Brother Dunn started his SIU career in 1955 in the port of New York.A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Dunn shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He last worked on Westchester Marine's Golden Endeavor. He called Mobile, Ala. home and began receiving his pension in 1997. WALTER DUNN Pensioner Walter Dunn, 88, passed away Aug. 29. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Dunn started his SIU career in 1949 in the port of _ _ __, Mobile, Ala. His first SIU voyage was on the Alcoa Partner. The steward department member last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp's Jefferson Davis. Brother Dunn began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1979 and made his home in Alabama. REYES FLORES Pensioner Reyes Flores, 55, died July 9. Brother Flores started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the deck department and last worked on the Humacao, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1996 and lived in his native commonwealth. KENNETH GffiVAN Pensioner Kenneth Girvan, 81, passed away Sept. 28. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in Portland, Ore. Brother Girvan initially went to sea aboard the President Wilson. Born in Alaska, he shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Ewa. Brother Girvan resided in Newburg, Ore. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1987. DAVID HARTMAN Pensioner David Hartman, 76, died Aug. 30. Brother Hartman started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Hartman worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Brother Hartman sailed in the deck department. He last went to sea on the Cape Race. Brother Hartman began receiving his pension in 1995 and lived in Norfolk, Va. EDWARD HASSAN Pensioner Edward Hassan, 84, passed away Sept. 15. Brother Hassan began his career with the MC&S . Born in Surabaya, Indonesia, he shipped in the steward department and started collecting his pension in 1977. Brother Hassan made his home in Albany, Ore. ALBERT HENDRICKS Pensioner Albert Hendricks, 61 , died Sept. 17. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Hendricks initially went to sea aboard Bull Steamship Co. 's Elizabeth. The Mobile, Ala. native shipped in the steward department and last sailed on the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Hendricks began receiving his pension in 2000 and lived in Alabama. SYLVESTER HOOVER Pensioner Sylvester Hoover, 75, passed away Aug. 22. The U.S. Navy veteran joined the Seafarers in 1968 in San Francisco. Brother Hoover's first ship was the President Adams. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He last went to sea on the Manoa and started receiving his pension in 1985. Brother Hoover was a resident of Seabring, Fla. WILLIAM LE COU Pensioner William Le Cou, 75, died Aug. 20. Born in California, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Brother Le Cou joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His initial voyage was aboard the Alamar. The engine department member started receiving his pension in 1992. He was a resident of Lytle Creek, Calif. WILLIE LINDSEY Pensioner Willie Lindsey, 52, died Sept. 26. Brother Lindsey launched his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi-born mariner first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Hastings. Brother Lindsey worked in the engine department, last sailing on the Sgt. William R. Button. More recently, he worked as a crane maintenance electrician in New Orleans. Brother Lindsey began receiving his pension in 1999 and was a resident of Natalbany, La. CARLOS LUNA Pensioner Carlos Luna, 85, passed away Sept. 30. Brother Luna began his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ...__..__~.....____.._-"""-__. of Baltimore. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Luna's final voyage was aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management's Carolina. He lived in Kenner, La., and began receiving disbursements for his pension in 1979. KUNG HO ANTHONY MARGIOTTA Pensioner Kung Ho, 86, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Ho began his career with the MC&S. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. Brother Ho started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1969 and was a San Francisco resident. Pensioner Anthony Margiotta, 75, died Sept. 24. The U.S. Army veteran embarked on his SIU career in 1953 in the port .._____ .,.......;___ __,of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department and lived in New Orleans. Brother Margiotta started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. RICHARD HOLMES Brother Richard Holmes, 79, died Sept. 8. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Houston. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Holmes worked in the engine department. He last went to sea on the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Holmes made his home in Texas. MICHAEL MASTROGANNIS Pensioner Michael Mastrogannis, 64, passed away June 3. Born in Greece, he joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Mastrogannis was a member of the deck depart- Continued on page 18 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 3 1 2 4 3 11 20 44 10 17 2 12 9 20 32 Mobile New Orleans 8 22 14 13 26 13 New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco 29 13 3 2 12 9 l 10 19 15 6 Baltimore St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile 8 27 13 4 9 0 5 2 36 23 15 187 11 28 256 0 4 0 3 16 Tacoma Wilmington otals 1 6 8 2 12 6 110 Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 0 2 1 10 15 14 3 New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 9 12 9 2 2 Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis l 26 Tacoma Wilmington 15 23 Mobile Totals 145 8 2 11 14 10 192 117 0 0 0 2 6 3 0 6 7 13 14 43 4 19 3 9 0 4 5 5 4 5 4 11 2 4 I 3 1 0 2 0 3 l 7 3 17 37 3 1 0 5 3 41 3 2 0 4 . SL~ 1 4 9 o 1 0 7 7 4 4 3 2 1 3 0 0 0 f 0 5 1 20 5 0 2 14 4 4 2 6 0 11 5 90 1 0 0 0 7 31 31 9 14 8 3 22 25 219 13 16 6 19 _'JJ 12 19 5 3 8 4 8 20 5 2 6 0 2 0 17 6 7 2 2 2 12 21 25 .2 1 1 1 2 18 15 16 41 203 196 116 0 0 4 2 0 0 2 1 0 4 15 11 4 22 3 13 6 11 4 7 5 3 7 3 2 3 0 0 4 5 3 1 7 4 1 2 14 19 12 2 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 l 1 4 5 11 7 15 6 0 3 0 3 0 2 4 13 11 0 4 33 116 34 0 0 0 13 2 4 1 1 1 9 0 3 0 4 8 54 14 32 0 - - - -"''" Honolulu 0 9 3 0 0 1 0 11 15 6 12 8 2 6 4 8 5 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 0 12 12 0 1 1 19 4 1 0 PuertQ Ric0-_ San Franciseo" St. Louis 1 1 12 3 7 0 Tacoma Wilmington 4 5 14 1 13 6 42 553 Totals Totals All Departments 0 5 0 6 6 3 36 23 2 7 3 5 0 32 39 17 246 107 14 6 2 7 6 34 32 26 0 20 1 0 15 l 3 0 3 10 5 6 1 8 0 13 6 140 161 30 86 63 0 0 6 5 63 498 352 428 314 134 186 926 4 0 3 3 0 0 o~-- o New Bedford .......... Tuesday: January 21, February 18 New York................Tuesday: January 7, February 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: January 9, February 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: January 8, February 5 Port Everglades....... Thursday; January 16, February 13 San Francisco ......... Thursday:; January 16, February 13 SanJuan..................Thursday: January 9, February 6 St. Louis ................. Friday: January 17, February 14 Tacoma ................... Friday; January 24~ February 21 Wtlmington ...............Tuesday: January 21 * Tuesday: February 18* Personal LEON "MICK" SMITH 2 1 0 0 Please contact Hubert Jackson at (910) 594-0127, or write him at 88 Johnston Hwy, Newton Grove, NC 28366. Would like to reminisce about the taxi ride from Portland to Newport, Ore. and other "stuff" 3 52 7 30 50 38 7 10 21 56 17 66 0 2 21 4 8 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Each pod's meellag starls at 10:30 a.m. HUBERT "RED" HOUSE Corrections In the October 2002 LOG, the photos of deceased members Ronald Krug and John McGreevy were inadvertently switched. Both obituaries follow in their entirety. 3 l2 0 0 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: January 15, February 12 3 12 3 I 7 3 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: January 22, February 19 7 0 12 0 0 0 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: January 9, February 6 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Leon "Mick" Smith, please contact his brother, Clement Smith, at 253 Rutter Ave., Kingston, PA 18704; or ·telephone (570) 287-1485 or (570) 287-3345. Smith, 77, was a merchant mariner who sailed on the Great Lakes. In 1991, he was known to live in the Chicago area. ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 Houston ..................Monday: January 13, February 10 "(changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday and Presidents' Day) 7 Port 2 4 2 4 2 21 8--_,.· 4 77 6 2 l - 1 33 5 6 59 6 6 4 7 0 14 1 16 3 0 2 Honolulu ................. Friday: January 17, February 14 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: January 14, February l1 10 1 11 • 4 15 13 6 o· 11 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 3 30 4 13 12 2 3 10 0 7 Duluth ........................Wednesday: January 15, February 12 43 1 7 1 Baltimore ................ Thursday: January 9, February 6 22 23 0 6 Algonac .................. Friday: January 10, February 7 Boston..................... Friday: January 10, February 7 6 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT -1:· 1 0 2 0 1 0 Piney Point ............. Monday: January 6, February 3 4 37 22 46 14 23 26 281 4 5 2 11 38 414 2 0 0 2 7 91 3 7 0 6 6 54 z 30 21 2 24 8 112 2 4 53 0 2 5 28 53 19 8 5 5 0 0 7 67 22 3 l 18 o __ Port Algonac 4 16 1 104 l 5 2 7 2 3 23 19 3 0 21 8 18 22 8 10 18 6 14 9 8 4 1 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C O· 9 7 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico 1 4 3 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 8 2 0 0 2 l 0 4 1 Algonac NOVEMBER 15, 2002 January & February 2003 Membership Meetings Beep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 2 35 9 37 18 304 339 888 726 RONALD KRUG Pensioner Ronald King, 65, died June 7. Brother Krug began his SIU career in 1961 in Cleveland. He first worked on a vessel operated by Erie Sand Gravel Co. Brother Krug was a member of the deck department and last shipped aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1998 and lived in Ohio. JOHN McGREEVY Pensioner John McGreevy, 79, passed away July 20. Brother McGreevy started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., he shipped in the deck department. Brother McGreevy worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, Inc., including the Seniority Men. He started receiving his pension in 1987 and lived in Ashley, Pa. • �' Seafarers lntemational llaltln Dlret:lory 1'T1'1U 1'1onthl7 Shipping; A Registration Report NOVEMBER 2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Yice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Pice President West Coast 1oseph T. Sorest Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Rene Lioeaojie, Vice President at Large Harvey, LA New York Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Norfollc Vice President Government Services • )Ill HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 San Pedro Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 8 8 5 13 1 Tacoma 13 4 Totals 52 2 0 0 4 10 2 0 0 0 3 1 6 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 3 13 1 7 3 5 20 2 16 8 0 18 0 33 0 5 7 61 10 0 0 14 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 21 0 0 9 2 11 32 8 37 22 1 39 128 56 0 0 3 3 0 0 ALGONAC StOSt. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325<1-datket St., Suite B~ Alton, 1L 62002 (618) 462~3456 ANCHORAGE 121 Sesame St., #JC. Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE -2~15 Essex St.. Baltimore, MD 21224 (410} 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston. MA 02127 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston 3 0 Harvey, LA New York 2 0 Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 9 2 16 0 ~o ~·~T ~ 0 ___3__ -~-~--2 3 0 3 0 1 o 0 0 2 0 l 0 0 0 2 0 7 10 10 0 0 4 0 Q 4 0 3 19 40 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 7 0 "·"--- o-· ~· ~ r 0 0 0 1 0 22 6 6 0 12 15 69 0 0 1 2 14 0 0 0 2 2 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4l10 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston 0 2 Harvey, LA New York 2 5 (671) 647-1350 Norfolk 1 HONOLULU San Pedro Tacoma Totals GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo SL, Tamuning, Guam 96911 606 Kalihi SL, Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston. TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 47~H9I6 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 12 I 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 l 0 0 0 1 8 2 2 2 l 3 9 0 0 0 5 0 San Pedro ] 6 Tacoma 0 2 0 18 18 17 0 3 98 31 45 39 Totals 12 I 0 1 6 0 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 18 3 4 23 1 8 1 0 1 3 0 0 11 4 8 0 4 18 2 17 2 71 25 42 I 5 4 11 20 27 0 71 3 0 10 28 38 11 73 0 3 2 0 0 0 109 67 2 2 11 168 311 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Harvey, LA New York 0 0 2 Port Boston Houston 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 157 8 160 0 2 84 425 260 0 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 GoYemmentServices Division: (71&) 832-8761 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PllILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Pbiladelphia, PA 19148 (215} 336-3818 PINEYPOJNT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S-Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954} 522-7984 Totals All Departments PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST Following are more photos and tales from retiree Phil Rosenstein of Corpus Christi, Texas, who has been a frequent contributor to the LOG. Rosenstein writes: "Sometime during the 1960s, I relieved Bosun Pete Brusasco on board the Volunteer State, a States Marine Victory ship. Pete lived in Portland, Ore. and invited me to his home whenever I was in the area. Pete had a business that he worked at in between ships-retrieving logs from the bottom of the Willamette River. Yes, logs don't always float. There were a lot of logs that sank to the bottom." The photo below is of Pete, leaning against one of the square logs he pulled up. SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 • (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The photo above was taken of Rosenstein in 1967 when he was bosun aboard the Boise Victory, owned and operated· by Keystone Shipping Co. "We made several trips into Vietnam during the war. The U.S. Army brought 30- and 50-caliber machine guns on board with soldiers to operate them. One soldier taught me how to use the machine gun and let me pose for my picture with it on the stern. "There were many ships at anchor in Saigon. Every morning scuba divers would check the bottom of our ship for mines. The Viet Cong would sometimes swim up the Saigon River and put magnetic mines under the hulls of U.S. merchant ships." �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those mem_bers for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. n inland captain, two recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the eight Seafarers who are announcing their retirements this month. A Captain Burton 0. Baxter navigated the inland waterways for nearly 15 years. Bosuns Henry Bouganim and Edward M. Cain mastered the highest level of training available to members who sail in the deck department in 1987 and 1988, respectively, when they completed the bosun recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Chief Steward James Dunne completed the top level of instruction obtainable to steward department members in 1998 when he graduated from the steward recertification program at the Paul Hall Center. Including Bouganim, Cain and Dunne, four of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. One plied the Great Lakes, and three navigated the inland waterways. Five of the retirees worked in the deck department, one shipped in the engine department and two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarer LOG r n bri biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA HENRY BOUGANIM, 63, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Mogadar, Morocco, Brother Bouganim first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Andrew Jackson. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a bosun. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., completing the bosun recertification course in 1987. Brother Bouganim last went to sea on the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. He resides in Waveland, Miss. EDWARDM. CAIN, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New Orleans. He first worked on the Sampan Hitch, a Suwannee Steamship Co. vessel. The Alabama-born mariner sailed in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Cain frequently upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He completed the bosun recertification course in 1988 and last sailed on the SeaLand Independence. Brother Cain lives in Mobile, Ala. JAMES DUNNE 65 joined the Seafarers in 19 7 in an Fran isco. Brother Dunne served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. His first Seafarers-crewed ship was the USNS Assertive, operated by Sea Mobility, Inc. The Massachusetts native sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills often in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dunne completed steward recertification training in 1998 and last worked on American Ship Management's APL Singapore. He is a resident of Tacoma, Wash. · FLOYD HARMANSON, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Harmanson's first SIU ship was the Overseas Natalie. The Port Arthur, Texas native was a member of the steward department and last worked on the Cape Mendocino, an OMI Ship Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Harmanson lives in his native state. The SIU demanded and won from its 'Contracted operators an Increase in the bonus on Far East runs from the previous rate of 25 per~ cent to the flat BURTONO. BAXTER, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965. Born in Tyler, Texas, Boatman Baxter worked in the deck department and shipped as a captain. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines, Inc. Boatman Baxter makes his home in Kountze, Texas. .--~-==-~--,GERALD CLOSE 61 , began hi SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York. The Athens, Ohio native shipped in the deck department. Boatman Close worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Pennsylvania Central Transportation Co. He resides in Gwynn, Va. JOSEPH LEON CY, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in the West Indies, he union's legafexpe'its a.re if1vestlgating ways and means of overriding the high court's anti-labor decision after the U.S. Justice Department succeeded in convincing the court that costs of discharging cargo on a seized vessel should take precedence over seamen's claims for wages. The courts ruled In favor of the government since much of the cargo in question was govemmentowned. LAST MONTH JN SIU HISTORY rate of $1 per day, calculated from the day the ship leaves Honolulu until it returns to that port. In addition, the bonus rate on the African run was increased from 331/3 percent to the same $1 per day rate. For the entry ratings, this meant an increase of no fess than 25 percent. 1963 The SIU has asked for congressional action to amend admiralty and maritime law to restore the basic right of seafarers to recover unpaid wages when a ship is sold at a Marshall's sale as the result of a seizure. The U.S. Supreme Court recently denied a petition by the SIU to guarantee wages for seamen on a seized ship. The GREAT LAKES -1992 The SIU's efforts to save both the tourism industry of Long Beach, Calif. as well as thousands of jobs haven't gone to waste. As of mid-November, the long Beach City Council was scheduled imminently to assume ownership and operation of the famed Queen Mary hotel and restaurant. The council has vowed to keep the Queen Mary-on which 1, 200 members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers are employed-in the city, by its recent vote to prevent sale of the ship to a foreign buyer. DANIEL HEARNS, 61, hails from Cleveland. Brother Hearns joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Houston. He first sailed aboard the Lemmerhirt, a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. Brother Hearns shipped in the deck department. He calls Brunswick, Ohio home. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. INLAND The following three briefs were to be included in the November LOG. They were pulled due to space considerations. -1940 shipped in both the engine and deck departments. Boatman Leoncy worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. He lives in Puerto Rico. ION ION, 65, started his career with the NMUin 1990. Born in Romania, · he first went to sea aboard the SS Aspen and shipped out of the port of Wilmington, Calif. The deck department member upgraded his skills in and last worked aboard the Tonsina. ALBERT SINGLETO , 60, hails from Charleston S.C. He joined the NMUin 1962. Brother Singleton's first voyage was aboard the SS Amoco New York. The steward department member initially shipped out of the port of Charleston, S.C. He upgraded his skills and last went to sea on the SS Fredricks- burg. ~tReptlnted from past issues of the ~afarers LOG' 1940, 'The :Seafarers International Union "~m~ineq>oncttfeated in representation elections by win- ning a N~tion9I labor Relations Board election aboard Calmar Line ships by a vote of 323 to 9. Of 340 seamen who voted, only nine voted against the union and eight ballots were ruled invalid by the board. The lopsided victory was the third recent success for the Sf U in representation elections aboard ship. Previously, the union easily won elections to represent seamen working aboard P&O and Baltimore Insular line ships. RAUL VAZQUEZ embarked on his career with the NMUin 194 7. Sailing out of the port of Baltimore, he initially worked on the Bulk Crude. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Vazquez upgraded his skills in 1989. He last worked on a Lykes Brothers' vessel. ,.....,,.,...--=~--,------i In addition to the members listed above, the following NMU brothers and sisters went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age Robert Cole Leonelo Flores Mario Hernandez Raymond McKnight Antonio Soares Cesar Johnson John Smith stated\furth!.r, 66 55 55 78 62 69 55 Effective Date Aug. l Nov. l Sept. l ov. 1 Nov. 1 Sept. 1 Oct. I ''We take pride in the fact that New Orleans particularly in the last 14 years 'ha.s had the favorable economic, social and pofi*al climate which has encouraged the growth of business, indus.. try and such great institutions as the SIU." New Orleans SIU Port Agent Lindsey J. Williams said, "The universal respect and good.. will enjoyed by Seafarers in this port is a far cry from the conditions prevailing 2 1 years ago during the formative stages of our union. We are preparing to move into a beautiful new home." THIS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY 1960 Ground was broken during the past week for the new Seafarers building in New Orleans. Mayor de-Lesseps S. Morrison was the principal speaker. He said, "The wonderful growth and progress which the Seafarers International Union has enjoyed in this port has been paralleled by the tremendous development of trade in this port, which has become the second-ranking seaport in the United States." He 1980 Several hundred trade unionists descended on the New York office of Aeroflot, the official Russian airline, but they weren't looking for plane tickets. The sign-carrying unionists, including a score of Seafarers from the hall in Brth°klyn, were picketing Aeroflot on 4 5 St. and Fifth Ave. to protest the buildup of Russian troops on the Polish border and to express their support for Poland's courageous workers who have risked their fives to form the infant free-trade union, Solidamosc. �final Departures Continued from page 14 ..------::-::--.,....----. ment, last sailing on the Mt. Explorer, a Cove Shipping Co. vessel. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1979 and lived in his native Greece. ROBERT MILLER Pensioner Robert Miller, 71 , died Sept. 24. The Plainfield, N.J.