1 32 12 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/17ccdf7e35fb5077eb990edb7564eeda.pdf a935fe20de7a6e74d6332d8f70d2cd73 PDF Text Text 39285_C1X 11/28/06 6:42 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 12 December 2006 HAPPY HOLIDAYS Tanker Christened Beck Notice Page 3 Page 6 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 6:56 PM Page 2 ITF Gets Back Pay for FOC Crew President’s Report Promoting Our Union and Industry Although a few races in the U.S. House of Representatives remained undecided in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Election Day definitely brought about big changes in our nation’s capital. In the next Congress, there will be at least 53 new members of the House and nine new senators. As always, new elected officials also were voted into office in some of the numerous state and local elections across the country. As Seafarers know, politics affects our industry Michael Sacco all the time. Federal laws like the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and proven government initiatives like cargo preference are some of the cornerstones of the American-flag fleet. We’re also constantly working with government agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard to help ensure both fair treatment of mariners and safety aboard ship and in port. With that in mind, we wasted no time forming strategies for how to best promote our union and our industry in the next Congress as well as at the state and local levels. Turnover is inevitable in the political world, so this won’t be the first time we’ve had to reach out to new representatives to help educate them about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to America. That’s a mission the SIU takes very seriously. At the same time, while Congress changed majority parties, newly elected leaders in both the House and Senate reflect a strong promaritime background, thanks in part to your donations to SPAD and the SIU’s backing of members from both the Democratic and Republican parties. As for the elections themselves, the labor movement did a great job getting out the vote. According to the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated), union members made up one in four voters. The federation went all-out in its effort to help elect pro-worker candidates, including a program that reached out to 13.4 million voters in 32 battleground states. Looking ahead, the SIU’s first issue of course is maritime. But there are other important matters that should be taken up as soon as possible by our elected representatives in the House and Senate. One is the Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation is a top priority of the AFL-CIO. It would help restore fairness in union representation elections, giving workers a reasonable chance to exercise their right to join a union. For too many years, companies have gotten away with walking all over workers when they try to organize. It’s time to remedy that situation, and the Employee Free Choice Act will get the job done. Another subject for our representatives to address is U.S. trade policy. This is the right time to step back and take a close look at our current trade laws—and make an honest evaluation of what’s working and what needs to be corrected. America’s unions have insisted all along that the national and global economies must work for working families and not just increase the profits and power of multinational corporations. Our call for “fair trade” is still being sounded, because the so-called free trade agreements like NAFTA simply haven’t delivered. Congratulations to the election winners and to all who exercised their right to vote. I also want to give a special thanks to all SIU members, retirees and family members who volunteered in support of pro-maritime candidates. Grassroots action is the lifeblood of our movement, and your efforts will go a long way toward building and maintaining a healthy, vibrant U.S.-flag fleet. Season’s Greetings It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us, but it’s that time again. On behalf of the entire SIU executive board, I extend warmest wishes to all Seafarers, retirees and SIU family members for a safe, happy holiday season. Thank you for your outstanding work in 2006, and thank you for supporting your union. Additionally, I offer heartfelt greetings and prayers for the men and women of our armed forces who are deployed overseas. May your missions be successful, and may you return home safe and sound. Volume 68, Number 12 Newspaper Unveils ‘Dark Secrets’ of Runaway Flags Extreme in some ways, sadly routine in others, the grim tale of the Trinity Sierra was exposed in a revealing newspaper article printed Nov. 5 in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. The article by Dan Chapman also included a broad look at so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) shipping and its many pitfalls. International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector Tony Sacco helped secure $73,000 in back pay and other assistance for multinational crew members from the Greek-owned, Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier, which docked in Savannah, Ga. on Oct. 2. Some of the mariners (from the Balkans and Myanmar) hadn’t been paid in five months. “The crew appreciated the ITF’s help,” Sacco noted. “They’re like any other crew in the sense that they just want to be treated fairly.” Putting it mildly, the crew of the Trinity Sierra sailed in lessthan-ideal conditions before reaching the U.S. When the ship arrived in Savannah, a U.S. Coast Guard inspection turned up 42 safety violations and detained the vessel for repairs (thereby essentially detaining the crew as well). The problems included what the agency described as serious issues with the ship’s lifeboats, watertight doors, fire-fighting equipment and crew living accommodations, among other violations. Additionally, a Nigerian stowaway was apprehended from the Trinity Sierra shortly after its arrival. (The ship recently had stayed in Lagos, Nigeria for a month because its owner, Navship Maritime Co., reportedly couldn’t pay port fees.) Those weren’t the ship’s only problems. Apparently, because of a delay in delivering its cargo of raw sugar along with a load of steel, the vessel owners were sued by the sugar traders in U.S. District Court in Savannah for more than $288,000 in damages. Mariners from the Trinity Sierra received back pay thanks to assistance from the ITF. As Chapman reported—in a story bearing the headline “Cargo ships set sail with dark secrets”—“Like a rat cornered below deck, the owners soon were the target of a flurry of lawsuits by others with grievances, including a Singapore timber dealer, a Liberian electronics supplier and a New York insurance company.” He further wrote that the owner and the ship manager (Thesarco Shipping Co., also based in Greece) face other, larger legal claims totaling millions of dollars for “alleged debts owed by sister ships,” and that Thesarco sometimes operates as Argosy Ship Management Inc. Describing the FOC scam, Chapman noted, “With 90 percent of the world’s cargo traveling by sea, competition is fierce among the hundreds of owners who employ questionably sound ships and offer low prices and quick delivery. To trim costs, owners register ships in so-called flag-of-convenience countries where regulations are typically lax, accountability is rare and taxes are minimal. Most of the 32 FOC countries don’t question ship owners who pay mariners from poor countries, like Burma, as little as $1.50 an hour. Paychecks are routinely delayed or never delivered.” Tom Matyok, who heads the International Seafarers’ Center in Tallying Committee Completes Report The Seafarers International Union’s tallying committee last month completed its tabulation of ballots cast by union members in voting on proposed SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU constitutional amendments. The tallying committee report was submitted to the secretary-treasurer and was scheduled to be mailed to each port no later than Nov. 30 (after this edition of the LOG went to press). The report will be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. The following tallying committee members were elected at the Nov. 6 membership meeting December 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Brunswick, Ga., told the newspaper, “What you see on many flagof-convenience ships is a form of neo-slavery. Owners skate right on the edge just to get by. Sometimes they get caught, like they did in Savannah. Sadly, most of the time they don’t. And the seamen suffer the worst from this relationship.” The SIU is affiliated with the ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is first vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, which brings together seafaring unions from every continent. The Seafarers’ Section determines ITF policy regarding the campaign to end runaway-flag shipping and to eliminate substandard working conditions on such vessels. The Seafarers’ Section also provides international coordination for, and support to, affiliated unions and individual mariners through involvement with the International Labor Organization, International Maritime Organization and other international bodies. It maintains a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors around the world and helps oversee ITF agreements for runawayflag ships which specify minimum conditions of employment for crews, including wages. Tallying committee members take a quick break for this snapshot with SIU officials and staff at union headquarters Nov. 9. Pictured from left to right are Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Gerald Costello, Lynn Walters and Sue Plourde from the secretary-treasurer’s office, Melvin Grayson, John Reid, Robert Lindsay, Ekow Doffoh, Timothy Pillsworth and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. in Piney Point: Gerald Costello (chairman), Ekow Doffoh, Melvin Grayson, Robert Lindsay, Timothy Pillsworth and John Reid. The committee reported that each of the 11 proposed constitutional amendments was approved by a large majority. As previously reported, some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar services and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Voting on the proposed amendments took place Sept. 1Oct. 31, with Seafarers casting secret ballots at union halls and by mail. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 3 More Milestones for OSG Tankers Overseas Houston Named; Keel Laid for 3rd Vessel Significant progress continued last month in the new-build series in which 10 double-hulled tankers are being constructed for Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. On Nov. 11, the first vessel in the program officially was named the Overseas Houston. Two days later, the unionized shipyard announced the keel-laying for the third vessel in the series (the SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez greet U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson before the naming ceremony in Philadelphia. Overseas San Francisco). SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski attended the naming ceremony for the Overseas Houston, slated for delivery by the end of 2006. During that event, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen said the 10-ship order “underscores OSG’s strong commitment to the Jones Act and to the renewal of the U.S.-flag fleet, indeed in our commitment to America. It is not a coincidence that we are dedicating this ship on Veterans’ Day. This is a proud day for shipbuilding in Philadelphia and the U.S. This ship and others like her that will be built here represent a commitment to this country that is worth far more than dollars and cents.” U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson stated, “The Overseas Houston and sister ships will be welcome additions to the Jones Act fleet. In fact, these orders are critical to replacing America’s aging product tankers.” On Nov. 13, the first section of the Overseas San Francisco was lowered into the yard’s building dock—the same dock where construction is under way on the second ship in the series (to be named the Overseas Long Beach). According to OSG, the delivery schedule for the 10 new U.S.flag Jones Act tankers is as follows: one vessel this year (Overseas Houston), two vessels in 2007 (Overseas Long Beach and Overseas San Francisco), two more in 2008 (Overseas New York and Overseas Texas City), three in 2009 (Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Tampa), and the final two ships in 2010 (Overseas Port Arthur and Overseas Jacksonville). As previously reported, each of the new tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons. All 10 product tankers in the series will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to OSG. To date, eight of the 10 tankers in the build program are under signed time charter, with agreements in place between OSG and Shell, BP and Tesoro. Union, School Take Closer Look At Physical Exam Guidelines Officials from the U.S. Coast Guard on Nov. 13 met at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. with union executives and managers, officials from various SIU-contracted shipping companies and representatives of the Transportation Institute to discuss implications and possible consequences associated with the proposed guidance governing medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials. Coast Guard Captains Ernie Fink, commanding officer, National Maritime Center (NMC) and Dr. Arthur French (also of the NMC) additionally presented briefings on the agency’s “Restructuring and Centralization Project,” which in part involves relocating the NMC from Arlington, Va. to Martinsburg, W. Va. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi represented the SIU during the meeting as did Dr. Ken Miller. Union-contracted company representatives in attendance included Jane Jacobs, American Maritime Association; Bill Cole, Alaska Tanker Co.; Rick Williamson, AMSEA; Wally Becker, Horizon Lines; Harry U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Ernie Fink, commanding officer, National Maritime Center (standing at right), addresses meeting participants Nov. 13 at SIU headquarters. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 for the observance of Christmas Day, and on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 for the observance of New Year’s Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December 2006 Rogers, Interocean American Shipping; Nina Timonina, Liberty Maritime; Phil Fischer, Keystone; Dennis Houghton, Maersk Line, Limited; Rich Rodgers, Seabulk Tankers; Len Becicka, Tyco; Arron Bensinger, OLS Transport; Kathy Elinski, American Steamship and Tom Lord, USS Transport. Diane Goncalves and Mike Neumann represented the Transportation Institute. Attending from the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. were Bill The Overseas Houston is scheduled for delivery this month. In addition to the Overseas Houston and the two vessels under construction in the building dock, production on the fourth tanker in the series is advancing, with steel cutting for that vessel having begun in October. When the tanker program was announced in April 2005, OSG noted that the order for 10 tankers was believed to have been the biggest of its kind within the American commercial shipbuilding sector. At that time, Arntzen Eglinton, J.C. Wiegman, Bart Rogers and Priscilla Senatore. John Mason represented American Service Technology, Inc., a maritime consulting group. As previously reported, the proposed guidelines governing medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials were published in the Sept. 28 Federal Register. Additional information about the Coast Guard Restructuring and Centralization Project is available on line beginning at the following web address: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/nmc/web/index.htm The project also involves bringing the Coast Guard regional examination centers directly under NMC control. said, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” Months later, during meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board Feb. 24 in San Diego, OSG Senior Vice President Capt. Robert Johnston revealed that his company had begun checking the possibility of investing in up to 17 Continued on page 14 SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez asks a question about proposed guidelines for medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials. GAO Notes TWIC Program’s ‘Key Challenges’ The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in October released a new report titled “DHS Should Address Key Challenges before Implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program.” A summary in the report states, “GAO recommends that, before implementing TWIC in the maritime sector, TSA develop and test solutions to problems identified during testing to ensure that key components of the program work effectively and strengthen contract planning and oversight practices before awarding the TWIC implementation contract. DHS reviewed a draft of this report and concurred with GAO’s recommendations.” The report also states that the DHS and industry stakeholders face three major challenges in addressing problems identified during TWIC program testing and ensuring that key components of the TWIC program can work effectively in the maritime sector. These challenges are: „ Enrolling workers and issuing TWIC cards in a timely manner to a significantly larger population of workers than was done during testing of the TWIC program. „ Ensuring that the TWIC technology, such as biometric card readers, works effectively in the maritime sector. TSA has obtained limited information on the use of biometric readers in the maritime sector because most facilities that tested the TWIC program did not use these types of readers. „ Balancing the added security components of the TWIC program with the potential impact that the program could have on the flow of maritime commerce. The 57-page report is available—in PDF format —at the following link on the GAO web site: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06982.pdf The government’s final rulemakings on the TWIC and its related merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC) had not been issued as of mid-November. In a related occurrence, the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Safety Committee, responding to a request from the Department of Homeland Security, recently established a working group to address aspects of developing what the government described as a “contactless biometric specification” for the TWIC. In layman’s terms, the latest indication from the DHS is that the TWICs will be issued, but there will be a delay in establishing the electronic card readers. Therefore, there will be a need for a biometric identifier that can be verified without using a reader. Seafarers LOG 3 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 4 Union Industries Show Slated for Cincinnati Plans are being finalized for the 2007 America @ Work, AFLCIO Union Industries Show. The annual exhibition is scheduled for June 15-17 at the recently remodeled Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati. Under the title first adopted last year—“America @ Work”— this edition of the show promises to be one of the best-ever exhibits of union-made goods and services. The 2007 event will mark the fifth occasion that the show has visited Cincinnati, site of the first Union Industries Show in 1938. It returned in 1958, 1980 and 1990. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the Union Industries Show is an annual expo of the best products and services America has to offer. Everything on display—including goods and services by Seafarers-contracted NCL America and the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW)—will be made and produced by union workers. The show has run continuously for nearly 70 years, with the exception of the World War II years when operations were suspended. Coming off a successful 2006 event in Cleveland in which 10 SIU/UIW-contracted companies displayed their products and services for more than 200,000 show-goers, the 2007 show will feature an even larger display of union-made-in-America items. Cars and trucks from the bigthree auto makers—Ford, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler —as well as thousands of appliances, household products, boats, motorcycles, clothing, consumer goods, and food products will be available for public scrutiny. Craft booths will feature live demonstrations of skills and crafts by iron workers, bricklayers, cement masons, roofers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and many others. Trainers from dozens of apprenticeship programs will be on hand to talk about craft careers. Exhibition booths staffed by union workers will be spread across the Duke Center’s 200,000 square foot hall. Guests are invited to participate in free raffles which are slated to be conducted throughout the three-day show. Typically, those raffles include bags of groceries, electronic products, appliances, automotive products, sporting equipment, autos and a spectacular Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Cincinnati location should provide easy access for visitors from nearby communities in Kentucky and Indiana as well as major metropolitan areas throughout Ohio. “We are delighted with the support we are getting from the Cincinnati Central Labor Council and sister labor councils throughout the region,” said Charles Mercer, Union Label and Service Trades Department president. “We look forward to working again with the Ohio AFL-CIO, the same great people who made our Cleveland show last year such a hit. With their continued assistance, we will make this one of the most successful shows ever.” The show will be free of charge and open to the pubic. Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Remembering the Poet, 26 Years Later It has been 26 years since the SS Poet, carrying a crew of 34 (including 24 SIU members) disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, the mystery remains, for not a trace of the 11,241-ton ship or its crew was ever found. The 36-year-old bulk carrier, operated by Hawaiian Eugenia Corp., departed Philadelphia Oct. 24, 1980 bound for Port Said, Egypt with a cargo of corn. Six hours later, one of the deck officers called his wife through the marine operator. That was the last time the ship was heard from. The 522-foot vessel was due to pass Gibraltar on Nov. 4 and was scheduled to arrive in Port Said Nov. 9. It missed its 48-hour check-in on Oct. 26 but was not reported missing by the company until Nov. 3. After the company did finally report the Poet missing, the Coast Guard then delayed another five days before beginning their investigation, which included an exhaustive air search from high altitude for the missing ship over a 100,000 square mile area ranging from the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf to 1,000 miles out to sea, and then combed the same area from a much lower altitude. Another Coast Guard plane out of the Azores tracked the scheduled course of the Poet all the way to Gibraltar. On Nov. 17, the Coast Guard “regretfully” ended the futile search, having found “not a coffee can nor oil slick nor life jacket” from the vessel. Neither the pop-free life rafts nor the float-free Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which was supposed to send a locator signal as soon as it hit salt water, were found, leading the Coast Guard to speculate the “the vessel was lost so rapidly that there was no time to send a …message…” Because the Poet was never found, and there were no witnesses to its disappearance, the mystery of what occurred to the bulk carrier can never be fully answered. Relatives of the 34 mariners lost at sea gathered in Washington, D.C. April 9, 1981 to attend congressional hearings before the full House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Walter Jones (D-N.C.). The purpose of the hearings was to determine what happened to the SS Poet. Many theories were offered, but none could be proven— everything from a killer storm, the competency of the ship’s officers and crew, the structural integrity of the vessel, the adequacy of the safety inspection, among others. A year-and-a-half after the ship disappeared, a Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation concluded that “the most likely of the possible explanations of the Poet’s disappearance are capsizing due to instability in following or quartering seas, capsizing or foundering due to flooding of No. 1 hold and loss due to hull structural failure.” The report stated that the Poet “was most likely lost during the period when it encountered the most severe weather conditions between the morning of 25 October and the 4 Seafarers LOG The Union Label and Service Trades Department put together this poster promoting the 2007 trade show. Notice Members Covered Under Plan Level N Switch to Core Plus as of January 1 The answer to why the SS Poet disappeared without a trace remains a mystery to this day. evening of 26 October, 1980.” Then-SIU President Frank Drozak called for a complete congressional investigation of the Coast Guard and its activities for the purpose of developing new regulations to protect mariners—too late for the Poet’s crew, but aimed at protecting the lives of seafarers in the future. A number of memorial services for the 34 missing crew members were held across the country. On Jan. 22, 1981 at the Maritime Museum in San Pedro, Calif., a bell, salvaged from the battle cruiser USS Los Angeles, was tolled eight times, the knell and “end of watch” for those lost aboard the Poet. On the third anniversary of the loss of the merchant freighter, a memorial service was held at Philadelphia’s Old Swedes Church of Gloria Dei, where a bronze plaque was unveiled listing the names, ages and hometowns of the ship’s crew members. The 24 SIU members who were lost aboard the Poet were Bosun Edward D. Adams; Deck/Engine Utility Frank E. Holland; ABs Roland H. Courter, Hans P. Zukier, Mosel Myers, Shawn T. Gooden, Carl L. Goff, Rickey A. Sallee; Wiper Thaddeus M. Simmons; OSs Alfred W. Schmidt Jr., Edward E. Bradley, Stephen James Connors; Chief Seward Eddie Sylvester, Chief Cook Carl Jackson, Cook/Baker Noel W. McLaughlin, Steward Utility/Second Cook Earl K. Whatley, Messman/Third Cook Jerry Batchler Jr., Messman Tracy R. Walker; Oilers Otis R. Hunter, Walter M. Mitchell, Claude D. Berry, and FOWTs Calvin E. Bethard, Abraham G. Murillo and George E. Ward Jr. The SS Poet was built in 1944 by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Co., in Richmond, Calif. and served as a troop carrier (the SS General Omar Bundy) during World War II. In 1976, it was renamed the SS Portmar (Calmar Line) and later re-christened as the SS Poet. It was, at that time, the first U.S.-flag vessel lost at sea in 17 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, members who had medical coverage under the old NMU Plan Level N will switch to Core Plus coverage under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). For the most part the benefits are the same, although there are some differences. A booklet describing Core Plus coverage is available on line at www.seafarers.org in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section, in PDF format. (Please be sure to access the booklet for active members; there’s also one for retirees.) The same booklet is available at the union halls or by calling the Seafarers Plans office at 1-800-252-4674. Plan Level N existed under the old NMU contracts, which gradually have been replaced by SIU agreements as they’ve expired. In fact, the last NMU contracts expire at the end of this year, 2006. The NMU itself merged into the SIU in 2001; the NMU Welfare Plan merged into the SHBP in 2004. Horizon Hunter Christened As previously reported, the newly built Horizon Hunter (pictured at right and below) was named Oct. 11 at a ceremony at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea. The Horizon Hunter and four other new containerships ultimately will join the company’s U.S.-flag fleet, beginning in 2007. Those vessels are expected to sail in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:01 PM Page 5 Veitch, Richardson, SIU Crews Honored AOTOS Event Spotlights Industry Progress, Mariners’ Heroism Two maritime transportation icons and the crew members and officers of five SIU-contracted vessels formally have been recognized by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Paul F. Richardson, president of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc. on Nov. 3 were honored as co-recipients of USS’ 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS), while masters and SIU mariners who on specific dates were sailing aboard the USNS Spica, MV Cape Victory, MV Cape Vincent, USNS Apache and the Sea Land Commitment received the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque. Each of the coveted laurels was presented during the 37th annual AOTOS industry-wide dinner in New York City. SIU President Michael Sacco, who served as the dinner’s chairman, bestowed the award on Veitch. The SIU president described Veitch as “a true friend of the American-flag maritime industry.” He noted that with the deepsea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry reeling after the terrorist attacks of September 11, Veitch’s leadership helped spearhead a revival and an investment that has led to many thousands of American jobs, both aboard the SIU-contracted NCL America fleet and ashore. “We’re extremely proud of what Colin and NCL have accomplished with their U.S.-flag fleet in Hawaii,” Sacco stated. “Since the three NCL America ships (Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and Pride of Hawaii) raised the Stars and Stripes, tens of thousands of jobs have been created for American mariners, dock workers, people in the tourist industry and others. It wouldn’t have happened without Colin’s creativity. It wouldn’t have happened without Colin’s strong confidence in the U.S. fleet and his total willingness to work as a partner with all segments of our industry.” “It’s a tremendous honor to receive the prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea award,” Veitch said. “We’re extremely proud that through NCL America, we’ve contributed to the revitalization of U.S.-flagged passenger ship cruising.” NCL America’s three U.S.flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study. Richardson’s experience in transportation has been as a specialist in containerization, company management and labor. He held a key leadership role in the dynamic growth of Sea-Land Service, Inc., forging its development and serving as president and vice chairman of the innovative steamship company. In 1977, he established Paul F. Richardson Associates, Inc., an international maritime and transportation consulting firm serving various segments of the maritime industry including carriers, ports, shipbuilding companies, inland carriers, labor and labor-management groups. Today, Richardson continues to hold key leadership and management roles in the industry serving on numerous boards, councils and committees. These include the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, Council of the Americas and numerous significant government commissions and committees. The two AOTOS Award recipients led the field of nominees for the decoration, a silver statuette of Christopher Columbus, the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea, sharing first place among a group that was solicited by USS from more than 200 maritime management, labor, and government officials. John Bowers, chairman of the 3 Honored by New York MPC The AFL-CIO Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity, part of the federation’s Maritime Trades Department, honored three individuals during the organization’s 45th annual awards ceremony Oct. 14 in New York City. The port council’s Government Man of the Year is U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (DN.Y.), pictured with MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (left), who additionally serves as president of the New York MPC. Also recognized were Maritrans CEO Jonathan Whitworth (receiving the Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award) and MM&P International President Tim Brown (Paul Hall Award of Merit). Addressing an audience of approximately 500 people at the event, Soresi described the port council as “something we’re all proud to be part of. Everybody pitches in and makes it work.” December 2006 USS AOTOS committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association said, “These two industry icons represent the past, present and future of the U.S.-flag industry. Our recipients have been selected by those who know them best, international transportation leaders who understand very well the challenges and issues which confront United States shipping and the American seafarers and recognize their leadership in this area.” The masters, crews and vessels that received the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque and a basis for their respective honors were as follows: USNS Spica—Capt. Michael Flanagan and his SIU Government Services Division crew on Feb. 13 were conducting search and rescue operations off the coast of Djibouti, Africa following the crash of two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 heavy transport helicopters during a routine training mission. Of the 12 people aboard the two aircraft, only two survived. The Spica, with its crew of 103 civilian mariners and 26 military personnel, was about 53 SIU President Michael Sacco (left) is pictured with this year’s AOTOS honorees: Colin Veitch (center) and Paul Richardson. miles from the reported crash site when Flanagan received the call for help. He changed course and headed toward the site at maximum speed. En route, the Spica’s Puma helicopter was airborne, scouring the ocean for survivors. The Spica was the first coalition ship to arrive on the scene. It anchored about 2 miles off shore. At that point, Flanagan learned that members of the Djiboutian military had pulled two survivors from the water; however, it was still not clear exactly where the crash had occurred. The Spica’s rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched and approached the peninsula while using night vision. Twenty minutes into the search, crewmen located wreckage, rotor blades and the main Continued on page 8 Health Premiums Increase By ‘Only’ 7.7 Percent Costs Still Far Outpace Wage Growth, Inflation Rate A number of momentous concerns permeate today’s national landscape, but none is causing greater alarm among employers and providers of medical benefits than the issue of escalating health care costs. Premiums for employer-sponsored health coverage increased an average 7.7 percent in 2006, less than the 9.2 percent increase recorded in 2005 and the recent peak of 13.9 percent in 2003, according to the 2006 Employer Health Benefits Survey released Sept.26 by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET). The survey recorded the slowest rate of premium growth since 2000, though premiums still increased more than twice as fast as workers’ wages (3.8 percent) and overall inflation (3.5 percent). Premiums have increased 87 percent over the past six years. Family health coverage now costs an average $11,480 annually, with workers paying an average of $2,973 toward those premiums, about $1,354 more than in 2000. “While premiums didn’t rise as fast as they have in recent years, working people don’t feel like they are getting any relief at all because their premiums have been rising so much faster than their paychecks,” said Kaiser Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman. “To working people and business owners, a reduction in an already very high rate of increase just means you’re still paying more.” “The burden of a fragmented system of coverage falls heaviest on the small employer and their workers,” said HRET President Mary A. Pittman. “About two in five small businesses do not even offer health insurance, and those that do require workers on average to contribute significantly more to their premiums for family coverage.” While there is substantial debate about consumer-driven health care, the survey found modest enrollment in consumer-driven plans, with 2.7 million workers in high-deductible plans with a savings option, including those that qualify for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). About 4 percent of covered workers are enrolled in such plans, a rate sta- tistically no different from last year. Relatively few firms that offer other types of health insurance said that they are “very likely” to adopt high-deductible plans that qualify for an HSA (4 percent) or that are associated with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (6 percent) in the next year. The annual Kaiser/HRET survey provides a detailed picture of how employer coverage is changing over time in terms of availability, costs and coverage for the 155 million Americans who rely on employer-sponsored health insurance. It was conducted this year between January and May and included 3,159 randomly selected, non-federal public and private firms with three or more employees (2,122 of which responded to the full survey and 1,037 of which responded to an additional question about offering coverage). According to the survey, about 7 percent of employers offering health benefits offer highdeductible health plans with a savings option—a category that includes both plans that qualify workers to establish an HSA as well as those associated with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). These tax-favored accounts that employees can use to pay for medical expenses are often described as consumer-driven because consumers pay directly for a greater share of their health care and may have an incentive to reduce their health-care spending. Among firms with 1,000 or more workers, 12 percent offer an HSA-qualified plan. An estimated 4 percent of covered workers, the survey showed, are enrolled in high-deductible plans with a savings option, compared with 60 percent in preferred provider organizations (PPOs), 20 percent in health maintenance organizations, 13 percent in point-of-service plans, and 3 percent in conventional indemnity plans. Among the 2.7 million workers estimated to be enrolled in HSAs or HRAs this year, 1.4 million are in HSA-qualified plans (up from 0.8 million estimated last year) and 1.3 million are in plans with HRAs (statistically unchanged from last year’s 1.6 million estimate). Premiums for these plans averaged $3,405 annuContinued on page 6 Seafarers LOG 5 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:06 PM Page 6 Health Care Costs Continue to Rise Continued from page 5 ally for single coverage, and $9,484 for family coverage, according to the study. These rates are lower than the premiums for other types of health plans, likely in part because employee cost sharing is higher. However, contributions from the employer toward the savings accounts are not included. These average $743 for single coverage and $1,359 for family coverage. Including these costs, overall spending for these plans are on average similar to that for PPOs (the most common type of plan). “We don’t know yet whether workers and employers ultimately will embrace consumer-driven health plans in big numbers, but it certainly hasn’t been a tidal wave,” said Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President, Gary Claxton, coauthor of the study and director of the Foundation’s Health Care Marketplace Project. “When you look at the total costs, the savings from these plans may not be enough to overcome consumer concerns about higher cost sharing.” “We are still losing the race between premiums and workers’ earnings—and if that trend persists, employer-based coverage will continue to decline as fewer employers and workers can afford the cost of coverage,” said Jon Gabel, a study co-author and vice president of the Center for Studying Health System Change. Other key findings of the survey include: ■ Offer rate. About 61 percent of firms nationally offer health benefits to at least some of their workers, statistically unchanged from last year’s rate (60 percent). While nearly all large businesses (with at least 200 workers) offer health BECK NOTICE benefits to their workers, fewer than half of the smallest firms (with three to nine workers) do. ■ Workers’ contributions toward premiums. On average, workers are paying $259 more this year than they did last year toward the cost of family health coverage. Workers at small firms (with three to 199 employees) on average contribute significantly more to their premiums ($3,550 for family coverage) than workers at larger companies ($2,658 for family coverage). On average, workers this year are paying about 16 percent of premiums for single coverage and 27 percent of premiums for family coverage, with their employers paying the rest. That share is essentially unchanged in recent years. ■ Cost sharing. In 2006, the average in-network PPO deductible for workers facing a deductible reached $473 for single coverage. Average co-payments for drugs across plan types were $11 for generic drugs, $24 for preferred drugs and $38 for non-preferred drugs. ■ Confidence in cost-containment strategies. Few employers have a lot of confidence in strategies to contain rising health-care costs. For example, only 17 percent of small employers and 28 percent of large employers say that they consider disease management programs “very effective” at controlling health-care costs. Employers were less likely to rate other strategies as very effective, including consumer-directed health plans (16 percent of small and 13 percent of large employers), higher employee cost sharing (15 percent of small and 13 percent of large firms), and tighter managed-care networks (9 percent of small and 4 percent of large firms). This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, (EIN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $37,615,369. These expenses included $6,835,152 in administrative expenses and $30,780,217 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 17,301 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $633,159,327 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $640,306,747 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $7,147,420. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $30,467,949, including employer contributions of $4,235,550, losses of $6,276,043 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $32,500,127. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.20 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N1513, Washington, DC 20210. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twentyfive dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrange- 6 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST Seafarers LOG ments, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2005 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 68.44 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $342.20 (three hundred fortytwo dollars and twenty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2007 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007 will have this calculation applied to their 2007 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2008 your objection must be received by December 1, 2007. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2004. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 7 10 Bosuns Complete Recertification Eight of the SIU’s 10 newest recertified bosuns addressed their brothers and sisters and accepted certificates for completion of studies during the union’s Nov. 6 membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Two class members shipped out immediately following the culmination of their instruction and, as a result, did not attend the membership meeting. Finishing the four-week class, which is considered the top curriculum available for deck department Seafarers, were Scott Gallagher (from the port of Algonac, Mich.), Michael Borders (Norfolk, Va.), Charles Hill (Houston), Philip McGeoghegan (New York), Edward McLean (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Gregory Jenkins (New Orleans), Brad Seibel (Port Everglades, Fla.), Lee Hardman (Tacoma, Wash.), Andrew Barrows (Mobile, Ala.) and Jose Gomez (Baltimore). In addition to their hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the bosuns met at the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. with representatives from all departments. Through discussions with them about the health and benefits plans, contract negotiation and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG, the deck department leaders enhanced their understanding of the many facets that must come together to make the union strong. Besides making complimentary remarks about the instruction they received and the training center’s staff and facilities during the meeting, the bosuns collectively lauded the SIU leadership and offered words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who were in the audience. Gallagher, who hails from Alpena, Mich., thanked union officials and the Paul Hall Center’s vocational staff for the opportunity to upgrade. Gallagher then shared a success story with the trainees in attendance. He recalled sailing aboard a ship six years ago when a Phase II trainee came aboard. The two worked side-by-side for 30 days, and by the end of that stretch “this trainee was wheeling in the rivers, through bridges…. He was also able to give distances off the stern and run deck engines for tie- Following the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., many of the newly recertified bosuns are pictured with SIU officials. From left to right are Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Mike Borders, Charles Hill, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Scott Gallagher, Gregory Jenkins, Lee Hardman, Edward McLean, President Michael Sacco, Brad Seibel, VP Contracts George Tricker, Philip McGeoghegan and VP Government Services Kermett Mangram. up…. This same individual is presently working my relief. He achieved this by paying attention and asking questions.” Borders donned the SIU colors in 1971. “My experience at Piney Point during the bosun recertification training was very refreshing,” he noted “It was good to be around all of the trainees, watching them prepare for the future.” As for his actual training, Borders said he was glad to take the refresher course in fire fighting. “It’s always good to familiarize yourself with the various aspects of this important and very demanding job, although you pray that you never will have to do it,” Borders said. He added that he was particularly pleased with the opportunity to increase his knowledge on computers. “This will help me keep better records while aboard ship… I just want to thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco and the remainder of the union officials for giving me the chance to better myself,” Borders concluded. “I enjoyed the entire experience of being here,” said Hill. “It was a tremendous learning experience for all of us, and I think the union is working extremely hard on behalf of its members. “As a result of my training and interaction with officials in the contracting department,” he continued, “I have a better understanding of how labor agreements work for the members.” Bosun Jose Gomez (front) participates in water survival training. December 2006 Hill became a Seafarer in 2001 with the merger of the NMU into the SIU. “It was a good thing that we merged with the SIU,” he told his rank-and-file brothers and sisters. “It all turned out for the best. “I don’t know what its like to be a trainee because when I came along in the NMU, we did not have trainees,” Hill told the apprentices. “But I do know that when you young people come out to sea, if you watch, pay attention, listen and learn, you can end up in a position of authority just like I am. You have good people here looking out for you, and you have excellent training. I encourage you all to take advantage of it. It will make you a better person and it will make you better able to communicate with your shipmates and anyone else you may come across during your career. “Remember, you make the union look good and it will make us all look good,” Hill concluded. “The SIU will always be there for us.” McGeoghegan has been an SIU member since 1981. “Twenty-six years—it took a long time to get here,” he said after taking the podium. “I started off here as an apprentice, went through the trainee program, came back to upgrade to AB and look where I am now. It was a long road, it was a hard road. We learn as we go.” McGeoghegan praised the Piney Point vocational staff, noting, “All teachers here have great teaching skills and positive attitudes, and being here was a very positive experience for me. The education I received about the union was very positive and something I definitely will use in the future.” McLean noted he has been sailing for 26 years aboard tankers. “I started in 1980 with the NMU and now I’m a proud member of the SIU. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organization because the leadership is dedicated to all of our members,” he stated. Commenting on the program, McLean said, “I thought that the small arms training was excellent. As a result of it, I think I would feel comfortable handling a weapon if I was aboard a military-contracted vessel. The com- munications class was especially helpful because it taught me better ways to communicate with others.” McLean had high praise for the school and staff. “Everyone at the school—members of the staff as well as instructors—were very helpful and courteous,” he said. “Thanks to the training I received here, I now have better knowledge to carry forward to impart on my brothers and sisters aboard ship.” To the apprentices, McLean said, “When you trainees get aboard a ship, ask a lot of questions, do your best job possible, follow orders, be respectful of others and know that we all work together as a team.” Jenkins lauded union officials, the school, its staff and instructors for the many positives they collectively have afforded him over the years. The New Orleansbased mariner has been sailing since 1987. “The SIU has given me a great career as well as a different outlook on life,” he said. “The training I received, especially the communications skills instruction, will help me become a better mariner and upgrade my skills as a bosun. “I’ve been sailing for 19 years and it’s been a good ride,” Jenkins told the audience. “I just want to say thanks—you all are doing a good job and the future looks bright. To the trainees, you are our future, you have a great institution here, learn as much as possible and stay focused.” Seibel joined the SIU in 1985 in St. Louis. “I joined the union in the inland division and switched to deep sea in 1989 as an AB,” he said. “I’d like to give thanks to the SIU, the school and the staff for all of the opportunities they provided. I was really pleased with and grateful for the instruction I received in small arms and water survival. As a result of them, I will feel a lot safer while at sea.” To the trainees he advised, “When you get out there, listen to your supervisors. If you don’t understand something, ask questions and try to always keep a positive attitude.” Hardman, an SIU member for the past 19 years, said that his overall experience during his training was both informative and relaxing. “I learned how the union works both inside and out,” he said. “I am now more informed and will have more answers to questions posed by shipmates while at sea. “Being a Seafarer is a great career,” he continued. “Where else can you see the world while making a great living? It’s a great place for anyone seeking to advance themselves—all you need is a sincere desire to learn.” He concluded, “I want to express my gratitude to the school and our staff, the teachers, those in manpower and admissions for making the school run so efficiently. I also want to thank the union officials for keeping the union, the industry and contracts strong and thriving.” Barrows and Gomez did not address their brothers and sisters during the membership meeting, but provided comments to the LOG about their respective upgrading training experiences. “I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience,” said Barrows, who joined the SIU in 1990 in New York. “Meeting with the leadership provided me with a number of insights which I look forward to sharing with my crewmates aboard ships. “I came to the SIU after the collapse of the commercial fishing industry,” he said. “I’d like to thank the union and its leadership for the quality of life union membership has afforded me and my family.” Gomez launched his SIU career in 1972. The training he received in small arms, fire fighting and CPR was very valuable as was the instruction he was afforded about the union, Gomez said. “It will help me better communicate with the brothers and sisters aboard the ship when we’re discussing union business,” he concluded. Bosun Andrew Barrows takes aim during small arms training. Seafarers LOG 7 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:06 PM Page 8 AOTOS Event Honors Veitch, Richardson and SIU Crews Continued from page 5 body of the aircraft. No survivors were found. A second RHIB was launched as the USS Vicksburg, along with an Italian vessel, also arrived at the scene. U.S. Navy divers then entered the water and recovered bodies from the wreckage. Cape Victory and Cape Vincent—As Hurricane Rita approached, officials from Beaumont, Texas on Sept. 24, 2005 requested that first responder emergency vehicles and personnel from the city and surrounding communities of Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves and Port Neches be permitted to be safely stowed on board the Cape Victory and Cape Vincent. Both vessels are home ported in the Port of Beaumont. Cape Vincent Master Capt. David Scott and Cape Victory Master Capt. Kevin Brooks, in coordination with the U.S. Maritime Administration and Keystone Shipping Co., agreed to move 172 vehicles onto the Cape Vincent and 207 vehicles aboard the Cape Victory. Included were fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, road equipment and other vehicles, along with city records, emergency response personnel and 30 rescue dogs. Everything was stowed safely while 90 percent of area residents evacuated. Crews from each ship kept their vessels berthed as the storm passed packing 120 mph winds and extremely heavy rain. The ships’ stern ramps were lowered the following morning so that the emergency vehicles could be deployed to deal with the storm’s aftermath. The ability for the first responder vehicles to be deployed so rapidly was unprecedented in dealing with hurricane storm damage and allowed the area to swiftly and efficiently return to normalcy. The entire episode serves as a model for hurricane preparations throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast. The vessels’ masters and crews were honored for their vision and heroic acts in keeping their ships and emergency cargo safe from harm. USNS Apache—The MSC fleet ocean tug USNS Apache on Aug. 10 was under way near Monrovia, Liberia when it came across an Estonian commercial freighter, the Tahoma Reefer, engulfed in flames and being towed from the harbor. Smoke from the burning vessel was spotted from the Apache’s bridge at about the same time that help was being solicited by officials ashore at the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. Apache Capt. Charles Rodriguez headed his craft toward the stricken vessel. Other shipboard personnel including Chief Mate Troy Bruemmer departed the Apache in the vessel’s RHIB and moved in on the Tahoma Reefer to remove a mooring line that was trailing the burning vessel. The Apache crew initiated fire-fighting operations and hosed down the port side of the Reefer. After removing the mooring line from the Reefer, Bruemmer and others returned to the Apache, loaded a portable pump on the RHIB and redeployed to fight flames on the Reefer’s starboard side. They also delivered the freighter’s eight crew members to shore. The Apache remained tight alongside the freighter for more than four hours as the tug’s crew fought to bring the fire under control. Sea Land Commitment— Capt. Eric Franzen and the SIU crew aboard the Commitment on Jan. 18 came to the aid and assistance of the tugboat Valour near Cape Fear, N.C. The Valour had sent a distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard while towing an oil barge in heavy 25-foot seas and winds of 40 knots. The ocean towing tug Justine Foss began rescue operations of the tugboat prior to the Commitment’s arrival on the scene. Conditions were far from ideal as visibility was restricted by rough seas and darkness of night. Once on location, the crew aboard the Commitment established communications between the U.S. Coast Guard’s rescue helicopters and those directly involved in the rescue effort. This communications link proved vital as the exact location of the distressed seafarers was passed along to the helicopters, thereby leading to their rescue before the Valour sank. In part through the efforts and seamanship of the master and crew of the Commitment, five mariners from the stricken tug were rescued. In addition, the fully laden tank barge was prevented from impacting a North Carolina beach. Retired Navy Capt. Robert Hart and Samuel B. Nemirow served as national committee cochairmen for the 2006 AOTOS Awards. All proceeds from the event benefited the USS community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine and other seafarers of the world. The USS is a non-profit agency established in 1952. It provides services for mariners as well as members of the armed forces, and operates centers in ports around the world. The agency also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. Longtime SIU Employee Louis Bush Dies at 88 Louis Bush, longtime pensioner and 27-year employee of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, passed away suddenly Jan. 27, 2006. He was 88. Bush started his SIU career in 1952 at the headquarters building in Brooklyn, N.Y., running the Sea Chest with Sidney Seltzer. He was active in helping the union on the picket lines in Chicago, Puerto Rico and anywhere else Paul Hall needed an extra hand in the ’60s. When the Sea Chest closed, Bush transferred to the claims department, where he had the opportunity to work with Lou Delma, Jack Boughman and Tom Cranford, among others. Delma, former plans administrator for the SIU, stated that Bush was a real asset to the union and its membership and a pleasure to work with. Bush was the brother-in-law of the late Herbert Brand, past president of the Transportation Institute. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers in the Loop He was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to New York after marrying his wife, Frances, in 1945. She was a New York City school teacher. In 1979, he retired and moved from Jackson Heights, N.Y. to Orlando, Fla. He remained very active, traveling with his wife on cruises and scenic trips until her death in 2004. According to his son, Robert, one of his favorite pastimes was telling stories about his journeys with the union to different cities and of the union members he befriended all across the country. Bush is survived by his daughter, Isabel, of Orlando, Fla.; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Katherine of Hampton Bays, N.Y.; three sistersin-law and six nieces and nephews. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Fla. Attending monthly membership meetings is an important way in which Seafarers can keep track of all the news that affects their livelihoods. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of key union and maritime issues. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2007. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2007 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 8 5 5 2 7 4 2 6 4* 9* 5 3 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 9 6 6 3 8 5 3 7 4 9 6 4 Wednesday after first Sunday 10 7 7 4 9 6 5* 8 5 10 7 5 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 12 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 12 9 7 Boston Friday after first Sunday 12 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 12 8 7 Houston Monday after second Sunday 16* 12 12 9 14 11 9 13 10 15 13* 10 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 16 13 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 16 13 11 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 17 14 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 17 14 12 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 19 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 19 16 13 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 19 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 19 16 13 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 22 20* 19 16 21 18 16 20 17 22 19 17 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 25 22 22 19 24 21 19 23 20 25 23* 20 Friday after third Sunday 26 23 23 20 25 22 20 24 21 26 23 21 Philadelphia Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point changes created by Labor Day and Columbus Day holidays; Philadelphia change created by Independence Day holiday; Houston changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday and Veterans’ Day holidays; Wilmington change created by Presidents’ Day holiday; Guam change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:12 PM Page 9 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU 401K PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (EIN. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU 401K Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $1,126,528. These expenses included $356,182 in administrative expenses and $770,346 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 14,221 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $37,297,661 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $27,694,584 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $9,603,077. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $7,328,662, including employer contributions of $5,549,160, employee contributions of $69,154, gains of $182,656 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,522,256. Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance. Plan expenses were $342,566. These expenses included $342,566 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 950 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $3,432,409 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $3,197,802 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $234,607. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $577,173 including employee contributions of $435,011 and earnings from investments of $142,162. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.10 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information; 3. assets held for investment; 4. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mrs. Miriam Bove, who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or .1 cent per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 001, for period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $32,648,314. These expenses included $2,938,044 in administrative expenses and $29,710,270 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 7,982 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $296,871,091 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $318,635,814 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $21,764,723. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $10,883,591 including employer contributions of $780,541, realized losses of $160,438 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $10,031,942 and other income of $ 231,546. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant’s report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 5. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and 6. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Miriam Bove, Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001’ telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.60 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. December 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR FOR NMU VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU VACATION PLAN, EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501, for period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,077,591 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $1,270,807 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $193,216. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $6,760,843 including employer contributions of $6,653,856 and earnings from investments of $106,987. Plan expenses were $6,954,059. These expenses included $1,020,553 in administrative expenses and $5,933,506 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of Mrs. Miriam Bove who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, (212) 3374900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York 10001) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 9 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 S 7:12 PM Page 10 eafarers’ napshots A recent meeting was held at the hall in Oakland (above) to approve the standard contracts. One of the many Seafarers in attendance was Recertified Bosun Lance Zollner (above right). Serving the membership in the port of Houston are office staff members (from left) Adrienne Nash, Port Agent Robert Troy, Patrolman Mike Russo and Janice Hunicke. Bosun John Cain attends the October membership meeting in Houston. Teamwork is part of what makes the galley run smoothly aboard the Alaskan Legend. Pictured above are Chief Cook Johnson Ashun (left) and SA Medel Daguio. Edwin Spencer Harris, 79, began sailing at the age of 17, working in most of the engine department ratings and in all the war zones from World War II to Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Panama, Grenada and the first Gulf war. He is now enjoying his retirement in sunny St. Petersburg, Fla., getting lots of exercise and fishing (the little fish he is holding is used for bait). Harris is still proud to be an SIU member. Abdulhalim Ali (center) is congratulated by VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant VP West Coast NIck Celona after being awarded his full union book. Left: Camilo Villafania takes the SIU oath from Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz. Right: Conrad Rivera shows off the full book he received in the port of Ft. Lauderdale. 10 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 11 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan, (EIN. 13-1953878, Plan No. 003) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, (EIN. 516097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $665,486. These expenses included $201,651 in administrative expenses and $463,835 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 868 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $8,162,399 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $8,531,657 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $369,258. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $296,228, including gains of $175,934 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $117,770. Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $1,442,947. These expenses included $208,776 in administrative expenses and $1,234,171 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 291 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $23,482,208 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $24,191,340 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $709,132. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $733,815, including losses of $42,819 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $776,629. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.15 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N1513, Washington, DC 20210. Basic Financial Statement Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.80 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (EIN. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15,585,019 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $15,731,956 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $146,937. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $53,361,433. This income included employer contributions of $52,169,499, realized gains of $397,165 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $747,430. Plan expenses were $53,508,370. These expenses included $6,899,250 in administrative expenses and $46,609,120 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.45 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. December 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (EIN.13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $22,124,202 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $6,868,009 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $15,256,193. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $84,381,946. This income included employer contributions of $81,809,706, realized gains of $292,564 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $318,473. Plan expenses were $69,125,753. These expenses included $9,190,526 in administrative expenses and $59,935,227 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.85 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 12 Bosun Kelvin Cherington and QEP Kevin Jones check out the latest issue of the LOG aboard the Chemical Pioneer, a USS Transport vessel. The Crowley tug Pioneer (above) ties up in Philadelphia. At right is Eugeniy Golubev, an AB on the Pioneer. Standing gangway watch on the Chemical Pioneer is AB Todd Peden. On Petty’s Island, home to the Crowley shipping terminal, are SIU members Dennis Saggese (left), who is getting into the jockey truck, and Stanley Williams, who is already behind the wheel. In n an nd and the t hee h ill a off Ph Phila Rally for Justice Docked in Philadelphia are the Express Marine, Inc. tugs (from left) Russel B. Murray, Guardian and Acti Seafarers join with approximately 200 other Maritime Port Council Affiliates (including UIW, IBU, UFCW and Teamsters) to show their support for members of Teamsters Local 429 in Reading, Pa. who have been on strike against a giant French-owned, multi-national corporation—Arkema—for more than two months. The union workers, whose contract expired in March, are demanding that Arkema live up to its corporate social responsibility and come back to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair agreement. Arkema has proposed reductions in health care, pension and overtime. Lending their support in the rally are, from left, SIU members Andrew Austin, Tony Beasley and Charles Wright. Above: SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler takes care of business at the counter of the Philadelphia hall. With him are Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley (center) and his son, Felsher Beasley, who is taking an AB job. Bosun Joe Colangelo (left) takes care of some paperwor for Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, who came aboard th Resolve when the Interocean vessel docked in Delaware Mike Measley (left) is sworn in by SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler, who presents him with his union book. 12 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 13 Preparing the Maunalei for Service Standing alongside the vessel are Jake Joyce and SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler. Left: Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley works as a deckhand on the Freedom ferry. Here, he is taking tickets and escorting passengers onto the vessel. Above, Roger Taylor is the captain of the ferry, which runs from Philadelphia to Camden, N.J. nd A ro o un nd Around o rtt he h e Po Port l ad d ell ph h iaa hil hiladelphia Aboard the Maunalei are (from left) Glenn Ambrosius, Andy Rescinito, Bill Kelly and SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler. The newly christened Matson ship Maunalei, which means “mountain flower” in Hawaiian, was in the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard this summer, being readied for service. The vessel’s steward department is crewed by members of the SIU. Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski and Jeff Beasley pose for a snapshot. Guardian and Active. AB Charles James (left) and Bosun Marc Marcus are among the Seafarers working aboard the USNS Gordon. Seafarers Jeff Beasley (left) and Carlo Beasley work aboard the Maunalei. Nina McFall does her part getting the Maunalei ready for deployment in Matson’s Hawaii-Guam-China service. Left: Bosun Ricardo Legorreta and AB Jim Foley work aboard Liberty Maritime’s Cape Knox, which recently docked in Philadelphia. of some paperwork o came aboard the docked in Delaware. Left: AB Ryan Jones is a cook aboard Express Marine’s tug Guardian. Right: SIU members count ballots aboard the Guardian in the vote to approve the new shipping agreements—which were ratified. Facing the camera are (from left) Capt. Riley Johnson, Mate Steve Jones and Mate Bradley Thomas. December 2006 Aboard Pacific Gulf Marine’s tug Ocean Titan are (from left) Chief Steward Jorge Bernardez and Cooks Obadi Kassem (who was getting off) and Nina McFall. Seafarers LOG 13 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 14 Progress Continues on OSG Tankers Sumner a Good Feeder – Really Continued from page 3 additional new U.S.-flag ships that also would sail in the Jones Act trades. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston said at the MTD meetings. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” Mariners on the USNS Sumner showed their ability to follow orders —and their sense of humor—with this snapshot of Chief Steward Wanda Glinke ostensibly telling AB Leroy Williamson he can’t have any food. Fred Smallwood, master of the Horizon vessel, said that during a recent voyage near China he needed to take on additional crew members to stay within STCW guidelines (in this case an extra third mate and two ABs). A communication from the operator good-naturedly mentioned that in addition to completing various mandatory paperwork for the additional mariners, the Sumner was advised, “Do forget to feed them.” Of course, the company official meant “Don’t forget.” Since we’ve been known to print a typo or two of our own here at the LOG office, we’re certainly not poking fun at the error, but simply sharing the photo and story. Above: Hull No. 6 (the Overseas Long Beach) has been skidded to its final position in the building dock. Left: Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is building 10 U.S.-flag tankers for OSG, including the Overseas Houston. Education: A Gift that Keeps on Giving Apply Now for a College Scholarship in 2007 I t’s the holiday season, and amid all the frenzy of selecting the perfect gifts for your friends and family, take the time to give yourself the chance to fulfill your dreams of a college education. Completing the coupon below is the first step toward realizing those dreams. All Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls.) Eight monetary grants will be awarded by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in 2007 to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants P should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2007 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2007 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. Happy holidays—and don’t just wish for the gift that can affect the rest of your life—go for it today! Gov’t Services Ships Complete Unrep Exercise Bosun’s Mate Billy Bushey submitted these photos of an underway replenishment exercise involving two SIU Government Services Division vessels: the USNS Mt. Baker and the USNS Lewis and Clark. The sessions took place Nov. 6-8 at the Earle Naval Weapons Station in New Jersey. They were the first such drills for the Lewis and Clark, the first in a new series of ships being constructed in San Diego for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The photos were taken from aboard the Mt. Baker. lease send me the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name __________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number ____________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________________________ ( ) Telephone Number ________________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 12/06 14 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January & February 2007 Membership Meetings OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 5 0 3 8 3 10 42 25 1 14 15 34 15 21 5 4 10 0 35 28 278 0 0 6 4 1 7 28 19 0 3 11 19 8 9 2 1 3 1 15 13 3 9 3 27 7 9 37 16 1 10 12 28 16 14 6 6 8 4 34 21 271 2 0 4 6 3 5 22 17 2 6 8 17 10 4 4 5 4 3 16 11 2 0 0 3 2 1 19 10 0 0 4 9 7 3 1 2 3 1 6 6 79 0 1 1 8 1 2 5 6 0 0 3 3 6 2 2 0 2 3 2 8 150 149 55 2 0 2 6 3 13 23 10 0 5 4 26 11 20 1 4 1 1 15 20 1 0 1 7 3 7 9 12 0 5 4 6 14 5 1 1 3 1 9 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 7 2 1 0 0 1 4 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 6 8 0 6 28 19 0 6 5 28 16 13 5 3 4 1 29 20 197 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 3 4 10 2 6 22 9 1 4 17 17 20 8 2 13 4 4 27 9 185 1 3 0 1 1 0 7 5 0 0 3 2 4 3 1 1 0 0 6 2 40 0 0 2 10 0 3 24 9 0 2 5 9 10 5 2 0 4 3 20 9 117 98 1 1 4 2 3 2 8 11 1 6 5 5 9 2 1 4 2 2 8 5 82 1 0 3 1 1 3 5 1 0 0 1 2 4 1 1 0 2 1 3 2 32 0 0 1 1 0 1 5 7 0 1 3 4 5 6 1 0 1 0 7 4 47 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 8 2 6 14 12 0 0 4 13 6 12 0 2 0 1 9 18 1 0 0 3 2 5 4 5 0 0 2 3 10 1 2 1 1 0 3 3 167 95 25 111 46 0 0 1 0 0 3 8 2 0 3 3 7 0 8 0 0 1 0 3 1 2 4 7 10 2 8 21 11 1 4 4 36 16 19 2 3 1 0 12 9 7 0 1 5 0 12 12 12 3 2 4 19 19 13 2 22 0 0 13 11 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 7 1 4 14 10 0 1 3 21 10 6 1 10 0 0 9 6 40 172 157 15 635 687 316 421 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 13 7 0 5 14 5 13 76 52 1 24 35 78 23 35 8 2 15 2 63 54 512 4 10 12 42 13 13 50 37 2 21 10 46 20 21 7 9 18 7 52 37 431 2 4 3 10 4 1 28 17 0 3 5 14 10 7 1 1 4 1 17 12 Algonac ................Friday: January 12, February 9 ............................... Baltimore..............Thursday: January 11, February 8 Boston ..................Friday: January 12, February 9 Guam ....................Thursday: January 25, February 22 ............................... Honolulu...............Friday: January 19, February 16 Houston ................Tuesday: January 16* ..............................Monday: February 12 ..............................(*change created by Martin Luther King Jr. holiday) ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: January 11, February 9 Joliet .....................Thursday: January 18, February 15 144 0 0 7 8 1 13 33 29 0 9 12 34 14 13 2 3 4 2 25 20 2 0 4 12 6 7 22 40 2 10 9 22 20 12 5 2 5 4 34 18 0 1 0 8 1 3 6 8 0 1 2 7 6 3 1 0 1 2 2 15 229 236 67 2 0 5 6 4 18 42 25 0 7 5 45 15 34 4 5 2 5 29 38 0 0 1 13 3 12 12 16 0 9 5 13 23 7 0 2 4 1 17 13 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 2 1 0 6 7 1 1 0 1 1 5 8 New Orleans.........Tuesday: January 16, February 13 New York .............Tuesday: January 9, February 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: January 11, February 8 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: January 10, February 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: January 18, February 15 San Francisco .......Thursday: January 18, February 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: January 11, February 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: January 19, February 16 Tacoma .................Friday: January 26, February 23 Wilmington...........Monday: January 22 0 0 1 1 0 5 5 4 0 1 2 6 3 6 0 0 2 0 6 7 49 291 151 39 1 0 0 5 0 3 7 3 1 1 2 5 3 10 1 17 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 8 3 0 3 4 10 0 12 0 0 1 0 8 1 5 5 7 13 4 10 40 31 1 10 6 72 21 31 2 9 1 0 26 13 13 3 3 12 0 17 27 23 2 4 9 39 36 18 1 11 0 1 27 19 106 69 0 55 307 265 419 154 167 1,087 1,125 515 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Piney Point ...........Monday: January 8, February 5 Mobile ..................Wednesday: January 17, February 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 0 0 7 9 16 0 3 6 11 5 9 1 2 2 1 10 12 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ..............................Tuesday: February 20* ..............................(*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CELSO CASTRO Please contact Melanie Williams at (817) 444-3964. She hasn’t heard from you since Hurricane Katrina. JOHN ROBINSON AND WALTER RIGBY Please contact Ed Rihn at (985) 839-3801. He has not been able to locate you since Hurricane Katrina. SHIPMATES FROM THE SS PRODUCER John Merriam is looking for shipmates from the SS Producer during the voyage to Iran (Dec. 22-March 31, 1972). You may contact him at Westwall Building, Suite 110, Fishermen’s Terminal, 4005 20th Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98199; telephone (206) 729-5252 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 Seafarers International Union Directory 7:09 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Boston 7 2 1 2 2 0 1 11 3 2 Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Houston 9 0 4 16 1 4 8 20 4 2 Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Jacksonville 6 0 0 7 0 0 1 2 0 1 Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services New Orleans Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large New York Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Norfolk HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 16 4 2 13 13 0 9 2 0 8 37 32 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 Wilmington 3 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 1 39 17 5 38 7 4 21 89 43 8 Totals Port Boston Houston Jacksonville ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 3 1 5 5 1 4 12 2 0 30 1 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 New Orleans 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 New York 6 4 0 2 2 0 3 14 5 0 Norfolk 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 14 8 3 14 7 3 8 42 9 1 Totals Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 4 1 Houston 4 1 0 6 2 0 1 14 1 0 Jacksonville 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 New Orleans 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 1 3 New York 6 9 0 5 5 0 0 22 26 0 Norfolk 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 1 2 4 0 2 4 3 1 1 0 Totals 13 15 5 15 12 4 5 47 33 4 Totals All Departments 66 40 13 67 26 11 34 178 85 13 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Charles D. Hayward Jr. of Everett, Wash. The photo was taken at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on New Year’s Day 1966 aboard the SS Australian Reef. The vessel was a West Coast C-2 operated by Farrell Lines out of New York. Hayward, who was a 33-year-old AB at the time, remembers that it was 108 degrees that day. The ship had about 16,000 tons of ammunition on board and had to be constantly guarded. In this photo, Hayward, who was relieving the Marine Guards who had gone on a lunch break, poses for a snapshot. Hayward, a full-blooded native Alaskan, sailed as a bosun/quartermaster. He misses the seafaring life and his 46 years of sailing with the SUP, NMU and SIU. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JULIUS KOTAN, 65, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Kotan initially sailed on CSX Lines’ Gateway in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the OMI Wabash. Brother Kotan makes his home in Pittsburgh, Pa. ROBERT MARTIN, 55, became a Seafarer in 1974. Brother Martin’s first voyage was on the Jacksonville. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Martin, who worked in the engine department, resides in Hazlet, N.J. New York. Brother Walker’s first voyage was aboard the Afoundria. In 1980, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Walker most recently sailed on the Motivator. He calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. JONATHAN WHITE, 58, launched his seafaring career in 1966 in New York. Brother White’s first ship was the El Faro; his last was the Overseas New Orleans. He worked in the steward department. Brother White resides in his native state of Alabama. INLAND HARVEY McLUNG, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Executive. Brother McClung upgraded his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, the deck department member sailed on the Resolve. Brother McClung calls Milton, Wash. home. JOSEPH LUQUETTE, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1968. Boatman Luquette worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. In 1980 and 1981, he upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Luquette lives in Kaplan, La. MICHAEL McKNIGHT, 62, embarked on his SIU career in 1966. Brother McKnight’s first trip to sea was aboard an Isthmian Lines Inc. vessel. He was born in Florida and shipped as a member of the engine department. He makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. LINLEY McDONALD, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1970. Boatman McDonald shipped primarily on National Marine Services’ vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman McDonald is a resident of Kennedy, Texas. AHMED MOHAMMED, 59, started shipping with the union in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Mohammed, who was born in Arabia, first worked aboard the Longview Victory. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Mohammed last worked on the ITB Baltimore. He lives in New York. ANTHONY MORELLI, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1981. Brother Morelli was a member of the steward department. He settled in Boca Raton, Fla. GEORGE NOTTINGHAM, 73, was born in the Philippines. Brother Nottingham became a Seafarer in 1991 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The deck department member shipped on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping, including the Meteor and Cornhusker State. Brother Nottingham upgraded his skills on two occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Virginia. ISAAC WALKER, 65, began his SIU career in 1973 in the port of December 2006 LEO McINTYRE, 62, joined the union in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman McIntyre initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Company vessel. His most recent voyage was on a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman McIntyre makes his home in Dagsboro, Del. LIONEL PAUL, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1990 from the port of Houston. Boatman Paul’s first trip to sea was aboard the Seabulk Tanker. He attended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. Boatman Paul’s most recent voyage was on a Seabulk Tanker Inc. vessel. He settled in Port Arthur, Texas. DONALD QUINN, 62, began his seafaring career in 1978. Boatman Quinn first worked aboard a CG Willis Inc. vessel He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Quinn’s most recent trip was on a Penn Maritime tug. He calls Warsaw, N.C. home. JUAN REBOLLO, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. Boatman Rebollo sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He now makes his home in Catano, P.R. LUTHER SARVIS JR., 53, became an SIU member in 1969. Boatman Sarvis shipped primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels. He upgraded in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Sarvis resides in LaMarque, Texas. VINCENT THOMPSON, 62, started shipping with the union in 1980, initially aboard a Red Circle Transport vessel. Boatman Thompson enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Before retiring, he sailed aboard G&H Towing tugs. Boatman Thompson is a resident of Westwego, La. THOMAS WESCOVICH, 59, joined the union in 1970. During his SIU career, Boatman Wescovich worked primarily on Alabama Pilot Company vessels. He lives in Irvington, Ala. CYRIL WILLIAMS, 63, embarked on his SIU career in 1982. Boatman Williams shipped primarily aboard Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1950 The SIU Atlantic and Gulf District became the first seamen’s union to negotiate a companyfinanced Welfare Plan for its members. This was established in an agreement signed with nine contracted steamship companies on December 28. Although the companies will make all the contributions to the welfare fund, the agreement provides for joint administration by a committee representing the union and the steamship companies. Under the terms of the contract each company will contribute into a common fund, the sum of 25 cents per day for each man employed aboard its vessels. Allied Towing vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1997 and 2003. Boatman Williams calls Trenton, S.C. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, both former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. FREDDIE BEECH JR., 57, joined the NMU in 1977 initially sailing from the port of New Orleans. Brother Beech was born in Louisiana. His first ship was the Frederick Lykes. Brother Beech shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Marjorie Lykes. EARL RAMSEY, 68, became an NMU member in 1962 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Brother Ramsey’s first voyage was aboard the Trans Gulf. The Jamaica-born mariner sailed in both the steward and deck departments. screening. Many of them, in fact, are recruited in areas which have strong local Communist groups on the waterfront and in the local labor movements. Under the circumstances, the union has pointed out, the United States could not count on the reliability of such crews in the event of a national emergency. 1970 Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.) said he wants more than just a minimum of America’s foreign trade cargoes carried in her ships. At a luncheon sponsored by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (with which the SIU is affiliated), the House minority leader said it is bad for this nation to be so dependent on foreign-flag ships for its import and export trade. Ford said, “If American-flag ships are not built to transport a reasonable percentage of our expanding foreign trade, we will be totally dependent upon foreign shipping interests to move those goods. We cannot afford that dependence.” This Month In SIU History 1960 Six of the 14 crew members of the wrecked Liberian freighter Francisco Morazan have been detained by the U.S. Immigration Service as “undesirable aliens.” The detention came after their vessel was blown on the rocks in Lake Michigan by an early winter storm. The six men were then placed in the custody of the ship’s New York agent for transportation to New York, from where they will leave the country. The incident tends to substantiate contentions by the SIU and other U.S. maritime unions that the so-called “effective control” policy is a sham. The SIU has pointed out that runaway-flag crew members, unlike seamen on American-flag ships, do not undergo any 1980 Frank Drozak has been overwhelmingly elected president of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in a secret mail ballot as provided for under the SIU constitution. The ballots were counted by the official union tallying committee, made up of 18 rank-and-file members. The committee consisted of two members from each of the SIU’s nine constitutional ports. They were elected by their brother members at special meetings in the nine constitutional ports on Dec. 29, 1980. Seafarers LOG 17 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:40 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MARTIN BALAGTAS Pensioner Martin Balagtas, 85, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Balagtas embarked on his SIU career in 1973. He initially sailed on CSX Lines’ St. Louis. Brother Balagtas was born in the Philippines. The engine department member retired in 1992 and last worked aboard the Liberty Sun. Brother Balagtas made his home in San Francisco. JOSEPH BARTLETT Pensioner Joseph Bartlett, 84, died May 10. Brother Bartlett joined the union in 1942 in the port of Baltimore. He first worked aboard an Emerson Steamship Company vessel. Brother Bartlett was a native of Maryland. He began his retirement in 1989 and lived in Fairfield, Calif. JOSEPH BENNETT JR. Pensioner Joseph Bennett Jr., 78, passed away July 16. Brother Bennett was born in Coy, Ala. He became an SIU member in 1966, initially working aboard a Wall Street Traders Inc. vessel. Brother Bennett was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Star of Texas. Brother Bennett went on pension in 1992. He was a resident of Houston. JOSEPH DeJESSA Pensioner Joseph DeJessa, 80, died June 26. Brother DeJessa started his seafaring career in 1948 in the port of New York. The deck department member’s first ship was the Ocean Lotta. Brother DeJessa was born in Lyndhurst, N.J. Brother DeJessa became a pensioner in 1989. He called Brick, N.J. home. Brother DeJessa is survived by his two sons, Joseph and Robert DeJessa, and six grandchildren. JOSE GOMEZ Pensioner Jose Gomez, 90, passed away July 13. Brother Gomez donned the SIU colors in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked in the deck department on board the Steel Worker. Brother Gomez, who was born in the Virgin Islands, last sailed aboard the Voyager. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. Brother Gomez resided in New York. JAMES HENRY Brother James Henry, 61, died June 30. He joined the SIU in 1987. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Henry first shipped on the USNS Wyman in the deck department. He was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Brother Henry most recently sailed aboard the John A. Chapman. He made his home in Kansas City, Kan. MICHAEL LANGENBACH Brother Michael Langenbach, 47, passed away June 6. He became a Seafarer in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Langenbach first worked on the USNS Potomac. The engine department member last sailed aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He lived in his native state of Alabama. JAMES LONG Pensioner James Long, 84, died May 19. Brother Long began shipping with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. The deck department member was born in Frostburg, Md. He last sailed on the Pioneer. Brother Long, who lived in Ocala, Fla., went on pension in 1983. ALVERNA McCOLGAN Pensioner Alverna McColgan, 81, died Aug. 25. Sister McColgan joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. She worked primarily on the President Wilson during her seafaring career. Sister McColgan was born in Alabama but called Santa Rosa, Calif. home. ANGELO MEGLIO Pensioner Angelo Meglio, 87, passed away March 22. Born in New York, Brother Meglio commenced his SIU career in 1940. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel Advocate. Brother Meglio last sailed in the engine department of a Michigan Tankers vessel. He retired in 1980 and lived in Staten Island, N.Y. NELSON SMITH ROBERT HALL Brother Nelson Smith, 23, died April 15. The Alabama native embarked on his SIU career in 2005 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smith’s first ship was the USNS Altair; his last was the Samuel Cobb. He lived in Mobile, Ala. Boatman Robert Hall, 54, passed away April 16. Born in Virginia, Boatman Hall joined the SIU in the port of Norfolk in 1970. He first shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel as a member of the deck department. Most recently, he worked on a Penn Maritime vessel. Boatman Hall lived in Virginia. ROY STERN Pensioner Roy Stern, 93, passed away April 5. Brother Stern joined the union in 1948 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Steel Traveler. Brother Stern sailed in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1978, he worked on the G. Walton. Brother Stern made his home in New York. GEORGE WILLIAMS Pensioner George Williams, 59, died April 4. Brother Williams began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Chatham. Brother Williams, who was born in San Juan, P.R., worked in the engine department. The last ship on which he worked was the San Juan. Brother Williams made his home in Puerto Rico. WILLIE CRUMPTON Pensioner Willie Crumpton, 77, passed away March 3. Brother Crumpton became an NMU member in 1945, sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first trip to sea was on the Woodlake. Brother Crumpton, who worked in the steward department, was a native of Alabama. His last voyage was aboard the United States. HENRY EBANKS INLAND DENNIS BRUCE JOHN GLEICH ROBERT HARDIN Pensioner Robert Hardin, 49, died May 22. Boatman Hardin started sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. The engine department member shipped primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. Boatman Hardin lived in his native state of Texas. LINDSEY RHODES Pensioner Lindsey Rhodes, 64, passed away May 16. Brother Rhodes became an SIU member in 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner first sailed aboard the Seafair. Brother Rhodes’ last voyage was on the Stonewall Jackson. He was a resident of his native state. HUBERT SNEAD Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Pensioner Henry Ebanks, 84, died March 15. Brother Ebanks was born in the Grand Cayman Islands. He joined the union in 1943 in the port of Seattle. Brother Ebanks’ earliest voyage was on the Flying Scud. His last ship was the Green Forest. Boatman Dennis Bruce, 43, passed away May 23. He joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Bruce sailed primarily in the steward department aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels. He was born in Louisiana but called Alabama home. TANGUMA IGNACIO Boatman Tanguma Ignacio, 23, died April 6. He became a union member in 2005. Boatman Ignacio was born in Galveston, Texas. He worked in the engine department on board G&H Towing vessels. Boatman Ignacio made Corpus Christi, Texas his home. New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and sailed in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the United States. Pensioner John Gleich, 81, passed away March 4. Brother Gleich began sailing with the NMU in 1943 in the port of Philadelphia. He first shipped on the Mormac Moon in the steward department. Brother Gleich was born in Chicago, Ill. His last vessel was the Tillie Lykes. MOISES JACKSON Pensioner Moises Jackson, 69, died March 20. Brother Jackson first donned the NMU colors in 1963. He was born in Honduras and worked in the steward department. Brother Jackson’s first ship was the Amtank; his last voyage was on the Marine Floridian. Pensioner Hubert Snead, 80, passed away Feb. 28. Brother Snead embarked on his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped on board the William N. Page in the steward department. Brother Snead was born in Virginia. His last trip to sea was aboard the Executor. GONZALO SOTO Pensioner Gonzalo Soto, 76, died Feb. 1. Brother Soto became an NMU member in 1968 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first sailed on the Exporter. Brother Soto last worked aboard the Green Harbor. LARRY TAYLOR Pensioner Larry Taylor, 68, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Taylor, who was born in Griffin, Ga., launched his NMU career in 1971 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was on the Mormacisle. Editor’s note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age Ahmed, Mohamed 79 July 8 Arthur, Norman 97 Sept. 13 Corbin, Clyde 79 Sept. 16 Deethardt, Eugene 85 Aug. 31 Fernandez, Juan 88 June 16 Gallen, John 78 Aug. 21 Hanson, Richard 82 Sept. 14 Hutchinson, John 83 Sept. 20 Jacobson, John 78 July 30 Jones, Herman 71 July 19 Lorman, Donald 71 July 6 Manchester, Fred 72 Sept. 3 Minor, Harold 83 May 24 O’Connor, John 80 Aug. 14 Ortiz, Rafael 84 July 4 Pioche, Agnan 90 Aug. 10 Renfro, David 72 Sept. 20 FRANCISCO RUIZ Smedley, Jerome 67 Aug. 7 Pensioner Francisco Ruiz, 87, died Feb. 1. Brother Ruiz joined the NMU ranks in 1946 in the port of Stanley, Robert 76 June 1 Watkins, Laurence 87 Sept. 23 DONALD OWEN Pensioner Donald Owen, 84, passed away Feb. 28. Brother Owen started his NMU career in 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The steward department member’s first ship was the Sinclair. Brother Owen, who was born in Texas, most recently sailed on the Gulf Queen. DOD December 2006 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:07 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker), Sept. 24—Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Sylvester Crawford. Chairman highlighted details of new contract and informed crew that next trip would be to Long Beach, Calif. He mentioned there would be long hours ahead. “Just take your time and don’t rush to get finished,” he added, in stressing the need for safety at all times. Secretary thanked everyone for coming to mess halls and lounge in appropriate attire. Educational director urged seafarers to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He asked everyone to check document expiration dates and renew early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated about $9,000 in ship’s fund and that permission is needed from captain before making a purchase for the vessel. New X-box was purchased and crew members voted on getting satellite radio. Thanks given to steward department for great meals. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid), Sept. 31—Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Francis Johnson, Engine Delegate Richard Stiverson, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Bosun notified crew members of 2 percent pay raise in first year, retroactive to July 1. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance skills at Seafarers-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for good meals. GREEN COVE (LMS Ship Management), Sept. 16—Chairman George Buisson, Secretary Farala F. George, Educational Director Jeremy M. Vaughan, Deck Delegate Mark Kiblis, Engine Delegate John C. Ropp, Steward Delegate Marie Mitchell. Chairman led discussion on benefit plans and seatime requirements. He asked all members to keep dues paid up. Secretary thanked steward department for good leadership skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for TVs in all rooms. ITB PHILADELPHIA (U.S.S. Transport), Sept. 30—Chairman Michael A. Eaton, Secretary Dana A. Paradise, Educational Director Willie J. Franks, Deck Delegate Errick Nobles, Engine Delegate Daryl D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Farid Zaharan. Chairman announced Oct. 2 payoff upon arrival in Port Everglades, Fla. and urged members to contribute to SPAD. Letter sent to contracts department regarding relief time and Family and Medical Leave. Secretary asked crew to see him if any forms are needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to have patrolman come aboard to discuss shipping rules and procedures. Next ports: Port Everglades; New Orleans. December 2006 ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 12—Chairman Robert B. Lindsay, Secretary Richard J. Gray, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Walter Kuchtey, Steward Delegate Darryl D. Jackson. Chairman talked about security issues with stand-bys in Houston and Norfolk. Educational director encouraged all members to inform leadership of request for additional courses at Paul Hall Center. He also urged them to tell patrolman about any problems they are having. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new desk chairs and lounge chairs. Crew members discussed pension benefits and made some recommendations. Steward department was thanked for great job keeping ship clean. Next port: Houston. COAST RANGE (Crowley Liner Services), Oct. 1—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Wilfredo V. Martinez, Deck Delegate Donnie W. Collins, Engine Delegate Justin E. Valencia, Steward Delegate Bernard J. Butts. Bosun led discussion about new contract. Secretary reminded Seafarers to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen before departing vessel. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at Piney Point school and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer stated $3,200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new furniture in crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 1— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Michael M. Sutton, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman discussed recent contract changes. Secretary and educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills to improve job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made to lower seatime requirements for pension benefits and increase pension amount. Members were advised to stay abreast of their rights and keep a copy of the contract available. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Oct. 24 —Chairman David L. Parks, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director William R. Kelley, Deck Delegate Leroy Reed, Engine Delegate Johnny W. Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman stated washers and dryers had been repaired, thanks to chief electrician. He also discussed upcoming projects: crew will be given dates as they become available. Crew members must have a Marshall Islands document to work on cableships; company will reim- burse for the first one, after that members have to pay for renewal fees. Secretary reported no dutyfree sales from slopchest while in port. Educational director encouraged members to keep documents current and renew early, up to one year in advance. Treasurer noted $3,500 in general fund and reminded crew that some funds must remain to repay for items when crewing up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters regarding changes to medical benefit requirements was read and posted. Clarification requested concerning sanitation rules for three-person steward department. New TV has been ordered; waiting for delivery. All aboard were asked to use caution when using new remote as it is liable to change dish settings. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 13— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Steward Delegate Soriano S. Grande. Bosun talked about pension plan and upcoming pay raise. Secretary reminded departing mariners to clean rooms for relief person. Educational director advised all crew members to renew documents at least six months before they expire and to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. to stay abreast of current regulations in the maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to offer more electrician classes at Piney Point school. Crew thanked steward department for great barbecue on the way to Guam. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Oct. 15—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega, Engine Delegate Keithley L. Andrew, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 20 in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director urged mariners to attend courses at maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. and make sure to renew necessary shipping documents before they expire. Captain is maintaining stewardship of joint funds and will give a report of totals at next crew meeting. These funds are raised for the mutual benefit and quality of life aboard the ship (e.g., satellite TV). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked crew for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Oct. 22—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Michael Sorenson, Steward Delegate Lorencio N. DeLeon. Chairman announced Oct. 24 payoff to take place upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He urged crew members to keep dues paid and support SPAD. He also thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of training offered at Piney Point; it’s never too late to learn something new. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read and discussed president’s report from September Seafarers LOG. Steward department was thanked for their hard work. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 22—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Mario G. Paquiaz, Deck Delegate F. Saleh, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate R. Fiel. Chairman announced Oct. 28 payoff prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. U.S. Coast Guard fire and lifeboat drills will take place in the ports of Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. this trip. Secretary reported retroactive pay raise from July 1 will be paid to crew members aboard vessel after Tacoma; those not still aboard will have checks mailed to their homes. Treasurer stated $626 in crew fund and thanked everyone for their donations. It was suggested that the money be used for a satellite TV and upgrading gym equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension benefits. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 1— Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Joseph Jones, Deck Delegate Bernard Wilson Jr. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to check into upgrading opportunities available at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture for crew lounge. Steward All’s Well on the Sealand Achiever Everything is running smoothly in the galley of the SIU-crewed Sealand Achiever, according to members (from left) Chief Cook Darryl Jackson, Chief Steward Rich Gray and SA Chris Coston. system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. October 2006 president’s report was read and President Sacco’s message about President Bush’s support for the Jones Act was very well received. All agreed that it is great that our union’s leadership has been able to gain this kind of support at the highest level of our government. Request was made for union to continue to work on ways to improve pension benefits and, perhaps, to lower seatime requirements for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and keeping clean ship. Crew members were asked to bring unused plates back to the galley. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 20—Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Mohamed B. Kamer, Deck Delegate Osman B. Raji, Engine Delegate John E. Conn. Bosun thanked all departments for safe trip. Secretary requested travel pay for getting off in New York. He asked for clarification on wages paid for sanitation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 8—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Chairman announced Oct. 14 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reported good crew, safe voyage and great job by all. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for help keeping ship clean and safe. Treasurer stated balance of $4,597 in ship’s fund after voting to donate $500 to USS department given vote of thanks for job well done. SEABULK CHALLENGER (Seabulk International), Oct. 24— Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Randolph E. Scott, Deck Delegate William J. Tanksley, Engine Delegate Rudolph K. Miller, Steward Delegate H. Brian. Bosun announced Oct. 24 payoff in Barber’s Point, Hawaii. Educational director urged crew to upgrade seafaring skills at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed SIU contracts with Seabulk. Bosun to order new latches for crew linen locker. Request was made for port agent to contact company about getting e-mail for crew. Next ports: Barber’s Point; Honolulu; El Segundo, Calif. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), Oct. 15— Chairman Grant A. Shipley, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Dale D. Nesfield, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate John A. Stephen. Chairman updated crew members on vessel delay. Secretary asked mariners leaving ship to leave room clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for job well done. Suggestions made regarding medical and dental benefits as well as contract. Crew members expressed gratitude to company and officers aboard Sulphur Enterprise for giving everyone cable TV in each room. Next port: Tampa, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:14 PM Page 20 Snapshots from Ship and Shore Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio submitted two photos (top left and bottom left) from a recent voyage on NCL America’s Pride of Aloha along with two other pictures from the ceremonial opening of the new SIU hall in Oakland, Calif. In top left photo, Remetio (far right) is joined by (from left) Assistant Carpenters Mike Tadlip, Rommel Crespo and Aaron Mitchell and 1st Carpenter Carlos Velasquez Jr. Pictured below left are (from left) Mitchell, Velasquez and Remetio. Above right, Remetio poses with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and (below right) with SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz at the hall. In a note to the LOG, Remetio encouraged fellow Seafarers to “pick up the cruise ship jobs so that we continue meeting our obligations in this important part of the U.S.-flag industry. Regards to all brothers and sisters in the SIU and may God bless you all.” Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 20 Seafarers LOG monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 2006 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:07 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for December through February 2007. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. The next edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to students in the year 2007. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 22 February 16 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 8 January 19 Steward Upgrading Courses Junior Engineer January 8 March 2 QMED Machinist January 8 January 26 Welding January 15 February 2 Inland Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Inland Radar (non STCW) January 8 January 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting January 15 February 26 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) December 4 December 8 Basic Safety Training December 4 December 8 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Dec. 11. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops January 29 February 23 FOWT February 26 March 23 � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ December 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 679 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 679. They include (front row, from left) Zorah Rodgers, Gregory Barrera, Marco Bolanos, Stefra Strauser, Wilbert Martinez, Ivette Flecha-Perez, (second row) Christopher Olsen, Raymond Maldonado, Patrick Lefevre, Tyler Ciranni, Scott Thompson, Kenneth Bogins II, Monica Sanchez-Quinones, (third row) Benjamin Grace, Gerret Jarman, Jason Lamadieu, Philip Gallagher, Christopher Strick, Bryan Hayden, Mark Randall, Benjamin Giles, Keith Parsons and Tom Loughead. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are Oct. 27 graduates (in alphabetical order) Victor Antunez, Anthony Bartley, Richard Cole, Anya Mixon, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Jo-Vanio Sprauve and Jome Zerna. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course Oct. 27 are (in no specific order) Peter Cooke, Ashley Pearce, Christopher Wheeler, Raymond Harvell, Justin Ryan, Darrell Moore, Patrick Langdon, Natalie Tremblay, Thomas Guthrie IV, Marco Figueroa, Robert Godwin, Juan Gonzalez, Enrique Defendini, Villanito Villanueva, Alexander Banky IV, Gil Hernandez, Ernest Cannon, William Clifton, Terrance Dunn, John Kelly, Robert Light, Kyle Hudson and Michael Morita. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Oct. 13 are (in no specific order) MTLX boatmen Edwin Schlink, Charles Young, Jeremy Abel, Robert Bouton, Kevin Oleary, Mike Wiley, Kenneth Stanton and Vincent Whitehair. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Fast Rescue Boat — Graduating from this course Oct. 20 under the instruction of Stan Beck (not pictured) are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Kenneth Graybill IV, Charles Crim, Roger Stanus, Paul Kalmeta and Sean Leeson. HAZWOPER — Completing the Hazwoper course Oct. 16 are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Kevin O’Leary, Ken Stanton, Mike Wiley, Mike Tarbox, Glen McCann, Edwin Schlink, Robert Reeder, Scott Murdock, Kenneth Graybill, Sean Leeson, Charles Carlson, Paul Kalmeta and Roger Stanus. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (standing in each photo) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Proudly showing their certificates of achievement are, from the left (in the photo at left): Rudolfo Jordan, Omer Almaklani and Josh Kilbourn and (in the photo at right): Ernest Frank III. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Mitch Oakley (far left) are Oct. 27 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. Included are (in no specific order) Andre Jennette, Ronald Dean, Clarence Fortt Jr., Bryan Vallecillo, Paul Hackney, John Bilich, Bradley Thomas, Jesse Hale, Robert Stone and Euginiy Golubev. Oil Spill — Graduating from this course Oct. 20 are Penn Maritime boatmen (in no specific order) Virgil Walls, Randol Isles, Lance Bethel, David Kane, Hector Arroyave, Scott Chew, Robert Albers, Rebecca Tallman, Barrett Hickey and Leroy Adaway. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Medical Care Provider — Oct. 6 was graduation day for students in the medical care provider course. They are (in alphabetical order) Jasper Brown, Jr., Charlene Edwards, Marc Fitton and Sergey Kurchenko. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Medical Care Provider — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTLX vessels who completed the Medical Care Provider course Oct. 13 are (in no specific order) Glen McCann, Igor Loch Jr., Howard Clark, Bruce Comiskey, Bruce Walsh, William Palmer, William Harvell, Scott Murdock, Robert Reeder, Michael Tarbox, Charlie Carlson and Robert Hoffman. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions depart- Certified Chief Cook — Completing one of the certified chief cook courses at the school are (front row, from left) Cheryl Lynch, Carinda Bohus, Roberto Botin, Sedell Michell and (back row) Michael Henry. ment so that another student may take that place. STCW — NCL, Oct. 10: Jennifer Ahern, Andrew Anderson, Daniel Andrews, Jason Apps, Miriam Basilio, Ramona Becker, Travis Blalock, Michael Blue, Shawna Bowen, Monique Boyles, David Brinkley, James Brokop, Mark Bult, James Byrd, John-Michael Byrd, Danielle Choquette, Daniel Coen, Rajene Colson, Charles Cool, Mark Cornelsen, Edward Cristales, Dolores DeBus, Kristi Dukoff and Daniel Dyer. December 2006 STCW — NCL, Oct. 10: Sabrina Pettis, Juan Poblete, Ulrick Prudent Jr., Leslie Purgason, Karen Ray, Michael Ray Jr., Cheryl Renstrom, Krystina Reynolds, Joshua Richard, Luis Rivero, Clifford Russell, Edith Salvador, Carmela Sarate, Michael Schoonover, William Shinogle, Nicole Smith, Marcus Snead, Christopher Solan, Jacob Stephens, Victoria Suson, Todd Tamborski, Pamela Tami and Holly Tanton. Seafarers LOG 23 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:14 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 12 December 2006 Summary Annual Reports for SIU, NMU and MCS See pages 6, 9, 11 USNS Mendonca Returns From Middle East Mission AB Walter Holton SA Jacqueline Ellsworth, AB Thomas Bryant, QMED Antwan Legare Right: OS Belarmino Da Rosa, AB Joseph Archer, AB Benedict Born, SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz OS Ben Hulsey The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca recently returned to the U.S. following a successful mission to the Middle East in support of American troops. Many crew members signed off the vessel in Baltimore, where the photos on this page were taken on Oct. 25. The Mendonca, operated by American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA), is one of the Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale in New Orleans. The U.S. Military Sealift Command cites two key missions—prepositioning and surge sealift—for its LMSRs, including the Bob Hope ships and eight Seafarers-crewed Watson-class vessels. Prior to its assignment in Kuwait, the Mendonca offloaded more than 100 U.S. Army Stryker Brigade combat vehicles in Bremerhaven, Germany in late July. The 950foot ship had loaded in Tacoma, Wash. and then traveled 9,500 miles in three weeks, according to MSC. The ship also delivered hundreds of other trucks, trailers, Humvees and containers, the agency reported. In fact, the Mendonca has mobilized in support of U.S. forces several times throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, including during the all-out combat phase. Such missions are nothing new for the SIU or for the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine in general. As MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. noted in his National Maritime Day message earlier this year, “Not all heroes wear military uniforms or even work for the government. Often overlooked, but no The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mendonca, pictured last summer less important, in Germany, more recently completed a mission in support of U.S. troops in the Middle East. are U.S. Merchant Mariners. These highly skilled seamen, just as the generations of mariners who preceded them, operate around the world 24/7, going in harm’s way to keep U.S. forces supplied and combat-ready. “Today’s U.S. Merchant Mariners continue in the proud tradition of those who have served the nation on the high seas for centuries and will continue for generations to come. They willingly go in harm’s way to preserve our freedoms and help our nation prosper. They have the experience, knowledge and commitment to deliver on time, every time, everywhere.” AB Anibal Vega Left: Bosun Jerry Costello Seafarers wrap up the day’s operations on the Mendonca in Baltimore. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF GETS BACK PAY FOR FOC CREW TALLYING COMMITTEE COMPLETES REPORT MORE MILESTONES FOR OSG TANKERS OVERSEAS HOUSTON NAMED; KEEL LAID FOR 3RD VESSEL UNION, SCHOOL TAKE CLOSER LOOK AT PHYSICAL EXAM GUIDELINES GAO NOTICES TWIC PROGRAM’S ‘KEY CHALLENGES’ UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW SLATED FOR CINCINNATI REMEMBERING THE POET, 26 YEARS LATER VEITCH, RICHARDSON, SIU CREWS HONORED AOTOS EVENT SPOTLIGHTS INDUSTRY PROGRESS, MARINERS’ HEROISM HEALTH PREMIUMS INCREASE BY ‘ONLY’ 7.7 PERCENT LONGTIME SIU EMPLOYEE LOUIS BUSH DIES AT 88 EDUCATION: A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING APPLY NOW FOR A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP IN 2007 USNS MENDOCA RETURNS FROM MIDDLE EAST MISSION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 12 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/28de6afd5a6730aa38f957b34f100984.pdf c86621192f10a41e0a16165be50b690c PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 11 November 2006 Lakes Fleet Adds ITB Horizon, OSG Vessel Christenings Also Signal New Shipboard Jobs New vessels and jobs are in the news for the SIU. On the Great Lakes, VanEnkevort Tug and Barge recently added an integrated tug-barge to its fleet (pictured below and at right). Horizon Lines on Oct. 11 christened the containership Horizon Hunter, and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is preparing to christen the tanker Overseas Houston in mid-November. Pictured directly below are the barge Lewis J. Kuber and its tugboat, Olive L. Moore, with SIU Mate Dominic Ciani standing port side on the tug; and (lower left) QMED/Barge Engineer Jonathon VonSprecken next to the barge’s ballast controls. The tug’s pilothouse is shown at right. Page 3. SIU Snapshots from Jacksonville In late September, 37 Seafarers (some of whom are pictured above, with SIU port officials) completed general security awareness training at the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla. The course was conducted Sept. 26 by Paul Hall Center instructor Mitch Oakley. For many more photos recently taken at the hall, see pages 12-13. OSG Acquires Maritrans Page 2 Remembering Red Campbell Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell (above) passed away Sept. 22 at age 84. Comments from those who knew and worked with Brother Campbell reflect his lifelong dedication to Seafarers. Pages 2, 6. ‘Operation Care Package’ Scholarship Info Page 4 Page 14 �President’s Report Another Angle on Runaway Flags With the large volume of recent news about North Korea, you may not have noticed a particular New York Times piece which briefly examines that nation’s involvement with so-called flag-of-convenience ships, also known as runawayflag vessels. On October 20, the Times pointed to revealing incidents from a few years ago—one in which a Tuvalu-registered ship was caught offloading 110 pounds of heroin, the other in which a Cambodianflag ship was stopped while carrying 15 Scud missiles. Michael Sacco Both ships were owned by North Korea, the newspaper reported. The article goes on to point out more potential problems with North Korea and FOCs. Among the possibilities cited by the Times: „ Smuggling out weapons or their components via land to China or Russia, eventually leading to a port for loading onto another secretly owned ship. „ Loading forbidden cargo (according to a United Nations Security Council resolution) onto a North Korean-flagged ship but then changing the vessel’s registration after it has left port—not an uncommon practice in the world of runaway-flag shipping. „ Transferring cargo from a North Korean-flagged ship to a vessel flying a different flag but also owned by North Korea, either in port or possibly at sea. For those of us in the maritime industry, those possibilities hardly qualify as revelations. Nor are we surprised at this assertion from the article: “No one outside North Korea really knows for sure how many cargo vessels the country has registered under other flags.” Both as an individual organization and as a member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the SIU for decades has fought against the FOC scam. We’ve lobbied for strong flag-state shipping along with transparency in the registration process. We have stood up to protect the abused crews found on many runaway-flag ships. Quite honestly, the results have been mixed. The ITF’s FOC campaign has brought thousands of vessels under federation contract, which is a significant and undeniable indication of success. Those agreements help protect mariners and their families, not to mention helping ensure safer, more reliable shipboard operations. On the other hand, about 60 percent of vessels in the international trades fly runaway flags—way too high of a number. Most runaway-flag vessels have multinational crews, many of whom simply aren’t qualified for shipboard work. Many of them are unsafe to the extreme, as reflected in regular ship detention reports from the U.S. Coast Guard. A quick glance at one such report from September shows FOC ships detained at various U.S. ports for violations including fire hazards, leaks, lack of mariner documentation, and inoperable lifeboat davits. It boils down to some operators simply wanting a flag to hang from the mast so that they can sail their ships without “interference” from the proper standards of legitimate maritime nations. That way, they can cut costs by avoiding responsibilities and exploiting desperate workers who may or may not actually know what it takes to sail. We will continue the fight for as long as necessary. Meanwhile, the publicity generated by articles like the recent one in the New York Times can only help in exposing the fraud associated with runawayflag shipping. Red Campbell For many SIU officials from Red Campbell’s generation, our union was much more than just a place of employment. It was a way of life and an institution that deserved nothing less than total dedication from its representatives and from its rank-and-file members. Red passed away in September, at age 84. He served the SIU with integrity, respect and unfailing loyalty, both as a mariner and an official, including many years as a vice president. He helped set the foundation for our success—Red took part in most of the SIU’s toughest beefs, and he always, without exception, put the union first. He will be missed, and yet I can’t help smiling at the memory of someone who loved the SIU so much. Like others from the Greatest Generation, Red led by example—as a Seafarer delivering the goods at Normandy, as a port agent serving the members at the union halls, as a headquarters official leaving no stone unturned while looking for ways to make SIU contracts the best in the industry. We are fortunate to have known him and to have called him friend and brother. Volume 68, Number 11 SIU Contracts Remain in Place As OSG Acquires Maritrans Two SIU-contracted companies have jointly announced a merger agreement in which Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) will acquire Maritrans. SIU contracts remain fully in place and all SIU jobs are maintained. The announcement came in late September. “From our perspective, the merger is noteworthy but it doesn’t change our SIU agreements or our shipboard jobs,” noted SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “It should be a seamless transaction where crew members are concerned.” OSG and Maritrans described the acquisition as combining two fleets with complementary strengths in different trade routes, thereby diversifying OSG’s U.S.-flag presence “with the ability to offer expanded services to current and future customers of both companies. The addition of Maritrans’ fleet of 11 articulated tug barges (ATBs), five product carriers (two of which have been redeployed to transport grain) and three large ATBs under construction will complement OSG’s U.S.-flag fleet of seven operating vessels and 10 new build product carriers. The combination will expand OSG’s market presence in the U.S. Gulf coast, Florida and East Coast trades and add lightering operations along the U.S. East Coast. It is expected that Maritrans’ vessel construction program, which involves ATBs to be used in lightering operations, will allow OSG to use a substantial portion of its Capital Construction Fund.” “The strategic fit of Maritrans within OSG’s diversified portfolio of assets will broaden our service offerings to customers in the Jones Act market,” said Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of OSG. “Additionally, the lightering business in Delaware Bay and the addition of new customers in the complementary ATB Gulf of Mexico and Florida short-haul trade will contribute meaningfully to our contractual base of business. Most importantly, however, are Maritrans’ strong commercial reputation and its team of talented personnel which, when combined with our U.S.-flag operation, will give us the platform to support our 10 Jones Act product carrier new builds, as well as future growth opportunities in U.S. coastal trades.” Jonathan P. Whitworth, CEO of Maritrans, commented, “We are very excited about the transaction with OSG and the benefits it brings to shareholders, customers and employees…. The financial strength that OSG brings to the combination will enhance our ability to compete. We look forward to a successful integration and to becoming the newest member of the OSG family.” The transaction is valued at approximately $455 million. Gralewicz: Follow America’s Example To Restore Canadian Merchant Marine The head of the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada is leading the charge to bring his country’s flag back to the high seas. President Roman Gralewicz, who also serves as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Eastern Area executive board member, called upon the Canadian government to revitalize the Canadian-flag fleet—which at one time during the 20th century ranked as the fourth-largest in the world. In his column in the September issue of The Canadian Sailor, Gralewicz noted Canadian citizens trapped in Lebanon during recent fighting had to depend on vessels from other nations to bring them to safety. “Couldn’t we have done the job far better SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and cheaper if our nation had its own national merchant marine— like most countries do? Even landlocked Switzerland has a merchant marine—26 ships that fly the Swiss flag on the country’s rivers and lakes, using the Italian seaport of Genoa as a base,” he pointed out. “Canada has no ships— because we dismantled our proud merchant marine in the early 1950s.” Gralewicz acknowledged the Canadian flag does appear on vessels in the Great Lakes trades, but that’s it. He stated the U.S. set the example that Canada needs to follow: build, crew and supply new deep-sea vessels from within Canada. “This would also have huge economic benefits for the country. Every new sailor creates at least eight related jobs. “It is time Canada reasserted her presence on the high seas for many reasons, whether it’s to fly our flag in disputed Northern waters, or supply our military, or help civilians during a climate disaster.” Congressman Green Visits Houston Hall The SIU welcomed U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) to the October membership meeting at the Houston hall. Congressman Green (at podium) spoke to Seafarers about the Jones Act and other maritime issues and also urged everyone to vote on Election Day. U.S. Coast Guard officials also attended the meeting on Oct. 10 to review various aspects of merchant mariner document renewal, proposals pertaining to the TWIC and medical standards, and more. November 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Pictured at left (from left) are Port Agent Robert Troy, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Congressman Green, SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee and Patrolman Mike Russo. November 2006 �SIU Lakes Fleet Adds ITB Horizon Hunter Christened; 1st Philly Tanker Due this Month New ships and new shipboard jobs are in the headlines for Seafarers. VanEnkevort Tug and Barge recently added an integrated tugbarge (ITB) to its fleet; Horizon Lines on Oct. 11 christened the Horizon Hunter, the first of five new containerships the company is adding; and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is preparing to christen the Overseas Houston in midNovember—the first of 10 new Jones Act tankers that will be operated by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Aker Philadelphia last month also announced that construction has started on the fourth of the double-hulled Veteran-class tankers. New Jobs on Lakes The ITB sails with a complement of 14 SIU members and consists of the tugboat Olive L. Moore and its barge Lewis J. Kuber. Both vessels have undergone complete refurbishments prior to joining the Seafarerscrewed VanEnkevort fleet. “This is an outright addition rather than replacement tonnage,” noted SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “It shows a commitment on the company’s part and reflects their confidence in SIU crews. The company also has indicated an interest in acquiring or building new vessels.” The Olive L. Moore is 125 feet long and has a beam of slightly more than 39 feet. Its gross tonnage is listed at 524. The tug features a raised wheelhouse to allow for proper vision over the barge. The self-unloader Lewis J. Kuber is 616 feet long with a beam of 70 feet. Its capacity is estimated at 22,300 dwt. Horizon Hunter The Horizon Hunter, the first of five 2,824 TEU-capacity, 23knot containerships that will enter the Horizon Lines fleet in 2007, was named Oct. 11 at a ceremony at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea. The ship is of a proven international design and will be deployed in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia. “The naming of the Horizon Hunter marks another milestone in the growth of Horizon Lines and our businesses,” said Charles G. Raymond, president and CEO of the company. “These new Hunter-class ships are named to connote speed, agility, keen sense and focus—the attributes that we believe have allowed our company to excel now and in the future.” Horizon Lines announced in March an agreement to charter five new U.S.-flag, foreign-built vessels for 12-year terms from Ship Finance International Limited. The new ships each will be equipped with 568 reefer slots. The company noted that the five new ships will make the five cur- Secretary Chao: Mariners Are ‘Key Part’ of Homeland Defense U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recently commended the U.S. Merchant Marine for its vital role in protecting America’s national and economic security. Speaking at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation Dinner on Sept. 27, Secretary Chao stated, “When the history of this era is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered as a key part of the effort to defend our homeland and liberties and spread freedom and democracy around the world.” A longtime ally of U.S. mariners, Chao kicked off her speech by recognizing SIU President Michael Sacco (who was in the audience) and congratulating both the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on a successful Labor Day event in which the school hosted President Bush. “The president said he really enjoyed the experience…. I hope you can see his concerns and interest in the issues of the maritime community,” Chao stated. The secretary pointed out that most Americans aren’t fully aware of the nation’s rich maritime history, nor, perhaps, the industry’s importance. “Many good-paying jobs depend upon shipping,” she U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao noted. “Our nation’s energy, goods and food are transported economically and efficiently by ship. And there are many challenges and, yes, dangers, that face the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. But that is part of the tremendous heritage of the merchant marine…. The U.S. Merchant Marine serves our nation in war, and its role is not as greatly appreciated as it should be.” She observed that the displays at the American Merchant Marine Museum tell “the story of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s service to this nation during both war and peace. Visitors can learn that dur- Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 for the observance of Veterans’ Day, and on Thursday, Nov. 23 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2006 ing World War II, the U.S. Merchant Marine transported the troops, weapons and supplies that made victory possible. And they can discover that merchant mariners did this at great cost. The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered a higher casualty rate than any armed service but the Marines.” Chao listed specific ways in which the administration has demonstrated its support for the industry. They include backing the Jones Act; signing an extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program MSP); promoting tax policies designed to help ensure fairness for American-flag ship operators involved in international shipping; and investing in better mariner training at union facilities as well as state and federal maritime academies. “This has strengthened our nation’s base of skilled merchant mariners,” she added. “This is essential as merchant mariners have supported every recent military conflict and are vital to winning the war on terrorism…. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners crew auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have delivered more than 92 percent of the equipment and supplies needed by our men and women in uniform.” Looking ahead, she said, “On the horizon, we can see challenges as well as opportunities that face the maritime community. Experts anticipate that cargo and passenger traffic will double in the next two decades. So our country will continue to need a strong base of skilled merchant mariners as we head into the 21st century.” rent Jones Act-eligible vessels now sailing the trans-Pacific route available to the rest of the Horizon Lines Jones Act network. OSG Tankers The Overseas Houston is scheduled for christening Nov. 11 in Philadelphia. That vessel along with its nine sister ships each will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 dwt. On Oct. 16, the shipyard announced it had commenced production on the fourth vessel in its 10-ship series of environmentally friendly product tankers. Steel cutting for the ship, the eighth built by the shipyard since its opening six years ago and the fourth under construction concurrently, was performed on one of the yard’s two state-of-the-art plasma cutting machines. The vessel is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2008. USNS Sumner Commended The SIU-crewed oceanographic survey ship USNS Sumner has been commended by Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), for the vessel’s professional response in assisting the stricken Cambodian-registered cargo ship Shun Tong, which was adrift and without power in deteriorating weather south of Korea. According to a report from the ship, AB Pete Harper and Third Mate John Dean noticed a red parachute flare off the vessel’s starboard side at about 2330 local time Sept. 21. USNS Sumner Master Fred Smallwood was notified and ordered that the ship break its survey line and proceed to investigate. An unlit contact was seen approximately eight miles away and, upon closing to hailing distance, the Sumner’s crew learned the disabled ship had lost all power and was listing approximately 15 degrees in brisk winds. Shouting questions and answers between the two ships, Sumner mariners learned that although power was out, the ship was not taking on water and there had been no injuries among the nine Chinese crew members. The Sumner, operated by Horizon Lines, notified the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Alameda, Calif. and they, in turn, passed information on the disabled ship to the Korean Coast Guard. The Koreans dispatched a vessel to the area to assist, and the Sumner remained on station nearby throughout the remainder of the night “in case conditions on board deteriorated further and crew rescue became necessary as well as to coordinate rescue communications,” Smallwood noted. The Korean Coast Guard unit arrived at 0530 local time and the Sumner was released from onscene commander duties. In addition to Admiral Reilly’s commendation, which was directed primarily to the bridge team for its vigilance, Captain Smallwood commended the entire crew for its professional response throughout the long night. “What can I do to help?” was a question received on the bridge from virtually every member of the crew, he reported. He further noted, “The ship had been operating on one engine since speeds under 7 knots had been required, but when higher speeds, maneuvering and use of the bow thruster became necessary, engineers were notified and they quickly placed two additional engines in the propulsion loop. Watch Engineer (Second Assistant) Lawrence Woodson was assisted by QMEDS Juan Sanchez and Greg Webb.” Other Seafarers taking part in this operation included Bosun Rafael Franco, ABs Keith Williams and Anthony Lowman, OSs Ray Roldan and Dominic Gilmartin, Chief Steward Wanda Glinke, GVAs Dom Dalmacio, Frank Cacayuran and Emilio Ababa and Storekeeper Milton Haberman. The Shun Tong lists as the SIU-crewed USNS Sumner arrives to assist. Seafarers LOG 3 �From Belvoir to Balad Maersk Assists in USO Shipments Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited is assisting the United Service Organizations (USO) in delivering packages and messages to members of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. Due to heightened security issues, individuals can no longer send letters and packages marked for delivery to “Any Service Member.” But the USO— a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to support the members of the armed forces—operates programs and services around the globe where U.S. troops are stationed. Operation USO Care Package offers individuals, groups and businesses a way to reach troops deployed around the world, and Maersk Line has helped with the logistics of getting the goods to their destination. On its current run to the Middle East, the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia carries a special container filled with packages and messages collected by the USO for members of the U.S. military in Iraq. The 958-foot Maersk Virginia departed Norfolk, Va. Oct. 12 for Jebel Ali, Dubai on its regular service run. Along with its usual cargo, it also contained a 24-cubic foot container of care packages from the USO—which amounts to 4,000 packages weighing 8,800 pounds—or eight individual pallets. The packages (each with a message inside) were picked up from the USO warehouse at Ft. Belvoir, Va. and loaded onto the Maersk Virginia in Norfolk. The SIU-crewed vessel is expected to arrive in Dubai Nov. 4, where the items will be unloaded and airlifted to Balad, Iraq. Unit commanders from the U.S. Army will then distribute the packages to the soldiers in the field. Knox Crew Receives Expeditionary Medals APL/Matson Navigation Company Increase Pensions for New Retirees After four months of meetings and negotiations, the SIUNA West Coast unions on Sept. 12 secured a pension increase under the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements with American President Lines and Matson Navigation Company. For those members in the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan who retired on or after July 1, 2006, the benefit will increase by $120. This Watson Is Ready for Action Seafarers continue to sail aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. They return home to shows of gratitude in ports throughout the United States. One recent event was held Sept. 20 on board the Cape Knox in New Orleans. The Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration (MarAd) hosted a ceremony for the ship’s crew (above) and presented them with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates. Receiving his medal and certificate (at right) is Bosun Anthony Pacely. NCL America Cruise Ships Help Boost Hawaii’s Economy The Hawaiian economy was given a boost this year, and the three SIU-crewed NCL America cruise ships—the Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawaii—can claim partial credit for the 4.4 percent rise in average daily spending. According to a recent news release issued by the Hawaii Department of Business and Economic Development, visitors to Hawaii in the first seven months of 2006 increased their spending by 4.6 percent—to $7 billion—compared to the same period last year. This includes visitors who came not only for cruises but also for vacations, meetings, incentives and other business. Of the total number of visitors in July alone, 36,085 flew to the 49th state either to board one of the three SIU-crewed vessels home ported in Honolulu or arrived on foreign cruise ships to 4 Seafarers LOG visit the islands—a 58.8 percent increase from last year. When looking at the first seven months of the year, the total cruise visitor days increased by 55.4 percent, including a 42.7 percent growth in cruise visitors to 215,733. Additionally, those who came to Hawaii to enjoy six nights aboard ship remained an average will raise the monthly pension benefit from $1,091 to $1,211 for someone retiring at age 60 or older and with at least 25 years of qualified seatime. The increase also will be applicable on a pro-rata basis to members retiring on or after July 1 who have less than 25 years’ seatime, are younger than 60 years of age, or those who retire due to disability. The SIU-crewed USNS Watson, a large medium speed roll on/roll off (LMSR) ship, is operated by Maersk Line Limited for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. With 390,000 square feet of cargo carrying space (for transporting helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles), the 950-foot vessel currently is prepositioned off the coast of Saipan. These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by AB Jennifer Senner. of 9.7 days on the islands (necessitating hotel accommodations, food, activities, etc.) and thereby further contributing to the state’s economy. “We are very pleased with July’s extraordinary performance from the domestic market,” said State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert. “Norwegian Cruise Lines’ home ported [vessels] contributed to the increased visitor arrivals as cruise visitors, who arrived by air, increased 54 percent compared to last year.” OS T.J. Clements Recertified Bosun Clay Poore AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi (left) and AB Edwin Pelingon From the left: AB Clayton Almas, AB Jennifer Senner, OS Jahn Boman and AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi The SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii, along with its sister ships, the Pride of America and Pride of Aloha, help contribute to the Hawaiian economy as increasing numbers of visitors travel to the Aloha State. November 2006 �Oberstar Honored by Lakes Group Congressman James L. Oberstar (Minn.), ranking Democratic member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime supporter and advocate for the U.S. maritime industry on Sept. 29 received the “Iron Man Award’’ from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. The award was presented in Washington, D.C. and recognizes Oberstar’s long association with and background promoting the vitality of the iron mining, steel and Great Lakes shipping industries. “Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974, Congressman James L. Oberstar has promoted and protected America’s iron mining, steel producing and Great Lakes shipping industries like none before him,” said James H.I. Weakley in a news release about the award. Weakley is president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, a broad-based labor/management coalition promoting shipping on the Great Lakes and related industries. “Whenever an issue threatens these vital industries, you can be certain that Congressman Oberstar will play a leading role in reaching a positive conclusion,” Weakley said. Weakley, also president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, noted in the release it is difficult to decide which of Oberstar’s many accomplishments should be mentioned first. Among many other achievements, he credited the Minnesota congressman with persuading the Coast Guard to keep the agency’s icebreaker Mackinaw in service to aid vessels in their transport of Minnesota iron pellets until its replacement was in service earlier this year. (The Mackinaw was to be decommissioned in 1994.) Oberstar also has been the driving force behind efforts to build another Poe-sized Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The locks link Lake Superior to the lower four Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Roughly 70 percent of U.S.-flag carrying capacity on the Lakes is restricted to one lock, the Poe. Were it to fail, U.S.-flag shipping on the Lakes would be unable to meet the needs of commerce. American labor has long considered Oberstar a great ally, especially the men and women who crew the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet. He was among the first in the House of Representatives to sign a concurrent resolution defending the Jones Act, the law that reserves domestic waterborne commerce to vessels that are U.S.-owned, -built and -crewed, from unprecedented attacks in the mid-1990s. He also helped save jobs when he played November 2006 a key role in the reopening of an iron ore mine that now thrives as United Taconite. tion. In the next Congress, I will do everything in my power to bring our fair share of federal dredging dollars back to the Great Lakes.” The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force was founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1992 to promote domestic and international shipping on the Great Lakes. It is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community. Its goals include restoring adequate funding for dredging of Great Lakes deep-draft ports and waterways; construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; preserving the domestic steelmaking infrastructure; protecting the nation’s cabotage laws; and maximizing the Lakes-overseas trade. Grievances Filed Against So-Called ‘Union Workers Credit Services’ Buyer Beware: Organization Has No Connection to AFL-CIO More than 5 million union members from across the United States have received mail solicitations from a company called Union Workers Credit Services. According to several reports, this Fort Worth, Texas-based company claims to offer a $10,000 line of credit and a credit card to customers for a fee of $37. In reality, the card being offered is not a major credit card (i.e., Visa, MasterCard, etc.) at all. Instead, it is nothing more than a company card which can only be used to purchase items in the company’s catalogue via mail order. Attorneys in the SIU’s office of general counsel recently learned that this company’s web site (www.unionworkerscreditservices.com) implies that it is associated with not only the SIU and its affiliated unions (including the United Industrial Workers Nelson Appointed to MarAd Post Julie A. Nelson was appointed to the post of deputy administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration on Oct. 6 by President George W. Bush. Nelson took over responsibilities of acting deputy maritime administrator May 1, when former deputy administrator John Jamian resigned and before the confirmation of Sean T. Connaughton as maritime administrator. She joined the agency as chief counsel in August 2005. Nelson has extensive experience in the maritime industry and admiralty law, which gives her a solid understanding of the work done within the Maritime Administration. She joins MarAd from Oceaneering International, Inc., an ocean engineering development group, where she served as general manager and maritime/contracts attorney. From August 1998 to April 2003, Nelson served as general counsel and general manager for Nauticos Corporation of Hanover, Md., Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) “I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Congressman Oberstar during the ceremony. “I consider every day I serve in the House as a privilege that bears great responsibility. While much has been accomplished to keep Great Lakes shipping safe and efficient, we face new challenges, in particular, restoring adequate funding for dredging Great Lakes ports and waterways. It is incomprehensible to me that the ships that depart our Minnesota harbors cannot carry full loads of iron ore and low-sulfur coal because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not get enough money to maintain the system. This waterway is too important a part of the national transportation infrastructure to be treated like a poor rela- Julie A. Nelson addressed those in attendance during the U.S. Maritime Administration’s 2006 Maritime Day observance in Washington, D.C. another high-technology ocean engineering firm. Among other duties, Nelson’s background also includes eight years working at the Pentagon for the Department of the Navy as an Intelligence Research Analyst and Program Manager, and eight years on active and reserve duty with the U.S. Navy. and Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union), but also a number of other international unions in the AFL-CIO. Union Workers Credit Services is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AFL-CIO or any of its affiliated unions, especially the SIU. More than a few consumers and unions have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the U.S. Postal Service alleging fraud on the part of Union Workers Credit Services. SIU attorneys recently filed a grievance with the Federal Trade Commission. According to a November 2005 release by the BBB in Ft. Worth, “Union Workers Credit Services first came to our attention April 28, 2005. Randy Walls, president of the company was formerly associated with Credicorp in Dallas. Credicorp has an unsatisfactory record with the Dallas BBB. The company stated they are not affiliated with a union.” Since making its initial waves on the BBB radar, 166 complaints have been processed on Union Workers Credit Services— 119 of which occurred during the past 12 months. Thirty-three of these complaints involved the company’s selling practices while 50 addressed advertising. For more information go to www.fwbbb.org and click on the local alerts and news section, or click on the company and charity reports section. Put in Union Workers Credit Services, Inc. and read the full public report. Union members who want a credit card that is endorsed by the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions including the SIU should check out the Union Plus credit card offered by Union Privilege. Union Plus is the union-supported provider of member benefits such as credit cards, loans, scholarships, legal services and a host of other products. The Union Plus credit card offers special features for union members, including the Lifeline Trust, which assists those who are facing financial hardship or a disability, and the Disaster Relief Fund, which is for those who have been affected by a natural disaster. The Union Plus credit card has no annual fees. More information about the Union Plus credit card as well as other available benefits may be gained online by visiting www.unionplus.org. Final Rules Pending For TWIC, MMC President Signs SAFE Port Act The SIU and the American maritime industry as a whole still are awaiting the Department of Homeland Security’s final rulemaking on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). As reported in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG, representatives from the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. during the last several months repeatedly have met with government and industry officials to deliberate about the protection of merchant mariners’ rights as they relate to the pending TWIC and MMC. Union officials have approached the entire situation with the greatest urgency and utmost seriousness and will continue to do so. “We will immediately and thoroughly weigh all aspects on the final rulemakings when they are delivered and, as always, keep everyone advised,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Seafarers are reminded that, based on the proposed rulemakings, it is anticipated that they will have 180 days after final rules are issued to come into compliance. Meanwhile, President George W. Bush on Oct. 13 signed H.R. 4954, The Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006, into law. The legislation heightens security at the nation’s busiest seaports by enacting a series of technological upgrades intended to make it more difficult for terrorists to smuggle in a nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. In response to the signing, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (DHawaii), co-chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement: “While we should be proud of the port security sections of this law, we should not ignore the fact that this is an incomplete transportation security bill. I had hoped that today we would be celebrating the first comprehensive effort to secure our borders since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Instead, we can only hope that in the next Congress we will have the resolve to address rail and transit security before those who would do us harm take advantage of vulnerabilities in those modes of transportation.” In addition to recommending $400 million a year in federal funding for the PSG program, the SAFE Port Act of 2006: „ Changes the statute to make the grants risk-based, consistent with how the grants are currently managed; Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 5 �‘SIU Through and Through’ Union Bids Farewell to Retired VP Red Campbell Fellow Seafarers knew him simply as Red. Angus Campbell spent most of his life serving the union, first as a rank-and-file member during and after World War II and later as vice president of contracts. The former bosun retired in late 1991 but continued working part-time for the SIU until his health would not permit it, roughly a year ago. Brother Campbell died on Sept. 22 in Waldorf, Md., a couple weeks shy of his 85th birthday. His SIU career deserves celebration in its own right, but his passing also marks a milestone in the union’s history. Campbell is believed to have been the last surviving headquarters official who sailed in World War II. Former shipmates, fellow union officials and company representatives all described Red as trustworthy, efficient, dedicated and by-the-book. They also mentioned his unwavering love of all things Pittsburgh, and primarily his devotion to baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates—a team that’s been bad since the mid-1990s but that Red still had followed daily. If watching the Pirates arguably had become a bad habit, Red also had an outright vice that was a constant part of his persona. He chewed tobacco for most of his adult life, usually throughout the day, with little or no ill effect on his health. “Red was one of the most dedicated officials in the SIU,” said Seafarers President Michael Sacco. “This membership was his family. He was respected by not only all of maritime labor but the entire maritime industry. He’ll be sorely missed by a lot of people.” Retired Bosun Rowland “Snake” Williams sailed with Campbell on Bull Line ships during the 1950s. “You couldn’t meet From the late 1940s to late 1950s, Campbell shared his wit via an occasional column in the union newspaper known as “Red’s Beef Box.” Red Campbell presents his report at his last official union meeting, in December 1991 in Piney Point, Md. He retired that month but continued serving the union for many years afterward. a better guy,” he recalled. “He was a great person and a good friend. He always walked around with that chaw of tobacco and talked about Pittsburgh baseball…. When he went to work for the union (as an official), we got some damn good contracts signed by him.” Tony Naccarato, an official with SIU-contracted Crowley, met Campbell in the early 1970s. “The great thing about Red was that when I came on board, he treated me like I’d been around for years,” Naccarato noted. “He was one of my favorite guys, and the kind of person who called them as he saw it. Red’s only agenda was to do right for the people. I learned very quickly that if I didn’t know an answer, I’d get the answer from Red and it wasn’t strictly to benefit himself or anyone else, but the truth.” Born in Scotland, Campbell immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1926 (at age 5) and joined the SIU in 1943 in New York, after working in the steel mills. He first sailed aboard the Daniel Willard and later took part in the historic invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (see sidebar). He shared his sense of humor—Campbell had a penchant for one-liners—with fellow union members after World War II, when he began writing occasional articles for the Seafarers LOG. He wrote two or three stories per year, many under the title “Red’s Beef Box,” until the late 1950s. The topics were wide-ranging, but the humorous tone remained consistent. Altogether, he sailed for more than 5,000 days during his 16-plus years as a rank-and-file member, an average of 10.5 months per year at sea and a fact of which Campbell was quite proud. In this 1972 photo, Campbell (left) is pictured with fellow SIU Representative George McCartney (second from left) and two members aboard the McLean in New York. Campbell and McCartney (who died in 2004) later served the union as vice presidents. 6 Seafarers LOG He came ashore in 1960 and spent the next 20 years working as a port official, first in New York, then in San Juan, P.R. and then once again in New York. He served as vice president of the union’s collective bargaining department from 1980 through his official retirement in December 1991. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel described Campbell as “our resident historian. Young officials needing the history of a particular (contract) clause or its intent would call on Red. He would always take the time to explain it and why it was there. Red’s knowledge of the industry was a great resource to have and shortly after coming ashore, I took advantage of that and called Red on a regular basis. “He always had great stories of the old days and would remind you that being a seafarer back then was not easy,” Heindel added. “He would say, ‘The good old days weren’t so good. We’re living in the good old days!’” SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram first worked with Campbell in New York in 1981. “He was a detail person—dotted all his i’s and crossed all his t’s. He motivated me to try to be perfect when it came to union business and serving the membership,” Mangram said. “I had the utmost respect for him, and I’ll never forget him.” Mangram also noted that during the 1980s, “Red helped get us on board with military contracts when shipping was otherwise bad. He kept people working.” Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), met Campbell in 1976 “when I came ashore as a port captain and we’d pay off ships. I had such respect for Red. In later years, if we couldn’t settle a beef locally, I’d tell a patrolman, let’s get Red on the phone, and whatever he says is fine with me. He was probably the fairest and most honest guy you could ever meet…. Nobody knew the contract better than Red. Not only the contract, but the history behind it. He always treated everybody fairly.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who directly worked with Campbell as assistant vice president contracts from 1988-91, said, “Red was the ultimate technician, and you always knew where he was coming from. He didn’t play games. Red saw most things in black and white terms, and he was a true creature of his upbringing. He was a child of the Depression and sailed in World War II, and his views were formed by those experiences. I’m very fortunate to have known him and learned from him. He was one of the best.” Tellez also noted that Campbell’s no-nonsense approach included constructive feedback that he provided to other officials when warranted. “There’s not a union official who broke in while Red was still around who didn’t experience the dreaded ‘click’ phone call. ‘But, Red…. Click!’” Bob Rogers, vice president of Interocean American Shipping Corporation, first worked with Campbell in 1977 when Rogers was a personnel manager. “Red was SIU through and through,” he stated. “It’s a privilege to say I knew Red. He loved the union and knew the contract backwards and forwards, and could cite the history of the union movement like no one else. “But, if you wanted to get Red’s attention off the contract, all you had to do was ask a question about one of his other two passions—Pittsburgh baseball and gardening,” Rogers continued. “He scheduled his year around the trips he’d make to Pittsburgh to watch a few home games, and watched or listened to baseball whenever he could. His lawn and garden would rival anything any professional could ever try to do.” He concluded, “More than anything else, Red was someone you immediately liked—and trusted. The tone of my entire relationship with both Red and the SIU was set early on when I called him with a contract question. I described the situation and I can still remember Red saying, ‘No, that’s not what the contract says, and it isn’t payable.’ To Red, the contract was the contract—if it was in the contract it was payable, if it wasn’t in the contract it wasn’t paid. He never tried to change the meaning. From that moment on, back in 1977, I knew without any doubt or reservation that Red —and the SIU—could always be trusted.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “Over the last 25 years I have had the privilege of knowing Red Campbell, first as a member, then a junior officer and eventually as one of his successors. Among the lessons I’ve learned from Red is sacrifice. Whether postponing vacations, cancelling plans or doing without, Red’s priority was this union. His example is the standard when it comes to dedication and why Red was simply the best at what he did.” Campbell’s survivors include his wife, Marie, and four daughters. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea from an SIU ship. Believed to have been taken in 1950, this photo shows Campbell (standing, left) and others looking over a list of candidates for SIU offices. ‘Red’ Recalls D-Day Scene Editor’s note: This story is reprinted from the April 1994 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Brother Campbell also was a strong advocate in the long, successful fight to secure veterans’ status for World War II mariners. He joined the merchant marine in 1943 after being rejected for volunteer service in the military due to medical issues. Retired SIU Vice President Angus “Red” Campbell was one of many Seafarers who took part in the historic invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. “It was better than any John Wayne movie,” said Campbell. “I was on the Thomas Wolfe, a Liberty ship, and we left New York in April. We discharged cargo in Wales. Then we went to Scotland to take on some preparatory gear for the invasion, along with three British aircraft spotters. Eventually we loaded in Southampton, England, about a week before the invasion. Then we followed the mob.” He described the scene at Normandy as “remarkable. There were hundreds of airplanes, battleships, cruisers…. A week later, you were still getting shell fire from the 88 millimeters, from the pillboxes on the beach, which were about 12 feet thick. “There was no problem with the air, but the water was filled with acoustic mines, which are drawn by sound into the propeller. There were lots of bodies in the water: soldiers and sailors…. “We discharged cargo at the beachhead for 90 cents an hour. Seamen also were required to assist the gun crews. So, in addition to your fire and boat station, everybody on board had a gun assignment. There were 24-hour-a-day lookout assignments, including the crow’s nest.” Campbell added that there was a humorous side to the voyage. “Our engine room crew members basically all came from Georgia and Florida. The people in the deck and steward departments were from New York, so the Civil War also raged for the full 12 months of our voyage.” November 2006 �Revised Medical Guidelines Spell Out Usual Practices The U.S. Coast Guard in September issued two notices regarding merchant mariner physical examination requirements. Published in the Sept. 28 Federal Register, the announcements serve notice that the agency has drafted revised guidelines covering medical and physical exams for merchant mariner credentials. The revised guidelines are based on, respectively, requirements in the amended STCW Convention and recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that were issued in the wake of the 2003 Staten Island ferry incident in New York Harbor. The first proposal, “Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials,” seeks public comment on a draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular on medical and physical evaluation guidelines for merchant mariner credentials. Public comments on this proposed draft may be submitted through Nov. 27. The guidelines are intended to specify what has been considered the normal practice for mariners who take physicals in order to secure or renew their z-card. The guidelines themselves generally have been used all along, without having been spelled out by a federal agency. Hence, this is not expected to be a major change in the industry. In part, the first notice—under the subhead “Why is the Coast Guard taking this action?”— reads: “The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) requires each party to establish standards of medical fitness for seafarers. Title 46 United States Code, Subtitle II, Part E, and Title 46 Code of Federal NCL CEO Veitch Honored For American-Flag Efforts Recognizing his efforts to build a vibrant and successful U.S.-flag deep sea cruise fleet, Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation (NCL) was honored on Oct. 13 by the International Propeller Club of the United States as the 2006 Maritime Person of the Year at the organization’s 80th annual international convention in Norfolk, Va. The award is presented to a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in furthering and promoting the maritime industry. Under Veitch’s guidance, the company’s SIU-contracted NCL America brand has revitalized the U.S.-flag large cruise ship industry, operating three Americanflag passenger ships. NCL America’s operations provide substantial economic benefits to the United States, generating hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of American jobs. The individuals employed by NCL America help sustain a pool of qualified mariners who can be called upon to assist the U.S. military in times of need or national emergency. In July 2004, NCL America christened Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha, the first new U.S.flag deep sea cruise ship in nearly 50 years. In June 2005, the SIUcrewed Pride of America followed and at the time became the largest U.S.-flag passenger ship ever built. NCL America again made U.S. maritime history in May 2006 by christening the SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii, which the company describes as “the largest, most luxurious and most expensive U.S.-flagged cruise ship in history.” According to NCL, the three ships are estimated to create directly and indirectly 20,000 jobs and generate more than $800 million in economic activity in the United States. “It is a great honor to be recognized by the International Propeller Club of the United States for my work in the U.S. maritime industry,” Veitch said. “Many people have contributed November 2006 NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch to the success of NCL and NCL America, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone on the NCL team, and particularly our partners in maritime labor and in the U.S. government. Without their support, I would not be receiving this award.” “Colin had the vision for a revitalized U.S.-flag cruise industry,” said A. Frank Baptista, Sr., the Propeller Club’s international president. “He followed through to make it a reality, investing more than a $1.3 billion dollars in U.S.-flag cruise ships, offering new seagoing opportunities for American seafarers, and providing tremendous economic benefits to Hawaii and the rest of the United States.” Veitch joined NCL in 2000 and has embarked the company on a major new build campaign that has resulted in the company adding eight new ships to the NCL and NCL America brands in six years, with a ninth due for delivery in November. Veitch holds an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of London. He is based in NCL’s corporate headquarters in Miami. The International Propeller Club of the United States is a non-profit organization whose members comprise a cross-section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities in other countries. Regulations (CFR) subpart B require that mariners be physically able to perform their duties, using terms such as ‘general physical condition,’ ‘good health’ and ‘of sound health.’ Title 46 CFR parts 401 and 402 contain special requirements for registration as a Great Lakes Pilot, including the requirement to ‘pass a physical examination given by a licensed medical doctor.’ None of these references contain specific standards, with the exception of visual acuity and color vision, for determining if mariners are physically and medically qualified. “The lack of specificity in the above statutes and regulations has led to confusion and unnecessary delays in processing credential applications as well as inconsistent evaluations by medical practitioners conducting examinations of credential applicants. Moreover, it has caused confusion on the part of Coast Guard personnel charged with determining whether a credential should be issued. The proposed NVIC provides the specificity that the above statutes and regulations lack. It details the specific medical and physical conditions that are potentially disqualifying, and the data recommended for evaluation of each of these conditions. This is expected to reduce the inconsistency and subjectivity of the medical evaluation process and eliminate the guesswork that mariners may currently encounter as to what specific physical and medical information is needed to process their applications.” The second notice, “Exercise of Authority to Require Pilots to Submit Annual Physical Examinations,” announced that the agency will require pilots of certain vessels to provide a copy of Labor Vows Fight Over ‘Kentucky River’ Cases The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Oct. 3 voted to slash longtime federal labor laws protecting workers’ freedom to form unions and opened the door for employers to classify millions of workers as supervisors. Under federal labor law, supervisors are prohibited from forming unions. The NLRB ruled on three cases, collectively known as “Kentucky River,” but it was the lead case—Oakwood Healthcare Inc.—that created a new definition of supervisor. In this litigation which involved an acute care hospital in Michigan, the board ruled that permanent charge nurses are supervisors (but not nurses who sometimes rotate into the charge nurse role). The board used that case and two others—one involving a Minnesota nursing home, the other a Mississippi metals plant—to address issues raised by a 2001 Supreme Court ruling. Union officials predicted the ruling would have a chilling effect on union organizing because employees who are uncertain whether they qualify for membership would be less inclined to advocate a union. Dozens of cases involving the definition of supervisor now before the NLRB will be sent back, with employers having the option to craft arguments that will meet the new definition of supervisor and limit the number of workers who can join a union. Although the Oakwood decision covers only nurses, the expanded definition of supervisors means up to 8 million workers—including nurses, building trades workers, newspaper and television employees and others— may be barred from joining unions. The ruling sets broad definitions for determining who is a supervisor that invite employers to classify nurses and many lower-level employees with minor authority as supervisors. The board’s new definition essentially enables employers to make a supervisor out of any worker who has the authority to assign or direct another and uses independent judgment. Amazingly, the board also ruled that a worker can be classified as a supervisor if he or she spends as little as 10 percent to 15 percent of his or her time overseeing the work of others. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called the decisions “outrageous and unjustified.” It’s the latest example of how the NLRB is prepared to use legal maneuvering to deny as many workers as possible their basic right to have a voice on the job through their union, he said. “The NLRB should protect workers’ rights, not eliminate them,” the federation president concluded. “If the administration expects us to take this quietly, they’re mistaken.” In their dissent, NLRB members Wilma Liebman and Dennis Walsh said the decision “threatens to create a new class of workers under federal labor law—workers who have neither the genuine prerogatives of management, nor the statutory rights of ordinary employees.” Liebman and Walsh wrote that most professionals and other workers could fall under the new definition of supervisor, “who by 2012 could number almost 34 million, accounting for 23.3 percent of the workforce.” They went on to say that the majority did not follow what Congress intended in applying the National Labor Relations Act: Congress cared about the precise scope of the Act’s definition of “supervisor” and so should the Board. The NLRB currently is holding up dozens of cases that address the definition of supervisor, 60 of which are union election cases. These cases have been sent back to the various regional boards. In some of these instances, workers who voted several years ago to form a union still are waiting for their ballots to be counted. The American Federation of Teachers and AFT Healthcare in a statement also said the decisions will jeopardize health care: “If nurses and other skilled workers are considered supervisors and lose union protection, they would be extremely reluctant to speak out about patient care problems out of fear of being fired or disciplined. The ramifications of this case are extremely serious; the decision could have a significant their annual physical examinations to the Coast Guard. The requirement applies to all first class pilots on vessels greater than 1,600 gross registered tons and other individuals who serve as pilots on certain types of vessels. Materials related to the foregoing matters, including copies of the Federal Register notices and procedures for submitting comments on the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular are available on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeport web site: http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/po rtal/ep/home.do To access the information from the Homeport main page, visitors should click on “Merchant Mariner” in the left column. On the next page, click “Updates” under “Medical Evaluations” in the center column. Updates and new information will be posted to this site as they become available. A link to the Federal Register notice also is available through the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. impact on the quality of patient care and workers’ rights.” A group of 13 religious leaders in September wrote the NLRB expressing deep concern over the impending decisions. The letter read in part: “Our religious traditions support workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively. We support proposals that expand coverage and access to collective bargaining rather than limit it. We believe that all persons are created in the image of God and as such their work unites them with others and should be endowed with dignity, equality and justice. In the workplace, collective bargaining is the most effective process for workers to express this dimension of their humanity.” Speaking at a Sept. 22 conference on the possible impact of the Kentucky River cases, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) condemned the NLRB’s refusal to conduct oral arguments in these cases. “These decisions could very well change the basic rights of American workers,” she said. “Given the stakes, the NLRB needs to be as thorough as possible in hearing testimony. The fact that the NLRB has not held hearings shows that the board is not taking this case as seriously as it should. At the heart of the issue is the right of workers to organize, to bargain collectively and to share in decisions,” the congresswoman concluded. The Economic Policy Institute, some three months before the NLRB Kentucky River decisions, issued a report on the impact of the body’s pending rulings. According to the EPI: „ Bad rulings in these cases could strip remaining federal labor law protections of the freedom to form unions and bargain collectively from eight million private sector workers. „ Workers who are at risk of being deemed “supervisors” by the Labor Board and who could therefore lose their union rights can be found in nearly every occupation and industry. EPI finds, for example, that 843,000 registered nurses—more than one-third of all the private sector RNs in the country—may be stripped of union rights coverage. Nearly 400,000 computer systems analysts— more than one in four—could lose coverage. Seafarers LOG 7 �Pension Reform Q&A – Information about the New Law First in an occasional series. Q: What are a few basics of the new pension reform law? A: The Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law in August. Like most bills, it is considered a compromise measure. It’s also considered major reform and is, to say the least, complex (the final document contains nearly 400 pages). The law’s stated intent, as its name indicates, is to initiate or strengthen rules to help ensure proper funding of various types of pension plans. Q: What are a few of the specifics? A: The new law requires companies that under-fund their pension plans to pay additional premiums (a strong incentive to reach and maintain full funding levels). It closes loopholes that allow under-funded plans to skip pension payments. It raises limits on the amount of money that employers can put into their pension plans (to allow for a financial cushion). For multiemployer defined benefit plans, it requires actuarial certification as to whether a plan is in endangered or critical status. It specifies certain language that must be included in mandatory annual funding notices like the one that was published in the September 2006 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Q: Why did the Seafarers Pension Plan notice in the September LOG include a long section on rules governing insolvent plans? Is the SPP in trouble? A: The Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded. The Plan is not in trouble at all. The Plan is financially sound. Under the new law, the federal government dictates virtually everything about the annual funding notice, including its content, the manner in which it is distributed, deadlines for distribution—and inclusion of the rules governing insolvent plans. At a glance it may cause undue concern for Plan participants (Seafarers). The bottom line is that SPP is in excellent shape. Q: In plain English, why was this new law needed in the first place, and how will it affect the SPP? A: There are a number of troubled pension plans across the country and this is an attempt to help repair them. Another stated reason for the reform is “transparency”—participants will be entitled to a lot more information than in years past. Generally, the new law doesn’t affect multiemployer plans (such as the SPP) as much as single-employer plans, other than with disclosure requirements. Q: What are defined benefit and defined contribution plans? A: The Labor Department describes a defined benefit plan as Final Rules for TWIC, MMC Pending Continued from page 5 Eliminates DHS’s current policy of limiting eligibility by allowing all port facilities within an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan to apply; „ Ties federal port grants to state plans, area plans and Port Wide Risk Management plans; „ Allows multi-year funding of approved projects for up to 20 percent of each year’s grants; „ Sets a deadline for implementing a new credentialing program for port workers to ensure they are not security risks and calls for pilot projects to test biometric readers at ports; „ Requires DHS to deploy nuclear and radiological detection systems at 22 of the nation’s largest seaports; „ Mandates DHS to develop a detailed incident recovery plan to get trade moving again in the event of an attack; and, „ Sets in motion cargo scanning pilot programs at overseas ports to test the practicality and effectiveness of systems designed to scan 100 percent of cargo, which was approved for funding in the just-passed DHS appropriations bill. In a related development, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), during the days before the SAFE Port Act of 2006 became law, praised Congress for passing the measure— the first legislation of its kind to authorize an annual federal fund„ 8 Seafarers LOG ing level to help secure United States ports against terrorism. “In this important new legislation, members of several House and Senate committees took components of the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act (S. 2459), the SAFE Port Act (H.R. 4954) and the Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 (S. 2791) to develop a bill that enhances port and cargo security at home, strengthens the lone federal program that helps America’s ports harden their facilities against terrorism, and reduces the potential for terrorists or weapons to reach our shores via maritime commerce,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. Nagle recognized Reps. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) and Jane Harman (D-Calif.) for introducing and moving their version of the port security legislation through the House. He credited Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), together with Sens. Ted Stevens (R-Ark.) and Inouye of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, as the key drivers for negotiating a similar bill in the Senate. “By passing the SAFE Port Act, we’re gratified that Congress recognizes it needs to have a greater financial partnership with U.S. ports to pay for critical seaport security measures,” said Nagle. “Yet, for this upcoming fiscal year, dramatic differences remain between the amount Congress recommended for port security and what it will actually fund.” one that “promises you a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The plan may state this promised benefit as an exact dollar amount, such as $100 per month at retirement. Or, more commonly, it may calculate a benefit through a plan formula that considers such factors as salary and service for example, 1 percent of your average salary for the last 5 years of employment for every year of service with your employer. A defined contribution plan, on the other hand, does not promise you a specific amount of benefits at retirement. In these plans, you or your employer (or both) contribute to your individual account under the plan, sometimes at a set rate, such as 5 percent of your earnings annually. These contributions generally are invested on your behalf. You will ultimately receive the balance in your account, which is based on contributions plus or minus investment gains or losses.” (An administrative charge also may affect an account balance.) Q: Generally, how has the labor movement reacted to the new law? A: Labor’s response has varied, with some unions praising the bill and others being far more cau- tious. AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka put it this way: “If employers continue to offer fully funded defined benefit pension plans, retirement security will indeed be strengthened. But if employers use the requirements of the act as an excuse to freeze or terminate the plans they have, the act will put our nation’s retirement security at even greater risk than it is now.” His quote points to one of the concerns about the new law—namely, that it ultimately may decrease the number of companies offering pensions to their employees. Q: Where can I get more information? A: The SPP funding notice appears on page 10 of the September LOG. For more information about the notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, plan administrator, at (301) 899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency, go to their web site, www.pbgc.gov, or call them at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-8778339 and ask to be connected to 1800-400-7242). For more information on various types of pension plans, visit the Department of Labor web site (www.dol.gov). Notice NMU Plans Relocating To Camp Springs Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the NMU Pension, Annuity and Vacation Plans will be moved to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. According to SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, this move is being done in an effort to provide better service to the membership. Reductions in administrative cost also should be realized as a result of the relocation. NOTICE TO SIU CIVMAR MEMBERS SAILING ABOARD ACOE, MARAD, MSC AND NOAA VESSELS September 26, 2006 As a result of a rule adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor in June 2006, all unions that represent employees who work for the federal government (which includes CIVMARS) are now required to send out a notice to their government employee/members containing certain information. As you know, your union is constantly working to protect your safety, health and employment rights and there are many benefits and advantages for all CIVMARS who join the Seafarers International Union. The summary noted below is intended to make sure that all SIU members understand the rights and privileges of union membership and the responsibilities of the union officers they elect. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights — Union members have: „ equal rights to participate in union activities „ freedom of speech and assembly „ voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments „ protection of the right to sue „ safeguards against improper discipline Collective Bargaining Agreements — As an SIU member you have the right to have input into collective bargaining negotiations. Members and certain nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Constitutions, Bylaws and Reports — Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make these documents available to members and permit members to examine the records necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are public information and copies of reports are available from OLMS and on the Internet at www.union-reports.dol.gov. Officer Elections — In accordance with the union’s constitution, union members have the right to: „ nominate candidates for office „ run for office „ cast a secret ballot „ protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal — Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships — A union may not be placed in trusteeship by a parent body except for those reasons specified in the standards of conduct regulations. Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights — A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right. Prohibition Against Violence — No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards — Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. The union must provide accounting and financial controls necessary to assure fiscal integrity. Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest — A union officer or employee may not (1) have any monetary or personal interest or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction that would conflict with his or her fiduciary obligation to the union. Bonding — Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts that exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports — Union officers must: „ file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS „ retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years Officer Elections — Unions must: „ hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years „ conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year „ mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election „ comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material „ not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used) „ permit candidates to have election observers Restrictions on Holding Office — A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans — A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. The union also works to make sure that CIVMARS understand their shipboard rights and responsibilities and receive fair treatment from their agency. Additional benefits for union members include life insurance coverage which may be purchased for a nominal fee and access to many other benefits through the AFL-CIO’s Union Privilege program. For more information about how the SIU can better serve you please contact: Chet Wheeler 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 cwheeler@seafarers.org Kate Hunt 635 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 khunt@seafarers.org Maurice Cokes 115 Third Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 rcokes@seafarers.org November 2006 �Aboard the Alaskan Legend, which recently docked in Long Beach, Calif., Chief Cook Johnson Ashun looks over one of the newly delivered LOGs while AB Paul Longley finishes up his lunch. S eafarers At Sea And Ashore QMED Walt “Wilden” Filleman goes about his chores on board the USNS Gordon. With election time nearing, SIU Rep Dan Duncan (left) discusses maritime issues in Johnson City, Tenn. with Harold Ford Jr., a congressman from Memphis who is running for the U.S. Senate. A new Word War II memorial was dedicated July 4, 2006 in Gloucester, Mass. Anthony Testaverde, who sailed with the SIU in the early ’80s, stands in front of the memorial, which notes that Gloucester had double the national average of men and women in the service. Vanessa Fickel, steward aboard the Capt. Steven L. Bennett, took “Best Overall Taste” honors for her entry in the “Chili Cook-off,” held Sept. 10, 2006 at the Seaman’s Center in Diego Garcia. She was crowned “Chili Queen” for her tasty recipe. Proceeds from the event were donated to support the Navy Ball Fund. Thanks to Capt. Rhett Mann for sending this photo to the LOG. Ships’ wheels were among the retirement gifts given to Tarlton (Buddy) Langele and Paul (Red) Roach from Crescent Towing of Mobile. From the left are Crescent Towing VP Arthur Kulp, Langele, SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly, Crescent Towing VP Tad Wilcutt and Roach. Some of the first Seafarers to line up at the Oakland hall to cast their ballots on the first day of voting for the purpose of amending the constitution of the SIU are (from left) OMU Cirico Geonanga, DEU Emmanuel Bayani Jr. and AB Jimmy Taranto. Handing out the ballots is Safety Director Kathy Chester. The balloting period was from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. A delicious birthday cake helped Dispatcher Nick Rios celebrate his September birthday at the Wilmington, Calif. hall. November 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �Floating Railroad Continues a Proud Tradition N ew York New Jersey Rail, which operates Cross Harbor Railroad in New York Harbor, is one of the most unique operations in the United States, and the SIU members who work there continue to find it an exciting way of life. A century ago, several hundred rail cars were floated across the harbor each day from the Greenville yard in Jersey City, N.J. to the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn, N.Y. aboard barges. Today, rail cars are making a rebirth by crossing the harbor on carfloats carrying nearly 8,000 rail cars each year and operating in much the same manner as they did in the late ’30s and ’40s. The trip across the harbor takes 45 minutes—much quicker than shipping overland, which can take up to 5 days round trip. The Seafarers International Union represents seven employees at New York New Jersey Rail: conductors, engineers, brakemen and bridgemen. Working with new management, the SIU recently was able to secure for the employees a oneyear extension to their contract, which includes a wage increase, additional vacation day, guaranteed 40-hour work week and a longevity bonus. Metropolitan New York is one of the largest consumer markets in the world, receiving goods at its ports that then need to be transported inland by way of truck. By moving much of this freight on the water, truck congestion is reduced (one rail car is the equivalent of four trucks) and so are vehicle emissions. Therefore, each round trip crossing removes 120 trucks from the local bridges, tunnels and roadways and also provides shippers— who don’t want to travel the extra 150 miles to Albany—with a shortcut across the Hudson River. Rail cars that arrive at the Greenville yard are loaded onto the operating barge—called a carfloat—which then makes the crossing to Brooklyn, where they are offloaded. The cargo moved includes a wide variety of commodities— everything from food products, building and construction materials and paper to hay, scrap and oversized machinery that is too large for road transport. The New York City Transit Authority also utilizes the train-ferry facility to get old, new and refurbished subway cars in and out of the system. New York New Jersey Rail recently made the news (The New York Times, Aug. 11, 2006) when it donated a 95-ton, 60-year-old engine locomotive to a project organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation. For the cost of the The barge carrying rail cars arrives at the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn. Mokihana to Be Converted From Containership to RO/RO Seafarers-contacted Matson Navigation Co. in late September signed a $17 million contact with Atlantic Marine Alabama LLC to perform work related to the conversion of the Mokihana, a containership, into a combination container and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel. Work is scheduled to begin in April 2007 at Atlantic Marine’s shipyard in Alabama and should be completed within two months. The conversion of the Mokihana is part of a previously announced $45 million upgrade of Matson’s service capabilities in its Hawaii service, which includes shoreside facility improvements and investments in new information technology. The modifications to the ship “will increase Matson’s RO/RO capacity in our Hawaii service by 35 percent,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president for ocean services. “It will help further Matson’s objective of providing our auto customers with the two features they prefer: frequency of service and RO/RO capacity. The new state-of-the-art Next April, Matson’s containership Mokihana (left) will be converted into a combination container and RO/RO vessel. 10 Seafarers LOG Working at the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn are, from the left, Engineer Scott Toomey, Conductor Jim Lada, Brakeman Sam Evans and Brakeman Jose Torres. Engineer Paul Pietrowski and Conductor Joe Muran (not pictured) work at the Greenville yard in Jersey City. The photos accompanying this article were taken by Union Rep Joe Baselice during a recent service visit. engine’s scrap-metal value ($30,000), the No. 25 was restored and will be the centerpiece of Manhattan’s newest public park. Old No. 25 was not the kind of locomotive that powered sleek passenger trains; rather it was a rugged switching engine run by a 660-horsepower diesel engine built by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, N.Y. in 1946 for the Erie Railroad. It was in use in Brooklyn from 1967 until the 1990s. A number of workers, including SIU members and volunteers, helped refurbish the old engine. One of the volunteers was Diane Mitchner, who shipped with the SIU for 10 years starting in 1979. A graduate of trainee class 278, Mitchner sailed in the deep sea division, last as a chief steward on the Sea-Land Express. While working on the arts project (painting the interior of the car), she made friends with the railroad crew at the yard. And in talking with them, the subject of the SIU came up and she was surprised to find out they were members. She told the Seafarers LOG that she hadn’t known about New York New Jersey Rail when she was a member and was tickled to find garage unit will have all of the features of a pure car carrier, including a fully enclosed garage, ventilation, lighting and various safety components to minimize damage in transit.” The Mokihana will join two other combination RO/RO containerships in the Matson fleet, the SS Lurline and SS Matsonia. “As one of the leading U.S.flag carriers, Matson is proud to further demonstrate its commitment to supporting U.S. shipyards,” said James Andrasick, Matson president and CEO. “In the past six years, Matson has awarded $584 million of work to U.S. shipyards, including over $500 million to Aker Philadelphia Shipyard for the construction of four new containerships.” Matson, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu, provides ocean transportation, intermodal and logistics services. Its RO/RO capabilities have been utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces for the movement of military equipment to and from Hawaii. Matson also maintains multi-year agreements with many of the major car companies to transport their vehicles to the island state. out that even though she had stopped sailing, she had somehow found her way back to her union roots. Layers of lead paint had to be stripped from the engine, and toxic fluids and batteries were removed in order to make it child-safe. The bright blue color was replaced with the black and yellow colors of the New York Central, and an “86” prefix was added to “No. 25” to recreate with historical accuracy the designation of trains in the original West Side rail yard. In mid-August, the engine was barged from Brooklyn to Jersey City, where it was loaded on another barge equipped with a crane. It later was floated across the Hudson River and lifted onto a flatbed truck, transported and then deposited in its new location on a set of historic rails from another section of the city. A plaza will be built around the engine with a children’s play area. No. 25 and the new West Side park will officially open to the public next spring where children and adults alike will be able to walk into the two-person interior. “It’s irresistible—everyone wants to play in a train,” said Tim Watkins, the project’s exhibit-design consultant. At right: Brakeman Sam Evans switches the tracks at the Brooklyn yard. Below: Conductor Jim Lada secures the barge lines to the dock. November 2006 �American Legion Backs U.S. Cabotage Laws The American Legion recently passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act in addition to other cabotage laws and also recognizing the vital role of the U.S.-flag fleet. Meeting Aug. 29-31 in Salt Lake City for the organization’s 88th national convention, the American Legion’s Convention Committee on National Security submitted the resolution (No. 102), titled “Support for the Jones Maritime Act and Related Cabotage Laws.” The resolution reads as follows: “WHEREAS, The American Legion has always stressed that maintaining a viable U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine and its supporting infrastructure is essential to the economic, national, and environmental security of this nation; and “WHEREAS, The maritime policy of the United States, as articulated in the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, states that ‘it is necessary for the national defense and development of its foreign and domestic commerce that the United States shall have a Merchant Marine’; and “WHEREAS, The American Legion is concerned about the continued decline of the U.S.Flag Merchant Marine and the shortage of trained American mariners; and “WHEREAS, At the beginning of 1998, the privately owned ocean-going U.S.-flag fleet consisted of only 259 active ships, which includes 119 ships in domestic trade and 36 other engaged exclusively in U.S. government work; thus, only 104 U.S.-Flag ships are operating in international trade in support of the nation’s economic and national security interests; and “WHEREAS, The United States is the world’s largest trading nation, but only three percent of U.S. imports and exports are carried in U.S.-flag ships which is economically unwise and mili- tarily imprudent; and “WHEREAS, The Jones Act which is critical to United States national security and to America’s economic well-being should be reaffirmed as should the continuation of the annual appropriations needed to fund the Maritime Security Act of 1996; now, therefore, be it “RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 29, 30, 31, 2006, That The American Legion support the Jones Act and related Maritime cabotage laws critical to America’s maritime infrastructure, and therefore, to the United States national defense.” The group also passed a resolution titled “Commercial Shipbuilding for Defense,” in which it again emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet, particularly for sealift missions. That resolution (No. 103) reads in part, “The American Legion urge(s) the President and Congress to boost naval budgets, promote commercial shipbuilding, expand the use of U.S. flagships in world commerce, and resist foreign actions that would further damage America’s defense industrial base.” President Bush addressed the convention Aug. 31. “As veterans, all of you stepped forward when America needed you most ... and we owe you more than just thanks,” he stated. On its web site, the American Legion notes that it was chartered by Congress in 1919 “as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. A communityservice organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members—men and women—in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. These Posts are organized into 55 Departments—one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.” USNS Mendonca Delivers in Germany The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca offloaded more than 100 U.S. Army Stryker Brigade combat vehicles in Bremerhaven, Germany in late July. The 950-foot ship had loaded in Tacoma, Wash. and then traveled 9,500 miles in three weeks, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The ship also delivered hundreds of other trucks, trailers, Humvees and containers, the agency reported. CIVMAR Briefs Latest NSPS Happenings Bode Well for Workers Homeland security workers whose job security is threatened by a proposed restructuring of work rules similar to that which would affect CIVMARS received good news in late September when the administration indicated that it would be putting its controversial National Security Personnel System (NSPS) program on hold, at least for now. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that it would not appeal a U.S. Court of Appeals decision blocking implementation of the program. As the judges noted, “Not only (does the NSPS program) defy the well-understood meaning of collective bargaining, it also defies common sense… (It) does not even give the illusion of collective bargaining.” The United DOD Workers Coalition, an association of labor unions representing more than 700,000 Defense Department employees, made the following observation: “We are confident that the DOD will ultimately follow the DHS’s lead. The NSPS rulings thus far have gone the way of the DHS rulings, so DOD would be smart to end this now.” The SIU is part of the coalition and has worked to exempt CIVMARS from NSPS. Those efforts have been largely successful. CIVMARS are exempt from all but the labor relations provisions. Update on Internet Access Restriction Last month the LOG reported that MSC has notified the union and CIVMARS that access to their private email servers and some web sites will be restricted. The union has submitted proposals to MSC to decrease the impact of these restrictions and to ensure that CIVMARS will be able to access e-mail as well as conduct necessary financial and other types of transactions while they are at sea. The union will keep CIVMARS posted on the progress of these negotiations. Any problems with e-mail access should be reported to your union official or civmarsupport@seafarers.org. ‘Open Season’ Starts Nov. 13 The annual “open season” for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program begins Nov. 13 and runs through Dec. 11, 2006. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), there will be 284 plans from which to choose—a record high number. Additionally, there will be seven choices for new supplemental dental insurance along with three choices for additional vision insurance. More than 8 million people are enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). During the open season, anyone “http://www.opm.gov/insure/06/html/popups/eligibility.htm” may enroll, change health plans or options, cancel their FEHB enrollment, and change participation in “http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/pretaxfehb/index.htm” (waive or begin participation). Outside of open season, newly eligible employees may enroll within 60 days of becoming eligible for the program. According to news reports, the OPM has boosted the number of high-deductible insurance options for the year 2007. There will be 29 such plans compared to 27 in 2006—the enticement being lower premiums. Both for health insurance and dental and vision coverage, federal workers may pay premiums before taxes, through payroll deduction. A wealth of additional information is available on line at the OPM Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan web site, beginning at the following address: http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp. Is Your Ship Receiving the Seafarers LOG? SIU Government Services Division representatives recently have been told by members that some MSFSC vessels are not receiving the Seafarers LOG for months at a time. Please let your Government Services Division union representative know if your vessel is not receiving the LOG by emailing: civmarsupport@seafarers.org. With Seafarers in Puerto Rico Pictured aboard the Green Ridge in mid-September are (from left) Chief Cook Luis Aceridano, SA Jose Rojas, Bosun Thomas Skubinna and Steward Robert Wagner. Electrician Ray Prim drops in at the SIU hall in San Juan. Americo “Pichi” Garayua (right) receives his first pension check at the hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Chief Cook Angel Perez November 2006 AB Manuel C. Rodriguez (right) proudly shows his “A” seniority book to Port Agent Crespo. QMED Electrician Luis Roebuck Seafarers LOG 11 �Snapshots from the Port of Jackso Cape Domingo Seafarers and their Sealand Florida OMUs Watts and Porter attend the shipboard meeting on the Cape Domingo. The starboard name board on the Sealand Florida was refurbished during voyage 023 and is being mounted back into position over the lifeboat. AB Eddie Ebanks (far right) did the sanding, painting and varnishing to make it look like new. Helping him return the name board to its mount are (from the left) Bosun James Saunders, AB Randell Porter and AB Leroy Woods. AB James Rush st Florida’s gangway w Cape Diamond Maersk Carolina Recertified Steward Gerard Hyman and Chief Cook Isabel Sabio work aboard the Maersk Carolina. Aboard the Cape Diamond are (from the left) Bosun R. Boyd, QMED Allen Pryor, AB Leslie Bracy Jr. and W. Coleman, bosun on the Cape Domingo. At right is Chief Cook Tulio Gomez. Alliance New York Pensioner Remains Active Chief Cook Joseph Brooks gets the griddle going. Lef Bro ley wit (ce AB Alexander Nicholson picks up his first pension check in August from Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware. Nicholson, who is 72, continues to stay involved with his union. 