-born mariner joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. The deck department member last sailed aboard a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Miller began receiving his pension in 1990 and was a resident of Linden, N .J. native shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Tacoma. Brother O ' Connell called Tacoma, Wash. home. JABEZ PEGG THEODORE TAYLOR Pensioner Jabez Pegg, 73, died Aug. 21. A U.S Army veteran, Brother Pegg joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Baltimore. The North Carolina native first went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Madaket. A member of the deck department, he last worked on the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Pegg began receiving his pension in 1992 and was a resident of Suisun, Calif. Pensioner Theodore Taylor, 76, died Aug. 5. He started his career with the MC&S. Brother Taylor shipped in the steward department and began collecting retirement benefits in 1978. He was a resident of Oakland, Calif. CARMELA MINNITI PIDLIPPOOLE Pensioner Carmela Minniti, 84, passed away Aug. 24. Sister Minniti started her career with the MC&S in 1964 in San Francisco. Born in Philadelphia, the steward department member last sailed on the President Roosevelt. Sister Minniti started receiving compensation for her retirement in 1980 and made her home in Long Beach, Wash. Brother Philip Poole, 48, died Aug. 29. He started his SIU career in 1975. Brother Poole worked in the inland and deep sea divisions. The New Jersey-born mariner shipped in the deck department. He last went to sea on the SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Poole lived in Long Brancl:~, N.J. KAMAL MOORE Brother Kamal Moore, 27, died Sept. 22. He joined the Seafarers in 1995 in the port of Piney Point, Md. A native of Berkley, Calif., he initially went to sea aboard American Hawaii Cruises' Independence. Brother Moore worked in the engine and steward departments, last sailing on the Global Sentinel. He was a resident of Vancouver, Wash. JERRY MULLER Brother Jerry Muller, 49, passed away Sept. 9. The Hawaiian-born mariner joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Muller's initial voyage was aboard Cove Ship Management's Oceanic Independence. The steward department member last worked on the USNS Contender. Brother Muller lived in Honolulu. JULIO NAPOLEONIS Houghton. The steward department member last worked on the OMI Sacramento. Brother Strickland lived in Manassas, Va. and began receiving retirement stipends in 1989. WALLACE PRATTS Pensioner Wallace Pratts, 77, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Pratts joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard the Alcoa Roamer. The Louisiana native worked in the steward departm nt, last ·1in on the Ultrasea. Brother Pratts started receiving his pension in 1987 and was a resident of New Orleans. MATTHEW ROSATO Pensioner Matthew Rosato, 84, died July 29. Brother Rosato was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1938 in the port of New Orleans. A member of the engine department, he first worked aboard the Alcoa Runner. Born in Covington, La., Brother Rosato last went to sea on the J.B. Water, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976 and lived in Louisiana. Pensioner Julio Napoleonis, 78, died Sept. 3. Brother Napoleonis embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port ofNewYork. He sailed in the steward department and lived in Puerto Rico. Brother Napoleonis started receiving his pension in 1973. Pensioner Gleason St. Germain, 89, passed away July 22. Brother St. Germain embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native first went to sea aboard the Alcoa Pointer. A member of the steward department, he last worked on the Del Sud. Brother St. Germain started receiving his pension in 1977. He made his home in Westwego, La. ROBERT O'CONNELL WILLIAM STRICKLAND Brother Robert O'Connell, 46, passed away Aug. 5. He joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of New York. Brother O'Connell worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The New York Pensioner William Strickland, 78, died Aug. 16. A U.S. Army veteran, he started his SIU career in 1951 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. Brother Strickland initially went to sea on Alcoa Steamship's Alanson B. GLEASON ST. GERMAIN ROBERT TOMPKINS Pensioner Robert Tompkins, 72 died recently. Brother Tompkins began his SIU career in 1953 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he initially went to sea aboard the Mankato Victory, a Victory Carriers Inc. vessel. The engine department member started collecting retirement stipends in 1996. He made his home in Puerto Rico. JAMES WATSON Pensioner James Watson, 73, passed away July 10. Brother Watson initially went to sea on board the Lucille Bloomfield. A member of the deck department, he started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1994. Brother Watson lived in Amite, La. LEVINSON WINBORNE Pensioner Levinson Winborne, 81 , died Aug. 24. Brother Winborne started his SIU career in 1959 in the port of New York.A .veteran of the U.S. Navy, his initial voyage was aboard the Andrew Jackson. The Virginia native shipped in the steward department and last worked on the USNS Altair. Brother Winborne began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986 and lived in Chesapeake, Va. HUGH WOOTEN Pensioner Hugh Wooten, 78, died July 8. Brother Wooten began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Army, his first vessel was Waterman. Steamship Corp. 's Yaka. The Utah-born mariner shipped in the steward department and last went to sea on the President Taft. Brother Wooten began receiving his pension in 1993 and resided in Yountville, Calif. JOSEPH ZHEMECK Pensioner Joseph F. Zhemeck, 74, died July 23. Brother Zhemeck began his SIU career in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He first sailed aboard the Arlyn and shipped in all three departments. Brother Zhemeck's last voyage was aboard the Overseas Washington. He began receiving his pension in 1998 and made his home in Philadelphia. INLAND DWAIN DORSETT Pensioner Dwain Dorsett, 65 , passed away Aug. 29. A U.S. Navy veteran, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in Houston. Boatman Dorsett shipped in the engine department and worked primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels. He started receiving payments for his retirement in 1999 and called Livingston, Texas home. ROBERT KEIPER Pensioner Robert Keiper, 97, died Aug. 19. Boatman Keiper began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. He worked in the steward department and started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1972. Born in Johnstown, Pa., Boatman Keiper made his home in Martinsburg, Pa. JOSEPH KILPATRICK Pensioner Joseph Kilpatrick, 76, pas da y Aug. 13. A veteran of both the U. S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, he joined the SIU in 1963 in . Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Kilpatrick shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Hvide Marine vessels. He began receiving his pension in 1987 and made his home in Jasper, Texas. CHARLES LOWE . - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Charles Lowe, 81, died Aug. 26. Boatman Lowe worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Lowe, who sailed in the deck department, began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1985. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. NORMAN MOENNICH Pensioner Norman Moennich, 69, died Aug. 22. Boatman Moennich started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 '----..-.=.--'-"~-___. in Cleveland, Ohio. He worked in the deck department and shipped primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. vessels, including the Lemmerhirt. Boatman Moennich started collecting retirement stipends in 1994 and . made his home in Cleveland. JOHN SCOGGINS Pensioner John Scoggins, 80, passed veteran, Boatman Scoggins joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The deck department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991 . He was a resident of Pascagoula, Miss. TOBY STEVENS Boatman Toby Stevens, 41 , passed away July 17. The Baytown, Texas-born mariner joined the Seafarers in 1983 in the port ..__,.....,.........,._..............._.......__. of Houston. Boatman Stevens worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. The engine department member lived in Dickinson, Texas. JOHN WILLIAMS Pensioner John Williams, 77, died Aug. 2. Boatman Williams started his SIU career in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. The Florida native first worked on a Doric Shipping Corp. vessel. Boatman Williams last shipped aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. He was a resident of Dunnellon, Fla. and began receiving his pension in 1987. ROBERT WILLIAMS Boatman Robert Williams, 61 , passed away July 7. He shipped in both the steward and deck departments, working primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. Boatman illiam made his home in rfolJ< Va. GREAT l S LOUIS CZACHOR Pensioner Louis Czachor, 84, died Aug. 24. The U.S. Army veteran joined the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. Born in WilkesBarre, Pa., Brother Czachor shipped in the steward department. He worked primarily aboard American Steamship vessels, including the Nicolet. Brother Czachor started receiving retirement stipends in 1983 and resided in his native state. MICHAEL McCORMICK Brother Michael McCormick, 52, passed away Aug. 20. Born in Wyandotte, Mich., Brother McCormick was a U.S. Army veteran. He joined the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother McCormick shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Brownstown, Mich. was his home. RAILROAD MARINE ALLEN SEIDEN Pensioner Allen Seiden, 80, passed away Aug. 20. Born in Poland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. The deck department member was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Seiden began collecting his pension in 1983 . �Digest of Shitil(oarcl Union Meetin9s The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digeits otanion shjpboatd 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 ths Seafarers LOG for publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Sept. 24-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Cruz, Engine Delegate Jose A. Quinones, Steward Delegate Donald L. Huffman. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 26 in Jacksonville, Fla. He stressed need for individual accountability in reading and understanding sailing board after departure time has been posted. Educational director talked about importance of submitting completed beneficiary form to Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Forms may be found in September 2002 LOG or by calling SMPPP administrator. Treasurer noted money in ship's fund spent on equipment (cables, wiring, etc.) needed for installation of new satellite dish. Service to be started at next call in Jacksonville. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Problem with shuttle service in Jacksonville from pier to parking to be taken up with boarding patrolman at payoff. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R. crew members about payoff in Houston. He also reminded them ofimportanceofcontributingto SPAD. Secretary thanked everyone for good trip and suggested they take advantage of upgrading facilities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for great food. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Sept. 30-Chairman Michael A. Eaton, Secretary Mary Lou Smith, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 1 in Texas City, Texas. Educational director spoke about union 's upgrading facilities in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members expressed appreciation for new TV system. HARRIETTE (Maritime Overseas), Sept. 22-Chairman Mark Downey, Secretary Joseph Birke, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Charles McPherson, Engine Delegate Charles Sandino, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman announced vessel to anchor Sept. 25 in New Orleans. Payoff will take place next day. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall CONSUMER (CSX Lines), Sept. 8-Chairman Rufrno J. Giray, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Joseph A. Bur e ega e obert ..:...-=o-1= gine ~ -rr .... r-1~~rr-:r-. ,-So · Gary E. Doyen, Steward Delegate OT reported by deck delegate; Frank Sison. Chairman announced none reported in engine or steward payoff in Oakland, Calif. He departments. Recommendation thanked everyone for fine job durmade to look into raising retireing voyage and Coast Guard inment pay. Everyone reminded to take any problems they may have spection. He reminded crew to have books ready for patrolman on to department delegates or bosun arrival. Secretary reported rumor before speaking to ship's officers. that company is up for sale-with Vote of thanks given to steward Carlyle Group being possible department for great job. buyer. Educational director urged INNOVATOR (USSM), Sept. 22crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Md. No beefs or disputed OT Secretary Benedict N. Opaoo, reported. Shuttle bus service in Educational Director Christopher Honolulu was discontinued. L. Earhart, Engine Delegate Abdul H. Mohamed. Chairman Members think this is a safety issue and should be looked into. announced payoff Sept. 25 upon Vote of thanks to steward departarrival in Los Angeles. He noted ment and other crew members for smooth trip with no beefs or diskeeping clean ship. puted OT reported, and that everyone worked well together in keepCOURIER (Intrepid Ship Maning ship clean and accident-free. agement), Sept. 20-Chairman Educational director reminded David L. Hollenback, Secretary crew about securing all necessary Johnnie B. McGill Jr., Educaendorsements to sail and keeping tional Director Ronnie L. Day Jr., them up to date. Suggestion made Deck Delegate Robert A. Stellon, to modify certain requirements for Engine Delegate Jean S. Coupension. Chairman recommended villion, Steward Delegate Rigoto captain that new DVD and surround-sound be purchased for crew berto V. Ruiz. Chairman wished lounge. Request made for copies of good vacation to those getting off. Educational director advised crew new contract. Next ports: Oakland, members that z-cards can be Calif.; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; renewed up to 11 months before Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan. expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate KODIAK (CSX Lines), Sept. 8requested clarification on entitleChairman Garry D. Walker, ment trips off. Waiting for replaceSecretary Melvin E. Morgan, ment of circuit breaker for dryer on Educational Director Alfonso D. crew laundry. Vote of thanks given Bombita, Deck Delegate Thomas to steward department. Next port: B. Schroeder, Steward Delegate Corpus Christi, Texas. Sam Y. Kassem. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 10 in Tacoma, Wash. at 11 p.m. He DEVELOPER (USSM), Sept. 3Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, advised crew to check with boarding patrolman and pay dues at that Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director Thomas H. Easttime. For safety/security, he also wood, Steward Delegate David suggested that bilingual crew members speak English in public Camacho. Chairman informed spaces. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to keep noise down at night in crew lounge and help keep linen locker tidy. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Sept. I-Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Educational Director Greg Alvarez. Chairman reported ship is headed toward Portland but that destination may change at any time. He asked those getting off to clean rooms before leaving ship. Ship's fund, which is kept by steward and bosun, holds $120. It can be used for anything crew members want, such as movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward stated one apprentice is aboard, working in his department. Complaint made regarding lack of linen. Captain said to order a dozen pillow cases and towels each trip until deficit is filled. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Sept. 21-Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary Justo R. Lacayo, Deck Delegate Thomas W. Walker, Secretary Julio Guity. Chairman reported smooth trip with good crew. He advised everyone to be careful when going ashore in upcoming ports in Africa and Tanzania. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for antenna cable for TV. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Sept. 16Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary John G . Reid, Educational Director Monroe G. Mon' legate had . Noda, Engine Delegate Ronal M. Ramos, Steward Delegate John Bolton Jr. Chairman thanked crew for smooth and safe trip through six West African ports. He noted repairs to rails will be done in next port of Algeciras, Spain. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. He stated fresh provisions coming aboard in Spain. Educational director suggested members upgrade whenever possible and keep track of expiration dates on necessary shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about importance of Maritime Security Program and of contributing to SPAD. Suggestion forwarded to contracts department pertaining to receipt of full pension benefits at whatever age one reaches 7,300 days of seatime. Information requested about new G-class vessels and how contract is affected. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done, especially great cookouts. Ship heading to ports in Spain, France and Italy. MOTIVATOR (USSM), Sept. 15-Chairman Anthony Maben, Secretary Matthew Scott, Engine Delegate George H. Bixby, Steward Delegate Andres L. Caballero. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 16 in Houston. He advised everyone to lock doors while in port. He also stated new dryers have been installed. Secretary said shipping is tight and suggested crew members check to see that all required documents are not due to expire soon. Educational director talked about opportunities for upgrading available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members reminded to have captain or officers sign TRBs. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Sept. 15-Chairman Werner Belcher, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Daniel Dean. Chairman announced arrival and payoff Sept. 17 in Oakland, Calif. He advised crew members to clean rooms, have new linen ready for next person and close room doors before leaving. Secretary stated recycling program discontinued due to lack of participation. Educational director reminded everyone to keep all papers in order to avoid conflicts when registering for new job. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Rene V. Rafer, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 14 in Tacoma, Wash. He hoped enough copies of new contract would be available at that time for all crew members. Educational director mentioned company may soon have new owner. Treasurer stated $346 in ship's fund and $278 in cookout fund. Crew requested purchase of new DVD player with some of the money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Both deck and engine Looking Forward to Dinner on the Achiever Aboard the Sea/and Achiever, Chief Cook Obencio Espinoza is about to put the evening's meal into the oven. It's one of his special chicken recipes, much loved by the crew members. Espinoza also serves as steward delegate aboard the USSM vessel. Communications from headquarters read aloud. Discussion held about some ships being retired while new ones are being added and that SIU members are once again aboard the paddle-wheelers. Everyone asked to be considerate of fellow shipes~incttutinglm s-nmkin-gtn crew TV room and not using upper deck engine room door (except in case of emergency) so that day men and watchstanders can get some rest. Outside doors should remain closed to save air conditioning in house. The Navigator crew gave its best wishes to Brother George Holland from San Francisco, who retires this trip after 39 years with the union. "Job well done, George." Chief Cook Glenn Taan and his department given vote of thanks for great food-and plenty of it. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu, Hawaii. NEW YORK (ATC), Sept. 1Chairman Calvin Logue, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Albert Balatico. Chairman announced a draw Sept. 2 in Cherry Point, Wash. and payoff Sept. 6 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary requested crew members not go into chill box during night. The slamming of the doors is very loud, especially to those living right above the box. If supplies are needed, they should be picked up at dinner. Educational director stressed need to support the union through SPAD donations and to upgrade at Piney Point. All movies should be returned to officers' lounge when through. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request for having showers painted has been discussed with mate. He will have work done this winter when other indoor work is also planned. Crew held discussion about employment issues with ATC and about respect for fellow crew members and their privacy. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Sept. 9Chairman Stanley A. Gurney, Secretary Kristen M. Swain, Educational Director Keith L. departments have unlicensed apprentices this voyage, and both are doing a good job. Suggestion made to raise pension benefits and add 80 percent payment for dental services. Steward department received "loud vote of thanks" for me'als trnd baroecues:-Tne ewar department has done an outstanding job, and the crew really appreciates it." SEALAND ACHIEVER (USSM), Sept. 22-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Engine Delegate Gregory T. Johns, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinoza. Chairman made crew members aware of SIU legal department and how it can help Seafarers. Educational director urged everyone to support SPAD program and upgrade skills at Piney Point when opportunities arise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals and service. WASHINGTON (ATC), Sept. 18-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Robert Mensching, Deck Delegate Douglas R. Gantenbein, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Engine Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman reminded crew of vessel's policy requiring form signed by bosun or steward attesting to cleanliness of room before getting off He also advised them of dress policy in mess hallno caps, tank tops or sandals without socks. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; no beefs or disputed OT noted in deck or steward departments. Suggestion made to change name of ''vacation pay'' to "supplemental compensation." Chairman reported on letter he sent to VP Contracts Augie Tellez, requesting him to write letter to Oregon Dept. of Labor explaining what SIU vacation pay is and how it should not preclude receiving certain benefits. Request made for ice machine in crew mess. Kudos given to steward department for excellent cuisine. Next ports: Cherry Point, Wash.; Singapore. > �SIJ•WIARY AllllllAL REPORT FOR SREAT LAKES 1116 & DREDSE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan EIN: 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January l. 2001 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of l 974 (ERJSA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,482)567. These expenses included $204,845 in administrative expenses and $1,277,722 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of251 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $24.217,068 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $23,919,767 as of Janll1lry 1, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $297,301. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $1,779,868 including employer contributions of $146,830, realized losses of $(276) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of$1,133,213 and unrealized appreciation of assets of $500,101. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of BRISA. four Rlgbts 111 Additional lnfonnatilJn You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof. on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report. or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan. 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs. MD 20746; telephone {301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.35 for the full annual report or 15 cents per page for any part there- of. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator) on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of .income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected.right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Adminjstration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N .W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFn'S PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, EIN: 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January l, 2001 through December 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Rnancial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $19,670,283 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $27,571,337 as of January 1, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $7,901,054. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $53,292,476 including employer contributions of $50,408,374, realized gain of $535,973 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,997,771, other income of $69,188 and unrealized appreciation of assets of $281, 170. Plan expenses were $61,193,530. These expenses included $6,062,794 in administrative expenses and $55, 130,736 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund fmancial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all . union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNIONany time a member ee s t at 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. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOB MCS SUPPLEMENTJUIY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan EIN: 51-6097856, Plan No. 001, for the period January l, 2001 through December 31, 200 l. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Your Rights ta Additional Information Basic Rnandal Statement You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of the report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, NS638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.; Washington DC 20210. Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $821,283. These expenses included $194,441 in administrative expenses and $626,842 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,128 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons bad yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $9,758,591 as of December 31, 2001, compared to $9,887,061 as of January l, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $128,470. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $692,813 including realized gain of $113,856 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $505,540 and unrealized appreciation of assets of $73,417. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERlSA. Your Rlglrls 111 Additional lnfonnalion You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers; To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.15 for the full annual report or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for December 2002 as well as a few classes in the new year. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict- the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994..0010. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler January 13 February 21 QMED January 13 April 4 Welding January 6 February 3 Jannary 24 February 21 Engine Utility {EU) January 27 March 17 February 21 April 11 Safety Specialty Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting December2 February 3 December 13 February 14 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW December 9 December 16 February 17 December 13 December 20 February 21 Fast Rescue Boat January 27 January 31 Government Vessels Jaouary20 March 10 February 7 March 28 Medical Care Provider January20 January24 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* January 13 January 17 December 2 January27 December 13 February7 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January20 Febrnary 14 Automatic Radar PlottingAids* January 27 January 31 (*must hcwe radar unlimited) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland December9 February 3 December 13 February7 Celestial Navigation May12 May30 GMDSS (Simulator) December2 February3 December 13 February 14 • (*must haJie bask fire fighting) Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 6 February 17 March31 January 17 February28 April 11 January 13 January 24 De mber9 February 10 December 20 February 21 pfll 1 (*must have basic fire fighting) - a£ch 31 March 7 January 13 Third Mate Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently Academic Department Courses ------- - - - General education and collegeco;-rses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self..study. Look for the complete 2003 Paul Hall Center curriculum guide in next month's issue of the Seafarers LOG. beginning November 23. ~ - • - •:.Jr... - • - • - · - · - • -• _,,,_ • - • - · - •- • - · - • - •- o - •-r- ~- o - • - • - o -·- ·- o-·-•-•- o-·-·- o - • -·-r- • - • - • -· • - • - · - • - • - • - • - • - • -·- • - • - • -• - • - • - •- •- • - • -·- • - •- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL. AB and JE ap.olicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE Telephone _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ Deep Sea Member D If the following Date of Birth - - -- - - -- - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ __ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class#-- -- - - -- - -- - - - -- -- - - - - -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes ONo If yes, course(s) taken _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ __ Yes 0 No Firefighting: 0 Yes 0 No CPR: NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE 0 Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - - The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12/02 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman - Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class ending Oct. 25 are upgrading students (in alphabetical order) Ritche Acuman, Michael Aikens, Joseph Arnold, Weston Beres, Eric Bourdon, Jesse Hale, Chaires Huggins, Brandon Lovejoy, Nicholas Manessiotis, Chris Marquez, Miguel Matos, Felix Medina, Mohamed Mohamed , Thomas Muncy, Ryan Nichols, DeGutenberg Poitevien, Matthew Ryan, Raymond Ryan, Michael Sherno, Michael Sottak and Christopher Waldo. Engine Utility --- Unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the engine utility course Sept. 27. They are (in alphabetical order) Austin Ayers, Josette Brown, Trevor Cohn, Beato Diaz Jr., Harold Gerber, Aaron Matuszny, Joshua McDaniel and Lon Molnar. Also, upgraders Talib Aekins and Nicholas Murgolo graduated from the class. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. Bridge Resource ManagementSeafarers who graduated from the bridge resource management course Oct. 4 are (from left} Charlie Pierce, Herb Walling (instructor), Ralph Kirby, William Heu and Brian O'Neal. Tankerman (PIC) Barge - These Seafarers who successfully completed the tankerman (PIC) barge course Sept. 27 are (in no specific order) Philip Curtis, Raymond Henderson, Timothy Burke, William Jordan, Michael Hester, Cameron Peterson, James Fisher, George Legg, Scott Heginbotham, Thomas Gavagan, Anthony DiCicco, Glenn Barnes, Clinton Finley, Jerry Sobierij, Scott Green, Norman Dauphin and James Souci. Also in photo are instructor Stacey Harris and instructor Brad Wheeler. (Note: Not all students are pictured.) Government Vessels Upgrading Seafarers who took part in the government vessels course held aboard the USNS John McDonnell, which ended Sept. 12, are (in no specific order) Richard Johansen, Servillano Lozandi, Nick Giron, Nicci Chevalier, Abaoulla Alssoudi , James Lowell, John Nelson, Oscar Palacios and· Kelly Doyle. Fast Rescue Boat- Under the instruction of Stan Beck (standing left) are Seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course Nov. 1. They are (in alphabetical order) John Arnold, Dimitre Dimitrov, Richard Douglas, Anwar Muthala, Michael Parks, DeGutenberg Poitevien and Emmett Wattigny. :;:,f-riY student Who ha§ r~gister~d for a cf~s~ and finqs-f(.)r whatever 0 , , ~~at ~e ~.~'· she.yannota~~end 1 ·-p fease lnform the-admissions · _@~~rtmen( So another student may take that place. v,\ ·!hat Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left are (from left, seated) Joseph Butasek and Clinton Cephas. In the photo at right are (from left) Richard Douglas, Virginia Panoncillo and Dimitre Dimitrov. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in back in both pictures. - ... Fast Rescue Boat - Oct. 18 was graduation day for members of a recent fast rescue boat course. In alphabetical order are Michael Russo, Jeffrey Hardy, Robert Joiner, Erik Fabian , Rene Peinado, Dale Wilson, Brian McLarnon, Bruce Walsh , Anton Sulic and Robert Tierney Jr. Their instructor, Stan Beck, stands second from left. �Paul Hall Center Classes Graduating from the ARPA course Oct. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Bradley Burkart, Dimitre Dimitrov, Frederick Luna, Joseph Meravy, C. Robert Mills and Eric Vizier. Advanced Fire Fighting - Completing the advanced fire fighting class Oct. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Mian Ahmad, Janet Baird, Bartow Bridges Ill, Michael Brooks, William Buhrig Ill, Douglas Carson, James Cleland, Kenneth Creech, Philip Curtis IV, Richard Douglas, John Gilston, Edgardo Ines, Ronald Kitlas, Richard Lewis, Eric Lund, Paul Narro, James Oling, James Porter, William Shotley, Edgar Shrode, Roger Steward, William Thomas and Donald White. Their instructor was Anthony Hammett. Lifeboatman/Water Survival - Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsement Oct. 25 are (in alphabetical order) Porfirio Amaya, Shwe Aung, Harold Bryan, James Cleland, Hiram Davies, Tesfaye Gebregziagher, Juan Vega and Ranny Westby. Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Inland boatmen ho graduated from the tan erman P C barge class Oct. 25 are (in alphabetical order) Robert Albe, Glay-Burkart, Erik Fabian, Jeffrey Hardy, Robert Joiner, Brian McLarno , Charles Mills, Rene Peinardo, Michael Russo, Anton Sulic, Robert Tierney, Bruce Walsh and Dale Wilson. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far left. Welding - The twoweek welding course was completed Nov. 8 by (in alphabetical order) Ehtesham Ahmed, Roderick Brown , Joseph Butasek, Clinton Cephas, Albert Dulig , Eric Lund, Paul Narro and Joe Tuata. In the October issue of the LOG, the incorrect photo was used for this Basic Safety Training class. The correct photo is shown above for the participants consisting of Jose Maglalang, Terry McQuillen, Patrick Moore, John Mullon, Richard Naigle, Ahmed Nasser, Vagn Teddy Nielsen, Udjang Nurdjaja, Timothy Peters, Leroy Rawls Jr., Pedro Sellan, Ronald Smith, David Somers, Glen Toledo, Joel Trotter and Dale Wilson. Basic Safety Training Classes llAlllTIME Michael Aikens, Abraham Alfaro, Joseph Arnold, Shwe Aung, Weston Beres, Eric Bourdon, Harold Bryan, Artemio Cespedes, Katherine Craig, Sherry Griffin, Troy Hebert, Charles Huggins Ill, Napthali Lawrence, Brian Lu, Miguel Matos, Alvin Mccants, Jeffrey Mccusker, Mohamed Mohamed, Thomas Muncy, Terence Newman, James Patrick 111 , Raymond Ryan, Michael Sottak, Eric Vieira, Christopher Waldo, David Wiley and Seth Brinson Ill. Richard Bennett, Steve Brannan, Ralph Garner, Ricky Goodman, Donald Grinnell, Michael Guy, Larry Jones, James Keevan, Charles Noell Ill, Jimmie Petmecky, Dwight Reece, Domingo Sesante, Leon Smith, William Tindale, Andre Jennette and William Yore. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is second from right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) �Volume 64, Number 12 December 2002 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, NMU Pension Plan and Annuity Plan 401 K Plan - page JO Seafarers Pension Trust, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Seafarers Vacation Fund, NMU Vacation Plan, NMU Pension Trust page 11 Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan - page 20 e The past few months have been busy ones aboard the Sill-crewed 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. The vessel- the flagship for Compsron Three in the Pacific- is part of the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) prepositioning fleet for the U.S. Marine Corps located in Guam and Saipan. In a letter from Lummus Chief Steward John Fallon,which accompanied the photographs on this page, he notes that the regular duties of the crew members- taking care of more than 60 shipboard personnel (including merchant mariners as well as U.S. Navy and civilian contractors}-were augmented with a number of special events. A change of command ceremony was held Sept. 5 aboard ship in Apra Harbor, Guam. It was truly a team effort on the part of Lummus crew members to coordinate the "white uniform" event in which Capt. Richard Bump replaced Capt. William Daniels as the commanding officer of the Navy's Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3. According to Fallon, "After the menu was set, the steward department turned to--some two weeks in advance. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag took off by baking bread and hors'd'oeuvres. They looked and tasted specPrepa ring tacular. Two nights for the change of before the event, it was co mmand recepall hands in the steward tion are (from top) department prepping the SAs Videl food and decorating all Valasteros and the trays. There were some Shaddad Musa, work18 different menu items." ing on the cold appetizers The day before the event, the into the wee hours of the . chief steward notes, "a giant night; Cook/Baker Evelyn white tent went up on the Tayag , baking decorative serving trays for the appetizers; Chief Cook Cecil Husted, cooking for the party as well as for the more than 60 crew members; and SAs Perry Asuncion and Abdul, creating the hot appetizers. helo deck, and the deck department was fast at work to assist in all the lifts to accomplish this feat. " With the help of the ABs, all the food was carried up to the reception site on the bridge and set up in 45 minutes. And the engine department played a large part, as well, repairing the elevator in time for the celebration. "My hat goes off to the Sill members- a true team that made this event a success," Fallon said. After that successful event, Fallon said he was informed of a shipboard visit by Rear Admiral John M. Stewart Jr., commander, MSC Atlantic and Europe. A special menu was prepared and served, and again, Fallon was grateful for the cooperation of all departments in helping make admiral proud. The one-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks was commemorated by Fallon in a written tribute he placed on each table along with an American flag. "Well, I thought the celebrations were over," wrote Fallon, "but then came the best of the best- a barbecue sponsored by our ship's officers, crew and U.S. Navy personnel." The steward department from the Pfc Dewayne T. Williams also shared in the festivities, which were held at the MicroBeach Pavillion in Saipan. Since many of our crew members are married and live in Saipan, it turned into a true family event, with wives and children attending. All had a great time tossing the foot- Capt. Richard Bump cuts into a celebratory cake ball and frisbee , as well as eating and following the change of command ceremony. socializing." He concludes, "As one can surmise, sailing the flagship is a lot of work, but the enjoyment which comes out of that work surpasses the work itself." Right: AB Greg Jackson and Recertified Bosun Bill Bratton get a few minutes of rest after helping erect a tent on the helo deck. • • The hot appetizers (above) and cold appetizers (below) were part of the elegant buffet set up for the change of command ceremony. 1 tribute septentber 11' 200 t d occurred-a direct 2001 the unexpec e menca-our horneOn September 11 , f the' united States ~f A hock in horror, and tt k on the mainland o hatever 1ocat1on,_ ins er~ slaughtered in a ac We all watched from w_ nocent human \Ives w l_an~- belief, as thousands ~fin mber the innocent -lilOl\lZ..-.............."""4 innd:ct of terror/act of ~~-r~ day in history, we r~~~ericans that were 1 1--,,.,,.---r.-----.--=.----:-.---.--.-r-'1:1 a As we remember h0 died the hearts o YPD NYFD . and their who died , the hte~~~~: For the' heroedsPt:~:Syiva~ia-we also pay meant to die , ~u Washington. O C an .d "Let's terparts in w Bush sai · 1 d y and to duty The corn d"d our m1l1tary . art1es to coor i t Roll " and that we ib:hty of the responsible: aware at every cost o 1 s~fullY stifled the a ·n But we must e The tribute (at left) to the heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks was writ~~~~te th~:~d:-~ ~hi~f: :,resid!~~ GC:~~~e a~dd ~~~es~~d ten by Chief St dJ h ewar o n Fallon and ce n these atrocities aga1 r~ th a mission to p~e- placed on each ~~~ possibilities of the _fu~ne. of compassion ... ~~ every human being table aboard ih1s ~r~~~~~~~~~~an right~ a;:t.f~~11~~vely as sa1l~~r:~:t~~~~ ship, along with serve_ an rth That is our comm1dm to do our part to an American on this ea . are rea y " t fl It I hant mariners , we We'll oehver! that which we mus· ag . a so was ~v11-"Anyt1me, An:n:~r:teadfast is ourfreedom . H shOW sent to his What has rem t d uide us and may e Louisiana at anY cost, ~~~~r p 0 wer protec~ u~:~ s~ec1al d~Y· Congressman, May the fon for us all on this Richard H. Baker. llght and d1rec I Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag (left) and SA Perry Asuncion fire up the grill during a beach barbecue in Saipan. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU-CREWED CORNHUSKER STATE HONORED FOR SUPPORTING 'ENDURING FREEDOM' TACOMA-AREA SEAFARERS WELCOME SIU PRESIDENT AMERICAN TERN JOINS SIU FLEET BOSUNS CREDIT UNION, SCHOOL FOR GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UNION UPGRADES WEBSITE COUNCIL MEMORIALIZES ED PULVER SIU MEMBERS, CORNHUSKER STATE HONORED FOR SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FEEDOM UNION, COMPANY OFFICIALS TACKLE KEY SAFETY ISSUES ATLANTIC FOREST REFLAGS U.S. AMERICAN TERN JOINS SIU FLEET CAIN BROTHERS WEAR SUPPORT FOR SPAD ON (COAT) SLEEVES SIU ITF INSPECTORS HELP CREWS COLLECT MORE THAN $550,000 IN BACK WAGES LOG AWARDED 2ND PRIZE FOR LABOR PRESS CONTEST CONGRESS SENDS PORT SECURITY BILL TO PRESIDENT MARAD REPORT FORECASTS INTERMODAL GRIDLOCK INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY WORKS AS OMU CAMPAIGN CONTINUES RETIRED NMU PORT AGENT HUMPHREY DIES AT 80 RECERTIFIED BOSUNS SAY UNION, SCHOOL HELP NUDGE MANY ONTO BETTER PATH SIU ACTIVE IN MARINER DOCUMENTATION TALKS AROUND THE PORT OF WILMINGTON TACOMA-AREA SEAFARERS WELCOME SIU PRESIDENT SACCO, EXEC. VP FAY WORK AND ENJOYMENT ON THE LUMMUS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/1/2002 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. 64, No. 12 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log