12 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �onville Ships Voting in the Hall Voting for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers Internatonal Union/AGLIWD/NMU began Sept. 1. SIU members were able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31. The photos below were taken of SIU members exercising their rights at the Jacksonville hall. Before voting, AB David Harvey (left) presents his book to Safety Director Randy Senatore. SA Dagoberto Norales (left) receives his ballot and mailing envelope from Union Rep Thornton Elliott. tands at the bottom of the Sealand when the ship was in Jacksonville. Chief Cook Theodore Quammie returns to his car after voting. Union Rep Thornton Elliott and Executive Assistant Karen Shuford help members follow the proper voting procedures. Chief Cook Robert Thomas is ready to cast his ballot. Waiting to get their ballots from Safety Director Randy Senatore (second from left) are (from left) Chief Cook Breon Lucas, Chief Cook Michael Harris and AB Ruben Brown. Safety Director Randy Senatore (right) checks the union book of AB Luis Alvarez. Steward Willie Massaline (far left) secures his ballot from Union Rep Thornton Elliott while Steward Carol Milstead (right) gets hers from Safety Director Randy Senatore. ft: Chief Cook Joseph ooks (right) poses in the galy of the Alliance New York th Steward L.P. Packnett enter) and SA German Guity. November 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �SIU Plan Offers Eight Scholarships For Members And Dependents In 2007 C ollege tuitions have gone up about 8 percent per year for the past 25 years, and there’s no escaping the fact that they are continuing to rise—and at a much faster rate than that of inflation or the growth in family income. According to recently released reports from the College Board, a non-profit association of 4,500 schools, colleges and universities, most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $112 to $1,190 more than last year for this year’s tuition and fees, depending on the type of college. Tuition costs, of course, are not the whole story. Including room and board, the cost of attending a private college is $29,026 per year on average, and $12,127 at four-year public universities. These high college costs could prevent a significant number of Americans from obtaining a college degree, and that is a shame—especially when, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a college degree earn more than 62 percent more, on average, than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. (or higher) is more than $1,000,000. But there is good news for Seafarers and their eligible dependents who want to continue their dreams of attaining a higher education without taking on any great financial burden: the scholarship program offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. This year, the Plan is again funding eight scholarships to SIU members, their spouses and dependent children to help offset the rising rates for a college education. Three of the scholarships for 2007 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Where to Start? This is a great time to begin the application process. The first step is to send away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, copies of the booklet may be picked up at your nearest SIU hall. Then What? Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting some of the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2007 deadline. What Information Do I Need? Items that will need to be included in the application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools often are quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the requests are made, the better. Another part of the application includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee, made up of a panel of professional educators, looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2007 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for a Seafarers scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the eligibility requirements. Don’t let the steadily increasing costs of a college education stop you from reaching your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference! Additional Scholarship Funding Available to Union Members Fill out the form below and send away for your program booklet today! P lease send me the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name __________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number ____________________________________________ Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program—offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation—has given out more than $2 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their secondary education. SIU members are again eligible for the 2007 awards. The students selected for university, college, trade school or technical scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Current and retired members of AFLCIO unions participating in the Union Plus program (including the SIU) are eligible, along with their spouses and dependent children. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Graduate students are not eligible. The amount of the educational stipends range from $500 to $4,000. Each is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for undergraduate study beginning in the fall of the same year. To download a copy of the application form, go to: http://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/scholarships/scholarship App.pdf Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________________________ ( ) Telephone Number ________________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11/06 14 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 2006 & January 2007 Membership Meetings SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 7 7 1 6 42 34 0 12 12 39 17 19 5 1 4 34 21 2 3 14 20 7 8 20 21 2 12 9 16 19 16 2 18 6 34 17 2 6 3 4 3 0 14 8 0 1 5 5 10 2 1 0 1 14 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 10 6 0 7 39 25 0 2 11 20 8 10 2 0 3 15 20 255 250 85 179 2 0 6 3 1 8 9 16 0 11 6 15 6 6 2 3 3 1 9 10 0 1 4 3 4 3 7 24 0 7 5 10 16 9 2 1 2 1 19 7 2 0 1 3 0 2 5 4 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 1 0 8 3 2 9 11 20 1 6 4 14 7 8 2 3 2 1 4 3 117 1 0 3 4 3 6 25 12 0 4 2 24 8 15 3 2 1 3 11 19 125 1 0 0 3 3 5 2 5 0 6 3 9 20 4 2 4 1 0 8 2 37 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 1 0 1 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 4 5 10 9 5 17 12 3 7 3 7 15 12 3 8 4 15 7 151 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 1 2 4 6 1 0 0 0 7 2 1 3 1 7 0 1 6 10 0 2 5 15 5 10 1 0 0 12 8 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 109 0 1 4 5 3 1 13 9 0 0 4 3 5 4 0 1 0 2 13 8 76 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 4 20 146 78 24 94 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 6 9 2 4 18 17 0 4 3 34 8 12 1 17 1 0 21 11 4 1 2 15 0 6 18 10 0 2 3 17 12 13 1 26 0 2 19 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 5 1 5 1 5 0 3 2 2 11 3 2 1 2 2 8 2 56 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 1 6 9 6 0 2 2 11 6 9 0 13 1 0 12 7 0 0 0 7 0 2 7 2 1 1 2 3 9 6 0 22 1 1 4 2 4 0 9 17 2 11 65 57 0 20 33 84 30 32 10 1 14 71 53 5 7 14 30 10 15 48 37 1 24 19 44 27 21 4 17 16 57 32 2 8 4 10 3 0 22 13 0 5 5 14 13 7 5 0 3 20 9 88 516 435 146 0 0 2 1 1 3 5 10 0 0 6 5 2 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 5 6 1 13 22 32 0 9 9 28 15 14 1 4 4 3 25 25 3 1 6 10 9 5 10 42 2 11 8 18 26 11 2 2 5 2 32 12 2 0 2 4 1 4 11 6 0 1 0 9 6 4 0 0 1 2 6 15 42 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 4 2 7 26 7 0 2 0 6 7 12 1 0 1 0 7 11 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 2 1 3 8 0 0 1 0 5 2 4 0 0 0 0 6 4 217 217 74 2 0 7 9 3 10 32 31 0 5 11 43 11 33 5 4 1 5 30 46 1 0 1 10 2 14 11 14 0 6 5 14 19 6 1 4 4 1 18 14 0 0 0 2 1 1 7 2 2 1 3 7 2 1 0 1 1 0 3 5 37 288 145 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 3 0 1 2 7 0 10 0 0 2 0 6 1 4 1 5 14 3 7 41 38 0 8 7 68 27 25 2 17 1 0 30 16 9 3 3 17 1 13 32 23 0 3 10 36 27 19 1 6 0 1 25 16 16 170 162 20 92 70 0 39 314 245 534 623 308 402 375 132 167 1,060 1,111 504 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. November 2006 Piney Point ...........Monday: December 4, January 8 Algonac ................Friday: December 8, January 12 ............................... Baltimore..............Thursday: December 7, January 11 Boston ..................Friday: December 8, January 12 Guam ....................Thursday: December 21, January 25 ............................... Honolulu...............Friday: December 15, January 19 Houston ................Monday: December 11 ..............................Tuesday: January 16* ..............................(*change created by Martin Luther King Jr. holiday) ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: December 7, January 11 Joliet .....................Thursday: December 14, January 18 Mobile ..................Wednesday: December 13, January 17 New Orleans.........Tuesday: December 12, January 16 New York .............Tuesday: December 5, January 9 Norfolk .................Thursday: December 7, January 11 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: December 6, January 10 Port Everglades ....Thursday: December 14, January 18 San Francisco .......Thursday: December 14, January 18 San Juan ...............Thursday: December 7, January 11 St. Louis ...............Friday: December 15, January 19 Tacoma .................Friday: December 22, January 26 Wilmington...........Monday: December 18, January 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals JAMAAL SINKLER Please call your mother. LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES Jack Utz is looking for any of his shipmates on the SS Steel King from January-April 1948. Please contact him at (815) 883-8735 or e-mail jackutz@sbcglobal.net. Apostleship of the Sea of The United States of America The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America is the professional association of Catholic mariners and the official Catholic organization for cruise ship priests and catholic maritime ministers. Please contact the organization if you are interested in becoming an AOSUSA member. The Apostleship of the Sea may be reached at: 1500 Jefferson Drive Port Arthur, TX 77642-0646 aosusa@sbcglobal.net Phone: (409) 985-4545 www.aos-usa.org Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 1 12 0 5 15 1 0 2 36 1 4 2 0 5 0 0 2 14 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 5 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 11 1 4 10 2 0 1 32 0 6 2 0 5 0 0 2 15 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 8 4 0 4 1 0 0 19 9 26 1 17 39 0 2 1 95 3 5 0 4 25 0 0 0 37 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 7 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 6 10 15 2 4 12 0 0 2 46 1 3 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 3 2 4 0 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Port 2 3 2 1 4 0 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 4 1 3 5 0 0 5 19 2 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 2 2 2 0 0 5 16 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 8 20 0 6 22 0 0 0 56 4 2 0 2 24 0 0 1 33 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 67 25 9 60 21 6 29 196 79 14 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Rich Bolmarcich of Seaside Park, N.J. He is the son of the late SIU pensioner Joseph Bolmarcich (pictured in the three photos at right), who died Feb. 28, 1999 at the age of 92. His son states that his father’s career with the marine division of the New York Central Railroad Co. spanned 44 years (1927-1971). He always appreciated the many fine benefits afforded him by being an SIU member, and “loved his job as a tugboat deckhand despite working sometimes in bad weather and under difficult conditions.” Brother Bolmarcich began receiving his pension in May 1971. The top left photo was taken in 1927, the top right one in 1954. The bottom one, also taken aboard a New York Central tug, was snapped in the mid ’60s when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were under construction. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. November 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JAMES DAVID, 67, was born in California. Brother David joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. His first ship was the La Salle on which he sailed in the engine department. Brother David’s last voyage was aboard the Long Island. He calls Chambersburg, Pa. home. RAFAEL ESQUIBEL, 65, became a Seafarer in 1974 in the port of New York. Brother Esquibel, who was born in Spain, worked primarily on A&S Transportation’s Lisa. A member of the deck department, Brother Esquibel continues to reside in Spain. MANUEL FARIA JR., 65, started shipping with the union in 1983 from the port of New York. Brother Faria first sailed on the Robert D. Conrad in the steward department. In 1996 and 2000, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Faria most recently sailed aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He is a resident of New Bedford, Mass. AQUILINO FERNANDEZ, 66, joined the SIU ranks in 1989. Brother Fernandez was born in Honduras and shipped in the steward department. He first sailed on the Independence. Brother Fernandez most recently worked aboard the Cape Kennedy. He lives in Houston. ANGEL GARCIA, 66, joined the SIU in 1959. Brother Garcia’s first journey was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. The Puerto Rico-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Garcia most recently sailed on the Horizon Discovery. He resides in San Jose, P.R. KENNETH JONES, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Jones primarily shipped in the engine department November 2006 of the Constellation. The Texasborn mariner upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Piney Point school. Brother Jones makes his home in Sarepta, La. the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 2001 and 2003. Boatman Foster is a resident of Belhaven, N.C. THOMAS LABUE, 66, began sailing with the union in 1965 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Labue was born in Wisconsin and shipped as a member of the deck department. His first vessel was the Loma Victory; his most recent was the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Labue calls Temple City, Calif. home. JACK GONZALEZ, 62, joined the SIU in 1986. Boatman Gonzalez work primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels during. Born in Puerto Rico, he calls Robstown, Texas home. JAMES LONG, 62, is a Pennsylvania native. Brother Long joined the Seafarers in 1969, initially working aboard the Sea Ohio. The engine department member most recently sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Long resides in Wellsboro, Pa. HANSEL SMITH, 65, became an SIU member in 1989. Brother Smith’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Altair. The Tennessee-born mariner last sailed on the 1st Lt. Alex Bonneyman. He is a resident of Pascagoula, Miss. CAROL GRIDER, 62, joined the SIU in 1994. Sister Grider was a member of the steward department. She sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Seafarer Grider resides in Galatia, Ill. KENNETH KITCHEN, 65, began sailing with the union in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Kitchen shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. His first vessel was the Topa Topa. Boatman Kitchen lives in Virginia Beach, Va. JACK KLOHN, 55, was born in New Mexico and joined the Seafarers in 1971 in the port of New York. Boatman Klohn first sailed in the deep sea division aboard CSX Lines’ Detroit; however, the majority of his career was spent working in the inland division. Prior to his retirement, Boatman Klohn sailed on the Padre Island. He makes his home in Hot Springs, Ariz. LUCIUS LEONARD, 62, who was born in New Orleans, became an SIU member in 1967 in that port. Boatman Leonard worked aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels in the deck department. He is a resident of Des Allemands, La. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. TULIO GOMEZ, 69, joined the NMU in 1977 in the port of Boston. Brother Gomez was born in Honduras. His first ship was the Mormac Sun. Brother Gomez sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Cape Domingo. PHILLIP HINES, 55, became an NMU member in 1979 in the port of Seattle. Brother Hines is a native of California. He initially sailed on the NOAA ship Discoverer. Brother Hines’ most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Taylor. He was a member of the steward department. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Charles Andrews 70 Sept. 1 William Buchheit 65 Oct. 1 Francisco King 68 Oct. 1 Raymond Lankford 55 Oct. 1 Thomas Stephens 66 Oct. 1 Alexandru Tolnaci 65 Sept. 1 INLAND ROBERT DOUGH, 62, embarked on his seafaring career in 1966. Boatman Dough’s first voyage was aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessel; his most recent was on a vessel operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Boatman Dough lives in Belhaven, N.C. ELEANOR DOWNEN, 73, joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of New Orleans. Sister Downen worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels during her seafaring career. The steward department member settled in her native state of Missouri. DANIEL EUBANKS, 62, was born in Mississippi. Boatman Eubanks commenced his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck department, primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Company vessels. Boatman Eubanks continues to make his home in Mississippi. OTTIS FOSTER, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1992. Boatman Foster shipped primarily aboard Express Marine vessels in the steward department. He took advantage of Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill offered his thanks and the thanks of the Royal Navy to the crews of two SIU-contracted ships that returned to New York after 11 months on the run to Russia. A commendation relayed by Admiral Emory S. Land, director of the War Shipping Administration, from the British Admiralty said in part, “Mr. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, has particularly requested that he be associated with this message of congratulations…. I should like also to offer my congratulations to you and your crew for excellent work you all performed during this encounter, which is a great credit to the United States Merchant Marine.” The ships are unnamed for security reasons. 1966 SIU-contracted companies will operate 10 of the 15 C-4 type reserve fleet troopships recently allocated by the government for conversion to break bulk dry cargo and heavy lift cargo ships for charter to the Military Sea Transportation Service to serve in the Vietnam sealift. Of the SIU-contracted companies named by the government, Isthmian Lines and Waterman Steamship were allocated three ships each, Hudson Waterways received two ships, and Consolidated Mariners and Bulk Transport received one ship each…. The recently released World War IIbuilt toopships are 523-foot, 15,000-ton steamships with a rated speed of 17 knots. This Month In SIU History 1955 SIU negotiators recently won a 25 cents per man per day contribution from employers to expand health and safety benefits and raise vacation benefits. Coupled with wage increases under the contract, the vacation benefits will mean a boost in vacation pay for all Seafarers from the present $176 maximum to $244, effective November 15. The new agreement will also finance establishment of health and safety clinics in all ports so that Seafarers will be able to obtain medical care and obtain needed physical examinations. 1984 Another newly converted RO/RO ship has been added to the SIU-contracted fleet. Bringing in more jobs for the membership is the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr., which is being operated by a privately owned company for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. This 755foot long vessel is part of the U.S. military’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship (MPS) program…. During her conversion at Bethlehem Steel Corporation’s Sparrows Point Yard in Maryland, the ship was lengthened by a 157foot mid-body section and was fitted with a semi-slewing stern ramp, side port doors and ramps, and three twin-tandem heavy-lift cranes. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PRESTON BLANC Pensioner Preston Blanc, 82, passed away Feb. 4. Brother Blanc joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the J.B. Water. The deck department member last worked aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Blanc retired in 1986 and called New Orleans home. PARTHA JERNIGAN Pensioner Partha Jernigan, 81, died April 28. Brother Jernigan became a Seafarer in 1947 in the port of New York. He was born in Florida and sailed in the engine department. Brother Jernigan settled in Pensacola, Fla. He began receiving his pension in 1989. GREGORY KELLY Pensioner Gregory Kelly, 80, passed away April 2. Brother Kelly joined the SIU in 1965. His first trip to sea was on an American Oceanic Corporation vessel; his last was aboard the Explorer. Born in Canada, Brother Kelly was a member of the deck department. The La Habra, Calif. resident went on pension in 1991. STANISLAW KOLASA Pensioner Stanislaw Kolasa, 80, died April 9. Born in Poland, Brother Kolasa started his seafaring career in 1959 in the port of New York. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Kolasa’s initial voyage was on a Boston Towing Boat Company vessel. In 1990, the steward department member began his retirement. Brother Kolasa made his home in New York. HORACE LEDWELL Pensioner Horace Ledwell, 77, passed away May 10. Brother Ledwell was born in Johnson City, Tenn. He joined the union in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Ledwell’s first voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. He last worked aboard the Sam Houston. Brother Ledwell resided in Bristol, Tenn. and went on pension in 1992. TRAVIS MAINERS Pensioner Travis Mainers, 84, passed away April 4. Brother Mainers embarked on his seafaring career in 1966. 18 Seafarers LOG His first ship was the Santa Emilia where he worked as a member of the steward department; his last trip to sea was on the Overseas Harriette. Brother Mainers, who was born in Tennessee, retired in 1987 and continued to live in his native state. LEONARDO MANCO Pensioner Leonardo Manco, 85, died Feb. 1. Brother Manco was born in Louisiana. He joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Manco first sailed aboard the Tuskegee. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Manco’s last voyage was on the Sam Houston. The New Orleans resident became a pensioner in 1982. ANDREW MAZUREK Pensioner Andrew Mazurek, 81, died May 9. Brother Mazurek joined the ranks of the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Architect. Brother Mazurek was a Pennsylvania native. Prior to his retirement in 1987, he shipped on the St. Louis. Brother Mazurek resided in Orange, N.J. JOSEPH McCABE Pensioner Joseph McCabe, 90, passed away May 13. Brother McCabe began shipping with the Seafarers in 1956, first sailing aboard a Sheffield Tank Corporation vessel. The deck department member was a native of New York. Before his retirement in 1983, Brother McCabe worked on Pacific Gulf Marine’s Koppa. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. CRISANTO MODELLAS Pensioner Crisanto Modellas, 81, died April 22. Brother Modellas began his SIU career in 1964. He first shipped in the steward department aboard the Fanwood. Brother Modellas, who was born in the Philippines, last sailed on the Thompson Pass. He went on pension in 1994 and called Sacramento, Calif. home. DAVID ONGE Brother David Onge, 42, passed away Feb. 2. He started his seafaring career in 1990 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Onge first sailed on the Independence in the engine department. Born in Maine, he resided in Palm Beach, Fla. Brother Onge most recently worked aboard the Horizon Challenger. ROOSEVELT ROBBINS Pensioner Roosevelt Robbins, 88, died May 4. Brother Robbins joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was on the Suzanne. Brother Robbins was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. He last shipped on the Santa Paula. Brother Robbins started collecting his retirement pay in 1985. He lived in Philadelphia. ARTHUR RUBENSTEIN ROBERT REED SR. ERICH DECKER Brother Arthur Rubenstein, 65, passed away Feb. 13. He became a union member in 1963. Brother Rubenstein was born in New York and sailed as a member of the steward department. His first voyage was aboard the Chatham; his last was on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Rubenstein was a resident of Randallstown, Md. Boatman Robert Reed Sr., 49, passed away Feb. 4. The German-born mariner started shipping with the SIU in 2000. Boatman Reed worked primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. The engine department member called Virginia home. Pensioner Erich Decker, 97, died Feb. 13. Brother Decker embarked on his seafaring career in 1954 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Santa Isabel. Brother Decker, who was born in Germany, sailed in the steward department . His last ship was the United States. Brother Decker retired in 1969. JOHN SCULLY Pensioner John Scully, 78, died June 8. Brother Scully was born in Beverly, Mass. He joined the SIU in 1945, initially shipping on the Rebel. Brother Scully worked in the deck department. The Seattle resident went on pension in 1986. FRANK SISON Pensioner Frank Sison, 66, passed away April 3. Brother Sison began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The steward department member first shipped on a Michigan Tankers vessel; he last worked on the Major Bernard F. Fisher. The Seattle-born mariner started collecting his retirement stipends in 2005. Brother Sison made his home in King, Wash. HORACE WILLIAMS Pensioner Horace Williams, 80, died Feb. 25. Brother Williams embarked on his SIU career in 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Lafayette. Brother Williams was a member of the deck department. Before his retirement in 1975, he sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Williams, who was born in North Carolina, made his home in Texas. INLAND WARREN FOX SR. Pensioner Warren Fox Sr., 69, passed away Feb. 1. Boatman Fox became a Seafarer in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he first shipped aboard an Arundel Corporation vessel in the deck department. Boatman Fox last worked aboard a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. He went on pension in 2001 and resided in his native state. GEORGE HATGIMISIOS Pensioner George Hatgimisios, 83, died May 14. Boatman Hatgimisios joined the union in 1948 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Born in Connecticut, he first sailed in the steward department aboard the Nashua; his final trip to sea was aboard a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Hatgimisios was the last surviving of four seafaring Hatgimisios brothers. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 at his home in Coconut Creek, Fla. PAUL SCHOBERT Pensioner Paul Schobert, 71, died Feb. 18. Boatman Schobert joined the ranks of the SIU in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Germany and sailed in the steward department. During his seafaring career, Boatman Schobert shipped aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation of Wilmington. He retired in 1979 and lived in Homeland, Calif. GREAT LAKES SALEH ALI Pensioner Saleh Ali, 78, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Ali joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Detroit. His first ship was the American Seaocean; his last was the Merle McCurdy. Brother Ali, who was born in Arabia, worked in the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1982 and made his home in Yemen. GEORGE McINERNEY Brother George McInerney, 69, died Feb. 9. He joined the union in 1978 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother McInerney originally shipped on the Steel T. Crapo in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother McInerney resided in his native state of Michigan. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. EUGENE BARBER Pensioner Eugene Barber, 78, passed away Jan. 30. Brother Barber joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of New York. The steward department member was born in New York City. Prior to his retirement in 1975, Brother Barber sailed aboard the Christopher Lykes. FOWLER BENNETT Pensioner Fowler Bennett, 82, died Feb. 21. Born in Honduras, Brother Bennett joined the union in 1946 in the port of New Orleans. His first vessel was the Granada; his last was the Eagle Transporter. Brother Bennett went on pension in 1969. HENRY BRADY SR. Pensioner Henry Brady Sr., 85, passed away Feb. 14. Brother Brady began sailing with the NMU in 1953 from the port of San Francisco. He was born in New Orleans and first shipped aboard the Barney Kirschbaum. In 1984, Brother Brady became a pensioner. He last sailed on the Adabelle Lykes. ALFONSO ESTRADA Pensioner Alfonso Estrada, 82, passed away Jan. 1. Brother Estrada joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in El Salvador and shipped in the steward department. Brother Estrada first sailed aboard the Marine Fox. His last ship was the Denison Victory. Brother Estrada started collecting his pension in 1970. WILSON GUIDRY Pensioner Wilson Guidry, 75, died Feb. 23. Brother Guidry joined the NMU in 1966 in Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Mission Santa Ynez. Brother Guidry was born in Louisiana and worked in the steward department. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. HOWARD LEUNG Pensioner Howard Leung, 85, passed away March 14. Brother Leung launched his seafaring career in 1943, sailing from the port of New York. His first ship was the Helen Hunt Jackson. A member of the steward department, Brother Leung was born in China. Before retiring in 1969, he worked on board the New York. NESTER OJEDA Pensioner Nester Ojeda, 78, died Feb. 2. Brother Ojeda, who was born in Puerto Rico, joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped out on the Luther Martin. Brother Ojeda went on pension in 1967. JOSEPH OLSZEWSKI Pensioner Joseph Olszewski, 88, passed away Feb. 24. Brother Olszewski started his NMU career in 1936 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native worked in the engine department. Brother Olszewski’s first ship was the City of Baltimore; his last was the American Courier. He became a pensioner in 1978. November 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.. ASCENSION (Sealift), Oct. 4— Chairman Gene A. Butson, Secretary William E. Knorr, Deck Delegate Alexis S. Mitsou, Engine Delegate Fabian Palacios. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 10 in Port Canaveral, Fla. after room inspections. Secretary reminded members not going ashore to get absentee ballot from headquarters to vote on constitutional amendments. He encouraged them to read the proposed changes to the constitution and make an intelligent choice when voting. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. to stay current with maritime skills and improve job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding salad bar. Ship will head back to Ascension Island since South America trip has been canceled. Next port: Port Canaveral. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Co.), Sept. 24— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Greg S. Lynch, Educational Director Sylvester C. Crawford. Bosun highlighted aspects of new contract. Secretary thanked crew for coming to mess hall and lounge in appropriate attire. Educational director urged everyone to check documents’ expiration dates and to take advantage of Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated about $9,000 in ship’s fund. Permission needed from captain before purchasing items for vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New XBox currently on board. Recommendation made to get satellite radio as well. Suggestion made that someone be assigned to check rooms of riders after they leave ship. Thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. CAPE KNOX (Keystone Shipping), Sept. 17—Chairman Anthony Pacely Jr., Secretary Florencia T. Farquhar, Educational Director Robert G. Joyce, Deck Delegate James J. Foley. Chairman read and discussed August edition of Seafarers LOG. Educational director urged all members to upgrade their skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: New Orleans. CAPE TEXAS (Crowley Liner Services), Sept. 7—Chairman Jose A. Jimenea, Secretary George Maranos, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Deck Delegate Horace B. Rains. Chairman discussed information received from Pension and Health & Benefits departments regarding members working aboard NMU ships. ROS crew reported some beefs regarding payment for sick days and delayed paychecks, and requested clarification on pension benefits for retirees returning to work. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Sept. 30—Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Deck Delegate Timothy K. O’Brien, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate William B. Young. Bosun reminded mariners to start renewal process for z-cards early. Educational director discussed importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested information regarding acquisition of Maritrans by OSG. Next ports: Baton Rouge, La.; Tampa, Fla. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 3— Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray. Chairman announced Sept. 5 payoff at sea. He urged crew members to attend union meetings and donate to SPAD, our voice on Capitol Hill. Secretary Swapping Provisions at Sea Crew members aboard the USNS Mary Sears help in the operation to swap provisions with the USNS Sumner while at sea. Pulling the line with the attached bundle of food are (from the left) OS Tyrell Blackburn, AB Dennis Avila, OS Darnell O’Hara and AB Mike Sherman. Chief Mate Richard Madden is in the background. November 2006 advised crew to take a look at Horizon Lines’ stock offerings. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of educational opportunities offered at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Treasurer asked members to inform captain of any requests for DVDs or CDs they would like purchased. No beefs; some disputed OT reported in steward department. Communications from headquarters read, discussed and posted regarding new benefit requirements and proposed constitutional amendments. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Sept. 3— Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Deck Delegate David M. Smolen, Engine Delegate Rigoberto Beata. Chairman announced Sept. 5 payoff on arrival in Oakland, Calif. He advised members to keep documents current. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for better paying jobs and job security. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read pertaining to changes in eligibility for benefits. Suggestion made for drinking fountain on main deck and for repair of bridge toilet. Steward department given vote of thanks for well prepared meals. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 10—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced Sept. 16 payoff at sea before arriving in Tacoma, Wash. Patrolman to come aboard. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits. Clarification requested regarding proposed union dues increase. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Sept. 17—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Jan Haidir, Deck Delegate LBJ Tanoa, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun announced Sept. 23 payoff at sea prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew members for another safe voyage; more than 530 days without a lost-time injury. Treasurer stated after purchasing barbecue supplies, $250 remains in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read regarding changes to health insurance requirements. Vote of thanks given to AB Harold Harper for purchasing new clock as gift for crew lounge. Everyone was asked to return magazines/newspapers to lounge when finished reading them; also return DVDs to proper place. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HOUSTON (USS Transport), Sept. 4—Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Christopher J. Zaucha, Deck Delegate Stones Cooper, Engine Delegate Rudolph Lopez, Steward Delegate Jorge Ellis. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall and laundry room clean. He reminded departing crew members to leave clean linen for their reliefs as a courtesy. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to medical and pension benefits. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK MAINE (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 3—Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Fidelis N. Oliveira, Educational Director E. Gomez. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No with patrolman about food supply. Educational director urged eveyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $515 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for better laundry detergent and improvements to raise retirement pay. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 2—Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Pedro Sellan, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Mark Carpenter, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate John A. Padilla. Chairman announced Seafarers on the Job Stopping the the middle of their duties for a quick snapshot are (from the left) Bosun Richard Dobbyn aboard the Green Point and Chief Cook Bill Columbo on the Maersk Nebraska. beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed concerns regarding pending contract. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAERSK NEBRASKA (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 29—Chairman Frederick L. Gathers, Secretary Luis A. Caballero, Engine Delegate J. Byrnes. Chairman informed seafarers that pay raise would be retroactive once all details were worked out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to post all letters regarding contract for all to read. Crew would like ventilation aboard vessel to be checked and requested clarification on time off after a voyage. They also had questions as to whether work gear (coveralls, gloves, etc.) should be provided upon joining vessel or whether members can be reimbursed for purchasing such items. PFC JAMES ANDERSON (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 14— Chairman William N. Henderson, Secretary Stephan F. Osovitz, Deck Delegate Gerald Freeman, Engine Delegate Saleh Q. Omar, Steward Delegate Mario V. Siclot. Chairman thanked mariners for safe trip, making this 2½ years without a lost-time accident. Educational director advised crew to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to engine department for installing new washer and to entire crew for keeping ship clean. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Marine Transport Lines), Sept. 3 —Chairman Stephen D. Petersen, Secretary James H. Narcisse Jr., Educational Director David Carter, Deck Delegate Stephen C. Bohne, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles. Secretary to talk receipt of new pay rate. Secretary reported great sailing with great buch of crew members. Educational director encouraged crew to continue upgrading skills for increased pay and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to provide more health-conscious food on board ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew members suggested Paul Hall Day be reinstated and requested satellite hookup in every cabin as well as new chairs in crew lounge and computer returned to crew lounge. SEABROOK (Maritrans), Sept. 10—Chairman Errol M. Pinkham Jr., Secretary Anthony F. French, Educational Director James T. Cerami, Deck Delegate Adolfo Figueroa, Engine Delegate Troy L. Fleming. Secretary reported smooth sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to GSU for keeping mess hall so clean. Members suggested installation of refrigerators and satellite TV in all crew cabins. Clarification requested as to who buys DVDs for vessel. Steward department was thanked for excellent food and spotless galley and mess hall. USNS MARY SEARS (Horizon Lines), Sept. 10—Chairman Kelly J. Doyle, Secretary Philip F. Lau, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Engine Delegate Bernard Fanuncial, Steward Delegate James C. Dewey. Chairman discussed Horizon Lines stock purchase plan for qualified Seafarers. He noted that crew members sailing out of New Orleans have been granted a one year extension on MMDs and licenses. Educational director stated that “now is the time to upgrade at Piney Point.” Next port: Sasebo, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Jones Act Expansion Would Boost Security Reading Mike Sacco’s article, “Supporting the Jones Act” in the October 2006 Seafarers LOG brought many memories to mind which pointed not only to the notion that American shipping needs protection from foreign attacks but also that American port security needs are now at an all-time high. As I mulled Mike’s words that President Bush “pledged to continue backing the Jones Act, a law that requires cargo moving between domestic ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American,” I remembered that one of the major problems that America is facing is inspection of cargo coming into America’s ports. In particular, time seems to be the prime limiting factor, which permits only five to 10 percent of the shipped cargo to be inspected. Plugging this gaping hole in American port security would only take an updating of the Jones Act to be: “A law that requires cargo moving between foreign and American ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American.” This simple change of a few words would allow the time needed for inspection that would be done on American ships, which are, of course, the same as America. Jim Kincaid Plumber, SS Patriot Honor WWII Mariners By Backing H.R. 23 I am writing this letter to request active and retired merchant mariners to support House bill H.R. 23 now before Congress. Bill H.R. 23 is stalled in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Congressman Bob Filner (DCalif.) introduced Discharge Petition 109-14 to move the bill out of committee to the House floor for a vote. We need 218 members of the House of Representatives to sign Discharge Petition 109-14 to move the bill along through the legislative process. The short title of H.R. 23 is the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act.” The bill provides for a monthly benefit of $1,000 to qualified merchant mariners, including those who sailed in the Army Transport Service and Naval Transport Service during the period from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946. Your readers can give us their support by writing or calling their congressional representative requesting they sign Discharge Petition 109-14 for H.R. 23. All assistance in this matter will be very much appreciated. Thank you and smooth sailing for your members. James W. Hassett President, Gene DeLong-Hudson Valley Chapter American Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII Baldwin Place, New York Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 20 Seafarers LOG monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for November through February 2007. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 13 December 8 January 22 February 16 January 8 January 19 Lifeboatman/Water Survival Inland Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Inland Radar (non STCW) January 8 January 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (5 day) January 29 February 2 Advanced Fire Fighting January 15 February 26 Basic Safety Training - AB November 6 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT November 13 November 17 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Tankerman Familiarization/ November 27 December 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Nov. 13. Engine Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops November 13 December 8 January 29 February 23 FOWT February 26 March 23 upgrading courses available to Junior Engineer January 8 March 2 students in the year 2007. Welding January 15 February 2 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ November 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 11/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 678 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 678. They include (in alphabetical order) Steven Allen, Christopher Baum, Shaun Bryant, Toni Rose Clark, Daniel Dale, Timothy Delapp, Timothy Dougherty, Tyrone Ellis, Grant Fedukovich, Robert Ferguson, Peter Johnson, Zachary Knotts, Latisa May, Montree Nakwichet, Johnny Nealy, Ryan Otterbourg, Corey Overbeck, Tereza Papelopoulou, Jumar Rapuet, Mike Rottloff, David Torres, Jeffrey Tubbs, Jeremiah Vargas, Jermaine Williams and Marcus Williams. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are Sept. 29 graduates of the welding course. In alphabetical order are Martin Hamilton, Joshua Kilbourn, Scott Martin, Karl Mayhew, Yamil Sanchez and Damian Spedale. Junior Engineer — Receiving certificates for completion of the junior engineer course Oct. 13 are (in alphabetical order) David Brewster, Jess Cooper, Daniel Gaffney, Peter Jensen, Charlie Johnson (accompanied by his wife), Justin Johnson, Jomar Rodriguez, Jervona Vorise and Dominic Whitty. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Sept. 29 are (in no specific order) Eugene Arcand, Nathan Rippey, Carlos Valdes, Mikhail Kozlov, Joseph Spillman, Charlene Edwards, Frank Monteiro, Ahmed Ahmed, Gheorghe Mustata, Gheorghe Davencu and Eugeniy Golubev. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Oct. 6 from instructor Stan Beck (standing, third from right) are (in no specific order) Jamison McIntyre, William Bolden, John Cash Jr., Robert Freeman Jr., Randall Brown, Jamar Allen, Mohamed Mazid, John Worae, Pete Johnson, Johnnie Potter, Grant Fedukovich, Ernest Frank III and Roy Carey. (Note: not all are pictured.) Celestial Navigation — Sept. 29 graduates of the celestial navigation course include Rafael Clemente, Glen McCullough and Sergey Kurchensko. Not pictured is Douglas Carson. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (standing in each photo) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Proudly showing their certificates of achievement are, from the left, Ardeccia Hill, Wilfredo Espinosa and Bryan N. Dawson. 22 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course Sept. 29 are (in no specific order) Terry Santure, David Dinan, Maurice Flemings, James Oling, Leroyal Hester II, Earl Kendrick, John Maynor Sr., Timothy Huth, Michael Kanga, Lorenzo Allen, Joaquim Ganeto, Villanito Villanueva, Alfonso Marin, Jaime Colon, Omer Almaklani, Sacarias Suazo, Ernesto Lomboy, Michael Cousin, Dimarko Shoulders, Charles Horton and Jimmie Schuck. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Water Survival — Class members who completed the lifeboatman/water survival course Sept. 29 include Ashley Pearce, Raymond Harvell, Marco Figueroa, Silvana Clark, Kyle Hudson, Paul Amato, Richard Moore, John Kelly, Darrell Moore, Peter Cooke and Rudolfo Jordan. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. (Note: not all are pictured.) Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices pose for a group picture after completing this course Sept. 1. They include (in no specific order) Sherwin Jones, Randall Brown, Ernest Britt, Eeric White, DeWayne Jacobs, James Wynegar III, Myckal Sands, Robert Freeman Jr, Shaun Bryant, Latisa May-Christopher, Marcus Williams, Jermaine Williams, Kyle Spruill, Sean Fletcher Kristopher Travis, Cindy Smith, Sally Santiago, Thomas Hampshire, Michael Bussiere, Michael Stilwell, John Worae, John Cash Jr., Rustin Calame, Jason Lamadieu, Jamar Allen, Mark Hoffler, Dominic Washington, Mateusz Muller, Robert MorrIson, Jeffrey Gronotte Jr. and Daniel Dale. Their instructor (not pictured) was Jim Shaffer. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. STCW — Certified Chief Cook — Standing in front of the Romeo Lupinacci Culinary Lab are students who upgraded their culinary skills in October. From the left are Orlando Suazo, Nelson Rochez, Robinson Eromesele, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Caezar Mercado and Miriam Chacon. NCL, Sept. 28: Joshua Dickerson, Juan Figueroa, Steven Fisher, Richard Flood, Richard Force, Cora Forrester, Robert Frazier, John Frey, Carolina Garcia, Steven Garcia, Luis Garcia Romero, Larry Goodson, Sam Gray, Betsy Grier, Jane Healey, Jason Hegard, Josh Hegard, Eric Hines, Katrina Hopper, Claudia Hunlow, Steven Hunlow, Tache Huston, megan Jarvis and Antonia Jerusalem. November 2006 Certified Chief Cook — Completing one of the certified chief cook courses in October are (from left) Sedell Mitchell, Regie Ignacio, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Michael Henry, Carinda Bohus and Penny Pollard. STCW — NCL, Sept. 28: Travis Johnson, Shuronda Jones, Andrew Jorden, Jonathon Kefer, Johnny Konneh, George Leiesz, Maria Lubrano, Cherie Lundy, Nellie Madera, Erica Mancina, Amor Mariano Jr., Manuel Martinez, Jamarr Massey, Megan Mauricio, Tiffany McGuire, Robin Mehlbrech, Darrin Mellinger, John Mendiola, Randy Miller, Blaine Morgan III, Stevie Moss, Agnes Ogle, Paula Old, Donald Ott, Cynthia Page, Teri Park, Jonathan Pender, Edek Perea and Nicholas Perea. Seafarers LOG 23 �Remembering our veterans from all wars November 11, 2006 Safety Training Abounds at Piney Point Maersk Crews, SIU Safety Directors Complete Separate Sessions S afety training is a staple of many curriculums at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maersk Line Safety Directors Md. The school offers dozens of Coast Guard-approved classes concentrating on shipboard safety in all three departments as well as specialized courses such as STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). Early last month, the school provided separate and unique safety seminars to crew members from SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited and to SIU safety directors from seven ports. The Maersk group completed what was described as a “safety boot camp” (though each of the mariners previously had completed other safety training) on Oct. 3 and 4, while the safety directors tackled their agenda Oct. 3-5. For the safety directors, it was their eighth annual meeting at the school. Their workload included (but was not limited to) hands-on training, reviewing key port and shipboard safety and security regulations, galley sanitation, ship inspection procedures, techniques for uncovering hidden hazards, and various ways the Paul Hall Center can help port officials better serve crew memMaersk officials, including Capt. Bob bers. Among others, they met with Paul Hall Center Vice President Powell, addressed the participants. SIU safety directors take a hands-on tour of the full mission Don Nolan, Safety Director Jim Hanson, Assistant Director of bridge simulator. Training J.C. Wiegman and Instructor Janet Hazelzet. Completing the program were: Monte Burgett (Algonac), Kathy Chester (Oakland), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Randy Senatore (Jacksonville), Jack Sheehan (Brooklyn), Joe Vincenzo (Tacoma) and Jimmy White (Houston). Each of the safety directors indicated SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Contracts George Tricker congratthat the training will ulate Seafarers on their participation in the “safety boot camp” at Piney help them when they Point. conduct vessel Instructor Janet Hazelzet discusses The safety directors checked out all the inspections. shipboard conduct and how it may state-of-the-art equipment at the school. influence safe operations. Successfully finishing “boot camp” were some of the ABs and QMEDs who normally sail aboard Maersk vessels. They included Robert Arneel, Servando Campbell, Michelle Hopper, Andrew King, Timothy Logan, James McLeod, Cholley Moses, Michael Papaioannou, Herman Reynolds, Wilfredo Rice, Clarence Poore, Walter Loveless, Kenneth Steiner, Kimberly Strate, James Walker, Darrell Weatherspoon, Bob Powell, Ralph Garner and Curtis Williams. Among several other key topics, they studied job safety analysis, risk of electrical shock, and communications. Maersk officials David Callahan, Ed Hanley, Capt. Robert Powell and Kim Estes each met with the mariners, as did Jay Henderson, Lois Stephenson and Pat Vandergrift of the Paul Hall Center. Maersk official Kim Estes met with the Callahan reported that the feedback forms submitted mariners attending the seminar. Instructor Mike Smith (right) explains the intricacies of some of the by course participants were the most favorable he’s ever school’s training equipment. seen. Left: Pictured with Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson (third from right) are SIU Safety Directors (from left) Frank Iverson, Jimmy White, Kathy Chester, Joe Vincenzo, Randy Senatore, Monte Burgett and Jack Sheehan. The two-day seminar took place in the school’s Maryland Room. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LAKE FLEET ADDS ITB HORIZON, OSG VESSEL CHRISTENINGS ALSO SIGNAL NEW SHIPBOARD JOBS REMEMBER RED CAMPBELL SIU CONTRACTS REMAIN IN PLACE AS OSG ACQUIRES MARITRANS GRALEWICZ: FOLLOW AMERICA’S EXAMPLE TO RESTORE CANADIAN MERCHANT MARINE SIU LAKES FLEET ADDS ITB HORIZON HUNTER CHRISTENED; 1ST PHILLY TANKER DUE THIS MONTH USNS SUMNER COMMENDED SECRETARY CHAO: MARINERS ARE ‘KEY PART’ OF HOMELAND DEFENSE MAERSK ASSISTS IN USO SHIPMENTS APL/MATSON NAVIGATION COMPANY INCREASE PENSIONS FOR NEW RETIREES NCL AMERICA CRUISE SHIPS HELP BOOST HAWAII’S ECONOMY OBERSTAR HONORED BY LAKES GROUP ‘GRIEVANCES FILED AGAINST SO-CALLED ‘UNION WORKERS CREDIT SERVICES’ FINAL RULES PENDING FOR TWIC, MMC PRESIDENT SIGNS SAFE PORT ACT NELSON APPOINTED TO MARAD POST REVISED MEDICAL GUIDELINES SPELL OUT USUAL PRACTICES NCL CEO VEITCH HONORED FOR AMERICAN-FLAG EFFORTS LABOR VOWS FIGHT OVER ‘KENTUCKY RIVER’ CASES PENSION REFORM Q&A- INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW LAW FLOATING RAILROAD CONTINUES PROUD TRADITION MOKIHANA TO BE CONVERTED FROM CONTAINERSHIP TO RO/RO AMERICAN LEGION BACKS U.S. CABOTAGE LAWS SAFETY TRAINING ABOUNDS AT PINEY POINT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 11 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/0c5809082906b9d1f819d8e02c60332e.pdf 05f2614af65786fcce337dd795b143af PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 “It’s important for presidents to embrace the Jones Act. I have supported the Jones Act and will con ntinue to do so.” President George W. Bush September 4, 2006 The SIU and its affiliated training facility were complimented by President George W. Bush on Labor Day when the commander-inchief visited Piney Point, Md. to give a speech in which he also reaffirmed strong backing of the U.S. maritime industry (as reflected in his comments about the Jones Act, above). SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at right) introduced President Bush, whose administration consistently has supported the U.S. Merchant Marine. Before addressing the crowd at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, President Bush took the wheel inside the full mission bridge simulator. Pages 2, 3, 12 and 13. �Crowley Building 4 More ATBs President’s Report Supporting the Jones Act Nine words. That’s all it took for President Bush to bring his administration’s support of the domestic fleet into national focus. Speaking at the SIU’s affiliated training facility on Labor Day, the president stated, “It’s important for presidents to embrace the Jones Act.” He also pledged to continue backing the Jones Act, a law that requires cargo moving between domestic ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. No one who worked in our industry in the midMichael Sacco 1990s would take such statements lightly. Back then, the Jones Act was under severe attack from foreign-flag interests who were out to sink the domestic American-flag fleet. Those foreign entities and their U.S. front men were vicious, but they also were slick. They launched an expensive campaign of disinformation which unfortunately gained footing among some members of Congress. The threat was quite real and very significant. Bills were introduced to weaken or wipe out the Jones Act, which has served our nation’s best interests since its enactment in 1920 as part of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act. Some of those bills picked up more than a few cosponsors, as did related proposed legislation also designed to cripple the American-flag fleet. Our industry responded in part by forming the Maritime Cabotage Task Force or MCTF, a group described as the most broad-based coalition the American maritime industry has ever put together to promote laws guarding our nation’s right to control the maritime traffic within our borders. The SIU proudly signed on as a charter member and today remains one of the MCTF’s more than 350 members—a group including the Maritime Trades Department, other maritime unions, vessel owners and operators, shipyards, trade associations, pro-defense groups and many others. With the truth on our side, we set the record straight on what the Jones Act and other cabotage laws mean to America’s national and economic security. We produced trustworthy studies that demonstrated how America’s Jones Act fleet is the foundation of the world’s safest and most efficient transportation system. By 1997, a majority of House members once again publicly endorsed the Jones Act, and the threat from that particular era had been extinguished. Today, support for our cabotage regulations is strong, both in the administration and in Congress. For proof, look no further than the president’s Labor Day statements and the current orders for new U.S.flag tankers in Philadelphia and San Diego—at least 19 ships in all. Businesses simply don’t make those kinds of investments unless they’re confident. In this case, they are confident in America’s ability to build good ships, provide safe crews and uphold the laws that help preserve our U.S. Merchant Marine at a dangerous period in history when our nation simply cannot afford to be without one. Of course, the attacks haven’t completely gone away. Pro-maritime political candidates in Hawaii are fighting off pesky attempts to diminish the time-tested laws that help maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen crews. Other salvos are fired from time to time, normally on a small scale but always with the threat that even a small weakening of the Jones Act ultimately could lead to disaster. It’s also worth mentioning that last year around this time, the MCTF effectively let the federal government know that the Jones Act fleet unquestionably can meet our nation’s domestic maritime transportation needs, both during routine times and in crises like the ones right after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The coalition approached a delicate and difficult situation and turned it into a positive for our industry, from the standpoint of educating legislators and others about the sometimes underestimated capacity of the domestic fleet. Even with that relatively brief bit of background, you can see why President Bush’s words about the Jones Act last month mean so much. His statements are a testament to the importance and effectiveness of the Jones Act as well as the reliability of the crew members and ship operators and others who keep the domestic fleet afloat. To the rank-and-file members and retirees of our union, I thank all of you—because you are a big part of the reason why the President of the United States can stand up for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Four new builds are on the horizon for SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corp. Officials from the company’s vessel management services division last month announced the signing of a contract to build four more articulated tug-barge (ATB), 185,000-barrel tank vessels. The new vessels are slated to be built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. and then delivered in six-month intervals between the first half of 2009 and the end of 2010. Including owner-furnished equipment, they will have an estimated delivered cost of $236 million. The four new ATBs (Pride/650-7, Achievement/650-8, Innovation/650-9 and Vision/650-10) will be operated by Crowley’s petroleum services segment as they are completed. These four new vessels will bring Crowley’s total ATB fleet to 14, consisting of four 155,000-barrel and ten 185,000-barrel ATBs. Four of Crowley’s 155,000-barrel vessels, the Sea Reliance/550-1, Sound Reliance/550-2, Ocean Reliance /550-3 and Coastal Reliance/550-4 have each made more than 100 successful voyages and moved over 75 million barrels of product with zero spills in the last four years, averaging approximately 21 million barrels moved a year. The first of the 185,000-barrel ATBs, Pacific Reliance/650-1 was christened at the end of March. The second vessel of this type, Gulf Reliance has been delivered and the 650-2 is under construction for Crowley in Mississippi and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2006. The remaining vessels contracted in 2005 (Resolve/650-3, Commitment/650-4, Courage/650-5 and Integrity/ 650-6) will be delivered by 2008. “It’s always good news when new tonnage enters the U.S.-flag fleet,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Crowley has a great safety record and our crews are dedicated, productive, safe and reliable—all of which goes hand-inhand with what the company depends on.” “We have received extremely positive feedback from our customers on our ATBs,” said Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO. “The first 10 ATBs have all been chartered, and we are extending the 650 series to meet additional demand for this class vessel as soon as possi- ble. These vessels offer compelling economics and exceptional safety and performance.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. The four tugs being built under the new contract will be interchangeable with the other tugs in the company’s ATB fleet. The 185,000barrel barges will be substantially identical to those currently under construction. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it can also carry heated cargoes and easy chemicals, which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings not required of product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. There is an electrically driven cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring operations, and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There also is a dual mode inert gas system and vapor collection system for maximum safety. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectra-type lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam capable fire monitor; twin heavy fuel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today. Seafarers Vote on Amendments Voting began Sept. 1 for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers International Union/ AGLIWD/ NMU. As previously reported, SIU members may cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31, 2006. A constitutional committee was elected at the June 5, 2006 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the constitution. The members of that committee studied proposed amendments to the constitution that had been submitted by the executive board, and the committee recommended that the changes be approved and brought to a vote by the membership. The full text of their report was published in the August issue of the Seafarers LOG and was presented to the membership at membership meetings. Some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar ser- Right: Voting at the Honolulu hall is Electrician Efren Villarosa. Port Agent Neil Dietz is at right. Securing their ballots at the Baltimore hall are (from left) AB Nestor Agcaoili, AB Kim Brown and Chief Steward Robert Brown. vices and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Seafarers eligible to take part in this vote are full-book members in good standing. The eligibility standard is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. AB Walter Lichota (left) receives his ballot from Port Agent Neil Dietz. October 2006 �President Bush Credits SIU, School Labor Day Speech Includes Strong Praise for Union, Paul Hall Center The SIU and its affiliated training facility received accolades from President Bush on Labor Day, as the commander-inchief stopped in Piney Point, Md. to deliver an upbeat speech in which he also expressed strong support for the U.S. maritime industry. SIU President Michael Sacco introduced President Bush, whose administration consistently has backed the U.S. Merchant Marine. The outdoor Labor Day address took place shortly before noon Sept. 4 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, with approximately 700 students, staff members, industry representatives and other guests in the audience. President Bush flew in Marine One from Washington, D.C. to the Southern Maryland campus, where he toured the simulator building— including a turn at the wheel inside the full mission bridge simulator—and then addressed the crowd near the shore, by the training vessel Osprey. He was flanked on stage by unlicensed apprentices, upgraders and students enrolled in NCL America training at the Paul Hall Center. Afterward, President Bush leisurely met with students and others from the audience, posing for photos, shaking hands and signing autographs. He mingled for nearly 30 minutes, an unusually long time according to individuals who have attended other White House events. In a brief but enthusiastic introduction, SIU President Sacco described President Bush as “a true friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine. His leadership has created thousands and thousands of jobs in the U.S.-flag fleet, which in turn has improved America’s In photo at left, SIU President Michael Sacco introduces President Bush to the Paul Hall Center crowd on Labor Day. At right, flanked by students from the Seafarers-affiliated school, President Bush notes the importance of proper training and how it benefits workers and the economy. boats (and) those who are enginational and economic security.” President Bush wasted no time neers on the boats have the expressing his admiration for absolute best training possible. “I applaud the Seafarers Union both the union and the school. “I didn’t realize how strong and I applaud the employers working togethyour facilities er to make sure are,” he stated. See pages 12-13 for more that those who “I wasn’t sure work for a livwhat to expect, photos from the ing have what it but this is a fanLabor Day event. takes to be comtastic facility. It petitive. We’ve speaks to your leadership, and the leadership and got to make sure that’s the case the importance of your union. throughout all the work force.” Speaking of the nation’s marAnd so, here on Labor Day, I say to the union members who are itime policies, he added, “It’s here, happy Labor Day, and important for presidents to thanks for supporting leadership embrace the Jones Act. I have, that is progressive, smart, capa- (for) five-and-a-half years as the ble, and has your best interests at president, supported the Jones Act and will continue to do so.” heart.” During the rest of his 11Describing his firsthand experience in the bridge simulator and minute, nationally televised his tour of the engine simulator, remarks, President Bush disPresident Bush called it “one of cussed what he described as prothe most amazing training tools I growth economic policies that have ever seen. It shows this promote job expansion, including union’s commitment, along with tax relief. He touched on the need industry’s commitment, to mak- for less reliance on foreign oil and ing sure that those who pilot the the concurrent importance of Crescent Adds Tug ‘Noon Wednesday’ Seafarers-contracted Crescent Towing earlier this year added a twin-screw harbor tug to the segment of its fleet that is based in Mobile, Ala. The Noon Wednesday features a modern design and state-of-theart equipment, noted SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, who attended the tug’s christening May 17. “It’s an outright addition to the fleet, and it might be the widest tug I’ve ever been on,” said Kelly. The Noon Wednesday is 75 feet long and 40 feet wide. It was delivered in May and quickly demonstrated its capabilities. According to news reports, a barge sank in Mobile’s ship channel during Memorial Day weekend. The day after the holiday, with the channel reopened, the new tug helped move a dozen Celebrating the christening in Mobile, Ala. are company officials and Seafarers (from left) Engineer Jason Johnston, Deckhand John Brock, Deckhand Timothy McKibbon, Cooper Marine (Crescent’s parent company) President Angus Cooper, SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly, Captain Bo Tucker, Crescent VP Tadd Willcutt, Engineer Michael Hurst, Engineer Johnny Johnston, Deckhand Gerald Beuk, Captain Ronnie Walker, Port Chaplain Bernie Maret and Deckhand Josh Burns. vessels, according to an article in Workboat magazine. “She’s got a squatty body,” Crescent Vice President Prentiss (Tadd) Willcutt told the publication. “We have such tight turns here in Mobile, and we have to put them in those finger piers. It’s not like the milewide Mississippi River.” The new boat’s features include a pilothouse with 360-degree visibility and twin EMD 16-645 diesels producing a combined 4,500 hp at 900 rpm. The tug’s running speed is 12.5 knots; it can hold 30,000 gallons of fuel. “It’s got everything you’d expect and hope for in a modern tugboat and it has been very wellreceived here in Mobile,” added Kelly, who also pointed out that the christening took place precisely at noon on a Wednesday. Left: The Noon Wednesday joined Crescent Towing’s fleet this summer. October 2006 developing technologies for energy sources. In an apparent nod toward fair trade, he also stated, “One of the ways to make sure that we’re a competitive nation is to continue opening up markets for U.S. products. If I was somebody who was driving a ship or an engineer on a ship, I’d want to hear a president say, ‘We want you to be selling U.S. products—transporting U.S. products around the world.’ And my message to the world is this: Just treat us the way we treat you. That’s all we expect. We just want the rules to be fair—because I believe this country can compete with anybody, any time, anywhere, so long as the rules are fair.” Early in his speech, President Bush noted that he had been scheduled to visit the school on Labor Day 2005, but had to cancel that trip due to Hurricane Katrina. He said he was “thrilled” to be invited again and “couldn’t wait to say yes.” He credited American workers with helping make the U.S. “the economic leader in the world” and asserted that proper training is vital to the nation’s wellbeing. “It starts with making sure our workers have the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century. That’s one of the primary reasons I came to this facility.” Industry Awaits Final TWIC, MMC Regs Representatives from the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continue meeting with government and industry officials to help protect merchant mariners’ rights relative to the upcoming Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). At press time in late September, the industry still awaited the Department of Homeland Security’s final rulemakings on the aforementioned documents. Those regulations are expected to be issued in the very near future. After issuing notices of proposed rulemakings in May, the government reportedly received 1,950 formal comments on the TWIC and relatively few on the MMC. The SIU issued comprehensive comments on both items and continues working with other U.S. maritime unions as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department to ensure fair treatment for mariners. “Naturally, the SIU will immediately and carefully deliberate on the final rulemakings when they are delivered,” stated SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. “We have treated this situation with utmost seriousness and urgency and will continue to do so.” As reported last month, the comment period only has been extended for one component of the TWIC and MMC proposed rulemakings —specifically, the sections pertaining to ID card and reader technology. Ports and other businesses won’t have to install and use the card readers as quickly as first proposed, even though the government apparently will proceed with issuing TWICs to workers. In its formal comments and in other communications, the SIU has emphasized that it completely backs the worthwhile goal of effective security aboard ship and in port, but has very legitimate concerns about certain aspects of the proposals for both the TWIC and the MMC. Basically, the SIU (individually and also along with other maritime unions) recommends that a biometric identifier be added to the existing merchant mariner document, in accordance with requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, and that such a modified card should be recognized as both a TWIC and an MMC. The rationale for such a proposal is clear-cut: Mariners already undergo strict background checks equal to or greater than those proposed for the TWIC and MMC programs, and the merchant mariner document itself is a proven, time-tested credential. Seafarers LOG 3 �First Philadelphia Tanker Floated Out OSG to Operate New Builds from Aker American Shipping The float-out of union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard’s first Veteran Class product tanker, Hull 005, took place Sept. 18. The flooding of the yard’s building dock floated the vessel off its keel blocks in advance of the ship’s move to the facility’s outfitting dock for some final touches in that phase of construction. The ship’s entire structure has already been completed and its propeller and rudder also had been fitted as of mid-September. When fully completed, the 46,000 deadweight ton Veteran Class vessel will be the most modern product tanker in the U.S. domestic fleet, according to the shipyard. Slated to be christened the Overseas Houston at the shipyard in November, the vessel will be the first in the yard’s 10-ship, double-hulled tanker build program for American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). As reported earlier in the LOG, the keel for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007—was laid May 15. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third doublehulled tanker, cutting steel for the vessel which also is scheduled for completion next year. All 10 of the vessels are expected to sail in the Jones Act market. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, R-Wash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. Each of the new tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The tanker program was announced in April 2005. At that time the company pointed out that in the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, the order for 10 tankers was believed to be the largest of its kind. Also at that time, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen stated, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” More recently, OSG Senior Vice President Captain Robert Johnston stated that his company is exploring the possibil- The first tanker in a 10-ship fleet being built at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard was floated off its keel blocks Sept. 18. ity of investing in as many as 17 new additional U.S.-flag ships. Secret Mission, Open Kudos for SBX Crew Twenty-six Seafarers recently were lauded for their contributions to the Department of Defense’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) X-Band Radar (XBR) Project office while working aboard the Interocean American Shipping Corp.-operated SBX-1. The SBX-1, during the period when the mariners earned the recognition, was involved in classified operations which had been mandated by the Department of Defense (DOD). The planning, training and execution of this mission ran from June 14 to July 5, 2006. Army Col. John R. Fellows, of the DOD GMD Joint Program office, in a letter of appreciation to Interocean American Shipping Military personnel hone their skills during a voyage. which recognized the mariners, said in part: “I would like to commend and express my sincere appreciation to your team for their outstanding contributions to the GroundBased Midcourse Defense XBand Radar Project office and to our nation. The SBX was tasked to perform a classified speLeft: The SBX-1 is selfpropelled, but sometimes it is more efficient to catch a ride. USNS Red Cloud Receives ‘Constant Care Award’ The SIU-crewed USNS Red Cloud recently was recognized for its outstanding record of safe operations since the vessel’s delivery in 2000. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Red Cloud offloads coalition combat equipment and supplies at Souda Bay, Greece, after returning from deployment in Iraq in May 2005. 4 Seafarers LOG The USNS Red Cloud is part of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command fleet and is operated by Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), which is based in Norfolk, Va. The honor, the “Constant Care Award,” recently was established to recognize vessels within the MLL fleet that have operated for at least five years without a lost time accident (LTA). According to the company, “Constant Care means being proactive, preparing for problems in advance, and taking the proper course to complete a task safely and efficiently.” The Red Cloud is the first vessel to achieve this significant milestone since the award’s inception. The company pointed out that despite regularly scheduled crew rotations during the aforementioned five-year period, “the safety culture was passed on from crew member to crew member and continued to hold true. ‘Constant Care’ requires more cial mission that was mandated by and in support of the Secretary of Defense….your team’s assistance to this effort was superb. Their professionalism and dedication were evident throughout this critical event.” Receiving recognition were Bosuns James Crate and Wes Slattery; ABs John Ulstrom, Greg Overstreet, Mark Bolitho and Christopher Yohe; Ordinary Seamen Matt Jenness and Gene Hoehn; QMEDs David Spaulding, Joseph Benavente, Jordan Cuddy and Victor Bunghart; than safety training. It requires commitment and reinforcement.” On August 11, the award formally was presented by MLL Director of Operations Jerry Eker. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny joined Capt. George G. Galyo, USN, Commander, Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, and others for the ceremony in Norfolk. Capt. Christopher Begley noted that one of the primary reasons for the USNS Red Cloud’s success is that officers and crew members view the vessel as their home, and they look out for one another as family. Both Mangram and Galyo praised the crew for their continued success. During the past five years, the Red Cloud has logged more than one million nautical miles and completed more than 25 deployments or missions. The vessel is one of eight large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessels managed by Maersk Line, Limited. The LMSR ships are named for Medal of Honor recipients. Electricians Kirk Benton and Frank Guenther; QEE Paul Mullersman and Wiper Bryan Fisher. Also honored were Steward/ Baker Bill Bragg; Chief Cooks Larry Pugh and Nancy Vaupel; ACUs Larinda Sawyer and Elba Alfaro; and SAs Terry Lane, Francis Fiorella, Steve Concepcion, Cindy Galarza and W. Carnell Frink. The SBX-1 is a unique combination of an advanced X-Band radar mounted aboard an oceangoing, semi-submersible platform. It provides the Ballistic Missile Defense System with a missile tracking and discrimination capability that can be positioned to cover any part of the globe to support both missile defense operations and testing. The platform is twin-hulled, selfpropelled and very stable in rough seas and turbulent sea conditions. The platform’s oceanspanning mobility allows the radar to be repositioned as needed to support the various test scenarios envisioned for the Ballistic Missile Defense System or to The SIU-crewed SBX-1 supports America’s national security. provide radar coverage of possible threat missile launches from anywhere in the world. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar is 240 feet wide and 390 feet long. It towers more than 280 feet from its keel to the top of the radome and displaces nearly 50,000 tons. Larger than a football field, the main deck houses living quarters, workspaces, storage, power generation, a bridge and control rooms while providing the floor space and infrastructure necessary to support the radar antenna array, command, control and communications suites and an in-flight interceptor communication system data terminal. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (fourth from right) and Port Agent Georg Kenny (far left) join crew members and officers on the USNS Red Cloud in celebrating the Constant Care Award. Pictured from the left are Bosun Thomas DeCarlo, MLL Director of Operations Jerry Eker, Capt. Christopher Begley, Bosun Terry Evins and Capt. George G. Galyo, USN. October 2006 �Peters Nominated as Transportation Secretary President Bush on Sept. 4 nominated Mary Peters to become the nation’s next Secretary of Transportation. Peters currently serves as an executive for transportation policy at a major engineering firm. She headed the Federal Highway Administration from 2001-2005, and prior to that spent three years directing the Arizona Department of Transportation. If confirmed by the Senate, Peters will succeed Norman Mineta, the longest-serving Secretary of Transportation in U.S. history. Mineta, a strong advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine, retired in July after serving in the post for five and onehalf years. “I’m pleased to announce that I intend to nominate Mary Peters to be the next Secretary of Transportation,” President Bush said in making the announcement. “Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is vital to our prosperity and competitiveness; it’s critical to the everyday lives of our citizens. “The Secretary of Transportation is responsible for maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system,” the president continued. “In addition, the Secretary of Transportation plays an important role in our nation’s coordinated efforts to guard against terrorist threats to our aircraft, our seaports and our infrastructure. “It is a job that requires vision and strong leadership. Mary Peters is the right person for this job,” President Bush said. “She brings a lifetime of experience on transportation issues, from both the private and public sectors. “She’s an innovative thinker. She knows how to set priorities and to solve problems. And as a member of my Cabinet,” concluded the president, “Mary will work closely with state and local leaders to ensure that America has a state-of-the-art transportation system that meets the needs of our growing economy.” After thanking President Bush for affording her the opportunity to serve as America’s next Secretary of Transportation, Peters took the podium in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. In part she said, “Today, our vital transportation infrastructure is showing signs of aging. We are experiencing increasing congestion on our nation’s highways, railways, airports and seaports. And we’re robbing our nation of productivity and our citizens of International Study Shows Union Ships Are Happier Editor’s note: The following article—written by Dr. Erol Kahveci, a senior research associate at the Seafarers’ International Research Center in Cardiff, UK—is being reprinted from the International Transport Workers’ Federation publication, Seafarers’ Bulletin. The article has been edited slightly for style. The results of a major survey on the working conditions aboard car carrier vessels have provided some useful, if unsurprising data for seafarers’ rights campaigners. The message from 627 unlicensed seafarers who were surveyed over the past two years in a major international study is clear: mariners feel happier, healthier and more valued when employed on vessels sailing under national flags rather than on flag of convenience (FOC) ships. But those on FOC ships feel distinctly better off if they are serving on a ship with an ITF agreement. The survey also confirms what members of trade unions probably already believe—that the percentage of FOC car carriers that are covered by ITF agreements are relatively high compared to that of the general fleet. About 60 percent of all vessels in the international fleet fly FOCs. The remaining 40 percent sail under national flags. Of those FOC ships according to ITF estimates, about 30 percent are covered by one of its collective agreements. Trade union officials believe that car carriers are more likely to take out the “insurance policy” of an ITF agreement because they carry high value cargo and run on very tight schedules. The fact that Japanese ownership is disproportionately high in the car carrier sector is also significant. Japanese companies are likely to belong to the Joint Negotiating Group which, along with the ITF, forms part of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). The IBF, of which the ITF is a member, negotiates pay and conditions for seafarers on FOC ships. Overall, the survey results are consistent with the general pattern of national versus FOC distribution (40 percent national flag versus 60 percent FOC). The percentage of FOCs with union agreements however, is considerably higher. Of all the FOC car carriers, 62 percent have uniform ITF agreements (known as “total crew cost” or TCC). Nine percent of these carriers have agreements negotiated by the IBF and 28 percent have no ITF recognized agreement. Patterns of perception What difference do national flags and the different types of agreements make? According to the results of the survey, they make a great deal of difference. Unlicensed mariners working under national flags are more likely to express positive attitudes about their relationships with their company and crewing agency than those working on FOC ships with agreements. They also are more apt to give October 2006 companies and crewing agencies higher marks than those on FOCs without agreements. Seafarers were asked standard questions about their pride in and loyalty towards their companies…. Because of the contractual nature of employment in the industry, the TCC agreements do not cover pensions. Aside from those from Singapore, most seafarers from Asian countries have no retirement pension contribution from their employer. Such benefits also are rare for seafarers from Indian Ocean and East European countries. These agreements are void of provisions that grant seafarers medical care while they are on leave. Filipinos—the largest national group—are afforded medical health coverage for a maximum period of six months when on leave. It also is mandatory for Filipinos to contribute to a medical insurance system. Seafarers from the Indian Ocean, East European and Asian countries are less fortunate. The great majority—95, 100 and 72 percent of those surveyed respectively—have no such benefit. The Need to Feel Valued On matters related to training and skill development, and to hours of work and rest, the pattern likewise is clear: those working under national flags are most likely to make positive evaluations, followed by those under ITF-recognized agreements. Both of those groups again tend to be more positive than those on FOC ships with no agreements. Such responses go hand-in-hand with unlicensed mariners’ evaluations of their officers’ performance (based on how they are treated, kept informed, etc.). Regardless of their rating, unlicensed mariners on national flag vessels generally feel that they have enough input with respect how they work and the workload involved (hours) in getting jobs done. They are equally concerned about stress related to job security, pay issues, physical working conditions and having to work while in pain. Overall, it is clear that unlicensed mariners who work on FOC ships that do not have ITF agreements are the most disadvantaged. Among other things, they are less likely to be encouraged to develop their skills, to feel that their jobs are secure or to be consulted on crewing, pay, health and safety and other issues. They also are less likely to feel that they have any influence over their work. Not surprisingly, they are less likely to take pride in whom they work for. The majority of unlicensed mariners on foreignflag car carriers do not get six hours of uninterrupted rest daily. Those on ships that do not have ITF agreements, however, are more likely to be deprived of it. These mariners also are more likely to feel that they work very hard, are constantly rushed and worry about job security during rest hours. The message from the survey to those wanting to go to sea on car carriers is clear enough: go aboard a vessel that flies a national flag. Those who have no alternative except FOCs should go on one that has an ITF agreement. White House photo by Shealah Craighead President George W. Bush’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation, Mary Peters, addresses the media during the announcement in the Roosevelt Room Sept. 5, 2006. quality time with their families. “In some cases,” Peters said, “this is the result of systems and structures that are more suited to a bygone era than to the 21st century. Should I be confirmed by the United States Senate, I look forward to working with you, Mr. President, with Congress, and with our public and private sector partners to address these issues and to provide our nation with a transportation system that is unparalleled in its security, in its safety, its efficiency, and its effectiveness.” Survey Says Many Americans Fret About Health Care Costs Three out of every four Americans recently surveyed by the Commonwealth Fund expressed strong worries about the quality, affordability and accessibility of the nation’s health care system. One of the most startling findings to come out of the report, Public Views on Shaping the Future of the U.S. Health Care System, is that Americans of every economic standing are finding it difficult to afford health care coverage. According to the study, 50 percent of respondents belonging to families earning less than $35,000 said they had “somewhat serious” or “very serious” problems in paying their medical bills. The result was practically the same for those in families making $35,000 to $49,999—48 percent expressed strong concern. Among higher income families, 33 percent earning between $50,000 and $74,999 are finding it hard to pay their medical bills. Even higher-income Americans are having problems—21 percent of families with incomes greater than $75,000 are expressing concern. Finally, there is a broad consensus that the federal government should take a more active role in this area. Eighty percent of those surveyed say that the U.S. government should ensure that all Americans have access to adequate and affordable health insurance. A non-profit organization, the Commonwealth Fund was formed in 1918 to explore issues relating to health care. It has long been a catalyst for change, according to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD). In the 1920s, it led the charge for improved childcare that resulted in the emergence of public health departments in communities around the country. From 1920 to 1940, the organization drew attention to inadequacies in America’s network of rural hospitals. In a related development, The New York Times reported that not only are some children moving back home after college and asking mom and dad for monthly subsidies, but in a growing number of states children can now stay on their parents’ health insurance plans well into their 20s. Reporter Jennifer Lee said that with 18- to 34-year-olds— the fastest growing group of uninsured—states are extending the time that children can be a dependent for insurance purposes. In New Jersey, which this year enacted the highest age limit, children can “piggyback” until they turn 30, as long as they live in the state and don’t have their own children. The trend stems from a concern that a healthy—and profitable—segment of the population is dropping out of the insurance pool. About half of all states have studied such proposals, and at least nine have passed laws, eight of them since 2003 and three just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. About 30 percent of adults ages 18 to 24, and more than onequarter of adults 25 to 34, are uninsured, though the average for all age groups is 16 percent, according to figures released by the Census Bureau in late August. It is not known how many people have taken advantage of extended coverage, because policies are administered by private companies and most of the changes have only recently taken effect. Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �ANSWERING THE CALL ABOARD THE USNS WRIGHT T he SIU-crewed USNS Wright, part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet, early last month was activated in the port of Baltimore. Answering the call to duty as is their tradition, Seafarers fully crewed up the U.S.-flag military support ship. As evidenced by the photos on these two pages (which were taken Sept. 7), the vessel was a hub of activity. SIU members worked side by side with members of the United States Marine Corps to ready the vessel for its pending mission. They effected a variety of minor repairs, inspected vital operating systems and loaded stores. The Wright is a helicopter repair ship, which can provide support for offshore helicopter activity and house more than 325 people. The RRF is a fleet of militarily useful ships, normally used to support the U.S. Armed Forces in time of war or national emergency. Many of the ships from the RRF have been back and forth to the Middle East, supporting armed forces there. RRF ships also have frequently been activated to help in recovery efforts from disasters overseas, but last year with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita marked the first time they have been activated to assist in recovery from a domestic disaster. The RRF program was initiated in 1976 as a subset of the Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. Seafarers crewed up the USNS Wright early last month in the port of Baltimore for an upcoming deployment. Taking a well deserved break from their duties are (from left) AB Alfred Martin, OS Jose Ramos and OS Ed Riscos. Facing away from the camera is OS Leonard Gregg. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore inspects and checks off on his list of tasks in preparation for launch. AB Eleazar Lozano Jr. readies the deck of the USNS Wright to receive stores containers. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore (left) attentively listens to a briefing given by the chief mate of the USNS Wright. Other SIU members taking in the briefing are (in no particular order) ABs Emmanuel Wabe, Albert Haarman, Angelo Acosta, Eleazar Lozano, Antonio Santos and Albert Martin and OSs Leonard Gregg, Jose Ramos and Ed Risco. Other SIU crew members aboard the Wright for the activation, but not pictured in this feature, include SAs Norman Adler and Dominic Dumlao; QMEDs Kenneth Powell and Therman Ames; QEE Rodolfo Cunanan and OMU Arthur Marshall. Chief Cook Kevin Fischer moves another of his creations to the serving line to be dished up for hungry shipmates. 6 Seafarers LOG Assistant Cook Julie Dvoroznak cuts a pie in preparation for lunch. Delivering the Goods Seafarers over the years have “I especially am impressed built an untarnished reputation with their emphasis on safety of “delivering the goods” when- and their attention to detail ever and wherever needed. when it comes to practicing it,” That reputation remains Everett continued. “I still intact today, and remember the according to first time I U.S. Marine sailed with Master Sgt. them and how Charles Everett, thoroughly a Jacksonville, they briefed N.C. native with us when we more than 22 mustered for years of service an overview in the Corps, of the vessel. SIU members “They told are still doing us what we their all to keep needed to do if it that way. a fire broke Everett is one of out and covmany Marines ered all procewho were aboard dures that Master Sgt. Charles Everett the USNS Wright would be folSept. 7 as it prelowed in the pared for a miliunlikely event tary deployment from the port that we had to use the vessel’s of Baltimore. lifeboats. They even told us “Seafarers are a really hardwho would get into which working and dedicated group of lifeboat…. I call that thorough people,” said Everett, who once and it gives all of us a good before has had occasion to rub feeling.” sleeves with members of the Everett, his fellow Marines “fourth arm of defense” during aboard the Wright and every military operations. “I shipped other person in uniform often out on this same vessel in the depend on the dedication and past and I have nothing but training of others while deploygood things to say about how ing to perform their respective the SIU folks conducted themjobs. “As a group, I think we’re selves. They are extremely pro- in great hands with the memfessional, very cooperative and bers of the SIU on this vessel,” will do whatever is needed to Everett said. “They all know keep everything running their jobs and they do them smoothly. very well.” October 2006 �A pair of SIU crew members is busy with duties on deck. Steward Assistant John Cator dishes up an entrée for a crew member during lunch. Left: Plumber Kenneth Pell checks the faucet in the galley of the Wright to ensure that water pressure is up to standard. Chief Steward Rayfield Crawford packs away items in one of the vessel’s storage areas. QMED Earl Ebbert checks the power supply of one of the vessel’s coffee makers. QMED Alshea Dixon conducts an inspection of systems in the engine room. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore carries a case of bottled water to the galley storage room. AB Santos Antonio (left) and AB Eleazar Lozano Jr. guide a piece of equipment as it is lowered dockside from the deck of the USNS Wright. ANSWERING THE CALL ABOARD THE USNS WRIGHT October 2006 Seafarers LOG 7 �CIVMARS Assist in Mercy’s Humanitarian Missions The Navy’s Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy recently completed a fivemonth humanitarian mission in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The vessel is crewed by 66 civil service mariners (CIVMARs), some of whom are members of the SIU Government Services Division. Mariners operate and navigate the ship while military personnel and volunteers from non-governmental organizations team up with local doctors to provide much-needed treatment to patients at each stop. When the hospital ship responded to the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, they utilized not only helicopters, but also were able to transport doctors, patients and cargo with rigid-hull inflatable boats. Since Mercy’s missions are scheduled in places with no existing ports, the ship must anchor off shore. So, for their most recent mission, they acquired two utility boats from the Navy, which they affectionately call “Band-Aid” boats. Each of these boats can take about 45 passengers at a time, three times the number that can be moved by either of the two helicopters on board the Mercy. “The Band-Aid boats are wonderful,” said Capt. Joseph Moore, USN, commander of the Mercy’s Medical Treatment Facility. “We would not have been able to treat nearly the number of people that we have without them.” The two boats have been painted white, like the ship they support, and are marked with red crosses. Each one also has the likeness of a Band-Aid bandage painted on the steering column, one with a “1” painted in the center of the bandage, and the other with a “2.” Each boat is assigned three mariners: two from the deck department to steer and operate the boat and one from the engine department to monitor and repair the engine, if necessary. Third Mate Richard Paramore and ABs Dale Witham and Timothy Wheelock are among the regular Band-Aid boat drivers. On most days, from the first earlymorning run at 6:30 through the last late run in the evening, they assist in ferrying passengers nonstop from ship to shore and back again. This can easily add up to 12- to 16-hour days for each of the drivers. “It’s a long day, but I love it. It’s really good to help all of those people,” said Paramore. In 43 days of operations at six stops in the Philippines and Indonesia, the boats transported approximately 5,000 people as well as medical and building equipment to and from the ship. The only stop at which the boats were not utilized was in Bangladesh, because the ship was operating too far off shore. In addition to transporting patients, the Band-Aid boat mariners also provide them with care and support as they and their loved ones make the journey to the hospital ship for treatment. Many of the patients are unfamiliar with hospitals, ships and the English language—and the journey is often a frightening experience. “The mariners are remarkable in the amount of sensitivity and care that they have shown in U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Don Bray The USNS Mercy, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, is anchored off the coast of Dili, Timor (in Indonesia) to provide humanitarian, medical and civic assistance to the island’s residents. Band-Aid boats are used to transport patients, doctors and supplies to and from the ship. helping people to get on and off the ship,” said Capt. Bradley Martin, USN, the humanitarian mission commander. “They have served as excellent ambassadors for Mercy.” “If it weren’t for the Band-Aid boats, this mission certainly wouldn’t have touched as many people as it has,” said Capt. Robert T. Wiley, Mercy’s civilian master. “Over the course of our mission, our utility boats have moved over five times the number of passengers and equipment than the helos have at a fraction of the cost, making them the most cost-effective and high volume means of ship-to-shore transportation for this deployment.” The medical personnel on this mission saw more than 40,000 patients both on the ship and at local hospitals ashore. In addition, the Seabee unit aboard, along with some of Mercy’s CIVMARs, helped with infrastructure improvement projects at almost every locale. The USNS Mercy left its last humanitarian stop in late August and was scheduled to return home to San Diego by the end of September. Wilmington-Area Seafarers March in Parade U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Edward G. Martens “Band-Aid One,” one of two transport boats, shuttles patients and crew from ship to shore when the USNS Mercy anchored for a week off the coast of Tarakan, a small Indonesian island. Seafarers participated in the annual Labor Day parade in Wilmington, Calif. Among those taking part in the event (and pictured at right) were Andres Mano, Jamie Merced, Efren Ancheta, Thomas Leong, Samuel Lampshire, James Boss, Jefferson Julian, Thom Montgomery and son Jett, Dispatcher Nick Rios, Port Agent John Cox and family (wife Tausha, daughters Alexis and Ashley), Osei Baffoe, Steven Benavides and Ricky Williams. ATC Ship Model Docks at HQ Seafarers-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. last month commemorated the addition of the Alaskan Explorer to its fleet by leaving a model of the new vessel at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. for employees and guests to observe. Checking out the replica are (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, ATC Director of Labor Relations Bill Cole and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. The Alaskan Explorer, a doublehulled tanker and the fourth in the Alaska Class built in San Diego, was delivered Aug. 18 and started sailing with an SIU crew shortly thereafter. 8 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �CIVMAR News Tragedy Aboard USNS San Jose In late August, two MSC bargaining unit employees died while working along the side of the USNS San Jose in a “cherry picker” lift. These individuals were assigned to paint the side of the vessel. The union has started an investigation of the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. All CIVMARS should be aware that training, certification and/or licensing are necessary prior to using this type of equipment. The Navy has certain protocols and precautions that must be followed when using this type of equipment. Training, special safety equipment, spotters and other safety criteria must all be considered prior to and while you are working with and on the lift. (Space does not permit a complete listing here of all the safety requirements and precautions.) If you are assigned to this duty and feel you have not received the correct training or do not feel confident that you will be able to safely operate the equipment as a result of adverse conditions or because you do not have enough experience, it is very important to let your shipboard supervisor and your union representative know. The union will be able to assist you in this situation. The union will be following this case very closely. If you need more information about using the lift call SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler at (510) 4442360 or e-mail civmarsupport@seafarers.org. Snapshots from Jacksonville Notice of Limitation to Personal E-mail Accounts and Web Sites The union’s Government Services Division has received notice from MSC that in the near future all CIVMARS sailing aboard MSC vessels will no longer be able to use their private e-mail account to send or receive messages from the vessel. All CIVMARS will be required to have a “.mil” e-mail address. There will be some restrictions to surfing and connecting with certain commercial web sites. CIVMARS will also be required to utilize a Defense Common Access Card to use the shipboard computers. The union is reviewing this policy very carefully and preparing impact and implementation proposals for MSC’s review and response. The union has requested that this policy be changed only after bargaining has been completed. The union believes that this policy could substantially impair the ability of mariners to conduct their personal affairs aboard the vessel as they have been able to do in the past. The union is also seeking information about how CIVMARS may use their own personal computers aboard the vessel to enable them to continue full access to their personal e-mail accounts and unlimited access to the internet. The union is interested in hearing from CIVMARS with any questions or concerns about how this change will impact them. You can call your union representative or e-mail civmarsupport@seafarers.org. SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Randy Senatore (seated near lamp at left, wearing vest) and Port Agent Archie Ware (behind the camera) meet with Seafarers aboard the USNS Stockham on July 25. The union representatives and mariners discussed the new SIU standard contracts, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan eligibility requirements, proposed SIU constitutional amendments and more. Article Describes Routine Aboard SIU-Crewed Georgia Some of the differences between life aboard a U.S. Navy ship and a U.S. merchant ship— like the SIU-crewed Maersk Georgia—were highlighted in the Sept. 2006 issue of SEAPOWER, the official publication of the Navy League of the United States. The Georgia, a containership operated by Maersk Line Ltd., is one of four vessels in that company’s fleet that participates in the Maritime Security Program (MSP), which was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 to provide approximately $100 million annually for up to 47 vessels to partially offset the higher operating costs of keeping these vessels under U.S.-flag registry and making them available to the Defense Department in times of need. (The MSP was extended for 10 years when the original program expired in October 2005. It also grew to include up to 60 ships and includes additional funding.) In drawing the comparisons, one of the main differences mentioned by the author, Matt Hilburn, associate editor of SEAPOWER, is that the Georgia, among the most modern ships in the U.S.-flag fleet, carries a crew of 19 on its run from the U.S. East Coast through the Mediterranean, into the Middle East, on to India and then back on 49-day runs. In the past, such ships would have carried larger crews. With 19 persons aboard ship, life for the crew of the Georgia is very busy, particularly when arriving in or departing from a port. “On a carrier there may be 19 or 20 guys doing what you just saw three do,” said Capt. James Rodgers, a merchant mariner since 1973, who came on board in Norfolk, Va. to start a October 2006 This is one of three pages in the September 2006 issue of SEAPOWER magazine that talks about life aboard the SIUcrewed USNS Georgia. Port Agent Archie Ware (left) is pictured with Florida State Senator Anthony Hill during a July 15 meeting of the Florida State AFL-CIO which took place at a local firehouse. The two discussed the importance of grassroots political action and some of the issues affecting the maritime industry. They also talked about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s efforts in hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast as well as the need to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Americans Worry About Health Care Costs Continued from page 5 typical 98-day stint as captain of the ship. He was referring to departure activities from the port of Norfolk—including loading and unloading cargo and picking up or dropping off a pilot, although he noted that comparisons between the two may be difficult to make given the different missions of each ship. While at sea, however, crew members have a more regular routine, working four hours on watch and then getting eight hours off—but with the unpredictability of life aboard ship, anything can happen to interrupt that free time. Another difference between a Navy and merchant vessel is the lack of distinction between rank. Licensed merchant mariners (the equivalent of officers in the Navy) and unlicensed merchant mariners (enlisted persons) are not likely to display their rank or job title. “We tend to work together and not emphasize hierarchy,” said Rodgers. “I may address an [able-bodied seaman] just as a friend.” SIU member Franklyn Cordero, the chief steward aboard the USNS Georgia, was featured in the article as well. Cordero, a 30-year SIU veteran, noted that much of the galley functions have become more automated over the years, which helps, particularly with a three-man steward department. Up at 3 a.m, he is responsible for planning meals, ordering food, baking, keeping track of the ship’s sanitation, and, “when the chief cook needs it, pitching in with the cooking.” Port Agent Archie Ware (left) presents newly retired Seafarer Neftali Santana with his first pension check in early August. The recertified bosun began sailing with the SIU in 1967 and most recently sailed aboard the Commitment. The rise of uninsured young adults results from two main economic forces, analysts say. Changes in the workplace mean that fewer jobs now have full benefits, which disproportionately affects the newest workers. In addition, the rising cost of premiums, whether shared with an employer or paid individually, might make insurance less attractive to a relatively healthy population. For years, children have been allowed to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they turned 19, or until they turned 22 or 23 if they remained full-time students. Some of the laws extending the age of coverage allow insurers to charge extra premiums, which vary depending on the plan. They also have various restrictions, sometimes requiring that the child be a full-time student, be unmarried, reside in the state or even live with the parents. In general, these laws do not apply to insurance plans financed by the employer—as opposed to plans in which the employer buys coverage from an insurance company—because self-insured plans, favored by some larger companies, are shielded from state rules and laws under the 1974 Federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Before this year, laws extending health coverage were passed in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Dakota and Texas. Utah, where young Mormon men commonly complete two years of missionary work, passed the first law, in 1994. The governors of Delaware and Rhode Island signed such laws last July. New York State has three bills in legislative committees to raise the age limit for children to 25, with various restrictions. Connecticut has a similar proposal in committee. Seafarers LOG 9 �Seafarers and their families: These are some of the images we all look forward to seeing—and sharing with our brothers and sisters of the sea. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. Wearing his graduation cap and gown is Puerto Rico Port Agent Amancio Crespo and his family (from left) daughters Cristina Maria, Amanda Maria and his wife, Maria de los Angeles. Crespo received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Next stop: law school. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone shows off his 9month-old grandson, Gibson Hill, at the grand opening of the Oakland hall on Aug. 17. Recertified Steward Howard H. Lewis of Las Vegas, Nev. has seven granddaughters. Here he poses with four of them: Antonia Perez, Valerie Robinson, Alexandria Robinson and Jamilla Robinson. Thanks to his wife, Susan, for sending this photo to the LOG. Priscilla Senatore (right) and her son Jake got to meet President Bush when he came to the school on Labor Day. Senatore is administrator of admissions at the Paul Hall Center. AB Larry Casteneda brings his son Larry Jr. with him to the hall in Puerto Rico. 10 Seafarers LOG The Hill family gets together in Piney Point. From the left are Recertified Bosun Billy Sr., Unlicensed Apprentice Billy Jr., and Billie Sue Hill (mom). Billy Sr.’s brother, Tracy Hill, also sails as an electrician with the union, and their father, Chuck Hill, and grandfather, Thomas Perrett, also sailed SIU. October 2006 �October 2006 Seafarers LOG 11 �Labor D The President Arrives at Piney Point Seafarers-A Paul Hall Ce Hosts Presi Additional coverage appears SIU President Michael Sacco introduces President Bush, calling him “a true friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” President Bush shook many han and cordially posed for lots of ph tos after his speech. Here, he pictured with (first row, from le SIU VP Contacts George Trick guest Daniel Alioto and the fam of SIU Secretary-Treasurer Dav Heindel—Marinea, David, Zacha Jerri-Dee and Chelsea. Crowley Maritime Corp. Chairman and CEO Thomas B. Crowley, Jr. looks on as son Thomas Bannon Crowley gets an autograph. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �Day 2006 Affiliated enter ident Bush s on pages 1, 2 and 3 John Mason, director of training, American Service Technology, points out some of the engine simulator’s features. Listening to the president’s remarks are SIU President Sacco; John Angus, longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and former president of the National Propeller Club; and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. ds hois eft) er, mily vid ry, The President Departs October 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �Today you can dig up the Slop Chest online at www.siustore.com Visit the store and place your order today! SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Retiree Recognized for WWII Service An 80-year-old SIU retiree who sailed during World War II earlier this year was honored in Sellersville, PA for his contributions during the war effort. Anthony Kondracki of Quarkertown, PA. was lauded along with 100 other area resi- dents during a ceremony conducted at the borough firehouse by State Rep. Paul Clymer (R-PA.), according to a report in The Intelligencer newspaper by Hilary Bentman. Kondracki was the lone merchant mariner to be recognized during the event which also honored veteran Army infantrymen, Marines and airmen. Clymer afforded recognition to the veterans in his district for their service more than six decades ago, according to Bentman. Despite being vastly outnumbered by veterans of the other services, Kondracki wore his U.S. Merchant Marine medals and ribbons proudly. As a 16-year-old, Kondracki sailed into harm’s way while transporting locomotives to Russia to be used by the Red Army against the Germans during World War II, the report said. “Our guys went through a lot of bad things,” he told the newspaper. “I’m glad someone finally recognized us.” This is the certificate Anthony Kondracki received in recognition of his contributions during World War II as a merchant mariner. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 14 Seafarers LOG SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. October 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea November & December 2006 Membership Meetings AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT Totals 1 0 9 3 2 9 30 20 0 9 11 27 11 27 5 1 5 1 32 22 1 3 2 9 1 2 14 13 5 7 11 12 12 5 3 10 6 4 20 7 1 2 0 1 1 1 3 4 2 1 3 5 5 2 1 0 1 0 5 10 0 1 4 4 0 2 16 12 0 4 7 16 7 10 1 0 3 1 15 10 3 0 12 20 1 14 68 54 1 15 32 86 21 25 8 0 15 2 72 61 7 9 8 26 12 14 55 35 1 21 16 45 34 20 6 8 16 11 49 33 2 2 1 9 1 1 18 12 0 6 2 19 11 6 5 0 2 3 16 9 294 258 71 225 147 48 113 510 426 125 Joliet .....................Thursday: November 16, December 14 Mobile ..................Wednesday: November 15, December 13 Baltimore..............Thursday: November 9, December 7 Boston ..................Monday: November 13* ..............................Friday: December 8 ...............................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Guam ....................Friday: November 24* ..............................Thursday: December 21 ...............................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu...............Friday: November 17, December 15 Houston ................Monday: November 13, December 11 ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: November 9, December 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 7 5 1 9 14 24 0 4 7 18 12 9 1 4 2 1 20 10 3 4 5 11 3 3 12 20 1 3 4 7 4 6 2 3 2 3 27 8 0 1 2 2 1 3 6 3 0 2 0 4 3 5 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 9 1 0 5 9 12 0 4 5 5 8 6 1 2 4 0 21 10 2 4 4 5 0 5 6 4 1 6 3 7 5 5 4 2 2 2 20 3 0 2 1 2 0 1 5 1 0 1 0 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 1 0 4 3 5 0 6 2 1 2 5 1 1 1 0 12 5 0 0 7 7 2 14 24 40 1 9 10 38 18 17 2 4 4 3 21 17 3 2 7 13 8 2 19 36 3 6 7 11 14 9 1 3 5 2 28 17 2 0 2 4 1 2 13 5 1 2 1 6 6 6 0 0 2 2 7 12 148 131 37 102 90 29 53 238 196 74 0 0 4 8 1 12 24 18 0 3 6 15 10 22 0 1 1 2 20 23 1 0 0 8 0 7 8 7 0 0 4 7 7 7 1 1 2 2 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 1 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 5 19 14 0 7 3 14 8 16 0 2 0 0 17 18 1 0 1 4 0 2 2 6 0 1 1 5 9 5 0 2 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 4 0 0 0 7 3 7 0 1 2 0 11 4 1 0 7 10 4 14 39 34 0 5 9 37 13 39 4 3 1 3 29 41 0 0 0 13 3 18 13 15 0 4 7 9 14 8 1 1 5 3 22 16 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 2 3 0 4 7 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 4 170 82 17 127 45 8 47 293 152 40 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 4 0 0 2 6 1 6 0 0 0 0 6 1 2 1 4 4 2 5 23 22 0 5 7 40 17 17 1 23 0 0 14 7 4 2 1 7 0 5 16 10 1 2 4 14 21 8 0 21 0 0 11 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 4 14 8 0 2 5 15 10 10 1 13 2 1 7 6 1 0 1 4 0 2 2 7 0 3 1 1 14 1 0 27 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 8 5 0 1 4 10 1 9 0 0 2 0 10 1 3 3 5 11 3 12 37 34 0 7 7 64 26 26 1 15 1 0 29 13 10 4 2 17 1 13 26 23 1 3 9 34 30 17 0 3 1 0 17 13 35 194 133 16 103 70 0 56 297 224 647 665 258 470 385 155 213 1,097 1,071 463 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. October 2006 New Orleans.........Tuesday: November 14, December 12 New York .............Tuesday: November 7, December 5 Norfolk .................Thursday: November 9, December 7 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: November 8, December 6 Port Everglades ....Thursday: November 16, December 14 San Francisco .......Thursday: November 16, December 14 San Juan ...............Thursday: November 9, December 7 St. Louis ...............Friday: November 17, December 15 Tacoma .................Friday: November 24, December 22 Wilmington...........Monday: November 20, December 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals All Departments Algonac ................Monday: November 13* ..............................Friday: December 8 ...............................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) 1 2 0 6 2 0 7 11 1 3 1 9 5 6 3 0 0 1 7 6 Port Totals Piney Point ...........Monday: November 6, December 4 3 9 5 14 7 8 23 21 4 12 10 30 20 12 4 14 11 5 32 14 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 10 11 1 6 43 25 0 9 25 41 13 19 7 0 6 1 43 33 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ARMONDO “SKIP” ALVAREZ Please contact your brother, Mark Ah-Low at 460 Martin Lakes Drive South, Jacksonville, FL 32220; or call him at home (904) 695-1883 or on his cell phone (904) 210-6634. BRUCE BUTLER Please contact your daughter, Eugina Ford at (281) 682-6708. She is moving soon. Important Notice: New Date for SHBP Eligibility Change In July, a change in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) eligibility rules was announced. Upon the effective date of the change, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan—acting on the recommendation of the SIU Trustees—have decided to postpone this change to the eligibility rule. During 2007, the eligibility rule will remain the same as it is this year. This means that in order to be eligible for claims in 2007, a Seafarer must have 125 days of covered employment in 2006, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The eligibility rule will change on January 1, 2008. Beginning on that date, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year, in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. For example, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2008, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in 2007, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The 150-day rule’s impact on work rotations will be studied by the union. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 5 9 5 6 14 0 2 2 43 4 1 2 3 5 0 0 0 15 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 4 5 5 2 7 0 1 2 26 2 3 2 2 4 1 0 0 14 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 2 3 1 11 1 1 3 22 12 24 1 22 33 0 2 1 95 3 5 0 4 24 0 0 0 36 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 5 1 1 3 0 0 1 11 13 13 2 4 13 0 0 1 46 1 3 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 4 2 0 9 0 0 1 22 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 3 2 8 Port 1 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 6 1 3 7 0 0 0 20 1 0 1 1 5 0 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 6 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 6 0 5 1 0 3 0 0 1 4 11 18 2 5 18 0 0 0 54 2 3 0 2 20 0 0 1 28 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 85 26 19 40 21 19 43 195 73 12 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This old photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Trinidad Sanchez of Carolina, P.R. It was taken in Saigon, Vietnam in 1966. The group had come ashore from the General Simon B. Buckner, a civilian-manned Army transport vessel. Sanchez is on the far right. Brother Sanchez began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. He worked in the steward department. Before retiring in November 2005, he sailed aboard the USNS Fisher. If anyone has a vintage unionrelated photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. October 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA HECTOR AGUILAR, 65, was born in Costa Rica. Brother Aguilar commenced his SIU career in 1990 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Aguilar worked in the steward department and in 1995 and 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Aguilar most recently sailed on the Coast Range. He makes his home in Fontana, Calif. MILES BLACK, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1980 in Seattle, initially shipping aboard a Manhattan Tankers vessel. Born in New York, the engine department member enhanced his skills in 1995 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Black most recently sailed aboard the Tacoma. He calls Mt. Lake Terrace, Wash. home. JAMES BURTNETT, 65, became an SIU member in 1986. Brother Burtnett first sailed on the USNS Wilkes as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring abilities in 2000 at the Piney Point training school. Brother Burnett, who was born in California, last sailed aboard the Independence. He resides in Thompson Falls, Mont. SIU LEUNG CHAN, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1993 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Chan primarily sailed on the USNS Regulus during his seafaring career. He was born in China and worked in the steward department. In 2000, Brother Chan took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Metairie, La. WALTER HARRIS, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987. Brother Harris first shipped aboard the USNS Indomitable. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Harris was born in Boston, Mass. and worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Enterprise. Brother Harris lives in Honolulu. SALVATORE QUAGLIATO, 71, is a New Jersey native. Brother Quagliato started his SIU career in 1987. He first sailed in the deck department of the USNS Capella. Brother Quagliato upgraded his seafaring skills on two occasions at the union-affiliated school. His last ship was the Defender. Brother Quagliato makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. THOMAS VAIN JR., 65, became a Seafarer in 1963. Brother Vain’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Marore. The deck department member upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and most recently sailed aboard the USNS Antares. He was born Approving the Standard Agreements Left: Voting on the standard agreeements takes place on the Tyco Decisive in the port of Mobile. From the left are Bosun Jose Gomez and ABs Lovell Smith and Koksal Demir. Below: Other crew members aboard the ship wait for their turn to vote. in Baltimore, Md. and now resides in Jacksonville, Fla. born in New Orleans and now lives in Covington, La. EVAN VERENIOTIS, 65, joined the union in 1969. Brother Vereniotis initially sailed on the Steel Rover in the steward department. Born in Greece, he attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vereniotis last worked aboard the Horizon Hawaii. His home is in Athens, Greece. AARON BREAUX, 50, is a native of Louisiana. Boatman Breaux began his seafaring career in 1978. He worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing vessels. Boatman Breaux shipped in the deck department. He is a resident of Metairie, La. SHINICHI YOICHI, 72, was born in the Philippines. Brother Yoichi began his employment with the SIU in 1971. His first voyage was aboard the Overseas Ulla. Brother Yoichi was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Falcon Lady. Brother Yoichi calls Portland, Ore. home. INLAND FRANCIS BENEDICT, 69, started shipping with the SIU in 1956. Throughout his career, Boatman Benedict sailed aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. The deck department member was WAYNE NICHOLAS SR, 62, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Nicholas sailed aboard Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessels. In 1983, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Nicholas makes his home in Eight Mile, Ala. GREAT LAKES TIMOTHY THOMPSON, 53, embarked on his SIU career in 1971 in the port of Detroit, Mich. Brother Thompson originally sailed with Inland Lakes Management in the deck department. The Michigan born mariner enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the training Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 As a first step toward a National Labor Relations Board election covering the Isthmian fleet, the SIU this week notified Isthmian that the SIU represented a majority of Isthmian seamen and demanded full recognition as the sole collective bargaining agent. In the event Isthmian refuses the recognition, the SIU will then petition the Labor Board for an election covering all the unlicensed seamen aboard Isthmian ships. In the meantime the organizational drive continued in full swing. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. HILLARD BROWN, 63, became an NMU member in 1967. Brother Brown first sailed on the American Scientist. He was born in Charleston, S.C. and worked in the engine department. Brother Brown most recently shipped aboard the Cape Edmont. CUTHBERT FORBES, 63, is a native of Honduras. Brother Forbes joined the union in 1967, first sailing on the Gulf Supreme. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Argonaut. HENRY RICHARDSON, 59, launched his NMU career in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Richardson was born in New Orleans and shipped as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the U.S. Builder; his most recent was the ITB Jacksonville. around the world due to the refusal of the foreign crews to sail the vessels with their vitally needed cargoes to the war zone…. The Craftsman was first tied up in Kobe, Japan by the desertion of her Indian crew, who would not sail with her Vietnam-bound supplies. A Chinese crew was flown in to man the vessel, but upon reaching Hong Kong, they too refused to continue with the U.S. military cargo. Both of the other ships (London Craftsman and Elys Harbour) are also manned by Chinese crews who refuse to take their cargoes to Vietnam. This Month In SIU History 1955 A new high in both the number of benefits and total sums paid out was established by the dependents’ hospital and surgical plan for the month of October. Sixty Seafarer families benefited from payment of over $9,500 in hospital bills and surgical-medical fees during the month. In the four months since the plan started operating, 196 benefits of this kind have been paid to Seafarers at a total outlay of better than $31,000. 1965 Three more foreign-flag ships transporting military cargoes to South Vietnam for the Defense Department are tied up at various ports October 2006 facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Thompson’s last ship was the American Republic. He resides in Milton, Fla. 1975 Seventeen ships under contract to the SIU this month received charters to carry U.S. grain to Russia after strong political pressure by labor forced the Ford administration to negotiate a new long-term, five-year shipping agreement with the USSR, which includes higher freight rates and a ceiling on the amount of grain that can be sold to the Russians. Labor’s unified stand against the uncontrolled sale of grain to Russia not only has given a much-needed shot in the arm to the ailing U.S. tanker industry, but will help stabilize all grain-related consumer prices in this country. U.S. tankers will haul an estimated 890,000 tons of grain to the Soviet Union in October. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HUBERT ARCHIBALD Pensioner Hubert Archibald, 88, passed away May 15. Brother Archibald joined the union in 1966. His first voyage was aboard the Good Fellow. Brother Archibald was born in New York and shipped in the steward department. Before retiring in 1987, he last sailed on the Boston. Brother Archibald made his home in the state of Washington. ELVYN BUSSELL Pensioner Elvyn Bussell, 81, died April 4. Brother Bussell became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of Philadelphia. He initially sailed aboard the Potrero Hills. Brother Bussell worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Diamond State. Brother Bussell was born in Covington, Ky. and called Philadelphia home. He began receiving his pension in 1985. DAVID CAMPBELL Brother David Campbell, 49, passed away April 23. He joined the SIU in 1980 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Campbell’s first ship was the Robert E. Lee. The steward department member, who was a native of Tacoma, Wash., last sailed on the Horizon Tacoma. He was a resident of Spokane, Wash. WILLIAM COFONE Pensioner William Cofone, 81, died Jan. 31. Brother Cofone began his seafaring career in 1955 in the port of Philadelphia. His first trip was on the Royal Oak, where he worked in the deck department. Brother Cofone, who was born in New York, last sailed aboard the Overseas Valdez. He resided in the Philippines and began receiving his pension in 1990. ESTUARDO CUENCA Pensioner Estuardo Cuenca, 82, passed away April 24. Brother Cuenca started sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of New York. He originally worked on the Steel Ranger in the engine department. Brother Cuenca was born in Ecuador. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he worked aboard the Pittsburgh. Brother Cuenca lived in Hialeah, Fla. ing career. Boatman Oliver first worked aboard the Cedar Rapid. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he worked aboard G&H Towing Company boats. Boatman Oliver called Timpson, Texas home. FELIX DAYRIT HENRY REYNOLDS Pensioner Felix Dayrit, 92, passed away April 10. Born in the Philippines, Brother Dayrit embarked on his seafaring career in 1948. His first ship was the Steel King. Brother Dayrit was a member of the engine department. His final voyage was aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Dayrit started collecting his retirement compensation in 1979. He called San Francisco home. Pensioner Henry Reynolds, 72, passed away March 7. Boatman Reynolds joined the ranks of the SIU in 1963. He sailed primarily aboard Hvide Marine and Seabulk Tanker vessels. Boatman Reynolds was born in Niceville, Fla. and lived in Port Arthur, Texas. He went on pension in 1996. FRANCES DEAL Pensioner Frances Deal, 79, died April 26. Sister Deal joined the union in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Her first ship was the Santa Magdalena. Sister Deal worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Kauai. She was born in West Virginia and made her home in Los Angeles, Calif. Sister Deal began receiving her pension benefits in 1992. LUIS FILIPETTI Brother Luis Filipetti, 71, passed away April 1. He became an SIU member in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Filipetti was born in Puerto Rico and first sailed aboard an Ore Navigation Company vessel. He last worked on the Cape Ducato. Brother Filipetti resided in Adjuntas, P.R. GARFIELD PERSLEY Brother Garfield Persley, 26, died March 13. He joined the Seafarers in 2005 while at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Persley’s first trip to sea was aboard the Steven L. Bennett. He was a resident of his native state of Louisiana. DONALD RUNDBLAD Pensioner Donald Rundblad, 75, passed away March 3. Brother Rundblad launched his SIU career in 1947. He initially sailed on the William F. Cody. Brother Rundblad was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. He made his home in Tacoma, Wash. INLAND ARTHUR CUNNINGHAM Pensioner Arthur Cunningham, 81, died May 14. Brother Cunningham joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 in the port of San Francisco. He began his seafaring career on the Santa Magdalena. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG sailing with the NMU in 1944 from the port of New York. Born in Martinique, his last voyage was aboard the Marine Fiddler. Brother Ossou retired in 1968. the Hampton Roads. He went on pension in 1985. Cunningham was born in Hamilton, Ohio. The steward department member last worked aboard the Chief Gadao. Brother Cunningham, who made his home in Portland, Ore., began his retirement in 1987. SYDELLE AYUSO OLLIE TAYLOR Pensioner Ollie Taylor, 80, died May 15. Born in LaGrange, N.C., Boatman Taylor initiated his seafaring career in 1977, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman Taylor retired in 1991 and made his home in Satsuma, Fla. GREAT LAKES EDWIN ROOFNER Brother Edwin Roofner, 53, passed away May 3. He became an SIU member in 2005. Brother Roofner was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He worked in the deck department on the Susan Hannah during his seafaring career. Brother Roofner was a resident of Chicago. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. MARCIANO ALMEIDA Pensioner Marciano Almeida, 78, died March 20. Brother Almeida joined the union in 1945 in the port of New York. He was born in Fall River, Mass. and sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Almeida initially shipped on Pensioner Sydelle Ayuso, 80, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Ayuso became an NMU member in 1960 in the port of New York. The steward department member’s first voyage was aboard the Argentina. Brother Ayuso last sailed on the American Astronaut. He started receiving his retirement benefits in 1987. WILLIAM BONNER Pensioner William Bonner, 96, died Jan. 15. Brother Bonner commenced his NMU career in 1935 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the E.R. Kemp. Brother Bonner was a Rhode Island, native. He began collecting his pension in 1968. ALFRED CUNNINGHAM Pensioner Alfred Cunningham, 78, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Cunningham joined the NMU in 1967 in the port of Houston. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Leslie Lykes. Brother Cunningham was born in Illinois and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was on the Margaret Lykes. Brother Cunningham became a pensioner in 1990. JOHN LeBLANC Pensioner John LeBlanc, 83, died Feb. 17. The Texas-born mariner began his NMU career in 1942, first sailing from Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Gulf Gem. He was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1972, Brother LeBlanc worked on the Texaco Georgia. DIDIER OSSOU Pensioner Didier Ossou, 83, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Ossou began FREDY RECINOS Pensioner Fredy Recinos, 86, died March 24. Brother Recinos joined the union in 1963 in the port of New York. He initially shipped as a member of the steward department on the Constitution. Brother Recinos, who was born in Guatemala, last sailed aboard the Brinton Lykes. He went on pension in 1983. CHRISTOBAL ROSARIO Pensioner Christobal Rosario, 80, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Rosario joined the NMU in 1943 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Southern Sun. Brother Rosario last sailed on the Export Champion. He started receiving his pension in 1971. JOSEPH TRUPIO Pensioner Joseph Trupio, 88, died Feb. 4. Brother Trupio was born in Brooklyn, and began his seafaring career in the port of New York. Brother Trupio’s last voyage was aboard the American Lark. He retired in 1968. MARTIN YATES Pensioner Martin Yates, 90, passed away Feb. 16. Brother Yates joined the NMU in 1937 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The steward department member, who was born in the Cayman Islands, first worked on the Benjamin Brewster. His most recent voyage was aboard the Marine Texan. Editor’s note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Barnes, Claude 80 DOD NAME AGE Dec. 7 Maggio, Antonio 78 DOD Aug. 24 Battle, Luis 89 Dec. 11 McKiver, James 67 Aug. 24 Bertalo, Ferdinand 78 Aug. 4 Midence, Salvador 85 June 23 Blanco, Basilio 82 Dec. 3 Mosely, Arthur 81 Aug. 1 Butigan, Andrew 81 May 18 Negron, Rafael 84 Feb. 5 91 July 31 JAMES OLIVER Cooke, Edmond 93 Dec. 8 Ng, Hon Chung Pensioner James Oliver, 80, died March 6. Boatman Oliver began shipping with the SIU in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. The Texas-born mariner sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions during his seafar- Cruz, Cristobal 82 Dec. 10 Paun, Tin 90 July 24 Davis, Cornelius 81 Aug. 12 Poopsingh, Flavius 93 Aug. 1 DeMario, Ernest 84 July 23 Rolling, Albert 79 July 21 Fawson, Mary 90 Feb. 1 Shepherd, Edward 87 July 31 Harris, Hewlet 82 Aug. 4 Simmons, Lloyd 69 Aug. 20 Hayes, Leon 82 July 25 Trahan, James 78 Aug. 22 James, Leslie 89 Aug. 3 Trotman, Stephen 60 Aug. 9 Latten, Henry 79 Aug. 5 Winnier, Joseph 82 Aug. 3 October 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), July 27—Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Ursel R. Barber, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Michael G. Bautista, Steward Delegate Jabr A. Matari. Bosun discussed benefits of new contract and and spoke about importance of contributing to SPAD. He asked departing crew members to leave rooms clean for next person and reminded them to check in with customs and immigration as well as their union agent before leaving ship. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents, drug tests and dues current. Treasurer stated $350.37 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for great food and cookouts during journey. Suggestion made to have nationwide registry for all ports. Everyone was asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Hong Kong. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), July 30—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Mark E. Pesola, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman announced Aug. 1 payoff prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He advised crew members to check with boarding patrolman before departing vessel. He also spoke about new requirements for SHBP eligibility and that balloting on changes to constitution will take place between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. Secretary asked crew going ashore to clean rooms and see her if any cleaning supplies are needed. Educational director urged all mariners to take advantage of union’s free education at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or dis- puted OT reported. Bosun read and posted e-mail from Port Agent Bryan Powell in the crew lounge. Crew was asked to put trash in the garbage room receptacles. Clarification requested regarding emergency leave, including complete copy of the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Discussion held about new eligibility rules for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Alaska. MOTIVATOR (Maersk Line Limited), July 23—Chairman Laurentis D. Colbert, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Edwin P. Taylor, Deck Delegate Donald Clotter, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr., Steward Delegate Sukirman B. Suraredojo. Chairman led discussion on observations pertaining to new contract. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. He stated that it has been great having the apprentices onboard; they have helped lighten the busy load. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised concerning pension benefits. Bosun reported great trip; crew worked well together. All onboard thanked steward department for excellent job preparing food and cleaning ship. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Norfolk, Va. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 3—Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Vasilijs P. Semesjuks, Engine Delegate Glenn G. Barnes, Steward Delegate John G. Reid. Chairman reviewed highlights and changes in new contract. Secretary reported on communications from company regarding pay increases retroactive to July 1 that will be mailed by check to member’s current address on file. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to sign up for courses Moving Containers AB Stacey Twiford is on top of a container, preparing to latch it to the crane in order to move it from the Flickertail State. Bosun Dave Brown (in front) directs the crane operations. October 2006 offered at SIU-affiliated school. He also reminded them to start renewal of merchant marine documents (MMDs) early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun requested improvements to gym, new T.V. antennae, new computer and e-mail for crew. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 2— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director James E. Tyson Jr., Engine Delegate John E. Coleman. Bosun read letter from company stating that mail being received without ship name on it is being returned to sender. Secretary asked everyone departing ship to clean room and leave fresh linen for next person. He also reminded crew members not to use stripper when cleaning showers; it eats away at the finish and drain seals. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade every chance they get at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed concerns about contact number for medical plan due to time difference between Honolulu and headquarters. Bosun thanked deck department for great job working in holds. Crew expressed gratitude to Chief Cook Freddie Castro for good chow. Everyone was asked to put cushions back on couch and return dishes to the pantry when done watching movies. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 6—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Morris A. Jess, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman reported on new overtime rate as of Aug. 12; company will mail members the difference if not aboard vessel. He posted 2006 contract changes for everyone to read. Secretary informed crew not to wait for union meeting to address problems. He led discussion on proper steps for resolving issues and conflicts. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding pension benefits. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done and good teamwork. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Aug. 13—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun pointed out some changes made in new contract. Secretary requested clarification on payoff/day-off policy. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of educational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. This could improve immediate earning potential. Treasurer stated $234 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was announced that San Francisco hall moved to Oakland, Calif. President’s report in July 2006 Seafarers LOG was read. Everyone was impressed with SIU President Michael Sacco’s visit with U.S. President George W. Bush. “You can’t ask for a better opportunity to promote U.S. Merchant Marine and our union than that.” It was noted that TV and radio reception in crew lounge has been poor. Captain and chief engineer will get technician to work on problems. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), Aug. 6— Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Susanne Cake, Engine Delegate Davon G. McMillan, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman talked about new contract and thanked crew for working together safely. He asked mariners to return to ship one hour before sailing. Educational director urged members to enhance seafaring abilities at maritime training facility in noted that some rooms need replacement carpeting as well. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. SEABULK POWER (Seabulk Tankers), Aug. 27—Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Candido Molina, Deck Delegate James M. Moore, Engine Delegate Gregory A. Terado, Steward Delegate Samuel S. Johnson. Chairman announced Aug. 28 payoff in Tampa, Fla. He asked members to report any safety issues to department head and thanked everyone for great job, especially during Coast Guard inspection. It was Aboard the Green Lake Roosevelt Allen is the chief cook aboard the Green Lake, pictured below in Port Hueneme. Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that all profits from recycling cans will go toward purchase of movies in Charleston, S.C. and new grill in Baltimore. Clarification requested on penalty rates. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits and wage rates. Next port: New York. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 8—Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Basil R. D’Souza. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Charleston, S.C. He thanked members for safe, smooth trip. Educational director encouraged mariners to keep documents current and upgrade at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested information on new contract. Suggestions made regarding improving pension, medical and vacation benefits. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next ports: Norfolk, Va.; Charleston. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), Aug. 26—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Michael W. Edwards, Engine Delegate Craig S. Croft, Steward Delegate Devalence W. Smiley. Chairman stated patrolman coming aboard in Tampa, Fla. He asked crew members to be prepared to pay dues at that time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was suggested that each member read the Seafarers LOG to see what the union is doing for us. President’s report from LOG was read and discussed. Request made for new mattresses for crew rooms. It was reported that ship would sail one day early due to approach of Hurricane Ernesto. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend classes at Paul Hall Center and renew MMDs at least 6 months before expiration date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next port: Tampa. USNS MARY SEARS (Horizon Lines), Aug. 20—Chairman Richard D. Hilbert, Secretary Philip Lau, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Deck Delegate Kelly J. Doyle, Steward Delegate James C. Dewey. Chairman talked about holiday change: Paul Hall Day will be replaced by Columbus Day. He also went over change in medical benefits. Questions were raised about new 150-day policy in order to be eligible for benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 14—Chairman Eddie L. Thomas Sr., Secretary Susan K. Bowman, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Bosun talked about changes in seatime requirements to remain eligible for benefits. He also reported on safety meeting. Bosun stressed importance of separating trash, noting that aerosol cans are like bombs in an incinerator. Treasurer stated $57.50 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase wages and vacation pay. Crew members conversed about what ship’s fund money should be used for. Suggestions included basketbal hoop, DVD burner, T-shirts, pingpong table. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Repeating a Key Message To keep our union on a true course, it certainly bears repeating, especially in these times: Keep ’em sailing and rolling under the American flag, with American-crewed, Americanbuilt ships. It’s also important that we support trade agreements which protect workers’ rights. By reading the Seafarers LOG, it is obvious that the membership is doing its best to promote and protect a strong U.S.flag fleet. Peter Katlen (Retiree) Xenia, Ohio What the Doctor Ordered Just letting you know that I’ve been taking several medications every day for many years. I am 75 years old and am very grateful for my prescription drug coverage through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The program works very well. Pete Macaraeg San Francisco Backing H.R. 23 The SIU has been a great help in supporting and promoting H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You Act. Here is a suggested message for mariners and other supporters to use when calling or writing their elected representatives to promote this legislation (the toll-free number to the Capitol switchboard is 888-355-3588): I urge you to sign Discharge Petition #14 for the release of H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. The members of the U.S. House of Representatives have shown overwhelming support—264 representatives have signed on as cosponsors, but the bill hasn’t been moved out of committee to the full House for a vote. Merchant mariners were an integral part of World War II. We suffered a high casualty rate while we delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of war. Without the services of merchant mariners, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to win World War II. Unfortunately, we were denied any rights under the GI Bill. We became the forgotten service. It wasn’t until 1988 that we were given any benefits, and even then, we did not receive some portions of the GI Bill. The average age of the WWII mariner is 82. Passing H.R. 23 would provide compensation for many years of lost benefits, which denied many of us the opportunity to get a higher education and to obtain a home loan. Please support us by signing Discharge Petition #14 for H.R. 23. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri (See photo below) Appeal from USS Dear American seafarers: You may recall the first time you stepped into a USS center in a foreign port. If not, certainly many of your shipmates do. A safe haven, a friendly face, a telephone to call home, money orders so you can transfer funds, a deliciously prepared meal, a gift shop with affordable items, a friend when you need one most—a place to call home away from home. Since 1942, the United Seamen’s Service (USS) has prided itself on the programs and services offered to promote the welfare of American and allied seafarers like you. Today, USS needs your help. Dwindling financial resources makes USS increasingly unsustainable. Survival will depend on the agency’s ability to continue partnerships with seafarers and to build relationships and seek support in the maritime industry—with unions, carriers, government, military and veteran mariners. The origin of the USS coincides with United States involvement in World War II. The military had the USO and military clubs. It was necessary to provide a facility for those American sea- farers who traveled into harm’s way to carry troops and supplies throughout the world, and President Franklin Roosevelt was at the forefront of the effort by the maritime unions and management to establish the USS. USS has continued over the years to provide services to American seafarers to help alleviate the hardships experienced during the Korean, Vietnamese and Persian Gulf conflicts. Today, American mariners are again engaged in maintaining the critical flow of supplies to U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and the network of USS centers are there to support them. A USS affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association, continues to provide libraries to U.S.-flag vessels, and especially to the ships of the Ready Reserve Fleet, to ensure that our mariners have quality reading material while at sea. The USS has survived in an industry that has been through radical change over the last 65 years. Those of us in the maritime industry understand the challenge: international unrest keeping military ships at sea rather than on shore; higher food, beverage and labor costs not easily passed on to seafarers visiting our centers; unstable currency exchange rates; extremely high insurance premiums at our centers in the Pacific due to storms and threat of earthquake; and the total loss of our headquarters office in the World Trade Center on 9/11, among other issues. It is imperative that we support the American seafarers across the globe that overcome adversity and proudly carry our world commerce and serve America in times of crises. Your tax-deductible donation will assist USS in supporting American seafarers. Thank you for your consideration of this worthy cause. As we said in our historic 1940s campaign, “That’s Our Outfit! Let’s Keep It Going!” You may contact USS at 635 Fourth Avenue, Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232, telephone (212) 269-0711, email: ussammla@ix.netcom.com Let’s keep USS going today. Roger T. Korner Executive Director Brooklyn, New York Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. Retired mariners show their support for H.R. 23. 20 Seafarers LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. October 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for October through the end of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB November 6 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT November 13 November 17 November 27 December 8 October 16 October 20 Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting Academic Department Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 2 October 27 November 13 December 8 October 30 November 10 Lifeboatman/Water Survival General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Upgrade at the Paul Hall Center Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Oct. 2, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops November 13 December 8 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG Welding October 9 October 27 will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to Recertification Bosun October 9 students in the year 2007. November 6 � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ October 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 677 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 677. They include (in alphabetical order) Mohammed Ali, Carlos Balado Hernandez, Michael Bussiere, Rustin Calame, John Cash, Robert Freeman, Thomas Hampshire, John McKay, Zachary Miano, Teddy Ramos Zayas, Cindy Smith, Thomas Streeper III, Michael Stilwell, Darrell Taylor, Kristopher Travis, Steven Trewitt, Eeric White and John Worae. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 15 are (in no specific order) Arnie Borja, S. Khin Naing, Leander Garrett, Jack Gainers, Vadym Gutara, Richard Fugit, Michael Williams, Ronald Ramos, Jeffrey Tyson, Robert Hayes and Jacob Kamp. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. FOWT — Aug. 8 graduates of the FOWT course are SIU upgraders (in no specific order) Jaret Latta, Mark Pitt, Richard Goff, Paul Jefferson, Michael Warner, Kevin Tyson, Dustin Schultz, Gregory Holsey Jr. Ted Gonzales, Adam Soto, Jeremy Martinez, Maurice Terry, Randolph Scott, David Quade, Lua Tran, Mikel Tittsworth, Martin Hamilton, Kevin Lopez, Howard Vick, Bryan Dawson and Emma Porter. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Aug. 25 are (in alphabetical order) Joel Fahselt, James Hall, Carl Kivela, Sergey Kurchenko, Kenneth Lattin, Carlos Llanos and Robert Warren. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is standing third from right. Radar — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (second from left) are Aug. 18 graduates of the radar course (in alphabetical order) Joel Fahselt, William Gates, James Hall, Sergey Kurchenko, Kenneth Lattin, Carlos Llanos and Robert Warren. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding his certificate of achievement for a course completed Aug. 4 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center is James Bryand Jr. His instructor, Rick Prucha, stands beside him. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (standing) are students who completed their computer courses Aug. 11. They are Fernando Mesa (left) and Matthew Whitmore. 22 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course Aug. 11 are (in no specific order) Warren Barney, Elisha Johnson, Brian Gauntt, William Brennan, Eduardo Osorio, Alvin Jackson, Michael Orton, Michael Valdez, Jefferson Julian, Denis Dubro, Slavi Zahariev, Joseph McCrosky, Novert Wimberly, Jose Lopez, Charlie Chapman, James Larkin Jr. and Carlos Velasquez. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The tankerman (PIC) barge course took place Aug. 7-11. Receiving certificates of completion are (in no specific order) David Nimmer, Glenn Perry, Al Zapata-Nicholls, Tom Filippone, Michael Merrell Jr., John Haller, German Oliva, William Rieckelman, Lace Killman and Chris Cain. Not pictured is Carlos Perez Jr. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far left. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Aug. 18 was graduation day for students in the water survival course. They are (in no specific order) Tracy Hill, Abdulataef Ali, S. Khin Naing, Richard Fugit, Joaquim Ganeto, Anya Mixon, Ardeccia Hill, Jimmie Gross Jr. Keith Kowaleski and Julie Duoroznak. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is seated in front. Medical Care Provider — Completing the medical care provider course Aug. 18 are (in no specific order) Victor Nunez, Lace Killman, Larry Pascua, Antonio Libo-on, Joseph Grandinetti and James Bryant. Their instructor was Mark Cates (not pictured). STCW — NCL, Aug. 17: Christina Preciado, Shawn Richardson, Jennifer Richardson, Edmundo Rico, Concetta Rocco, Orion Rodgers, Renesha Rogers, James Roper, Kipenzi Roseberry, Max Roseme, Maria Schneider, Cidnee Scott, Amy Scull, Christopher Sermons, Muein Sharkassi, Andrea Smith, Gina Spriggs, Caitlin Sullivan, Tiffany Swearingen, Gino Terranova, Nichole Thomas, Pirun Tough and Candace Trice. STCW — NCL, Aug. 24: Erica Dulla, Angel Dumeng Jr., Christopher Eastwood, Johanna Figueroa Mulero, Timothy Fonseca, Josh Garner, Quinterria Gibson, Carl Gonzalez, Christopher Gosnell, Justine Goworoski, Charlotte Gray, Donzalla Greer, Angeleen Gulch, Roger Harper, K. HayesBoots, Hayley Hill, James Holman, Tamia Horton, Glenda Howell, Paul Hunt, Shigeo Iesako, Tonya Jackson, Olga Jaramillo, Lisa Jeffery, Matt Kalafut, Shaun Kelley and Carol Leach. October 2006 Academics Dept Taking advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center, Rahul Bagchi recently completed Math 101—College Mathematics. Standing next to instructor Rick Prucha, he displays his certificate of completion. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 Attention Seafarers: Remember SPAD for Job Security Seafarers S eafarers o n t hhee West C oast Working as a team aboard Matson’s Manukai are, from left, ACU Mary Lou Lopez, Chief Steward Carl Poggioli and Chief Cook Karen Fensel. This photo was snapped during a recent servicing visit to the inland Brusco tugs Wynema Spirit and Lulapin Spirit in Port Hueneme. From the left are Deck Utilities Kasanova Langi, Mike Howard, Jason Diaz and Mike Johnson. New Oakland Hall Opens Loaded with containers, the Manukai recently called on the port of Long Beach. While visiting the West Coast for the grand opening of the new union hall in Oakland, President Michael Sacco (seated) and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (far left) met with crew members aboard the Horizon Reliance. Capt. Jim Marshal (center) presents a safety award to AB Albert Mensa Jr. (left) and Patricio Libre aboard the Seabulk Mariner. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro, the bosun aboard the vessel, for sending this photo to the LOG. A grand opening was held to mark the occasion of the moving of the old San Francisco hall to a new facility in nearby Oakland, Calif. Aug. 17 (Sept. 2006 Seafarers LOG). Approximately 150 peo- With much excitement in the air, SIU President ple attended the Michael Sacco (center) is ready to cut the ceremoceremony, nial ribbon to the new hall as Vice President West including SIU Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant Vice officials President West Coast Nick Celona look on. President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel as well as representatives from companies and other unions, including Matson, APL, Horizon, Crowley, Iron Workers, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers, Carpenters, IBEW, Fire Fighters, Police Officers and the Alameda Labor Council. Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown sent a proclamation that was read to the audience, welcoming the SIU to the city; and the Eleventh Coast Guard District presented the union with a certificate of appreciation to commemorate the new hiring hall and in “grateful appreciation for your outstanding support of the United States Coast Guard and the San Francisco Bay Maritime Community.” As previously reported, the new hall offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building, with additional parking nearby. It includes a media room for rank-and-file members featuring a television and highspeed internet hookups. It has a classroom for off-site training, meeting and conference rooms, is bright and clean, and—best of all—it’s well situated to the waterfront and within easy distance of public transportation. Retired Port Agent Vince Coss (right) shares a happy moment with Nick Marrone II during the grand opening ceremonies. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLY BUILDING FOR MORE ATBS SEAFARERS VOTE ON ADMENDMENTS PRESIDENT BUSH CREDITS SIU, SCHOOL LABOR DAY SPEECH INCLUDES STRONG PRAISE FOR UNION, PAUL HAL CENTER INDUSTRY AWAITS FINAL TWIC, MMC REGS CRESCENT ADDS TUG ‘NOON WEDNESDAY’ FIRST PHILADELPHIA TANKER FLOATED OUT OSG TO OPERATE NEW BUILDS FROM AKER AMERICAN SHIPPING SECRET MISSION, OPEN KUDOS FOR SBX CREW USNS RED CLOUD RECEIVES ‘CONSTANT CARE AWARD’ PETERS NOMINATED AS TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL STUDY SHOWS UNION SHIPS ARE HAPPIER SURVEY SAYS MANY AMERICANS FRET ABOUT HEALTH CARE COSTS CIVMARS ASSIST IN MERCY’S HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS ARTICLE DESCRIBES ROUTINE ABOARD SIU-CREWED GEORGIA NEW OAKLAND HALL OPENS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 10 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/f576a507daf16168d3223a9bd010a01c.pdf 2c0d14d4bd16f499c2fa2f50fe579f17 PDF Text Text 37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:35 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. last month joined with General Dynamics NASSCO in announcing an agreement to build nine double-hulled product carrier tankers in San Diego. An artist’s conception of one of the tankers is shown below. The contract is valued at $1 billion and includes options for five additional ships. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007, with delivery slated for 2009. Page 3. Agreement Includes Option for 5 More Ships 4th Alaska-Class Tanker Delivered The Seafarers-contracted Alaskan Legend (lower right photo) was delivered to BP Shipping on Aug. 18, six days after its official naming ceremony in San Diego. Pictured at the ceremony are SIU officials (from left) Executive VP Augie Tellez, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Port Agent John Cox and President Michael Sacco. Page 3. Construction Starts On 5th T-AKE Ship Construction began recently on the fifth ship in a new class of vessels to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. General Dynamics NASSCO on July 20 announced the start of construction on the USNS Robert E. Peary, a dry cargo-ammunition ship that is part of the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The T-AKE class of ships includes the USNS Alan Shepard (above), the third such vessel being built in San Diego. Page 3. Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 10 Important Update Oakland Hall on SHBP Eligibility Officially Opens Page 4 Page 8 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 7:47 PM Page 2 ITF Conducts 41st Congress President’s Report More New Ships In case anyone thought that last year’s order to build 10 new American-flag tankers in Philadelphia was a fluke, check out our lead story this month. SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping has ordered nine U.S.-flag tankers for construction in San Diego—an agreement which includes options for five additional ships. The first order back in April 2005, by Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, was reported as the largest commercial tanker purchase in our nation’s history. And here Michael Sacco we are, just over a year later, with a similarly large contract. Brothers and sisters, I’m not saying it doesn’t get any better than this, but 19 ships ordered by SIU-contracted companies in a year-and-a-half is reason to reflect. Of course, those aren’t the only new vessels either on order or recently delivered that are being crewed by SIU members. Last month the fourth Alaska-Class tanker was delivered—a vessel that will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. This month, the first of the 10 new OSG tankers is scheduled for float-out in Philadelphia. Construction recently began in San Diego on the fifth of 10 T-AKE ships, a fleet crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. And of course, a few months ago we welcomed the big, beautiful Pride of Hawaii to NCL America’s fleet of SIU-crewed cruise ships. It’s impossible for me to look at those developments and feel anything but optimism for our union. It’s also impossible to view them without giving credit where it’s due—namely, to you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. Some of you have heard me say it before, but the truth is that companies wouldn’t invest in new ships if they weren’t extremely confident in having well-trained, reliable manpower for those vessels. When you think of the financial investment, not to mention the potential liabilities, that go along with building and operating new ships, it only makes sense that professional, safe, efficient crews are a must. (Companies also won’t invest without a stable set of laws and regulations, which the Seafarers Political Activity Donation or SPAD helps to ensure.) You are protecting the investment and delivering the goods. You have proven yourselves time and time again throughout all segments of our industry, whether sailing on commercial tankers and containerships or Lakes self-unloaders or military support RO/ROs or tugboats or passenger ships or ATBs or any of the other vessels operating under SIU contract. Your work inspires confidence, and the proof is splashed all over our front page, month after month. Of course, in this industry our work is never done. One of the key challenges we’re currently tackling involves the governmentmandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its associated Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). I addressed this subject in more detail last month, and a separate update also appears in this issue of the LOG, but let me just reemphasize that the SIU is sparing no resource in keeping up with, if not staying ahead of this development. We will do absolutely everything in our power to help make sure that U.S. mariners’ rights are protected and that we are treated fairly. At the same time, we remain committed to working in cooperation with government and industry to help ensure proper shipboard and port security, as we have been throughout our history. We won’t always agree on every detail of how to best protect the people associated with our vessels and ports and port cities, but we are all on the same side. That’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked as we sort through the many particulars of the latest federal regulations to affect the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Unions from around the world, including the SIU and several other affiliates of the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department, took part in the 41st International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Congress Aug. 2-9 in Durban, South Africa. The gathering brought together mariners, dockers, truck drivers, airline crews, rail workers, fishermen, bus drivers and others to debate and confer on the many challenges affecting workers in these industries. The theme of the convention was “Organizing Globally, Fighting for Our Rights.” Among the many resolutions passed were those calling for a continuation of the ITF’s signature “Flag of Convenience” (runaway flag) campaign, a unified effort by longshore and maritime workers to identify poorly run and maintained “Ports of Convenience,” and renewal in the war against AIDS/HIV virus which is afflicting many of Africa’s transport workers. This meeting was the first ITF session held on African soil. The London-based federation, found- ITF General Secretary David Cockroft The ITF Congress took place Aug. 2-9 in Durban, South Africa under the theme “Organizing Globally, Fighting for Our Rights.” ed in 1896, is comprised of more than 600 unions from more than 130 nations. The MTD affiliates who sent delegates to the congress were the SIU, SIU of Canada, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, CWA, Machinists, ILA and TCU. During the meetings, the ITF announced Randall Howard— general secretary of the South African Transport & Allied Workers’ Union—was elected president of the federation. Howard, who replaces outgoing president Umraomal Purohit, stated that his union “recognizes that our international work has strategic importance for our movement. There is recognition that the most effective way to challenge global capital is through global organizing and trade union work.” Referring to the ITF’s commitment to a worldwide antiAIDS/HIV campaign, he con- Participants in the ITF Congress tackled many important subjects, including mariners’ rights. ITF President Randall Howard cluded, “The resolution we have adopted builds on our previous work on HIV/AIDS, and we must now intensify our efforts. In 2010, we must be able to report back to the next congress about what we have done, not on why we didn’t do it. The ITF must invest a lot more into that struggle, as effectively as we can.” Earlier in the ITF Congress, the federation voted to launch a worldwide “Ports of Convenience” campaign to help ensure that decent standards apply across the world’s ports. According to the ITF, which includes more than 200 unions representing dock workers, the campaign’s first focus will be on the world’s largest global network terminal operators or GNTs. Frank Leys, secretary of the ITF’s Dockers’ Section, explained, “Our first calls will be on the ‘big four’ GNTs, because we believe they are standard setters. They have it in their power to make a huge difference to dockers’ work across the world. This Continued on page 5 SIU’s Heindel Elected to ITF Post During the recent ITF Congress, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel was elected to a four-year term as first vice chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. He previously served as second vice chair. The ITF Seafarers’ Section provides internation- al coordination for, and support to, affiliated unions and individual mariners through involvement with the International Labor Organization, International Maritime Organization and other international bodies; maintaining a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors around the world; ITF agreements for runaway-flag ships which specify minimum conditions of employment for crews, including wages; policymaking through committees where affiliated unions are represented; and the provision and dissemination of information. Heindel is only the second U.S. citizen to hold a top post in the Seafarers’ Section. The late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay was the first, having served as second vice chair from 1992-95 and then as section chair until December 2000. Additionally, SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie last month was reelected to the North American Seafarers’ SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) is pictured at the Section Committee, while SIU RepreITF Congress with (from left) SIU VP at Large René Lioeanjie, sentative Tracey Mayhew was elected chair SIU of Canada Executive VP Michel Desjardins and Gerald of the federation’s North American FishLackey of the American Maritime Officers. eries Section Committee. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:37 PM Page 3 Nine Tankers Ordered SIU-Contracted U.S. Shipping Has Options for 5 More Vessels A little more than a year ago, the SIU joined others in the U.S.-flag maritime industry in celebrating the announcement of an unprecedented contract for 10 new American-flag commercial tankers to be built in Philadelphia. Last month brought a similarly large dose of good news as Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. joined with General Dynamics NASSCO in announcing an agreement to build nine double-hulled product carrier tankers in San Diego. The contract is valued at $1 billion and includes options for five additional ships. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007, with delivery slated for 2009. “This announcement is further proof that the U.S. Merchant Marine can and will have a bright future,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Also, as with any new order for U.S.-flag tonnage, it is good news for our nation’s security, partly because the ships can be militarily useful and most importantly from my perspective because they will sail with loyal, well-trained American crews.” Word of the then-tentative agreement trickled out in late July, but on Aug. 7, U.S. Shipping (USS) and NASSCO (National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.) officially announced that financing was in place for the nine-ship order. They reported that the new tankers each will be 600.4 feet long, with a beam of 105.6 feet and a design draft of 38.7 feet. The ships will weigh 49,000 deadweight tons (DWT) and will have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels apiece. “USS is committed to building and operating the largest, most technologically advanced deep water fleet in the United States,” said Paul Gridley, chairman and CEO of SIU-contracted and New Jersey-based U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. “These new ships will allow us to add the needed new capacity that the domestic energy market is demanding. Additionally, given the regulatory requirements to upgrade the fleet operating under the Jones Act, General Dynamics NASSCO is a tremendous partner to provide us with a superior product that meets these requirements, in a timely fashion. These new ships will allow USS to expand our domestic shipping business, while providing our customers with the high-quality, reliable transport they require for their petroleum and chemical products.” “NASSCO is the leading builder of U.S. Navy auxiliary ships and has delivered more Jones Act ships than any other shipyard in the country today,” said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This contract is the largest commercial shipbuilding contract in NASSCO’s history and positions this shipyard to remain the premier builder of Jones Act ships.” USS operates a fleet of 10 deep sea vessels that carry refined petroleum and chemical products among customer facilities along the U.S. coastlines and has five double-hulled articulated tug barges on order or under construction. The majority of the USS fleet is on long-term time charters or contracts of affreight- Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping has ordered nine tankers to be built in San Diego, beginning next year. Shown here is an artist’s conception of one of the new vessels. ment with major oil and chemical companies based in the United States. According to a jointly issued news release from USS and NASSCO, financing for the 4 Alaska Tanker Delivered th The Alaskan Legend is the name that has been given to the fourth and final Seafarers-contracted double-hulled tanker built for BP Shipping Ltd. by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). The newest member of the BP Shipping fleet on Aug. 12 was dubbed during an official naming ceremony at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and was delivered six days later. Shirley Anne Massey, wife of Morehouse College President and BP Board Member Dr. Walter Massey, was the honoree at the ceremony and is the ship’s sponsor. As ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Massey named the vessel and broke the traditional bottle of champagne against its starboard bow. SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. The vessel was delivered to BP on Aug. 18. Construction of the Alaskan Legend began in October 2004. Four years earlier in September 2000, NASSCO received a contract from BP to build three other tankers. The first three Alaskaclass ships—each of which is crewed by Seafarers and operated by Alaska Tanker Co.—are already in service: the Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator. The state-of-the-art doublehulled Alaskan Legend (as well as its sister ships) has a length of 941 feet and a beam of 164 feet. The design of the 1.3-millionbarrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class will allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries from Alaska to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. According to the shipyard, each of the vessels employs the latest in international marine technologies, including twinscrew, medium-speed, dieselelectric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 15 knots. The ships come fitted with the most modern machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system. Both BP and NASSCO describe the new double-hull vessels as the most environmentally friendly tankers ever built. The Alaskan Legend joins three sister ships operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. September 2006 Shirley Anne Massey breaks the traditional bottle of champagne against the side of the Alaskan Legend. Pictured with her are General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris, Celeste Bolea, Gary Brashears, Dr. Walter Massey and Acting Chief Executive of BP Shipping Ltd. John Ridgway. Construction Starts On 5th T-AKE Ship Construction began recently on the fifth ship in a new class of vessels to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. General Dynamics NASSCO on July 20 announced the start of construction on the USNS Robert E. Peary, a dry cargo-ammunition ship that is part of the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The vessel is being built at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and is scheduled for delivery in early 2008. The keel of the fourth of its sister ships, the USNS Richard E. Byrd, was laid July 28. Both vessels were named to honor American explorers who became famous for their Arctic and Antarctic explorations. NASSCO has been awarded contracts to build nine T-AKE ships. Two additional ships are expected to be ordered by the Navy over the next two years—for a total class of 11 ships. The first ship of the class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was delivered to the Navy June 20. The second vessel, the USNS Sacagawea, was launched on June 24 and is scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2007. The third ship, the USNS Alan Shepard, is scheduled to be launched Dec. 5, 2006, and delivered in the summer of 2007. The T-AKE class of ships is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S. and NATO vessels. Each of the vessels directly will contribute tanker construction is being provided by a joint venture among affiliates of the Blackstone Group; USS Product Carriers, a wholly owned subsidiary of USS; and other investors. Investment banking services were provided by Lehman Brothers and CIBC World Markets, with Sterling Investment Partners, a controlling partner of USS, providing advisory services negotiating and structuring the transaction. The tankers are based on an existing design from DSEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering of Seoul, South Korea. NASSCO entered into an agreement with DSEC last March to produce ships for the U.S. market under the Jones Act, in which DSEC will provide detail designs and services related to construction of the ships. All of the ships will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. to the ability of the Navy to maintain a forward presence by providing logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea. These vessels transfer cargo to station ships and other naval warfare forces at sea, including ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts and other materiel. The T-AKE ships are 689 feet long and have beams of 105.6 feet, with a design draft of 29.9 feet and a displacement of 41,000 metric tons. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the ships, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs over their projected 40-year service life. Because of their multiple capabilities, vessels in this class of ships will replace the current capability of vessels in the T-AE 26 class (ammunition ship), the T-AFS 1/8 class (combat stores ships) and, when operating in concert with a T-AO class ship (oiler), the AOE class (fast combat support ship). To conduct vertical replenishment, the ships will support two military logistics helicopters apiece. Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship in the class was named, Rear Adm. Robert Edwin Perry and Adm. Richard E. Byrd bravely volunteered to explore the most remote and harshest places on earth. As a result of their unquenchable thirst for exploration, both men provided substantial contributions to the world’s understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Peary is credited as the first person to reach the geographic North Pole, while Medal of Honor recipient Byrd led the first aerial expedition over the North Pole. Seafarers LOG 3 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:58 PM Page 4 Notice The U.S. Coast Guard on Aug. 21 issued the following news release concerning mariner credentials. Please note that the extension does not apply to STCW certificates. Copies of the two-page Federal Register notice that is mentioned in this release are available at the Coast Guard RECs and also may be downloaded from the SIU web site (in PDF format) at: http://www.seafarers.org/members/mmdtemp.pdf MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS EXTENDED IN THE GULF REGION WASHINGTON—The Coast Guard is extending the expiration dates of licenses, merchant mariners’ documents and certificates of registry held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Maritime and Transportation Act of 2006. Details are contained in the notice published Aug. 16, 2006 in the Federal Register. This measure applies to certain mariners holding any of the above credentials that have expired on or after Aug. 29, 2005, or will expire before April 1, 2007. The requirements are as follows: „ Credentials are automatically extended for one year from the expiration date for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended for one year from the date of expiration. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina National Maritime Center Opens in West Virginia; New Orleans REC Reopens The U.S. Coast Guard last month announced that its National Maritime Center (NMC) opened its first office in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Aug. 7. The agency described the event as “a milestone in its mariner licensing and documentation program restructuring and centralization project.” The NMC office in West Virginia will initially evaluate applications and issue credentials for mariners applying through New Orleans. The transfer of remaining divisions and functions from Arlington, Va. to the Martinsburg area will continue over the next year, the agency reported. “When a permanent facility is completed during the summer of 2007, all evaluation and issuing functions will take place in Martinsburg as part of a project to improve customer service to mariners,” the Coast Guard announced. “The mission of the Coast should contact any regional examination center to establish their eligibility for an extension. If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any regional examination center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one. Due to international obligations, the endorsement certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) cannot be extended. Mariners holding a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document that is eligible for extension and an STCW endorsement certificate that has expired, or will expire, should apply for renewal of their STCW endorsement certificate at any regional examination center. All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible. Mariners may contact any regional examination center with questions regarding these temporary measures, to obtain a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance. The regional examination center locations and phone numbers are: Anchorage, Alaska – (907) 271-6736 Baltimore – (410) 962-5132/5147 Boston – (617) 223-3040/41/42 Charleston, S. C. – (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511 Guam – (671) 339-2001 Honolulu – (808) 522-8264 Houston – (713) 948-3350/51 Juneau, Alaska – (907) 463-2458 Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. – (562) 495-1307 Memphis, Tenn. – (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784 Miami – (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374 New Orleans – (504) 846-6190 New York – (212) 668-7492/7864/4970/6395 Portland, Ore. – (503) 240-9346 Oakland, Calif. – (510) 637-1124 San Juan, Puerto Rico – (787) 729-2376 Seattle – (206) 220-7327 St. Louis – (314) 539-3091 Toledo, Ohio – (419) 418-6010 Guard’s regional examination centers (RECs) will also change to focus on providing direct service to mariners, including fingerprinting, establishing identities, administering testing, and providing course oversight.” In its mission statement, the NMC describes itself as a Coast Guard headquarters field unit that actively pursues “new and innovative ways to assist the maritime community in gaining and using the services of the Coast Guard…. NMC’s primary function is to initiate and execute various marine safety programs at a national and international level.” Additionally, the Coast Guard’s REC in New Orleans reopened Aug. 9. The facility’s contact information is: Regional Examination Center 201 Old Hammond Hwy. Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 846-6190 A complete list of RECs may be found on line at http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/mmic-regions.htm Meeting with Horizon Officials SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell (second from left) recently met with representatives of Horizon Lines at the union hall in Tacoma, Wash. They discussed general hiring hall operations, the new Horizon vessels scheduled to join the fleet later this year, and the proposed regulations pertaining to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). Pictured from the left at the Tacoma hall are Horizon Lines Vessel Superintendent Jay Hess, Powell, Fleet Administrator Carolyn Petit, VP and General Manager Joe Breglia, Vessel Superintendent Don Watters, and recently retired VP and General Manager Glenn Moyer. 4 Seafarers LOG Important Notice New Date for SHBP Eligibility Change In July, a change in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) eligibility rules was announced. Upon the effective date of the change, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan—acting on the recommendation of the SIU Trustees—have decided to postpone this change to the eligibility rule. During 2007, the eligibility rule will remain the same as it is this year. This means that in order to be eligible for claims in 2007, a Seafarer must have 125 days of covered employment in 2006, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The eligibility rule will change on January 1, 2008. Beginning on that date, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year, in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. For example, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2008, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in 2007, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The 150-day rule’s impact on work rotations will be studied by the union. SIU-Contracted Companies Among Those Receiving Safety Awards from AMS A number of SIU-contracted companies are among those selected to receive safety awards this month from American Maritime Safety, Inc. (AMS) at their annual membership meeting and dinner event in New York. The AMS consortium is a nonprofit trade association established in 1988 to facilitate the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols. It currently administers a chemical testing program for 380 U.S.flag deep sea, tug and barge and Great Lakes vessel operators as well as a significant number of international flag vessel companies. As of 1993, the group has been giving out safety awards to member companies, mostly U.S.-flag operators, based on input and other feedback from Coast Guard captains and others with regard to safety, training and environmental issues. An advisory board of six persons evaluates the nominees and makes the final recommendations, according to Lou Meltz, president of American Maritime Safety, Inc.. This year’s SIU-contracted award recipients are: „ The Cruise Ship Vessel Safety Award—Norwegian Cruise Line, Ltd./Orient Lines/NCL America. „ Quality Ship Management Award—Horizon Lines, Inc. „ American Maritime Safety Award—U.S. Shipping Partners, LP „ Maritime Safe Working Practices Award—Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. September 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 5 TWIC ‘Security Vulnerabilities’ Cited by DHS; Requirement for Card Readers Pushed Back After receiving more than 1,900 comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration apparently will make at least two changes. According to a mid-August communication from the TSA’s office of legislative affairs, many of the comments “voiced concern regarding card and reader technology, analysis of economic impact, potential negative impacts to commerce, and uncertainty as to how TWIC requirements for facilities and vessels could be met. After a review of these comments, TSA and the Coast Guard have concluded that facility and vessel owners and operators will not be required to purchase or install card readers during the first phase of the TWIC implementation. The requirement to purchase and install card readers will not be implemented until the public is afforded further opportunity to comment on that aspect of the TWIC program, and the details of this approach will be explained in the next rulemaking.” Indications last month were that the comment period will only be extended for this particular component of the proposed regulations. Meanwhile, the DHS recently released portions of a report stating that following an audit of various potential parts of the TWIC system, the agency has “determined that significant security vulnerabilities existed relative to the TWIC prototype systems, documentation and program management. Furthermore, we are raising a number of additional program and security-related concerns that we identified during the course of our fieldwork. Due to the number and significance of the weaknesses identified, TWIC prototype systems are vulnerable to various internal and external security threats. “The security-related issues identified may threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive TWIC data,” the report continues. “Until remedied, the significant security weaknesses jeopardize the certification and accreditation of the systems prior to full implantation of the TWIC program.” A PDF version of the report, in redacted form, is available on the internet at the following address: http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/ass etlibrary/OIGr_06-47_Jul06.pdf Despite the concerns, the federal government intends to issue a follow-up rulemaking providing guidelines for the background check process and TWIC issuance so that the first credentials may be issued by the end of this year. (Under the proposed rulemaking, mariners wouldn’t be required to secure a TWIC until 18 months after the final rules are issued. The final regulations had not been published as of late August, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG was going to press.) Less certain is the fate of the proposed Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC), which is intended to eventually take the place of a z-card or merchant mariner document (MMD). The MMC—as proposed, a paper document—was outlined in a concurrent proposed rulemaking in May, at the same time the proposed regulations were issued for the TWIC. As reported in detail in last month’s LOG, the SIU formally submitted comments on both proposed rulemakings. The union emphasized that it fully supports the goal of effective security aboard ship and in port, but has serious concerns about certain aspects of the proposals for both the TWIC and the MMC. Essentially, the SIU—both individually and also along with other maritime unions including the AMO, MEBA and MM&P— recommended that a biometric identifier be added to the existing merchant mariner document, in accordance with requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, and that such a modified card should be recognized as both a TWIC and an MMC. The rationale for such a proposal is simple: Mariners already undergo strict background checks equal to or greater than those proposed for the TWIC and MMC programs, and the merchant mariner document itself is a proven, time-tested credential. In a joint statement to Congress July 20, the aforementioned unions recommended that the proposed revised MMD should allow mariners access to their vessels docked at any port facility in the United States; that the Coast Guard should continue to be the sole agency responsible for vetting and credentialing merchant mariners; and that licensed deck and engine officers should still receive a license that may be displayed aboard ship for inspection purposes. Supporting Senator Akaka SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz submitted this recent photo of individuals showing support for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (DHawaii). The photo was taken in front of the Hawaii State Capitol. Pictured from left to right are SIU Representative Frank Iverson, SEATU Representative Hazel Galbiso, Dietz and Seafarer Robert Borro. Dietz noted Senator Akaka’s strong backing of the Jones Act and Hawaii’s working families. Demonstrating with AFSCME Connaughton Confirmed As Maritime Administrator The Senate on Aug. 3 confirmed Sean Connaughton as the new administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). President Bush had nominated Connaughton in late June. Connaughton is a 1983 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1983-86 and later earned his law degree, specializing in maritime and international law. He most recently served as chairman of the Prince William County (Va.) Board of Supervisors, a position to which he had been re-elected for a term beginning in 2004. SIU President Michael Sacco sent a congratulatory note to Connaughton following his Senate confirmation. “On behalf of the Seafarers International Union as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, I look forward to working with you in the very near future so that we may continue promoting a vibrant, growing U.S. Merchant Marine,” Sacco wrote. Charles (Chuck) Raymond, CEO and president of Horizon Lines, stated, “We at Horizon believe Sean Connaughton will be a decisive leader at MarAd. He has the ideal background as a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, having served both in the U.S. Coast Guard and September 2006 the U.S. Navy and having practiced law for several years at Troutman and Sanders, LLP.” During his confirmation hearing, Connaughton said, “America is the world’s largest maritime trading economy. The maritime industry in all its aspects on land and sea—the people and the hardware, the terminals and the landside connectors—is squarely in the frontline of the advancement of the American economy and the defense of the United States. The efficiency, safety and security of our domestic and international marine transportation system from origin to destination is a matter of paramount importance to the welfare of every citizen of this nation. “If confirmed by the Senate, I will, of course, continue to implement MarAd’s statutory mandates to ensure the availability of efficient water transportation service to American shippers and consumers; an adequate shipbuilding and repair base; efficient ports; effective intermodal water and land transportation connections; and sufficient intermodal shipping capacity for use by the Department of Defense in times of national emergency. I will also strive to ensure that the industry and all the persons who serve it directly or indirectly are recognized, honored and appreciated for all that they have done and all that they will continue to do Sean Connaughton every day to support our economy, to protect our waterways and to preserve the marine environment.” Connaughton said he expects that U.S. military to “increase its reliance on commercial transportation systems.” He added, “The Maritime Administration must focus its efforts on the strategic areas of commercial mobility and congestion relief, maritime and port development, national security, and environmental stewardship…. One of our greatest challenges is to increase our national transportation options in order to support our nation’s economic growth. Greater use of the maritime transportation system, through elements such as short sea shipping and multi-modal port development, offer the potential to reduce congestion while increasing efficiency of our ports and waterways.” SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at right, with AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy) participated in a rally Aug. 9 in northwest Chicago in support of workers at Resurrection Hospital. AFSCME members, including a large number from nearby Local 88, called attention to the plight of the hospital workers who have spent the past four years fighting for union representation. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and AFL-CIO Executive VP Linda Chavez-Thompson spoke at the rally and vowed that the workers ultimately will win their battle to join a union. ITF Congress Held in South Africa Continued from page 2 is an exercise in dialogue and cooperation to ensure across-theboard good conditions. Working with the GNTs we aim to develop global framework agreements which national unions will know set certain basic standards they can rely on when negotiating locally.” Delegates of the Dockers’ Section Conference, meeting at the ITF Congress, authorized the ITF to begin the construction of these networks, produce educational and campaigning materials, and to approach the first of the GNTs. The ITF Seafarers’ Section spent a large portion of time addressing mariners’ rights, including shore-leave rights. The Seafarers’ Section adopted several key resolutions and laid out plans to immediately ramp up specific efforts to guard mariners’ rights. Seafarers LOG 5 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 6 SIU-Crewed Wheat Participates in Multinational Military Drill An SIU-crewed vessel recently played a significant role in a 12-day military training exercise involving maritime resources from nine countries, according to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The U.S. Navy MSC cargo ship USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat from June 6-18 linked with maritime forces from nine countries in the Baltic Sea for the 34th annual military exercise Baltic Operations. The Seafarerscrewed Wheat, a member of the European theater’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One (MPSRON One), was used as a critical training platform for military teams from the North American Treaty Organization and other nations. The Wheat during the maneuvers played the role of a merchant vessel suspected of carrying contraband. Teams from Germany, Denmark, Poland, Russia and the United States practiced intercepting and The prepositioning ship USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat (black hulledship) participates in a formation as part of multinational military exercise Baltic Operations 2006. Other ships participating included, from left to right, Latvian ship LVNS P-03 Linga leading in front, USS Robert G. Bradely, German ships FGS Frankfurt and FGS Hessen and Great Britain’s HMS Edinburgh. boarding the ship via speedboats and helicopters. Once aboard, the teams searched the ship for illicit cargo. Overall, the USNS Wheat was boarded and searched 13 times during the exercise. In addition to acting as a contraband-laden merchant vessel, the Wheat on June 14 was involved in training maneuvers with German, Swedish, Danish, Scottish, U.S. and Russian warships. This phase of the exercise involved a minesweeping scenario. The Wheat posed as a ship being escorted through a “mine danger area” by a convoy of United Nations peacekeeping force warships. After being “hit” by mines during the drill, the Wheat’s crew simulated containing flooding aboard ship, rescuing injured crewmen and abandoning ship. Seafarers aboard the USNS Wheat during the exercise were: Bosun Charles D. Haggins; ABs Dorkucho Tanihu, Matthew L. Jesmer, Glenn P. Davis, Christopher N. Paul and Eric J. Moreira; Electrician Frank J. Michalaski, ET Mark Marier, Storekeeper Anthony E. Simon; Oilers Francis Yapching, Victor Chance and DeShanna A. Sherrod; Cook Darryl Johnson, and GVAs Suree Farrell, George Jenkins, Maner Omar and Bradley Rakoce. “This exercise helps NATO and Partnership for Peace nations hone their maritime interdiction skills, which contributes to the overall maritime security of the region,” said Navy Capt. Edward K. Zurey, commander, MPSRON One. “It also helps the nations involved strengthen the already steadfast partnerships that unite us.” The captain added that MPSRON One ships have been regular participants in the exercise since the squadron was established in the mid-1980s, and particularly since it was forwarddeployed to the European Command area of operation in 1995. The UNSN Wheat is named for Medal of Honor recipient Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, USMC, who valiantly threw himself on an exploding mine to save the lives of his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. The vessel is one of MSC’s 16 civilian-crewed, noncombatant Maritime Prepositioning Ships that boost combat readiness by strategically prepositioning U.S. Marine Corps combat cargo and equipment at sea. Operated by Keystone for MSC, the vessel is 864 feet long. Red Cloud, Chesapeake Sail in ‘JLOTS’ A pair of Seafarers-crewed vessels recently played crucial roles in Joint Logistics Over-TheShore 2006, a U.S. Department of Defense transportation exercise off Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. The ships, the Military Sealift Command (MSC)-owned USNS Red Cloud and the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) USNS Chesapeake each figured prominently in the execution of the training operations which took place June 11-21 and involved some 1,800 active and reserve members from each of the military services. JLOTS is the process by which rolling stock and containers of military cargo are moved from ship to shore without the benefit of a port. The technique was used in Operation Iraqi Freedom to increase port capacity in Kuwait. SIU members aboard the USNS Red Cloud during the exercise were: Bosun Terry Evins, ABs Christopher Johnson, William Fogarty, King Scott, Keith Gibney; and Steven Dieken; Ordinary Seamen Demorio Wilcox, Erin O’Toole and John Jackson; QEE Donald Clyburn, QMEDs Cornell Knox, Lee Dresselhaus and Rance Hadaway; Wiper Charles Murray, Chief Storekeeper Charles Renthorpe, SB Mark Simpson, Chief Cook Samuel Washington, and Steward Assistants Shawn Cannon and Marcelo Race. The USNS Chesapeake crew during the exercise included: Bosun Ferdinand Gongora, QMED John Morrison, SB Laura Deebach, OS Hipolito Flores, ABM Roberto Flauta and SAs Brad Stephenson, George Miller and Lamont Steward. The exercise brought together multi-service, multi-agency partners who pooled their expertise and trained jointly to improve the nation’s combat readiness and the military’s force projection capability. Military units during the exercise provided humanitarian assistance to an area simulated as devastated by a natural disaster. The cavernous Red Cloud, which measures 960 feet and boasts more than 300,000 square feet of cargo-carrying capacity, shipboard cranes and steel-reinforced interior and exterior ramps, was the primary off-load platform for the exercise. Cargo was discharged from the ship, which was anchored just one-half mile off the beach at Fort Story, onto smaller vessels or barges, called lighterage, for movement to shore. The actual movement of cargo from ship to shore required several carefully orchestrated steps. The ship’s on-board 114-ton twin-pedestal cranes lowered a side ramp to connect the port side platform to the roll-on/roll-off discharge facility moored below. Rolling stock was driven off the side ramp onto the lighterage, and containerized cargo was lifted via shipboard cranes to the lighterage. For the final seagoing leg of the trip, Navy and Army watercraft pushed the lighterage to shore, where the vehicles were driven off the lighterage and containers were lifted by crane onto trucks for movement to shorebased facilities. During the exercise, about 150 containers and 30 military vehicles were moved ashore. MarAd’s Chesapeake satisfied requirements for another key element of the defense transportation exercise. The 736-foot Ready Reserve Force ship, which is currently on long-term activation and under MSC’s operational control, demonstrated its unique off-shore petroleum discharge system, also called OPDS. The OPDS delivers petroleum Retired NMU Official Martinez Dies at 88 Retired National Maritime Union Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Martinez quietly passed away during the early morning hours of June 2 in the Birch Park Convalescent Hospital in Chula Vista, Calif. He was 88. Brother Thomas Martinez June 23, 1917 - June 2, 2006 6 Seafarers LOG “Tom was one of the NMU’s pioneers and visionaries,” said SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie, who also served as president of the NMU. “He spent a great many years of his life fighting for the union and the men who were in it. “He was known as a person of action who possessed a very sharp mind,” Lioeanjie continued. “There was no quit in him when it came to getting positive things done for the union and its membership. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his many contributions. Tom will be greatly missed.” “Tom spent his life with and for the union,” said SIU Vice President at Large and former NMU Vice President Charlie Stewart. “I came to know him initially in 1961, and we worked together a great many times over the years. Tom was what I call a seaman’s seaman. No matter what the problem was, he was always there for you and willing to listen. We all have lost a very fine union man and a great friend.” Brother Martinez joined the NMU in 1947 in New York and immediately began to make his mark. Recognizing the importance of politics and the role it played in organized labor, Martinez helped establish the NMU’s first political action committee. Not long thereafter he met then NMU Secretary-Treasurer John MacDougal who encouraged him to run for office within the union. Although he did not spurn MacDougal’s suggestion, Martinez felt that at the time, he could do more for the union at the grass roots level. In the years that followed Martinez occupied positions of U.S. Navy Photo by Christine Albert Army vehicles roll off the SIU-crewed USNS Red Cloud onto a floating barge. The process is used when port facilities are not available. products within 48 hours of arriving on station, discharging up to 1.4 million gallons of fuel per day, from up to four miles offshore and at a water depth as shallow as 200 feet. During the exercise, the Chesapeake used water to simulate fuel, pumping approximately 720,000 gallons of water through the system in a single day to shoreside facilities more than a mile from the ship. According to MSC, the joint military training maneuvers aided by merchant mariners provided an impressive demonstration of how U.S. military equipment and supplies can be quickly moved ashore when port facilities are increasingly greater responsibilities and, as a result, moved rapidly up the NMU ladder. He worked as a patrolman from December 1957 to June 1960; field patrolman from July 1960 to June 1966; port agent from June 1966 to February 1970; organizer from March 1970 to January 1971; port agent from January 1971 to March 1973; and assistant to the president from June 1975 to October 1977. Martinez served as NMU vice president on two occasions: from March 1973 to June 1975, and from October 1977 to March 1978, respectively. He was elected to the office of NMU secretary-treasurer in 1978 and served in that position until January 1988. During his career, Martinez’s travels took him to San Pedro, Calif.; San Francisco where he met his wife, the former Pearl Friedman; to San Juan, P.R; the nonexistent, damaged or too primitive for ships to off-load their cargo at a pier. While MSC was a key player in the exercise, the U.S. Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., provided overall command and control for the exercise. Several other Army and Navy units—active duty and reserve—as well as the U.S. Maritime Administration, participated in the exercise. The USNS Red Cloud is operated for MSC by Maersk Line Limited, while Interocean American Shipping operates the MarAd’s USNS Chesapeake. Caribbean and South America. While in Puerto Rico, Martinez spearheaded a home-loan program with bankers that directly benefited NMU mariners. He also worked with SIU officials to create the Central Labor Council of Puerto Rico, an organization for which he later served as secretary-treasurer. Following 46 years of dedicated service to the NMU, Martinez retired in 1993. He moved his family to San Diego where he became a community activist and an icon for promising Hispanic fifth and sixth graders who attended inner city schools. He and his wife created the Tom and Pearl Martinez Foundation to provide financial incentives to this group of youths. Brother Martinez is survived by his wife, Pearl; one son, Frank Martinez; four granddaughters and three great grandchildren. His remains were buried at sea. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 7 6 Recertified Stewards Learn Firsthand Role Politics Plays For the six students who graduated from the steward recertification program Aug. 7, the fourweek course was a real eye-opener as to how politics affects their lives and those of their fellow union members. As Ronald Drew, Kristin Krause, Julio Arzu, Lauren Oram, Brian Burchette and Stephen Bird approached the podium to accept their graduation certificates for completion of the course, each said a few words to those assembled at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., including words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and expressions of thanks to those who had helped them in their climb up the culinary ladder. Like most Paul Hall Center courses, steward recertification blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Topics and training components of the fourweek course included communications, computer lab, first aid/ CPR, fire fighting, small arms training, sanitation, ice sculpting, nutrition and more. Students visited the headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. and met with representatives of the union’s contracts department and Seafarers Plans. It was there where they were able to watch a live CSPAN feed of a congressional session pertaining to the proposed TWIC card, which they found very exciting. They also took a trip to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C. Ronald Drew, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., said he had only good things to say about his experiences during the month-long course. A U.S. Navy veteran, Drew has been with the SIU for the past 15 years. He joined in Seattle in 1991 and has traveled the world many times. He was, nevertheless, struck by the strides that have been made during the last decade at the Paul Hall Center and the hard work of everyone involved to make the school what it is today. He found the Serve Safe course to be an extremely useful class and one that definitely will help him do a better job aboard ship. To the membership as a whole, and particularly to the unlicensed apprentices, he said, “We should all remember that we are a real commodity that officials like Mike Sacco, Augie Tellez, George Tricker and Dave Heindel try to sell to government agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard and the companies that hire us on a daily basis. The SIU mariner has to stand out. We have to study and work hard and make ourselves as marketable as possible. It translates into money for everyone.” He also added a few words of thanks to the staff and instructors at Piney Point—with special acknowledgement to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and his staff for all the help they have given him over the years. Brian Burchette, Stephen Bird and Lauren Oram join forces to create a nutritious and tasty menu. Stephen Bird’s wife, Sharon, was able to join her husband for the graduation ceremony. September 2006 Working on her chili cook-off entry is Kristin Krause. During her turn at the podium, Kristin Krause spoke of the honor it was for her to be part of the recertified steward class. “I have been dreaming of this moment for 16 years,” she stated, “since the day I was sitting as a trainee in my first union meeting.” She was a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 473. Sailing from the port of Jacksonville, Fla., Krause thanked the union officials for dedicating their lives to protecting the American Merchant Marine. “Many of you don’t realize the countless hours these men put in on Capitol Hill,” she said, “and of keeping up with all the committees and subcommittees in Congress to ensure that the American Merchant Marine stays in full force.” She continued, “Until I attended this class, I was clueless on what it took to ensure the life of our industry. I am truly impressed and overwhelmed at the work it entails.” She noted how important it is for the SIU to continue to educate the politicians about maritime issues, including the Jones Act, and wished the entire membership could be privy to the hard work being done each day by the officials to help keep the union strong. Krause additionally gave thanks to Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware for his support and confidence in her and “gratitude to the hard-working staff of the school for taking the time to be there for me when I had questions. The culinary department, in particular, has really shown a positive attitude, and it has been a pleasure to learn from them.” To the trainees, she said, “I am standing here before you today. Sixteen years ago, I was one of you. So look up to us old-timers and learn from us. We will teach you, defend you, and when the time comes, we will depend on you to carry on. You are our future. Always hold your heads up high, believe in yourselves, and believe in the fact that if you work hard and aim high, you can achieve.” Julio Arzu expressed his pride at being part of the SIU and his pleasure at graduating with a great group of classmates. The newly recertified steward, who sails from the port of Houston, stressed to the unlicensed apprentices the importance of going to a ship and doing the best they can. “You are the future of the union,” he said. Lauren Oram said she started sailing out of New York in 1989 as a “C” card member. “It wasn’t the best of pay,” she stated, “but I stuck with it and kept on upgrading.” The experiences over the past years have been good ones, and the jobs pay well, she noted. Throughout the four weeks of the recertification course, Oram The recertified stewards enjoy the company of SIU officials at their final banquet. From the left (standing) are Ronald Drew, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Brian Burchette, Kristin Krause, Stephen Bird, SIU President Michael Sacco, Lauren Oram and (kneeling) Julio Arzu. As instructor John Hetmanski (right in left photo above) instructs, Julio Arzu cuts into a block of ice that will become a sculpture. At right, Ronald Drew cooks up a pot of chili. was able to improve her computer and first aid skills, and learn more about the SIU constitution and overall union education. She told the trainees to work hard and keep coming back to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade their skills. “Being at Piney Point is like one-stop shopping,” she said, “Everything you need to help you is here in one location. You can never stop learning.” Brian Burchette joined the SIU in 1986 in Honolulu aboard one of the cruise ships. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, he has made it a continuing priority to upgrade his skills at the Paul Hall Center. He told the unlicensed apprentices that when they get their books, their obligations to themselves and their families—including the SIU family—begins, and that “it is important aboard ship to take pride in what you’re doing. Listen and learn. Everyone has something to offer.” Burchette thanked the union officials as well as the school and its staff and instructors for the great learning experience. The Serve Safe course was exceptional, he said, and the sharing of experiences with his classmates was extremely beneficial. He expressed renewed appreciation for the union and what it provides the membership. And seeing the TWIC debate live on CSPAN was particularly exciting for him. “I love what I do, and I take pride in what I do,” he concluded as he presented each member of his graduating class with a cap he created and had embroidered that contains the SIU logo and the words “Recertified Steward.” Stephen Bird is one of seven seafarers in his family, ranging from his father, who retired in 1993, to his nephew who is at the beginning of his career and sailing as an OS. “I can’t begin to tell you how many ways the SIU has affected all four generations,” he told the audience. He joined the union in 1991 and sails from the port of Boston. Bird thanked the union officials and “everyone behind the scenes. Without your continuous effort, the SIU would not be what it is today. Most of all, thank you for the opportunities you have given to all of us.” Bird found the CPR and first aid refreshers extremely valuable training. The nutrition course, in particular, he believes, will help him keep his crew trim and fit for duty. To the unlicensed apprentices, Bird said, “You, the future of the SIU, are about to become members of this union. We all have one goal: to continue to be the best union and seafarers in the world. The only way to do this is to follow in the footsteps of those before you. Through hard work, paying attention and working together with your fellow seamen as a family and as a team, you will achieve this common goal. Good luck, and see you on the ‘Big Blue.’” This logo, designed by Brian Burchette, adorned the caps that he gave out to each member of his graduating class. Seafarers LOG 7 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 8 Located at 1121 7th Street in Oakland, the hall is close to the waterfront. Photos above show front and back of new building. Seafarers: Oakland Hall Is Upgrade In two photos above, SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes guests to the ceremonial opening. Left: SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson, Recertified Steward Terry White Right: AB Victor Frazier, SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus Bosun George Pino holds the U.S. Merchant Marine flag during opening ceremonies with a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The union in late July moved its operations from the old hall in San Francisco to a new facility in nearby ments and recent interior construction and upgrades Oakland, Calif., where it hosted a ceremonial grand ordered by the SIU. opening Aug. 17. As previously reported, the hall offers more than 30 Members didn’t take long to warm up to the parking spaces next to the new building, located at 1121 7th Street in building, with additional parkOakland. ing nearby. It includes a media “This move benefits the members,” said room for rank-and-file members Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad. “It’s a featuring a television and highvery nice hall and very convenient to the speed internet hookups; a classBART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and bus sysroom for off-site training; meettems. It’s outstanding.” ing and conference rooms and “Everything about it is more efficient, more other amenities. modern,” said GUDE/Wiper Melvin Ratcliff. Approximately 150 people “I really like it. I live maybe 10 minutes attended the grand opening, away.” including SIU officials AB Peter Koucky immediately noticed one President Mike Sacco, SIU President Michael Sacco key difference between the Oakland hall and addresses the crowd at the Executive Vice President Augie the old building on Fremont Street, which the Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer Oakland hall. union had occupied since 1980. “The new hall David Heindel as well as repreis well-lit,” he said. “The other one didn’t have much sentatives from other maritime unions, the U.S. Coast lighting. There’s lots of windows here. Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps. Oakland Mayor Jerry “It’s also much cleaner,” Koucky added. “It seems Brown sent a welcoming proclamation that was read well laid-out and I think it’s an improvement. So far, so aloud to the audience. good.” AB Mohsin Ali said, “The hall is in a good location, easy to get to with BART and the buses. It’s a good convenience for us.” Other members also noted the Oakland hall’s close proximity to the waterfront—it is located within easy walking distance of the Matson pier. The Oakland hall contains two stories plus a basement and is roughly 17,000 square feet. The facility is 60 years old but during the past few years has undergone major refurbishment, including structural SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Sec.-Treas. David Heindel, reinforceAsst. VP Nick Celona, VP Nick Marrone SIU Oakland Safety Director Kathy Chester assists Seafarer Mike Simpson at the counter. Right: AB Ramon Duran, QEP Marcelino Cayabyab, DEU Emmanuel Bayani Jr. These three photos show some of the Seafarers and guests who turned out for the grand opening Aug. 17. 8 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 9 Training, Teamwork Pay Off Pride of America’s Deck Dept. Always Gets the Job Done The SIU-crewed Pride of America has just celebrated its first anniversary of service in the Hawaiian Islands. Before working aboard the Pride of America (and its sister ships in the NCL America fleet, the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of Hawaii), crew members must pass a basic safety training course. Many completed their studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. But safety instruction does not stop there. It is a continuing process in all three departments to meet the vessel’s safety needs. Through teamwork and regular training, the The staff captain looks on as AB Mikhail deck department, for example, keeps the cruise Pinchevskiy and Bosun Manolo Delos ship seaworthy—working 24 hours a day/seven Santos maneuver the life raft from Deck 6. days a week—maintaining readiness from island to island. The photos accompanying this article were sent to the LOG by AB Chuck Palmer, who knows firsthand that the work his department does helps the passengers and other crew members maximize the enjoyment of their voyage both aboard ship and while on shore in a friendly and safe manner. Next to the vessel, nine life boats are guided in an oval course between set points to familiarize the crew with how to launch, retrieve and maneuver them in windy conditions. Mates utilize the MOB (man overboard) boat to retrieve the 35-person life raft (left), which was deployed for the annual Coast Guard inspection. Above, a team of deck department members then have the task of deflating the raft. The crew uses leverage to stow heavy gear. Clockwise from right are Bosun Manolo Delos Santos, AB Carlos Ajona Cano, AB Mark Wyn, OS Duane Reber and AB Mikhail Pinchevskiy. A few members of the deck department team haul the raft aboard the ship platform, which opens to the water level from the hull, midships. The ship anchors in Kona harbor every Wednesday, and tender boats carry the passengers safely to shore and back. Helping guests board the tender are OS Junior Augustin (left) and OS Duane Reber. Working on the stern are (from left) OS Mustapha Abubakari, OS Junior Augustin and Deck Repairman Elias Ayalen. Ode to the Deck Crew by AB Chuck Palmer Day in and day out, the deck crew is there. When a new day dawns, the monkey fist is thrown and the ship is securely tied to another dock in another Hawaiian Island. The gangway comes down, and the deck crew is there. Passengers and other crew members exalt to the delights of a new and exciting day. And the deck crew is there. The bulkheads need rinsing, tenderboats need caring, the deck needs painting and teak wood needs oiling. A myriad of jobs await the attention of apprentices, cadets, OSs, ABs and mates alike. Handling the stern line are (from left) AB Regina Ewing, AB Michael Dempster, 3rd Mate Dan Leobel, AB Carlos Arjona Cano, AB Frederick Martinez, Deck Repairman Elias Ayalen and OS Riesel Pardilla. AB Ulysses Estigoy does a highwire act maintaining the bigtop over the Waikiki Bar on Deck 13. As another long day gives way to night, the deck crew is there. All lines are hauled in and the gangway comes up. Across the blue waters another island beckons. Not long after happy heads sink into comfy pillows, the night crew comes out. Decks are scrubbed down, pools are set to the proper PH and spas are readied for another day’s fun and relaxation. High above, a lone watchstander stands vigil at the helm. Throughout the night the mates and ABs scan everything in sight, doing their part to bring her on in safely to another port in paradise. From the towering cliffs of the Napali coast to the teeming lava flows of Kilauea, the deck crew gets you there. As she steams into Kona, the deck crew is there. Before the sun arrives on the scene, the ship is set and the tenderboats are dropped to the heaving sea. And the deck crew is there. Two thousand passengers set out for shore. From ship to boat, boat to pier and back again until the sun again drops out of the sky, the deck crew is at it. Crew members sometimes get to take advantage of the recreational opportunities that abound during overnight stops. AB Chuck Palmer, who sent these photos to the LOG, rents a Harley In Nawiliwili, Kauai. September 2006 Days turn into weeks and weeks into months and nary a single day is taken off. The toil is endless for the crew. For reward, they ask for naught. For that is the seafarer’s S.T.Y.L.E. [Service, Teamwork and Yes Lead to Excellence] Keeping up with necessary maintenance, AB Carlos Ramos is at work on Deck 11 at the Aloha Cafe. Some people say that the seafaring way is a lonely way. Be that as it may; day in and day out, night in and night out . . . the deck crew is there. Seafarers LOG 9 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 9:05 PM Page 10 CIVMARS Rescue Liberian Fishermen The fleet ocean tug USNS Apache, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued seven fishermen whose canoes capsized in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia on Aug. 14. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the 226-foot Apache was two nautical miles west of the harbor entrance when the ship came upon five men struggling in the water next to their canoe. “Several of us saw the overturned boat and people in the water around 2:45 p.m.,” Apache civil service master Capt. Charles Rodriguez told the agency. “I immediately called the chief mate to tell him to get out to the site as quickly as possible.” AB Jeremy Guyet and Chief Mate Troy Bruemmer were in the harbor aboard the ship’s rigid hull inflatable boat observing pier repair operation when they received the call for help. “They were on scene picking the first of the five victims out of the water within 10 minutes,” said Rodriguez. “They hauled the fisherman into the boat, huddled them together and covered them because they appeared to be in the first stages of hypothermia.” Guyet and Bruemmer were transiting to the port with the canoe’s crew when they saw two more fishermen struggling in the water. After rescuing them, the two crew members returned all seven men to dry land. MSC reported that this was the second rescue operation in five days conducted by the Apache. Less than a week earlier, the ship also came to the aid of fellow mariners at the Port of Monrovia, putting out a fire that was raging aboard the foreign-flag commercial freighter Tahoma Reefer. The USNS Apache is one of the Military Sealift Command’s four fleet ocean tugs that provide towing, diving platforms and other services to Navy combatant ships at sea. Official U.S. Navy Photo The Apache has been in Liberia’s capital city of Monrovia since Aug. 9. Sailors from the ship’s embarked Mobile Diving Salvage Unit Two conducted repairs on the Port of Monrovia’s commercial pier and surveyed the harbor. The Apache is one of MSC’s four fleet ocean tugs that provide towing, diving platforms and other services to Navy combatant ships at sea. It also is one of MSC’s 33 Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships, which are civil service-crewed and provide underway replenishment and other direct support to Navy combatant ships at sea. The agency notes that these ships “allow Navy vessels to remain at sea, on station and able to perform their mission.” This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of Seafarers Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 13-6100329 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency.1 This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2005 and ending December 31, 2005 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 116 pecent. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of Dec. 31, 2005 was $ 633,211,520.00. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $ 30,780,217.00. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 20:1. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 20 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242. 1 Rules Governing Insolvent Plans: Federal Law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse finan- 10 Seafarers LOG Liberian fishermen whose canoes capsized 2 nautical miles outside the Port of Monrovia huddle aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat launched from the USNS Apache after being rescued by Apache crew members including members of the SIU Government Services Division. Notice: SIU Message to Unlicensed CIVMARS Concerning MSC-Issued Letters of Indoctrination or Shipboard Orientation Notices August 10, 2006 CIVMAR PROTECTIONS AND RIGHTS ABOARD MSC VESSELS The SIU’s Government Services Division recently learned that unlicensed CIVMARS on some vessels may be required to sign a letter of indoctrination or orientation notice once they board their assigned ship. These letters or notices may be several pages long. The letters supposedly outline shipboard rules and other conditions of employment aboard the ship. One such letter stated, “The ship is governed by the Civilian Marine Personnel Instructions (CMPI) not by any union agreement that may be in effect. All work, pay disciplinary, etc. matters will be handled in accordance ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction Official U.S. Navy Photo cial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC: The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. with the CMPI. Should you wish to refer to the CMPI, see the Chief Mate. If you have a pay dispute, you should complete a pay dispute form. The completed form will be reviewed by the Master and, if necessary, forwarded to the APMC for a final ruling.” This statement is inaccurate and constitutes an unfair labor practice. Upon learning that CIVMARS on certain vessels were being required to sign this type of document, the union immediately contacted the Labor and Employee Relations Department at Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC). The union’s goal was to correct this procedure as quickly as possible. The vessel captain issuing this statement was notified immediately and was required to change the language. The union has requested other remedies to this situation and is still working with MSFSC to accomplish this. The union will consider taking other action if an agreement on the proper remedies cannot be reached. If you have been required to sign a letter, notice or statement like this it is very important that you contact your union representative immediately. It is important to send a copy of the statement if possible. The union collective bargaining agreement contains language which sets forth CIVMARS’ rights and protections aboard the vessel. It includes language concerning pay practices, health and safety and many other conditions of employment. To understand your complete set of rights and obligations while on assignment, you must seek guidance from the collective bargaining agreement and the CMPI. In addition to these two documents, there have been memorandums and agreements made by the union and MSC throughout the years to address grievances and other issues. If you have any questions about vessel conditions of employment, send them to civmar- CIVMAR Notice This article’s purpose is to update CIVMARS regarding the status of the Days Inn Norfolk (Va.) hotel habitability grievance. This grievance was filed to address the sub-standard habitability conditions faced by East Coast CIVMARS required to stay at this facility. The union’s investigation of the hotel documented dirty rooms, mold, roaches, bed bugs, safety issues and other problems. To continue its grievance investigation, the union requested information from MSC including the Environmental Health report that was conducted to evaluate the facility. When MSC refused to release the report, the union filed an unfair labor practice with the Federal Labor Relations Authority. MSC then released the report to the union. Proactive East Coast CIVMARS support@seafarers.org or contact your union representative. Each CIVMAR has the following basic rights aboard the vessel or at the CSU: „ To have a union representative, shipboard delegate or another person of your choosing present if you are directed to participate in an investigation/discussion which you believe may lead to a disciplinary action. „ To file grievances under the collective bargaining agreement including those involving pay or overtime disputes. „ To distribute union literature while you are off watch to other CIVMARS who are off watch or on breaks. „ To hold union meetings with your shipmates during off watch periods. „ To be free of supervisory intimidation because of your union activities or other actions. „ To wear or display a union insignia. If you have any questions, contact your SIU Government Services Division representative at your union hall or via email at: civmarsupport@seafarers.org 635 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 Phone: (718) 499-6600 Fax: (718) 499-6254 115 Third Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (757) 622-1892 Fax: (757) 624-3578 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360 Fax: (510) 444-5587 have worked with the union to assist in the grievance process, provide information and support as this case has proceeded. The case is expected to go to arbitration this fall. An arbitrator will determine whether CIVMARS will be entitled to habitability pay and, if so, in what amount. Persistence, initiative and vigilance have paid off for East Coast CIVMARS. CIVMAR efforts, in partnership with the union, have prompted MSC to re-evaluate the Norfolk hotel quarters issue. The union last month learned that a Request for Proposal has been posted by MSC requesting that hotels in the Norfolk area bid for MSC’s contracted hotel quarters business. Any hotel which applies must meet or exceed a AAA three diamond rating. The union will keep CIVMARS updated on this issue. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:43 PM Page 11 Instructor Oakley Pays Tribute to Bill Saul Editor’s note: William Repass Saul, 80, passed away July 15 in Leonardtown, Md. As was reported in the August 2006 LOG, Saul was a retired official who worked with and for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The following tribute to Saul was submitted by Mitch Oakley, a member of the school’s staff and one of many people whose life Saul impacted. William R. (Bill) Saul “Bigger than Life.” In a simple world, that statement would sum up Mr. Bill Saul. That was my first impression in 1969. As an adolescent making a difficult move to Maryland from South Carolina in the junior year of high school, Bill’s bigger-than-life activities became my focus. Mr. Saul was then president of Steuart Transportation Company, sister of Steuart Petroleum Company. He and his mentor, senior Mr. Steuart, had transformed a coal and ice delivery business into a multi-million dollar petroleum storage and transportation venture. Bill was a hands-on executive, at home in coveralls and jeans as well as designer suits. He was as keen in the shipyard as he was in the boardroom. Whether singlehanding his 46-foot Cal, the Salty Lady, or piloting a Cessna 91000, his corporate aircraft, Bill was always a source of inspiration. What young person could resist the appeal of his energy? To assume that Bill Saul was all business was a mistake. He savored life more than anyone I have ever known. Consummate businessman, world class entertainer, and always a gentleman, his fatal flaw was his huge heart. Bill always had time to help and kept a special place for children. He would wipe away papers, and children would find toys in a special drawer of his massive desk. Bill was backed up and always supported by Linda Scott, seldom seen but always appreciated. Bill always had time to devote to me. He answered every question, no matter how busy he was. He fostered me from grass cutter to operations manager, guiding me to graduate Kings Point in the process. I literally had two fathers. After the loss of his mentor and the heartless demise of their With Seafarers in Puerto Rico AB Jorge Santiago (right) shows one of his certificates from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall in Santurce. QMED Joel Encarnacion applies for his “A” book at the hall in Puerto Rico. True Brotherhood Strong on the Tacoma The Brotherhood of the Sea is alive and well aboard the Horizon Tacoma, for not only is there one set of brothers working on the ship, but two! Third Mate Rafik Shahbin recently joined his brother, Mohamed Alsinai, who sails as an electrician, and AB Anwar Alsharif works on the vessel with his brother, DEU Majed Alsharif. Shahbin, a 12-year SIU member, currently is sailing on his license for the first time. After working as an AB/watchstander, pursuing his license seemed to him the next logical step in his seagoing career. And it was his older brother, Mohamed (who holds a third assistant engineer’s license) who encouraged him to do so. Anwar Alsharif enjoys spending time outdoors, so the deck department was a perfect fit for him. His brother, Majed, on the September 2006 other hand, enjoys mechanical work and preferred the engine department. As dayworkers, they particularly enjoy being on the same schedule so they can spend their free time together. Both sets of brothers agree the Tacoma is a good ship with dedicated crew members. When asked if there were any downsides to sailing with a family corporate creation, Bill surprised even me with his ability to remain on character. The Seafarers International Union, SIU, had the foresight to involve Bill as their vice president of inland affairs. What a splendid way to cap a long and mutually respectful relationship: allow a great maritime figure to share his expertise and industry goodwill. I was so grateful to see him smile during those twilight years. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to love and learn from Bill Saul. Those “right seat” times in the 91000, quiet moments on the Chesapeake in the Salty Lady, watching him work to heal lives when disaster struck in an explosion in the 80s, carrying the briefcase and listening as energy policy and strategy was shaped all showed the character of William Saul. Not until he helped me bury my father and mother did I realize the depths of his compassion. Thank you, Bill, for always having a glass half full. Your sharing spirit will continue to inspire those of us you touched. With all respect and love, “Monster” Mitch Oakley New Full Book Members Pictured aboard the El Morro are Chief Electrician Monroe Monseur (left) and Bosun Roan Lightfoot. Taking a brief and wellearned break on the Horizon Hawaii are (from left) GUDE Juan Rosario, Chief Steward Carlos Sanchez and QMED Orlando Herrera. Bill Saul member, they couldn’t name one. The Horizon Tacoma is a D7 class vessel, sailing from Tacoma, Wash. with calls in Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Thanks to Dorene Molise Dunn, the chief cook aboard the Horizon Tacoma, for sending the LOG this information and accompanying photo. During the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., James Bennefield (left) and David Brewster (right) were awarded their full union books. Congratulating them is Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris, who read them the oath of obligation. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: HELP SPAD HELP YOU Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation Rafik Shahbin is at left aboard the Horizon Tacoma. His brother, Mohamed Alsinai, was unavailable when the photo was taken. The other set of brothers aboard the vessel is Majed (center) and Anwar Alsharif. Seafarers LOG 11 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:36 PM Page 12 BOLAND PRESQUE ISLE BUFFALO The crew of the John J. Boland (American Steamship Company) gives thumbs up for the new Great Lakes Standard Frieghtship Agreement while docked in Superior, Wis. loading coal. McCARTHY The crew of the Presque Isle (Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet) unanimously approved the new agreement. From the left are SA Terri Sales, AB William Root, GUDE Jesse Parente, AB Abulwali Suwaileh, AB Richard Bennett and GUDE Tawfiq Saleh. From the left, AB Wheelsman Charles Richardson, Gateman Mohamed Ahmed, GUDE Mageed Ahmed and Recertified Bosun Diego Hatch approve the new agreement aboard the Buffalo. Seafarers Ratify Standard Contracts ADAM E. CORNELIUS Bosun David Grieg (left) and Rep Chad Partridge show their approval on the Walter J. McCarthy in Superior, Wis. BURNS HARBOR Reviewing the agreement aboard the Burns Harbor (American Steamship Company) are (from left) Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Resat Diler, AB Randall McArthur, GUDEs Nasser Omar and Ahmed Algalham, AB Daniel Breyer and GUDE Ahmed Almlhany. GREEN LAKE As reported in detail in the August editio members this summer overwhelmingly ratif ship and tanker agreements along with (sep standard freightship agreement. Each of the ulates annual wage increases and maintains level, among other highlights. Voting took place the past two months ab ships and at membership meetings and spec Crew members aboard the Adam E. Cornelius (American halls. Overall, more than 98 percent of the v Steamship Company) give the agreement a thumbs up. From the favor of the respective agreements, which to left are Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, ABs Michael Larson, retroactively June 16, 2006 and which run t Richard Lee and Charles Lamb. 2011. Pictured on are Seafarers ST. MARY’S CHALLENGER ALASKAN EXPLORER mation about aboard ship an agreements. A age appeared 7 of last mont remains availa www.seafarer Aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger (HMC Ship Management) in Milwaukee, Wis., more crew members show their approval of the new agreement. METEOR PUGET SOUND CORNHUSKER STATE CAPE HORN Ratifying the agreement on the Cornhusker State are (from left) Elect. Sterner Clothier, CS Adde George, Elect. Gary McDonald and Recertified Bosun Scott Palen. 12 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/29/2006 10:45 AM Page 13 CAPE RACE & CAPE RISE FLICKERTAIL STATE CAPE MAY Crew members from the Cape Race and Cape Rise ratify the contract. They are (from the right) Bosun Gerald E. McIntyre, QEE James Atwell, GVA Cameron Miller, AB Robert Kirk, Recertified Steward Kenneth Long, QMED Martin Allred and AB Phillip Harmon. On the Flickertail State are Wiper James Burke, CS Michael Pooler, QEE Mann B. Aroon, AB Stacey Twiford and Bosun David Brown. REGULUS & DENEBOLA Raising their hands in favor of the agreement on the Cape May are (from left) Bosun Blair Baker, Elect. Randy Pearson, QMED Jerome Slade and AB Robert White. dition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU ratified the new standard freight(separately) the new Great Lakes f the contracts spans five years, stiptains health benefits at the Core Plus hs aboard nearly 200 SIU-crewed special meetings conducted at the the votes were in ich took effect CAPE RAY run through June 15, ed on these two pages rers receiving inforbout the contracts hip and voting on the nts. Additional coverared on pages 3, 6 and month’s LOG and available online at farers.org. HORIZON TRADER Included in the voting process are Regulus and Denebola crew members Chief Steward Rudy Lopez, Wiper Howard Vick, Wiper Natan Jenkins, Bosun Larry Ambrous, AB Joe Willis, AB Timothy Kacer, OS Leander Garrett, CSKS Arica Shaw and Elect. Earl Ebbert. ALASKAN FRONTIER MAERSK VERMONT Having their votes counted in the ratification process on the Cape Ray are (from left) QMED Brad Neathery, QEE Antoine Jennings, GVA Melvin Smith, and AB Joe Murphy GREAT LAND CAPE GIRARDEAU MAHI MAHI KEYSTONE STATE GRAND CANYON STATE GEM STATE HORIZON ENTERPRISE ITB NEW YORK September 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 14 Lummus Cookies Are a Big Hit John Bozzi is a third mate aboard the SIUcrewed USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. His cousin, Patrick Anderson, is with the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment, which is stationed in Kuwait to perform air medevac missions in support of ground troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq. When Anderson made a personal request of his cousin for some home-baked cookies, the galley gang on the Lummus didn’t hesitate to fire up their ovens. More than 20 dozen cookies were sent to Anderson’s squadron of about 120 personnel. Also included in the package of goodies were some ship’s T-shirts, ball caps, an official ship photo and a biography of Jack Lummus. According to Anderson, his squadron is composed of six aircraft, about 40 aircrewmen and pilots and eight corpsmen. The rest are aircraft maintainers and support people. “We have two aircraft on a 15-minute medevac alert 24-7,” Anderson wrote. “Once we get the call, we have the aircraft off deck within 15 minutes and head out to pick up the patient(s) wherever they are and take them to a higher level of care (advanced hospital). We carry one corpsman in the back to provide en route medical care.” Judging from the pictures of the cookie recipients, it looks as if the Lummus gift was a really delicious morale booster for the hard-working group who are helping save American lives in the war-torn areas of the world. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag (left) and 3rd Mate John Bozzi roll the cookie dough into little balls, ready for baking. In the foreground are some of the other items that were packaged up along with the cookies. Maritime Day on the Jeremiah O’Brien Fresh from the oven (left), the cookies are left to cool and then packaged up for shipment. The Naval Air Ambulance Detachment receives the boxes of goodies (left). Once opened (right), it seems as though the cookies, in particular, were a big hit and a terrific morale booster. Bosun’s Newsletter Offers Direction to Crews Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman began writing and distributing a shipboard newsletter years ago in an effort to bring everybody together and give them something to talk about other than each other. The newsletter, which contains a mix of practical tips and observations, is circulated every other week when he’s sailing. The length varies—sometimes its’s a single page, other times it’s much longer. Below is the content of Teichman’s most recent edition, which gets to the core of personal fulfillment. Bosun’s Newsletter 06-06-06 “The Rattle of Musket Fire” At the southern end of the Suez Canal, a lonely monument sits with a small plaque, noticed by few and visited by less. The small inscription tells the story of how the French started the canal. On this site was to stand the gateway light with its matching sister at the northern end. Plagued by civil unrest and local labor problems, and coupled with political turmoil at home caused the French to fall from the picture and turn the project over to the British. All, that is, except for the two light statues already cast of bronze and steel and still stored in a warehouse in France. Magnificent structures meant to light the north and south of France’s great achievement. Jammie DaHat has no ties to bind him; he has for many years lived at the Spelling Residential Hotel, $200 per week, bath down the hall, laundry on the third floor. Jammie has no savings or checking 14 Seafarers LOG Asst. VP Government Services Chester Wheeler and SIU Rep Kathy Chester pose with the SIU wreath aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien for a Maritime Day remembrance. account, no personal relationships, and he drinks at the bar downstairs every night and exchanges vivid and glorious sea stories. The French, being a little arrogant, could not have these great works of art reminding the world of France’s failure. Jammie walks the 12 blocks every day to the union hall. Along the way, he encounters the usual assortment of homeless, opening the door for him at the fast food joint or begging in hopes of a few coins. He scoffs at them and he continues his daily ritual and walk. There are a lot of homeless—men, women and children. People without direction, people with little hope and no more dreams, people without homes and certainly no way to get there. In time, Jammie reaches his destination, assumes his usual spot at the corner table in the “hall.” From here, he holds court for all who would engage him, freely dispensing his convictions and advice on job, union, taxes, relationships and, indeed, on life itself. Jammie likes who he is and what he is, and he knows where he belongs: a full book member in the Seafarers International Union. Means and opportunity, the ability to earn an above-average income, he gets his money at payoff in what most would consider a very large sum of cash. Not to mention the vacation monies and unemployment benefits. Yes, Jammie could build a very secure future with home and hearth for himself. Security. Congratulations, Jammie! The French, in need of political support, National Maritime Day in San Francisco was celebrated both May 20 and 21 aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien. The all-volunteer crew aboard the World War II Liberty ship welcomed visitors for its third International Memorial cruise, remembering that 12 years ago, they were sailing to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Europe. That trip, noted Rear Adm. Thomas J. Patterson USMS (Ret.), chairman and CEO of the National Liberty Ship Memorial, was “made possible by a 51-year-old ship, a volunteer crew of veterans averaging 72 years of age, and many wonderful supporters in America, France, England and around the world.” Following the presentation of colors, national anthems of the United States, France, England and Canada (allies in the war) and remarks by guest speakers, there was a roll call of all veterans from past conflicts, a laying of wreaths and a rifle salute by the Marine Guard. Asst. VP Government Services Chester Wheeler and SIU Rep Kathy Chester were in attendance and presented the SIU wreath. Chester noted that she felt honored and proud to take part in the ceremony. She also was pleased to be able to share the day with her mother, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday and enjoyed reminiscing about her days as a “Rosie” (the Riveter) as well as sharing stories of her father, who was a merchant mariner during and shortly after World War II. The ship, now owned and operated by the National Liberty Ship Memorial, was open to visitors, who had an opportunity to view the engine room, flying bridge, gun tabs and watch the radio department demonstrate Morse Code transmissions. aid and trade agreements with the United States, remembered those long-forgotten light towers and decided to present them as gifts to the two largest gateway cities in the U.S.A. The first was to go to San Francisco and was scheduled out on a ship bound through the Suez Canal, the Far East and on to the City by the Bay. However, misfortune befell them once more. A dockside strike and more unrest prevented the loading, and the fate of the first tower was sealed. To this day, she lies on her side, lonely and forgotten in a warehouse in France. Six months later, the second loading took place without incident, and the once southern tower was destined for a new life in New York, searching for success in the new world like the thousands of immigrants who journeyed by sea to a new land. Many thousands passed that small fort island in New York’s inner harbor and looked upon the face of another immigrant as the symbol of new freedom and a better way of life. As with many immigrants, our lady light tower took a new American name, The Statue of Liberty. Any life may start in one direction and find itself in a distant place. So now you know the rest of the story. In my little story, the names are always fictional, but the stories and facts are true. So goodbye Jammie DaHat. You will never appear again, but a final word to you, my other character will always be with us, and in a way says this the best. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother. Once you become a seaman, you have defined who you are for the rest of your life. But not yet what you would become as a citizen, and you do not yet know where you belong. When you pretend to be, you are pretending only for yourself. When you hide what you are, you are expressing for all to see the failing of one’s self. Only a “home” can bring you full maturity, respect and financial security Home and hearth, security for you and yours. By who you are, the opportunities afforded you by this union and great nation has this gift been put in your hands. But it is for you to decide at the day of payoff. Travel this great nation, find small-town America, find your home and where you belong. As an SIU bosun, I am committed to trying to make you not only a better seaman and citizen of my ship, but a better seaman citizen of this nation. Thought, discussion and debate. A tip of the white cap to my wife, Janet, for her encouragement and support. You are whom I most admire and who I hope someday to become. A tip of the white cap to Mike, Augie, Nick, Bart and George, a few of the union officials and their staffs. After my recent visit to Camp Springs and Washington, D.C., I stand humbled by my observances. Your hard work, devotion and passion to improving and preserving this union and, indeed, the whole of the U.S. shipping industry, has caused me to re-assert myself and in some small way improve and educate those around me. To be that positive voice in a room filled with dissension. Not a good job, but a great job!!! A moment of silence, please. (Not this ship’s bosun) but The BOS’N September 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October & November 2006 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 5 0 6 8 0 9 49 31 0 8 16 44 17 23 6 1 10 1 38 36 3 4 3 18 6 8 40 24 3 12 11 22 19 10 4 3 10 10 24 18 1 3 2 3 0 2 6 3 2 5 3 10 8 3 4 0 2 2 10 13 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 4 8 1 10 40 28 0 11 12 19 14 18 4 0 6 0 26 23 308 252 82 225 0 0 6 3 1 8 15 17 1 6 5 11 10 13 0 3 2 1 20 13 1 0 5 7 5 3 8 18 1 6 6 16 15 7 3 2 2 0 18 10 1 1 1 5 0 1 9 5 0 0 2 4 9 2 0 0 1 2 5 18 0 0 2 7 1 7 12 14 0 8 10 10 7 5 0 4 1 0 10 11 135 133 66 1 0 3 3 2 4 24 17 0 6 6 19 7 22 4 3 0 0 17 27 1 0 2 7 3 9 4 14 0 5 2 7 10 4 0 4 4 2 9 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 6 3 0 1 3 4 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 1 3 4 15 2 1 27 11 2 6 8 12 14 5 2 12 5 7 19 14 170 0 0 1 3 0 2 5 4 1 1 3 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 4 9 38 1 1 6 6 0 2 14 12 1 1 5 16 9 5 2 0 3 0 27 7 118 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 109 0 0 4 6 1 5 7 14 0 5 4 5 16 3 2 2 6 3 10 10 103 0 0 1 3 0 5 5 3 0 1 2 3 7 1 0 0 1 2 1 8 43 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 9 0 3 1 4 7 1 1 1 4 0 7 5 49 165 91 24 127 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 3 0 2 1 3 1 5 0 0 2 0 3 4 2 0 4 6 1 10 24 20 0 7 2 29 13 15 1 3 3 2 20 12 3 1 1 10 1 8 11 18 0 3 7 12 27 8 0 26 1 1 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 0 3 3 3 5 5 10 0 2 3 2 8 2 1 3 0 0 2 2 55 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 2 5 16 8 0 3 1 25 5 4 1 7 3 1 8 7 0 1 2 4 0 3 12 5 0 1 5 6 16 6 1 18 0 0 6 1 6 0 14 21 2 16 73 56 1 15 23 86 24 37 8 1 17 3 66 57 8 8 7 25 10 8 55 37 3 19 20 35 35 19 5 6 14 13 42 28 3 4 3 4 1 2 18 11 2 6 6 28 12 5 5 0 5 2 18 15 526 397 150 0 0 10 5 1 11 23 31 1 11 11 37 14 21 3 2 5 2 29 20 2 2 8 7 6 4 18 31 3 10 10 17 17 9 4 2 3 1 26 13 2 1 3 7 1 1 14 9 1 1 1 10 9 2 2 0 1 2 10 18 237 193 95 1 0 5 7 3 12 41 34 1 11 8 45 12 37 4 4 1 1 27 48 0 0 1 10 4 14 7 13 0 7 5 10 17 7 0 2 5 2 16 12 0 0 2 2 1 0 10 3 1 0 4 6 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 3 0 0 2 13 5 11 1 0 0 1 8 4 56 302 132 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 9 5 0 1 3 11 2 6 0 0 2 0 7 2 3 5 3 14 1 12 35 33 0 8 7 56 22 25 1 7 5 1 28 14 10 5 2 17 1 12 22 33 0 4 6 34 29 13 0 12 1 1 13 15 31 174 150 18 99 87 0 55 280 230 639 650 322 479 427 183 223 1,120 1,002 516 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. September 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: October 2, November 6 Algonac ..................Friday: October 6 ................................Monday: November 13* .................................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Baltimore ................Thursday: October 5, November 9 Boston.....................Friday: October 6 ................................Monday: November 13* .................................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Guam ......................Thursday: October 19 ................................Friday: November 24* .................................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: October 13, November 17 Houston ..................Tuesday: October 10* ................................Monday: November 13 .................................(*change created by Columbus Day holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: October 5, November 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: October 12, November 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 11, November 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 10, November 14 New York................Tuesday: October 3, November 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 5, November 9 Oakland ..................Thursday: October 12, November 16 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 4, November 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 12, November 16 San Juan..................Thursday: October 5, November 9 St. Louis..................Friday: October 13, November 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: October 20, November 24 Wilmington.............Monday: October 16, November 20 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 2 3 0 8 20 13 0 3 5 5 10 17 4 1 2 1 18 14 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Inland Career Opportunities – Immediate Job Openings The SIU has openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate or master’s license (inland) greater than 200 GRT, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater) are encouraged to contact Jim McGee at the SIU hall in Houston, (713) 659-5152. Notice The union opened its new hall in Oakland, Calif. in late July. Contact information for the new hall is as follows, including the West Coast Government Services Division office: 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360 Fax: (510) 444-5587 The new SHBP clinic for the Oakland hall is located at: Concentra Medical Centers 384 Embarcadero West Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 465-9565 Fax: (510) 465-3840 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday With the exception of drug tests, all services will be by appointment, and appointments will be made by the staff at the Oakland union hall. Seafarers LOG 15 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 7 4 1 2 13 0 0 4 31 1 3 2 0 6 0 0 1 13 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 7 1 0 13 0 0 4 29 1 3 2 0 5 0 0 1 12 0 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 7 0 5 8 0 8 3 1 1 26 14 24 1 20 28 0 1 1 89 1 7 0 7 23 0 0 0 38 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 9 11 0 5 12 0 0 2 39 1 3 0 1 7 0 0 0 12 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 11 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Port 0 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 6 1 0 3 0 0 0 16 1 1 2 0 4 1 0 0 9 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 1 3 1 0 3 0 0 0 8 1 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 9 15 2 4 12 0 0 0 42 1 4 0 1 17 0 0 1 24 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 58 25 16 45 21 14 34 170 74 15 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG The above photo was sent to the LOG by Bernard C. Winn of San Francisco. It is of himself taken on the stern of the SS Frank Drumm while in Honolulu in 1942. He was sailing as an AB. Also (above right) is a copy of the front pages from his SIU membership book from the same period. Note that Winn has book number “6” in the Pacific region. Before joining the SIU, Brother Winn sailed out of the Sailors Union of the Pacific hall as a permit “member.” And before that, he shipped out of the Scandinavian Seamen’s Club (union). His home port was San Francisco, but he also sailed from Seattle and Wilmington. Winn withdrew from the SIU in May of 1944 when he got his 3rd mate’s license and joined Local 90 of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union. In 1970, he worked on tugs and tour boats in San Francisco Bay, shipping out of the Inland Boatman’s Union. Currently a member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, Brother Winn was pleased to be one of the guests last winter at the SIU hall in San Francisco for their annual holiday dinner. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. September 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 9:00 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MIGUEL BARBOSA, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Barbosa joined the SIU in 1987. During his seafaring career, he was a member of the steward department, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Barbosa first worked aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Denebola. Brother Barbosa calls Humacao, P.R. home. JAMES COLLINS, 65, began his seafaring career in 1989 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Collins shipped in the deep sea and inland divisions. His first voyage was aboard a Seabulk tanker. Brother Collins was a member of the steward department. He last went to sea on a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Collins makes his home in his native state of Alabama. MAXIMO DISING, 56, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Dising’s first ship was MooreMcCormack’s Robin Goodfellow. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Dising sailed on the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. He lives in Meraux, La. ment in the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Reyes initially worked aboard Crowley Towing’s San Juan. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Reyes makes his home in Catano, P.R. Company. Boatman Maaskant was born in the Netherlands and worked in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. Boatman Maaskant calls Selbyville, Del. home. NEFTALI SANTANA, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1967. His first ship was the Steel Scientist. Brother Santana, who is a native of Puerto Rico, was a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Santana shipped aboard the Commitment. He now lives in Orlando, Fla. HENRY METALLO, 62, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Metallo, who sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans, continues to live in his native state of Maryland. RICHARD SURRICK, 65, became a Seafarer in 1974, first shipping on the Raphael Semmes. Brother Surrick was born in Philadelphia and sailed in the engine department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Integrity. Brother Surrick is a resident of Bensalem, Pa. JOHN WONG, 67, launched his SIU career in 1986 in Honolulu. Brother Wong first sailed on the USNS Assurance. He worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was on the Calvin P. Titus. Brother Wong was born in China and calls San Francisco home. INLAND THOMAS HOWELL, 57, joined the SIU ranks in 1966. Brother Howell was born in Charleston, W.Va. His first ship was the Hurricane. Brother Howell worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Brenton Reef. Brother Howell is a resident of Houston. RALPH JOHNSON, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1964. Brother Johnson’s first voyage was aboard the Transerie. The engine department member, who was born in Louisiana, last sailed on the Patriot. He calls Mobile, Ala. home. FELIPE REYES, 70, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Reyes joined the Seafarers in 1989. He sailed as a member of the steward depart- September 2006 ALPHONSE DiDOMENICO, 71, joined the union in 1962. Boatman DiDomenico first sailed with Bush Terminal Railroad. He was born in New York City. Boatman DiDomenico, who most recently worked with New York Dock Railway Company, continues to live in New York. CHARLES GARRISON, 71, was born in Virginia. Boatman Garrison began shipping with the SIU in 1973 from the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. Boatman Garrison resides in Seaford, Va. JACK MAASKANT, 62, became an SIU member in 1973, initially sailing with Interstate Oil Transport JOHN O’NEILL, 66, embarked on his seafaring career in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman O’Neill worked primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services as a member of the deck department. Boatman O’Neill was born in Philadelphia and makes his home in Holmes, Pa. GREAT LAKES DON BARNETT, 65, initially went to sea in 1988 from the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Barnett first sailed on the Henry Steinbrenner. The Michigan-born mariner most recently worked aboard the John Boland. Brother Barnett is a resident of Minnesota. MOHMED NASSER, 65, was born in Arabia. Brother Nasser joined the SIU in 1968 in Detroit, Mich. He first shipped aboard American Steamship’s Reiss Brothers. Brother Nasser last sailed in the steward department on the William Roesch. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. ANDREW CRESPO, 65, joined the union in 1980, initially sailing from the port in Tampa, Fla. Brother Crespo’s first ship was the Amoco Louisiana. The steward department member was Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 Mobile, Ala., Sept. 11—The American freighter Wacosta, owned by the Waterman Steamship Co., was stopped off the coast of Ireland last Saturday by a German submarine, and was detained for three hours. The captain of the vessel, G. Self, radioed the Waterman office that his ship had been boarded by a guard from the submarine, who searched her for contraband cargo, and examined her papers. The Wacosta, with accommodations for about eight passengers, was bound from Glasgow to New York, with an undetermined number of passengers aboard. After determining that the Wacosta carried no contraband, the submarine’s commander allowed her to proceed. Captain Self reported that the submarine’s commander had informed him that he had orders to fire on any vessel that refused to halt for a search, regardless of nationality. born in Florida. Brother Crespo last worked on the Bridgeton. ALFONSO NAVARRO, 71, became an NMU member in 1995. Brother Navarro first shipped from Baton Rouge, La. aboard the Coronado. He was born in Honduras. Brother Navarro, who was a member of the steward department, most recently worked on the Cape Vincent. HAFFORD RIVERS, 65, launched his NMU career in 1964 in Tampa, Fla. Brother Rivers worked in all three departments, most recently sailing aboard the Marine Texan. Brother Rivers was born in the Cayman Islands. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioner retired on the date indicated. NAME Roxas, Frank AGE EDP 73 4/1/2006 course is being considered by the administration. A Times correspondent, writing of State Department plans to deal with the Suez crisis, said such a move might be taken by executive order if the canal was closed. 1969 Once again the quick and heroic action taken by Seafarers in an emergency has been credited with saving not only their own lives and the lives of their shipmates, but the vessel on which they sailed when the SIU-contracted Buckeye Victory came under Viet Cong attack recently. The Buckeye Victory had sailed from Sunny Point, North Carolina with a full cargo of live ammunition bound for South Vietnam…. This Month In SIU History 1956 A vigorous SIU protest on proposals to use foreign-flag tankers in the domestic trades has drawn a prompt denial from the Maritime Administration of any such intention. However, Maritime Administrator Clarence G. Morse left the door open to such an operation in the case of a “critical tanker situation.” Instead of considering an invasion of the domestic trades, the SIU wire demanded that runaway-flag tankers be brought back under the American flag if necessary to fill domestic tanker needs. The SIU took action after a story in the New York Times implied such a While proceeding up the Saigon River, the Buckeye Victory was attacked by Viet Cong rocket and machine gun fire. During this first brush with the enemy, the vessel managed to maneuver out of harm’s way, received no hits, and continued on its course. Less than an hour later, however, she came under another barrage of machine gun and rocket fire. This time the enemy’s aim was better. Between 30 and 40 machine gun bullets ripped into the superstructure of the vessel and two rocket shells found their target. One hit on the port side near the bow. The other went through the No. 2 hatch starting a fire in the hold where 105 howitzer shells and other munitions were stored…. ABs James Thomas and Tom Danzy were immediately joined by Bosun Lewis Arena and the three Seafarers, with complete disregard for their own safety, successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread. The entire crew escaped injury. Seafarers LOG 17 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JASPER ANDERSON Pensioner Jasper Anderson, 86, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Anderson became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Cedar Rapid in the steward department. Brother Anderson was born in Panama. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he shipped on the San Juan. Brother Anderson made his home in New York. ERNESTO AVILA Pensioner Ernesto Avila, 71, died Jan. 7. Brother Avila joined the Seafarers in 1973 and first worked on the OMI Sacramento. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Avila’s last voyage was aboard the Endurance. He went on pension in 1999 and called Hawthorne, Calif. home. DEWEY BELL Pensioner Dewey Bell, 77, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Bell launched his SIU career in 1956. The deck department member first sailed on the Lucille Bloomfield. Brother Bell last worked aboard the Ultramax. He was a resident of Century, Fla. and began collecting his retirement pay in 1991. WILLIE DILLON department of an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Brother Fontenot, who was born in Louisiana, last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. He became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Fontenot continued to live in his native state. KARL HAGSTROM Pensioner Karl Hagstrom, 91, passed away Jan. 26. Brother Hagstrom joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. Brother Hagstrom, who was born in Sweden, worked in the deck department. Before retiring in 1980, he shipped on a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Hagstrom made his home in San Francisco. HARRY HENDERSON Brother Harry Henderson, 62, died Jan. 16. Born in Louisiana, he joined the union in 1964 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Steel Direct; his last was the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Henderson was a member of the engine department. He called Marrero, La. home. JAMES HOLLEN Pensioner James Hollen, 82, passed away Nov. 3. Brother Hollen began sailing with the SIU in 1951, initially aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was on a Cove Shipping vessel. Brother Hollen lived in Houston. The steward department member went on pension in 1988. JOHN JACKSON Pensioner Willie Dillon, 73, died Jan. 6. Brother Dillon started shipping with the union in 1977. His first voyage was on an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Brother Dillon was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. He retired in 1997 and lived in Florida. Brother Dillon last worked aboard the Ambassador. Pensioner John Jackson, 68, died Nov. 6. A native of Texas, he began his seafaring career in 1972 in Puerto Rico. Brother Jackson was a member of the steward department. He first sailed on the William T. Steel. Brother Jackson’s last trip to sea was aboard the Manukai. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Oakland, Calif. KENNETH DOUGLAS LUCIAN JOHNS Pensioner Kenneth Douglas, 79, passed away Jan. 24. Brother Douglas joined the SIU ranks in 1955 in Seattle, Wash. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel in the deck department. Brother Douglas last worked on the Developer. He was a resident of Denver and began receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Lucian Johns, 82, passed away Jan. 18. Brother Johns became an SIU member in 1968, initially sailing on the Tucson. The engine department member was born in Florida. Brother Johns last worked aboard the USNS Bowditch. The Jacksonville, Fla. resident started receiving his pension in 1988. WILTZ FONTENOT Pensioner Wiltz Fontenot, 78, died Nov. 8. Brother Fontenot embarked on his seafaring career in 1952. He began sailing in the deck 18 Seafarers LOG NARCH KRZYWDA Pensioner Narch Krzywda, 83, died Dec. 1. Brother Krzywda joined the union in 1949. He worked in the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Krzywda’s first ship was the Del Rio; his last was the TransHawaii. He was a native of Ohio but called Iola, Wis. home. Brother Krzywda began his retirement in 1987. JOHNNY PARK Pensioner Johnny Park, 73, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Park began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He worked primarily on vessels operated by Matson Navigation, including the Maunalei and the Manukai. Brother Park was a member of the steward department. He was born in Hawaii and made his home there. Brother Park went on pension in 1998. JOSEPH PITETTA Pensioner Joseph Pitetta, 76, died Jan. 30. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Pitetta joined the SIU in 1953. He first shipped in the steward department aboard a Pennsylvania Hide Company vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1993, Brother Pitetta worked on the Brooks Range. He called Las Vegas home. INLAND HERBERT WILLIAMS Pensioner Herbert Williams, 78, passed away Jan. 14. Boatman Williams embarked on his seafaring career in 1957. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by C.G. Willis Inc. Boatman Williams started collecting his pension in 1989. He lived in Swan Quarter, N.C. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. DAVID AUTRY Pensioner David Autry, 76, died Jan. 3. Brother Autry joined the NMU in 1947, initially shipping from Chicago. The Michiganborn mariner worked in the deck department. Brother Autry’s first ship was the Powell Stackhouse. His last trip to sea was on the Santa Lucia. Brother Autry began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. MICHELE CASTIGLIONE Pensioner Michele Castiglione, 76, passed away Jan. 11. Born in Italy, Brother Castiglione joined the NMU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Independence as a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Gulf Knight. Brother Castiglione went on pension in 1987. MORRIS FLOURNOY Pensioner Morris Flournoy, 82, died Jan. 23. Brother Flournoy became an NMU member in 1957, initially shipping from the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Charleston, W.Va., his first ship was the Brandywine. Prior to retiring in 1985, Brother Flournoy sailed on the Texaco Georgia. LEWIS FRASIER Pensioner Lewis Frasier, 77, passed away Jan. 14. Brother Frasier embarked on his seafaring career in 1951. He was born in Charleston, S.C. and worked in the steward department. Brother Frasier last sailed aboard the Cape Domingo. In 1992, he started collecting his retirement stipends. WILLIAM FULTZ Pensioner William Fultz, 77, died Jan. 2. Brother Fultz joined the NMU ranks in 1945. His first voyage was aboard the Joseph H. Nicholson, where he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Fultz was born in Kentucky. His last trip to sea was on the E.J. Stark. Brother Fultz became a pensioner in 1966. passed away Jan. 2. He began his career with the NMU in 1945 in New York. Brother Guscott first sailed on the Jonathan Elmer. The Boston native worked in the engine department. Brother Guscott went on pension in 1973. HERMAN HARRIS Pensioner Herman Harris, 83, died Jan. 2. Brother Harris joined the union in 1966, shipping from the port of New York. His first ship was the Constitution; his last was the Jean Lykes. Brother Harris sailed in the engine department. He began receiving his pension in 1992. JOHN MALVEIRA Pensioner John Malveira, 75, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Malveira became an NMU member in 1947 while in the port of Boston. His first trip was aboard the Harry Bowen. Brother Malveria worked in both the engine and deck departments during his seafaring career. He last sailed on the Pueblo. The Massachusetts-born mariner retired in 1968. JAMES RENNIE ELMER GARRETT Pensioner Elmer Garrett, 83, passed away Jan. 14. Brother Garrett was a native of Flint, Mich. The engine department member began sailing in 1945 from the port of Seattle. Brother Garrett retired in 1984; his last voyage was aboard the Leslie Lykes. WESLEY GRAY Pensioner Wesley Gray, 98, died Jan. 30. Brother Gray started his NMU career in 1943, shipping from New York on the William A. Richardson. Born in South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department. Before retiring in 1966, Brother Gray worked aboard the United States. NORMAN GUSCOTT Pensioner Norman Guscott, 77, Pensioner James Rennie, 85, died Jan. 17. Brother Rennie launched his seafaring career with the NMU in 1967. He first shipped from the port of San Francisco aboard the Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Brother Rennie was born in Canada. His last sea voyage was on the American Merchant. Brother Rennie started collecting his retirement pay in 1983. JOSEPH VERNON Pensioner Joseph Vernon, 96, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Vernon joined the NMU in 1936, first sailing from the port of New York aboard the Pan American. The steward department member was born in New Orleans. Brother Vernon’s last voyage was on the Pioneer Isle. He went on pension in 1972. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Bermudez, Ulises Bozeman, Robert Bracero, Victor Brown, Jerome Cardosa, Gustavo Coiro, Louis Connor, Ancel Cortes, Josue Da Cunha, Edmundo De Felice, Benjamin Diaz, Juan Dorrell, Charles Faciane, Julius Gomes, Sergio Gonzalez, Rafael 73 83 83 79 76 80 59 78 79 80 98 87 79 72 87 DOD May 26 July 22 July 28 July 29 June 23 June 30 July 3 June 7 July 19 July 26 Apr. 25 July 22 July 19 June 28 July 17 NAME AGE Greene, William Hernandez, Emilio Laurant, Van Laverdure, Rene Lee, Dan Minor, Bobby Mountain, Robert Nixon, Lewis Overton, Arthur Parker, Clifford Sayers, Lonnie Serrano, Saturnino Thornton, Charles Tirado, Miguel Torres, Willie Wesley, Harold 87 88 79 85 77 76 74 83 84 95 81 80 71 66 90 69 DOD June 22 July 25 July 19 July 21 July 1 May 28 June 25 July 16 June 17 June 30 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 25 July 4 May 24 September 2006 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 8:07 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion. ATLANTIC (Maersk Line Limited), July 6—Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Donald J. Williams, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Deck Delegate Carey J. Hatch, Engine Delegate Moses Mickens Jr. Chairman announced payoff July 9 in Charleston, S.C. Educational director urged all crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefit. Vote of thanks given to electrician and steward department. COMET (Maersk Line Limited), July 9—Chairman Samuel H. Lampshire, Secretary Daniel Q. Payne, Educational Director Daniel L. Borden, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman announced payoff July 11 in Long Beach, Calif. ABs were asked to stay aboard vessel for lowering of lifeboats during inspection. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Disputed OT reported in all departments. Seafarers asked for fans and small heaters for crew rooms along with a radio for crew lounge. Questions raised about medical insurance coverage. Clarification requested on contract. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. machine and new VCR. Members also requested satellite TV and computer for crew e-mail as well as increased billets. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding meals, especially the barbecues. Next port: Houston. C.P. NAVIGATOR (Marine Transport Lines), July 9— Chairman Clarence Bynes Jr., Secretary Clyde D. Thompson, Educational Director Leander Collins, Deck Delegate Edmond Francois, Steward Delegate Kenneth W. Caffey Jr. Crew members requested information regarding new contract and status of annuity fund. Inspection of rooms requested before members are paid off to be sure rooms are clean for next person. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), July 2 —Chairman John R. Nichols, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Elemento. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep house clean. Educational director asked all Seafarers to check expiration dates on MMDs and other documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made concerning retirement benefits. Next port: El Segundo, Calif. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), July 7—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega. Bosun announced July 9 payoff in Newark, N.J.; patrolman expected to come on board. He asked crew to return movies to proper location, sort trash into separate bins and help keep areas clean. Secretary thanked crew members for assisting with deck cleaning. She also suggested starting a movie fund to purchase DVDs. Educational director stated that, due to rough seas, crew should make sure doors in tunnel are dogged since some do not have latches. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding pension benefits and offering more classes for QMEDs at the Paul Hall Center. Four new mattresses have been ordered. Crew would like new recliners in crew lounge. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), July 19 —Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev. Chairman asked crew members to inform their supervisor if they find the washer or dryer is not working properly. New parts are available aboard ship, and it will be a priority to fix them. He noted shipyard period Aug. 15-16. Boarding patrolman highlighted some of changes in the new contract. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $4,036 in ship’s fund; $400 was used for fresh salmon and steamers, and $500 was given to family of deceased bosun on Tyco Reliance (and a sympathy card was circulated for crew members to sign). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded that everyone is responsible for helping keep laundry room clean and for using paper plates when taking food to rooms. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for an excellent job and for the two delicious cookouts. CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line Limited), July 3—Chairman Eddie E. Hall, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at every opportunity at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion made to drop retirement age to 55 and increase monthly entitlement. Request made for a larger ice HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), July 2—Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Jeff Morris, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman reported smooth sailing with no injuries. He informed crew the contract would be extended until Aug. 31 and asked that everyone return movies to movie locker when finished. September 2006 Secretary thanked mariners for helping keep ship clean and advised them to check with union hall about special vacation forms for those completing 22-month tours. Treasurer stated $880 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to keep noise down in passageways while others are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), July 9—Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun thanked crew for safe voyage and great work. He announced July 15 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and said he is awaiting news on new contract. Educational director noted new classes available at Paul Hall Center for engine department members. Treasurer stated $267 in ships fund; some money was spent on barbecue supplies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters was read and discussed. Suggestion made to look into the possibility of getting satellite TV for ship. Information requested on pension benefits. Seafarers expressed appreciation for 4th of July cookout. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Transport), July 20—Chairman Homar L. McField, Secretary Peter L. Crum, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck Delegate Phillip A. Morris, Engine Delegate Jose A. Bermudez, Steward Delegate Anthony L. Rutland. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director requested clarification of rates for “air-stripping” of tanks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote taken to accept and ratify new standards agreements. Thanks given to the negotiating committee for their hard work. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), July 1—Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Marcos Hall, Engine Delegate Luis Sepulveda, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman explained payoff procedure and distributed union forms. He also discussed importance of attending union meetings and filling out repair lists. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of Piney Point facilities. Treasurer stated $1,500 in ship’s fund before purchase of Bowflex machine; $378 remains. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new washing machine. Next port: Houston. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), July 9—Chairman Frank P. Sena, Secretary Ronald J. Davis, Educational Director Edgar G. Pacaña, Deck Delegate Kermit Q. Bengtson, Engine Delegate Pablo C. Rochez. Secretary asked members departing ship to make sure room is clean and key is left with captain. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to “give yourselves a raise” by upgrading at school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone was given vote of thanks for good job in shipyard. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Kadir P. Amat, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Apolinario Calacal, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Bosun thanked all departments for working well together to keep ship clean. He urged all members to read the president’s report in LOG and discussed letter received from VP Contracts George Tricker in reference to changing medical plan from “G” to “Core Plus.” The change has been approved, and educational director explained its benefits. No beefs or disputed OT Treasurer stated $817 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department to host belated 4th of July barbecue on July 8 in Guam. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships Inc.) July 11—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Joseph L. Williams Sr., Engine Delegate Tracy L. Hanson, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Chairman explained to new crew members the 4 percent bonus on daily wages for Happy Birthday, Bowditch On July 19, 2006, the USNS Bowditch (TAGS 62) celebrated its tenth birthday in Sasebo, Japan. The ship was delivered July 19, 1996 by Halter Marine in Moss Point, MS and has always been under an SIU contract. Currently operated by SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, the vessel and its sister ships are involved in oceanographic research for the U.S. Navy. On board for the celebration were (from the left) GVA Isaka Koanda, Chief Steward Elston Yu-Mateo, Bosun Steve Herring, GVA Juan Oliva and OS Hussen Mohamed. The cake (inset) was not only beautifully decorated, it was also delicious. reported. TV wall mounts to be purchased in Charleston, S.C. for smaller rooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals every day. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. METEOR (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Douglas Swets, Deck Delegate James Taranto, Engine Delegate Steven L. Rollins, Steward Delegate Enrique A. Garrido. Chairman announced July 3 payoff on arrival in Los Angeles. He thanked crew for keeping ship clean, having dues paid up and supporting SPAD. Educational director advised all Seafarers to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for keeping morale up with great meals during voyage. Next port: Los Angeles. USNS 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), July 6—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Gregory N. Williams, Educational Director Michael S. Rueter, Deck Delegate Peter A. Tusa Jr., Engine Delegate Donald W. Lumpkins, Steward Delegate Evelyn C. Tayag. Chairman announced crew change to take place in Saipan July 20. He informed crew members that two rooms would be available for storage when ship goes into yard in September. Secretary reminded everyone to make sure union has current address information and updated beneficiary. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. completing tour of duty without injuries or illness. He informed crew that MSD-27 will debark ship upon arrival in Rota, Spain. Secretary recapped importance of renewing MMDs early and informed crew that they will be able to get letter from company that could expedite the process. He thanked crew for helping take on 90-day stores for trip to Greenland. Educational director stated there was no word yet on new ID cards mandated by Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. He reminded crew to keep in mind that they may need to have this in the future, along with MMDs, to ship out. Treasurer stated $97 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on payment for extra meals for on board military security. Crew members asked to keep noise down in passageways while others are trying to sleep. Steward department was thanked for excellent job. Next port: Greenland. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Limited), July 12—Chairman Eddie L. Thomas Sr., Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Educational director encouraged mariners to make sure all required documents are kept current and to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $80 in ships fund. Captain also is holding additional funds from the safety award. Discussion was held on how funds should be spent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Suda Bay, Crete. Seafarers LOG 19 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 9:00 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights Rallying in New Orleans SIU members joined fellow trade unionists and representatives from community organizations May 2 in New Orleans for a rally calling attention to workers’ rights. Some of the SIU participants are pictured above and at left. In promoting the demonstration, the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO urged the city and federal governments “to set standards for how workers should be treated as we rebuild. Together, we will call for the creation of a workers’ rights commission and demand that New Orleans raise the bar for workers’ rights.” FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: The Slop Chest Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 A Venerable Maritime Tradition Trading and pillaging, the Vikings returned with their slop chests filled with goods - but they had to put their lives on the line to get them. Today, Seafarers can go on line without risk for high-quality, USA/union-made goods. Please visit the “Slop Chest” on line store at www.siustore.com. Shoppers also may access the store via the main SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † Other ____________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 20 Seafarers LOG 9/06 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for September through the end of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) September 25 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB September 25 November 6 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT September 18 November 13 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT September 11 September 18 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 18 November 27 September 29 December 8 October 16 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 2 October 27 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* November 13 December 8 (*must have basic fire fighting September 18 September 29 October 30 November 10 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Sept. 4, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 FOWT September 11 November 3 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding September 11 September 29 October 9 October 27 Course Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ September 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 676 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 676. They are (in alphabetical order) Jamar Allen, Richard Bodden, Randall Brown, Jeffrey Gronotte Jr., Mark Hoffler, Dewayne Jacobs, Reginald Miller, Robert Morrison, Mateusz Muller, Antonio Owens, David Ruggirello, Daniel Sands, Sally Santiago, Johnny Starnes, Scott Stilwell and Dominic Washington. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Aug. 4 are (in alphabetical order) Ken Ada, Anthony Anderson, David Barber, Bruce Brown, Christopher Cain, David Carson, Isaac Garrido, Justin Huggins, Travis Kirkland, Steven Lonas, Norman Lucas II, Michael Merrell Jr., Fernando Mesa, Chris Nagle, Quentin Scott, Richard Venair and Martin Weller. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Fast Rescue Boat — July 22 graduates of the fast rescue boat course include (in alphabetical order) Denis Dubio, Gregory Greene, Jorge Nuñez, Andrew Packer, Henry Peterson, Cle Popperwill, Jennifer Souci and Glenn Staub. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. Chief Cook — Under the guidance of Instructor/Chef John Dobson (left) are students who completed the course for chief cooks in August. From the left are Orlando Suazo, Ron Poole, Ilaria Amaya, Ray Lackland and Kim Kalua. GMDSS — July 28 Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given Aug. 4 to (in no specific order) Matthew Whitmore, Randy Louque, Bryan Dawson, Bruce Zarobell, Carlos Llanos, James Hall, Rogelio Thompson, Joel Fahselt and Jean Pierre Koublanou. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back (center). graduates of the GMDSS course are (in no specific order) Thomas Rostan, Kenneth Lattin and Dick Haugh. Their instructor, Russell Levin, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding a certificate of achievement for a course completed July 13 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center is Helida Lorenzo. Her instructor, Rick Prucha, stands beside her. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (back row) are students who completed their computer courses July 14. They are (from left, front row) Beverly Stevens, Michael Bates Sr., Keith Landry, (second row) Laverne Berasis and Philip Agcaoili. 22 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg4_6,8,15_17,20,23X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:39 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course in July are (in no specific order) Harlan Alonzo, Marion Paul Cruzat, Mervin Cruzat, James Jones, Michael Donovan, Michael Sanders, Derrick Norfleet, Wilbur Torres, Kevin Wimbley, José Nieves, Kevin Robinson, Ceresa Moreno, Robert Vayko, Darren Taylor and Furman Watson. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another group of Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course in July are (in no specific order) Scott Stilwell, Ronald Sease, David Ruggirello, Christopher Curran, Benjamin Mullis, Billie Marshall, Marvin Hearmon, Jack Hill, Antonio Owens, Darnell Goggins, Carmelo Collazo, Daron Tinney, Carnelius Taylor, Zachary Clayton, Richard Bodden, Reginald Miller, Scott Smith, John Starnes, Matthew Green and Kenneth Thompson. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating Aug. 11 from the advanced fire fighting course are (in no specific order) Bryan Maddox, Geoffrey Denesse, Terence Newman, Antonio Libo-on, Larry Pascua, Victor Nunez, Gerry Davis, Brad Hall, William Forrest and Joseph Thomas. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left (standing). Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completing the government vessels course Aug. 11 include (in no specific order) James Gregory, Quentin Scott, Chris Nagle, Bruce Brown, James Bryant Jr., Maria Garcia, Rodolfo De La Cruz, John Cator, Justin Huggins, Martin Weller, Norman Hook, Fernando Mesa, David Carson and Richard Venair. STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Connie Adejado, Carmen Armstrong, Charles Baer, Charles Beckerman, Lindsey Brown, Carl Bryant, Felicia Burnham, Andrew Burns, Alex Byrne, Joshua Calonge, Lilah Carino, Monica Carnero, Jonathan Carpenter Perez, Osiris Carpenter Perez, Catherine Chapman, Ashley Clark, Clarence Clark, Lorhonda Clayborn, Lori Cooper, Angelica Cortes Villanueva, Alberto Cotes, Luis Crosdale and Ada Cruz. STCW — NCL, July 5: Eugene Gagnon Jr., David Garcia, Virginia Gwaltney, Leah Hannah, David Harris, Chandra Hedges, Mima Hewston, Jeremiah Hobart, Ryan Hogan, William Jackson IV, Charles Janovich, Travis Jensen, Curtis Jones, Rayon Jones, Jerome Kashmar, Erica Kenney, Trevon King, Erica Kozel, Leonard Langhorne, Lisa Larsen, Jonilyn Malia, Alan Martin, Jacob Martinez, Tiara Matthews and Jordan McFall. September 2006 STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Elizabeth Breakey, William Brooks, Maria Garcia Lagdameo, Encarnacion Otero, Ryan Strimboulis, Daniel Tafoya, Candee Tobin, Pierre Van Dorp, Brandi Vanderlaan, Francis Villalba Felicano, Vearlyn Wheeler, Laura White, John Williams, Ronald Worthington, Demonte Boone, Paul Ghisoi, David Guthrie, Misty Tate, Kiki Warnke and SIU members Guy Butler, Samuel Cadler, Louis Gilbert, James McLeod and Brian McShan. STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Khanh Dang, Rose Marie Danner, Paige Dewing, James Dowdy, Deborah Downs, Tammie Elms, Hyon Fielding, Kyle Fisher, Aaron Flake, Douglas Friedman, Ashley Gartner, Kimberly Gilbert, Joel Gilham, Rafael Gongora, Michael Hall, Heather Harrison, Ansley Haynes, Hayrabed Hayrabedyan, Ryan Hecht, Dan Henry, Victor Hernandez and Nia John. Seafarers LOG 23 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 9:25 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 SIU Assists in ‘Operation Support’ Journey of the Pretzels Caa pee Kee nn n ed d y C om m pll ett ess ‘SS pee cii all ’ M iss sii on n T he SIU-crewed Cape Kennedy has made numerous trips in the past to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but just back from supporting hurricane recovery efforts in its home port of New Orleans, it received an activation notice Feb. 20, 2006 for a new mission. Another trip to the Middle East—nothing out of the ordinary. The vessel, which is A truck filled with 72,672 bags of Bachman’s pret- managed by Keystone zels arrives March 8 at the dock in Norfolk, Va. to Shipping Co., took on be loaded onto the SIU-crewed Cape Kennedy. bunkers in New Orleans and then proceeded to Beaumont, Texas and Norfolk, Va., where the usual inventory of containers and rolling stock was loaded on board for the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division. There was, however, one additional cargo to be loaded—36 pallets of assorted pretzels. Thirtysix pallets is the equivalent of 13,515 pounds or 25 skids or 72,672 bags of the twisted snacks. It all began in the fall of 2004 when a Berks County, Pa. restaurateur (and Korean War vet), John A. Ulrich (“Big John”) met an Army The Cape Kennedy lowers its stern ramp. reservist on a two-week leave from Iraq. When Big John asked the major if there was something the local community could do to help support those serving our country, his answer was “Pretzels! The ‘locals’ miss pretzels.” That’s all it took for Big John to begin his mission, deciding that everyone serving in Iraq, not just locals from Pennsylvania, would enjoy knowing that people in Berks County and the surrounding area were thinking about them. He contacted local Reading area pretzel manufacturers and asked for “rock bottom prices,” explaining his “Operation Support” idea. The generWith the stern ramp lowered, the truck enters the Cape Kennedy to discharge its cargo of pretzels. al public, businesses, service groups, churches and children responded to Big John’s fundraising request. The Bachman Company, a privately held snack food manufacturer with plants in Reading and Ephrata, Penn. also joined in, offering to provide a free case for every case that Big John purchased at the “rock bottom price.” Because of the difficulty in sending goods to the military without a contract, the initial shipment in 2004 went via the USO and did not go to Iraq but was scattered around the globe. The latest effort, however, went directly to the Middle East through the coordinated The Cape Kennedy’s chief mate unloads a pallet of pretzels from the truck onto the ship. efforts of the employ- ees from Bachman (which pro-duces about 6,000 pounds of pretzels every hour), Keystone Shipping, the Maritime Administration and the officers and crew of the Cape Kennedy under Capt. John Hasson and Chief Engineers Garrett Kearby and Chris O’Sullivan. The pretzel journey began March 7 when the boxes filled with Bachman twists and minis were The Cape Kennedy transits the Suez Canal March forklifted onto a truck 24 with its cargo of military equipment—and bound for the Cape assorted pretzels. Kennedy, where they were unloaded the next day. The ship pulled away from the pier in Norfolk on the morning of March 9 and transited the Suez Canal on March 24. On April 6, the vessel prepared to unload its cargo—including the pretzels—in the port of Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait. Arrangements were then made through the military’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation personnel to get them north to Iraq by convoy within a few days. As Captain Hasson noted, “We will One of the 25 always be glad to skids of pretzels have done our small is inspected on part in this ‘operaboard the vessel tion.’ It is important April 6 upon to let our good men arrival in the and women, who port of Ash serve for us, know Shuaybah, that we are thinking Kuwait. of them. They are in some tough circumThanks to T.J. stances so far from O’Connor, fleet safehome, but for a ty & environmental moment, they will coordinator at know we are thinking Keystone Shipping and praying for Co. for sending the them.” LOG the photos that The 16 SIU memappear on this page. bers aboard the ship for “Operation Support” were Bosun Donald Byrd; AB Gerry Davis, Lloyd Lindsey, Michael White, Joe Traywick, Jerrald Belcaries; GVA Leandro Cacho; Electrician Tran Luu, Oilers Jerome Culbreth Jr., Curtis Tobey, Enrique Bodden, Wiper Joseph Shepard; Steward Eddie Taylor, Cook Roberto Martinez; and GSUs Aquilino Fernandez and Kareem Worthy. Bachman pretzels from “Operation Support” begin to roll off the Cape Kennedy onto the dock in the Kuwaiti port. From there, they will be trucked to Iraq by convoy. Lt. Col. Bunch of the U.S. Army (right) came from Iraq to the vessel to accept the pretzels (under armed guard) from Capt. Hasson (center). Some of the first soldiers receive their pretzels, and the smiles on their faces show the entire effort was greatly appreciated. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF CONDUCTS 41ST CONGRESS SIU’S HEINDEL ELECTED TO ITF POST NINE TANKERS ORDERED SIU-CONTRACTED U.S. SHIPPING HAS OPTIONS FOR 5 MORE VESSELS 4TH ALASKA TANKER DELIVERED CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 5TH T-AKE SHIP NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER OPENS IN WEST VIRGINIA; NEW ORLEANS REC REOPENS SIU CONTRACTED COMPANIES AMONG THOSE RECEIVING SAFETY AWARDS FROM AMS TWIC ‘SECURITY VULNERABILITIES’ CITED BY DHS; REQUIREMENT FOR CARD READERS PUSHED BACK CONNAUGHTON CONFIRMED AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SIU-CREWED WHEAT PARTICIPATES IN MULTINATIONAL MILITARY DRILL RED CLOUD, CHESAPEAKE SAIL IN ‘JLOTS’ RETIRED NMU OFFICIAL MARTINEZ DIES AT 88 6 RECERTIFIED STEWARDS LEARN FIRSTHAND ROLE POLITICS PLAY SEAFARERS: OAKLAND HALL IS UPGRADE PRIDE OF AMERICA’S DECK DEPT. ALWAYS GETS THE JOB DONE CIVMARS RESCUE LIBERIAN FISHERMAN INSTRUCTOR OAKLEY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BILL SAUL SEAFARERS RATIFY STANDARD CONTRACTS LUMMUS COOKIES ARE A BIG HIT BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER OFFERS DEDICATION TO CREWS BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER 06-06-06 “THE RATTLE OF THE MUSKET FIRE” CAPE KENNEDY COMPLETES ‘SPECAL’ MISSION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 9 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/6faaf36b5df7941cd46d340dfd694bbd.pdf 11580f03113f684b97594852c19a8f08 PDF Text Text 37484_p1_3,9.qxp 7/27/2006 7:42 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 8 August 2006 SEAFARERS Approve Standard Contracts New Agreements Increase Wages, Maintain Benefits SIU members overwhelmingly voted in favor of the new standard freightship and tanker agreements last month during shipboard meetings and at the union halls. The five-year pacts boost wages and maintain medical benefits along with other favorably received components. Pictured above (from left) are some of the Seafarers who endorsed the new contracts—at the Baltimore hall, aboard the Cape Wrath and aboard the USNS Altair. Pages 3, 6, 7. USNS Sacagawea Christened Matson Welcomes New Ship The Seafarers-contracted Maunalei (both photos at immediate left), Matson’s newest containership, was christened July 22 at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU President Michael Sacco led an SIU delegation that attended the ceremony. Page 3. The second vessel in the Navy’s new T-AKE class was christened June 24 in San Diego. The USNS Sacagawea (above) will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Page 4. Rallying for Workers’ Rights SIU Crews Honored For Relief Operations Seafarers from five ships recently were recognized for their relief operations along the Gulf Coast during the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year. Some of those members are pictured above after the June 14 ceremony aboard the USNS Brittin in New Orleans. Page 8. Seafarers participated in a rally July 13 in Washington, D.C. to protect workers’ rights. Above, students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are pictured with AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka (seventh from left) and Maryland-D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason. In photo at left, Seafarers pose with AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. News on SIU Constitution Pages 11-14 TWIC, MMC Updates Page 2 �37484_P1_3,9.qxp 7/27/2006 5:28 PM Page 2 SIU Weighs in on TWIC, MMC President’s Report Gains and Challenges Even for a union that’s accustomed to having a lot on our plate, this is an extremely busy and important time. I’m especially concerned about the proposed federal rules for implementing new credentials for mariners and other transportation workers in the United States. In this case I’m referring to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the separate Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The SIU has gone through the proposed reguMichael Sacco lations with a fine-tooth comb. We have submitted our formal comments to the Transportation Department, and along with other maritime unions we also submitted joint testimony to Congress last month. Details are included in a separate article in this issue of the LOG. Let me make perfectly clear that the SIU supports strong, comprehensive security policies for our ships and our ports. We want the same things that any concerned citizen would want—safe, productive operations and security that’s tight enough to protect people while also being fair to all concerned. That means striking a balance between letting commerce flow while keeping our guard up at all times. It also means taking a practical, logical approach to implementing the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which is the law behind these new credentials. On that last point, our union’s position is that the current merchant mariner document (MMD) essentially meets or exceeds the proposed requirements for a TWIC, pending the addition of a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint. As we told Congress and the Transportation Department, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Mariners are already closely regulated and, in the context of a TWIC, we’re ahead of the game. The government should look elsewhere within the transportation industry to begin instituting this new ID. We’re already using a proven one, and we’re already jumping through enough hoops. Similarly, the MMC for individual mariners is largely unnecessary, and the format itself (a paper document) is a step backwards. This is a vital development not only for the SIU but in fact for our entire industry, and we will stay on top of it every step of the way. Speaking of this particular issue, I’ll close with a line from a July 3 editorial in the Houston Chronicle which discussed (among other points) the Jones Act and security policies for U.S. crews, and which, in my opinion, also applies to the TWIC: “U.S. mariners and the owners of their vessels are required to get high-tech ID cards and file reams of documents…. Treating the U.S. Merchant Marine as if it were the prime threat just doesn’t make sense.” New Contracts Congratulations to our negotiators and our rank-and-file membership for the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, which were ratified in July. Even the most skeptical individual would have to agree that it’s quite an accomplishment in this day and age for a union to secure a five-year contract that increases wages while keeping health benefits. Our standard agreements should be a source of pride, and I believe these new contracts live up to that description. On a personal note, I have always felt that our members stay informed on the key issues. They have reinforced that belief once again by understanding that the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Trustees had to make changes in our benefits structure. We all know what’s happening to our fellow workers in other industries when it comes to health coverage. We want to make sure that we can continue to provide for our members—the best mariners in the world. Volume 68, Number 8 Unions Offer Sensible Solution: Modify Current MMD The SIU formally submitted comments early last month concerning federally proposed rules on the implementation of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and (separately) the consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials (MMC). The comments were submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Docket Management Facility, in accordance with guidelines contained in the respective Notices of Proposed Rulemakings. Additionally, the SIU joined with other U.S. maritime unions in crafting related testimony presented July 20 to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. (The subcommittee is part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.) As previously reported, the new credentials were mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. Since the government issued Notices of Proposed Rulemakings in late May, various segments of the U.S. maritime industry have analyzed the proposals—and many have warned of unintended consequences that could cripple commerce by throwing port operations into gridlock. Maritime unions including the SIU have emphasized that they fully embrace strong shipboard and port security measures, but that such regulations must not cause undue burden on mariners or other transportation workers, nor should they disrupt commerce. More than 550 organizations or individuals submitted comments on the TWIC and MMC, including four members of the House Committee on Homeland Security (U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson, Loretta Sanchez, Jane Harman and Peter DeFazio). It is believed that the overwhelming majority of those comments—possibly all of them—urged changes to the proposed rules, including an extension of the comment period (which closed in early July and as of press time hadn’t been reopened). During the subcommittee hearing on July 20, Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) spoke on behalf of unions including the SIU, MEBA, MM&P and AMO. “In regards to future changes in mariner credentialing and the creation of the Transportation Worker Identity Credential, the Department of Homeland Security should allow the existing U.S. Merchant Mariner Document to serve as both a TWIC and a mariner credential for the purposes of identification and qualifications held by the mariner,” he stated. “Essentially, we propose keeping the MMD ‘as is’ with the exception of adding a biometric identifier as mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and ensuring that it complies with all International Labor Organization conventions.” He added that the proposed revised MMD “should allow mariners access to their vessels docked at any port facility in the United States;” that the Coast Guard “should continue to be the sole agency responsible for vetting and credentialing merchant mariners;” and that licensed deck and engine officers should still receive a license that may be displayed aboard ship for inspection purposes. Seafarers again are reminded that nothing has been finalized with respect to the new regulations, and that the final rules probably won’t be finished for at least a few months. As currently written, the new regulations would require that the TWIC pro- gram is fully in place 18 months after the final rules are published. Following is the bulk of the SIU’s written comments to the Transportation Department: The SIU recognizes and appreciates the breadth, complexity and challenge of protecting our nation and our maritime transportation network from terrorist incursions. We believe that a safe, secure and reliable maritime transportation system is vital to this nation’s economic, defense and national security. To that end, the SIU has implemented a number of educational and training programs responding to the mandates of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and, further, has offered our assistance and views to the government in its efforts to devise and implement appropriate measures to protect this nation and our transportation sector from terrorism. First and foremost, the SIU requests a 90-day extension of the comment period to allow all concerned mariners the opportunity to review the proposal and comment appropriately. By the nature of their employment, many mariners may, as yet, not have had the opportunity to either review the complex document or contact their representatives with their assessment of the proposal. In fact, the complexity and sheer magnitude of the proposal itself warrants an extended comment period. It is unreasonable to expect such an immediate turnaround on this important proposal especially since the agencies involved have had a number of years to promulgate regulations. The maritime sector should have adequate time to review and assess the proposal and its impact on the industry. The SIU generally endorses the concept contained in the proposed rule for a biometric transportation security card. However, there are select items within this proposal that warrant concern and comment. The SIU will focus its comments on those issues, as follows. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) As noted, the SIU endorses the precept of a biometric transportation security card as mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The SIU appreciates the efforts and the time expended by the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration in attempting to implement this requirement. However, we believe that the complicated and burdensome process proposed by the agencies is both unnecessary for merchant mariners and may essentially prove disruptive to maritime commerce. As such, the SIU strongly recommends that the current merchant mariner document be altered or modified to include an encoded biometric, to be used as a biometric transportation security card in lieu of the proposed TWIC, especially since the Coast Guard recognizes the MMD as an identity document. The SIU believes that with a security vetting process (threat assessment), preferably initiated by the Coast Guard, the biometric MMD would adequately respond to the mandate of the MTSA for a biometric transportation security card, given the fact that the Coast Guard advises that a security assessment is not required for the mariner population who Continued on page 5 MarAd Conducts Exercise at Piney Point August 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in late June conducted a readiness exercise at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Among the participants were Gene Magee, chief, Reserve Fleet (seated foreground, above right photo) and Captain Owen Doherty, USNR (standing in photo at left). Associate Administrator for National Security Jim Caponiti played a key role in organizing the event. August 2006 �37484_p1_3,9x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:16 AM Page 3 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts Agreements Boost Wages, Maintain Medical Benefits, Preserve Jobs SIU members last month demonstrated their overwhelming support for the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, ratifying the five-year pacts during meetings at the union halls and aboard ship. Voting continued as this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press in late July, but based on tallies from 132 SIU-crewed ships and from membership meetings and special meetings conducted at the halls, the standard contracts clearly were headed for ratification. Approximately 98 percent of the votes were in favor of the agreements. Despite negotiations that in many ways were more difficult than usual, the SIU bargaining team—led by Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker—secured contracts that not only call for wage increases in each year of the pacts, but also maintain health benefits at the current Core Plus level. The latter issue consumed much of the negotiations—not surprising when one considers the staggering cost of health care nowadays. Retroactive to June 16, 2006 and running through June 15, 2011, the contracts include numerous other gains, including an amendment to the Shipping Rules that changes tours of duty for seamen with class “A” seniority employed above an entry rating from 22 months to 12 months. Overall, in spite of repeated demands from the companies for various concessions, the SIU didn’t lose a single job under the new agreements – and in fact took no losses in any category. “I’m very pleased with it,” said Chief Steward John Hale when asked his opinion of the Seafarers on the Cape Knox (above) and the Horizon Challenger (below) show their enthusiasm about the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. people a chance to get these jobs.” She also said, “The pay increases are very reasonable.” Tricker said the union’s “greatest challenge during the course of the negotiations was to secure unprecedented monetary increases to the funding of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in order to continue offering benefits at the current Core Plus level while still providing increases in wages and all wagerelated items.” Following are highlights of the new agreements: „ Wages and Overtime. Effective July 1 in each year of the contract, wages and Continued on page 6 Matson’s Maunalei Christened in Philly new contracts. “The wage increases are outstanding.” AB Zinnonnon Jackson stated, “With the economy being in the state it’s in, our bargaining committee did a marvelous job in making the necessary changes to benefit the security of all members and their families.” Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis pointed to the modification of the old “22-month rule” as a highlight of the new pacts. “That is a worthwhile change and it’s going to work out,” he observed, noting that he and many other members had requested such action. Speaking of the contracts as a whole, OMU Dennis Swords noted, “I’m very pleased. Overall there are many good points and it’s all positive news.” Electrician Prescilo Zuniga described the new agreements as “good, helpful for us Seafarers, especially the annual (wage) increases.” Wiper Gilbert Regalado took a broad view of the contracts, noting that “the sacrifices that have been made in years past” are now paying off as the union continues building upon earlier, steadily accumulated gains. “I also really like that so many ships manned SHBP Eligibility Change Announced The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) last month announced a change in its eligibility rules. As reported at all SIU membership meetings and as specified in a letter to Plan participants, as of Jan. 1, 2007, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. In other words, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2007, a mariner must have 150 days of covered employment in 2006 in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months preceding a claim. The increased requirement of 150 days as compared to the old standard of 125 days recently was approved by the SHBP Board of Trustees. In her report to the membership for July, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen noted that the change is being implemented “in order to maintain the level of benefits provided” to eligible Seafarers and their dependents. An informal polling of rank-and-file members and SIU port agents last month found Seafarers generally taking the change itself in stride. As reported at the membership meetings, the average deep-sea SIU member already averages well over 150 days of sea time per year. Also, Seafarers repeatedly acknowledged that this change is consistent with nationwide realities involving the continually increasing cost of health care. The concern most often voiced by members upon August 2006 by the union are under the standard contracts,” he added. Bosun David Jones viewed the agreements as “an improvement, considering the wage increases and everything compared to some of the other industries out there—even some (traditionally) union industries like the auto industry. The contract we got this time is good for us, plus we’re maintaining our health care coverage whereas other industries are losing theirs.” AB Harry Champagne said the standard contracts are “decent overall” and fair agreements for all concerned. Chief Steward Donna Taylor applauded the new 12-month rule, declaring, “It gives more hearing about the adjustment to 150 days seems to be simply making sure that they secure enough sea time by year’s end to maintain SHBP eligibility in the New Year. Chief Steward Donna Taylor agreed with that sentiment but also added, “Change is always necessary in any job so that everybody wins. We all have to be understanding…. The union has been very good to me. I’ve been able to buy my own home, my own car.” “It’s going to work out for the long-term guys out here like myself,” said Bosun David Jones. “I’m a family man—I have two children—and I know from past experience the union has always covered us if we need something. Going to 150 days from 125 doesn’t really bother me because I’m out there anyway.” According to the non-profit, non-partisan National Coalition on Health Care, spending for medical coverage continues to increase at the fastest rate in U.S. history. In 2005, employer health insurance premiums increased at a rate nearly three times greater than the rate of inflation. The yearly premium for an employer health plan covering a family of four averaged about $11,000, while the annual premium for single coverage averaged more than $4,000. Another telling statistic reflects the steady drop in employer-sponsored health care. The percentage of people with employment-based health insurance has declined from 70 percent in 1987 to 59.8 percent in 2004. Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company’s newest containership, the Maunalei, on July 22 was christened by Millie Akaka, wife of Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), during a ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Akaka formally christened the ship with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne against the hull of the vessel. SIU officials attending the christening included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. They were joined by a host of other officials from Washington, Hawaii and Guam who represented labor, other segments of the U.S. maritime industry and government. The ceremony’s slate of speakers consisted of W. Allen Doane, chairman of Matson and chairman and CEO of its parent company, Alexander & Baldwin; Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM); Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii); and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam). “As we entered the 21st century, we faced a considerable challenge in developing a modernization and replacement strategy for the Matson fleet,” said Doane. “Between 1983 and 2002 Matson had only one new ship constructed, the R. J. Pfeiffer, in 1992. “In only four years, Matson has introduced four new ships to its fleet, an achievement that’s truly historic.” Abercrombie stressed the importance of the U.S. maritime industry. “What needs to be understood is the firm connection between a vibrant and healthy U.S. maritime industry and the prosperity of our nation,” he said. “I’m proud to say we were able to revive the cruise industry in Hawaii with American-owned, American-flagged cruise ships, with 4,000 jobs created, all union jobs, from stem to stern, [paying] American wages, obeying U.S. environmental, labor and health laws, with taxes paid to this country.” He also emphasized the key role of the Jones Act as it pertains to national security. The Maunalei is the fourth new containership built by the shipyard for Matson in the past four years. Each vessel’s steward department is crewed by SIU members. Rounding out the Matson fleet upgrades were the deliveries of the SIU-contracted Manukai in 2003, the Maunawili in 2004, and the Manulani in 2005. The Maunalei, which means “mountain flower” in Hawaiian, is 681 feet long and weighs more than 44,000 tons when fully loaded. Beginning in August, the vessel will be deployed in Matson’s Hawaii-Guam-China service alongside the other three containerships constructed by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has built four U.S.-flag containerships for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation. Above, the newest ship (Maunalei) displays the Stars and Stripes for its christening. Seafarers LOG 3 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:00 PM Page 4 2 T-AKE Ship Christened nd USNS Sacagawea Signals More CIVMAR Jobs The U.S. Navy on June 24 christened the USNS Sacagawea, the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Lucy Honena Diaz and Rachael Lynne Ariwite, familial descendants of Sacagawea, served as cosponsors of the ship, which will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Amy Mossett, a Mandan-Hidatsa member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, served as honorary matron of honor. Designated T-AKE 2, the Sacagawea honors the Lemhi Shoshone woman who acted as guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark on their expedition into the Northwest region of the United States. The USNS Sacagawea is the second of nine ships in the Navy’s new T-AKE class. The USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) on June 20 was delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The Navy has awarded NASSCO six contracts valued at approximately $2.8 billion for the design and construction of the nine ships in the T-AKE program. Construction of the Sacagawea began in September of 2004. It is scheduled to be delivered to USNS Lewis and Clark MSC in the first quarter of 2007. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel intended to replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars class combat Labor Icon Evy Dubrow Dies at 95 Evelyn (Evy) Dubrow, one of America’s most powerful, most respected and best-loved advocates for working people and their unions, passed away June 20. She was 95. Although diminutive in stature—Dubrow stood only four feet, 11 inches—her accomplishments were anything but small. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a friend of presidents and champion of low-wage workers and a major force in the union movement. As one newspaper headline described her, she was the “Capitol Hill lobbyist everyone loves.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, recalling the many years he worked with Dubrow, said, “When I started my first job in the union movement at the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in New York, Evy Dubrow was already an experienced lobbyist for the union—and she was already a legend. As time passed and I had the chance to get to know her, I understood why. “Evy had a rare combination of intelligence, wit, pragmatism, compassion and charm. She was so beloved and so persuasive that she could open doors and win victories on Capitol Hill for working people when no one else could. And although her heart and soul were always with the most progressive representatives and senators like John Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey and Tip O’Neill, she also counted staunch conservatives like Barry Goldwater and Bob Dole as her friends—and more than 4 Seafarers LOG once, she won their support. Dubrow was so popular among lawmakers that former House Speaker O’Neill had a permanent chair provided for her just outside the chamber of the House. “Evy joked that she would have been a terrible lobbyist for the oil companies, but behind the joke was the core of who she was,” Sweeney continued. “I’m convinced that the biggest reason she won so many victories over the years was that she was lobbying for a cause she loved with all her heart: the women and men of her union. All of us who were her friends are remembering her and sharing our own stories of her, but I believe that the best eulogy of Evy Dubrow was actually said years ago by a senator: Evy Dubrow is the union label. It was true then, and it will always be.” Born the daughter of impoverished immigrant factory workers from Belarus, Dubrow got her first taste of political activism handing out fliers during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s in New York City’s Union Square. She first joined a union, the Newspaper Guild, at The Morning Call in New Jersey, and it changed her life. She served as the secretary of the Guild, assistant to the president of the New Jersey Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), and as organizer and political education director of the Textile Workers in New Jersey. Dubrow found her true calling when David Dubinsky hired her in 1956 as the lobbyist for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union (ILGWU), where he was president. Her very first task was to oppose a proposal that would outlaw secondary boycotts. Her next issue was fighting for an increase in the minimum wage to $1 an hour. stores ships and, when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser class oiler ships, the AOE 1 Sacramento class fast combat support ships. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Sacagawea will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as the Sacagawea provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. It will transfer cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea. The USNS Sacagawea is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet, and displaces approximately 42,000 tons. Powered by a single-shaft dieselelectric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots. The Sacagawea has modular cargo holding and handling systems on board and can carry more than 6,600 tons of dry cargo and nearly 23,500 barrels of fuel. Photo Courtesy of Women’s Research & Education Institute Evelyn (Evy) Dubrow (1911-2006) It was the start of an extraordinary career. For two generations, Dubrow lobbied in Washington, D.C., for just about every good cause in public life: fighting against the return of the sweatshops and industrial homework and against free trade laws that exploit workers in this nation and around the world; and fighting for pay equity, labor law reform, family and medical leave, civil rights, universal health care and much more. She rose through the ILGWU to become an international union vice president in 1977. In presenting Dubrow with the Medal of Freedom (the nation’s highest civilian honor) in 1999, President Bill Clinton said, “For more than five decades, Evy Dubrow has fought to improve the lives of America’s working women and men. A tenacious and effective union activist, she has been a force for social justice and improved labor conditions by working for increases in the minimum wage, health care reform, family and medical leave, and pay equity for women. Renowned for her grace, candor, and integrity, she has earned the respect of opponents and allies alike.” The USNS Sacagawea will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. SIU-Contracted Companies Earn Environmental Awards Three SIU-contracted companies recently were recipients of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Awards for Excellence. Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. of Houston and Oakland, Calif.based Matson Navigation Co. landed silver and bronze awards (plaques), respectively, in the competition’s Large Business Vessel Category while U.S. Shipping Partners of Edison, N.J. took home an honorable mention in the Small Business Vessel Category. The awards were bestowed June 26 during the American Petroleum Institute Tanker Conference in San Diego. “The Benkert Award demonstrates how industry has led, innovated and far exceeded expectations as good stewards of the sea,” said Rear Adm. Craig Bone, who presented the awards on behalf of the Coast Guard. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union during the conference and witnessed the awards ceremony. “We salute our contracted companies for staking their claims on these awards,” Tellez said. “It’s a real testament to effort put forward by company officials to protect and safeguard the marine environment and it speaks volumes about the quality of our people who are working aboard these companies’ ships. Congrats are in order all around.” Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. (OSI) received the highest-level award among all vessel operators who applied for the Benkert Award. This unique honor recognizes the environmental commitment of the company and its employees, ashore and afloat, and the excellent record this collaborative effort has achieved, an OSI publication noted of the award. OSI operates with a safety management system meeting the requirements of the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The company’s quality management system complies with ISO 9001:2000. Both systems are independently certified by the American Bureau of Shipping. OSI vessels are in compliance with Shipboard Security requirements of MTSA and ISPS, and the company’s security plans have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Presently, OSI is providing ship management services to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration. Matson President and CEO James Andrasick commended his company’s safety, quality and environmental affairs (SQE) and vessel operations departments for this distinguished achievement. “The criteria for receiving the Benkert Award require operators to demonstrate comprehensive and industry leading environmental initiatives,” he said. “Matson’s efforts here have clearly gone far beyond today’s stringent requirements. In every example, Matson’s SQE and vessel operations departments received the full support and cooperation of all Matson personnel. The collaborative work has been exceptional.” Matson has had a zero discharge policy since 1993. In 2003, the company’s Chief Gadao became the first U.S.-flag container vessel certified to the American Bureau of Shipping’s Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program. All of Matson’s vessels now have the SQE certification, which requires a documented environmental management system focused on continuous improvement. In addition, Matson offices and terminals are certified to the ISO 14000 environmental management system standard. Matson provides ocean transportation services for Hawaii, Guam, China and the Mid-Pacific as well as logistics services throughout North America. U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. is an active participant in the U.S.flag Jones Act coastwise tanker trades for refined petroleum products and chemical parcels. The company operates six integrated tug barges (ITB) which carry petroleum products and two tankers which haul mainly chemicals. U.S. Shipping Partners recently placed an order for an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB), for delivery early in 2006. The company employs approximately 30 shore staff and approximately 300 fleet personnel. The SIU-contracted companies were three of nine to receive recognition during the API event. The Benkert Award was named for the late Rear Adm. William M. Benkert, a distinguished Coast Guard officer widely known for his leadership and vision in marine environmental protection. It was created to recognize vessel and facility operators who have implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs that far exceed mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards. August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:00 PM Page 5 ‘All Available Boats’ Examines New York Evacuation on 9/11 The story of the waterborne evacuation of thousands of people from lower Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks—a massive operation in which SIU members played a key role—now is being retold through a new multimedia exhibit in New York. “All Available Boats: Harbor Voices and Images, 9.11.01,” according to the Associated Press uses the voices of those who were there to tell the somewhat overlooked story of how tens of thousands of people escaped lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001 by boat. Among the voices are those belonging to tug captains, police officers, other maritime workers, financial experts, students, teach- Maritime Trades Dept. Launches Web Site The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) last month went electronic with its communications competency by launching its new web site— www.maritimetrades.org. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as MTD president, in late June announced the premier of the department’s latest communications vehicle. The site replaces the department’s longrunning newsletter, Maritime, which ceased publication in March. In addition to carrying general information on the department, the new MTD web site contains data about its officers, and facts about its 24 affiliated internation- al unions and its port maritime councils. It also will maintain links with various maritime, labor and governmental organizations. The new web site will be updated regularly with the latest news and information from maritime labor and the industry. It will announce upcoming events involving the MTD and its port councils. Twenty-four international unions comprise the MTD. These unions represent more than 5 million members in maritime-related industries. The MTD also has a series of 19 port maritime councils in major port cities across the United States and Canada. SIU Weighs in on TWIC Continued from page 2 have an MMD issued after February 3, 2003, implying that those mariners have undergone a full security vetting by the Coast Guard and therefore need not undergo a TWIC security assessment. The SIU urges the Coast Guard to continue this simplified approach for merchant mariners who are required to hold merchant mariner documents instead of opting for the TSA proposed process. Further, the SIU believes that the Coast Guard itself has the authority to implement the biometric transportation security card mandate as recommended above. In fact, the MTSA requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a biometric transportation security credential to merchant mariners. Section 102 of the MTSA defines “Secretary” to mean “the Secretary in which the Coast Guard is operating.” It is our view that within this definition, the Coast Guard has the authority to issue an MMD with an encoded biometric as a merchant mariner biometric transportation security credential. Moreover, this would certainly negate the need for a change in the Code of Federal Regulations as proposed in USCG-2006-24371, the Consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials. A further reason for utilizing a biometric merchant mariner document in lieu of a TWIC is the fact that the rule proposes standards which will primarily impact merchant mariners and port workers. Why reinvent the wheel when a proven, time-tested, and internationally accepted document already exists that, with some modification, responds to the mandate of the MTSA. In addition, to date, there are no TWIC requirements for other workers in all modes of transportation. It is our view that if the TWIC is not applicable to all modes of transportation, then the system is essentially flawed due to port intermodalism and the security objective is undermined. User Fees In this rule, the TSA proposes to establish new user fees for the TWIC process. Although the SIU opposes a TWIC requirement for merchant mariners, we nonetheless advance that it is patently unfair to impose yet another user fee on the merchant mariner for a credential that can be encompassed in the MMD. In fact, the merchant mariner is already charged a user fee for the process associated with the MMD. The SIU is aware that Section 520 of the 2004 DHS Appropriations Act requires TSA to charge a reasonable fee for providing credentialing and background investigations in the field of transportation. The principle behind user fees is based on the philosophy that beneficiaries of federal expenditures should repay the government in the form of a user charge on all or a portion of the federal expenditures incurred for a service. User fees are based on the premise that some agency services are of benefit only to particular segments of the population and that fairness dictates that these services be subject to user fees. However, the SIU contends that the TWIC program is not of benefit to a particular segment of the population—the merchant mariner in this case–but primarily in the interest August 2006 ers, stockbrokers and other citizens. The exhibit is located at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s gallery at 241 Water Street, New York, N.Y. In promoting the exhibit, the AFL-CIO noted, “The brutal images of terrorist destruction on Sept. 11, 2001, are burned into our collective memories. But there are other images from that day that most of us didn’t see. Among those: New York’s tugboats, ferries, fireboats, work boats and private pleasure boats evacuating more than 300,000 people from Lower Manhattan on the day the terrorists’ planes took down the Twin Towers, killing nearly 2,800 people.” The exhibit “describes how the maritime community in boats crewed by members of the SIU, Marine Engineers; Masters, Mates and Pilots; Fire Fighters; Longshoreman and other unions moved survivors—many of them injured—to safety.” Shortly after the first plane hit the North Tower, the Coast Guard put out the call for “all available boats.” Capt. Kirk Slater, an SIU Photo Courtesy Seamen’s Church Institute The exhibit offers various viewing and listening choices. member, and two SIU deckhands on the NY Waterway ferry West New York were among those who answered the call. In 2001, Slater told the AFLCIO magazine America@work that before the second plane hit the South Tower, the West New York had made two trips loaded with evacuees when “I looked up and saw the second plane go right into the Trade Center…. [Soon after] I heard this rumble. The first building came down, came down fast. It was a crystal-clear day, but this huge [debris] cloud of public security. It is our belief that one of the key criteria regarding the application of a user fee for TSA services rendered is whether the service provides a special benefit to an identifiable recipient above and beyond those that accrue to the public at large. In this case, it does not. Therefore, given the fact that obtaining a TWIC is in the interest of public security, merchant mariners should not be assessed a user fee. It is neither fair nor reasonable to assess a user fee on a merchant mariner for a security mandate that has broader benefits. The background checks and security threat assessments contained in the proposal are considered necessary to enhance the security of our nation’s ports and are part of an overall effort to fight terrorism elements…. Federal Preemption The SIU recognizes and acknowledges the fact that states have the right to regulate access to their port facilities. However, once a national identity standard is promulgated, it is critically important that these standards supersede state regulations. Thus, the SIU recommends that the federal TWIC or MMD program preempt any state or local regulations covering identity cards for mariners. The entire purpose of an identification credential is to provide a universally recognized identity card and to assure a mariner access to vessels and port facilities. In addition, the mandatory provisions of the International Maritime Organization’s ISPS Code require facilitation of access by mariners. Additional state or local requirements will create confusion and intolerable conditions for mariners, undermine the purpose of the TWIC, and disrupt interstate and foreign waterborne commerce. Allowing states to arbitrarily impose different or added security requirements is inconsistent with the intent of the TSA and Coast Guard to achieve a level of consistency governing threat assessments and transportation credentials. Further Comments on the TWIC Program The SIU believes that the TWIC program, as proposed, is an economic train-wreck waiting to happen. It will not enhance security but will certainly disrupt commerce and place an intolerable burden on American merchant mariners. The program is also flawed since it exempts foreign seamen from the process while focusing completely on U.S. merchant mariners who are screened, regulated and fully vetted by the Coast Guard. It has been estimated that 97 percent of our imports and exports are carried on foreign-flag vessels with foreign crews who in our view pose the gravest security risk. Yet, these crews are exempt from the TWIC requirements. If the TSA and Coast Guard actually implement this proposed rule, the SIU, in addition to our recommendations above, advocates the following: „ Any national TWIC issued to American merchant mariners must be compatible with the International Labor Organization’s Convention 185 so that the document will be acceptable in foreign ports. „ Any waiver or appeals cases should be held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at a hearing on the record. It is unfair to have a mariner go back to the very was approaching us. I had a full load, so I got out of there fast. But it engulfed us, like the worst fog.” The smoke and debris forced many boats to operate by radar to find their way to the Manhattan docks. But as “All Available Boats” shows, that didn’t slow the incredible and efficient rescue efforts by the maritime community. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekends. The exhibit will run through Sept. 30. agency which determined he was a security risk in the first place to resolve the issue. „ TSA should eliminate the self-disclosure of convictions requirement in the application process. The TWIC applicant will be required to undergo an extensive background check which will uncover any disqualifying factors for obtaining a TWIC. Why then should the applicant be required to complete a self-disclosure form? „ If mariners are required to obtain a TWIC, they should be guaranteed unfettered access to ports. „ There should be a clear nexus between terrorism security and the crimes that will disqualify an individual from holding a maritime TWIC, as the list of felony offenses that will disqualify a mariner from obtaining a maritime TWIC is too expansive, nebulous and unfocused on eliminating true security risks. U.S. mariners are and will always be an effective asset in the global war on terrorism and are the most trained, qualified and vetted workers in the transportation industry. Our history of answering the call to perform our patriotic duty in every conflict and disaster is a matter of public record. In summary and to be clear, we urge the TSA and the Coast Guard to recognize the contributions of American mariners to the economic and defense security of our nation by exempting them from the unnecessary burden of obtaining a TWIC. The SIU looks forward to working and cooperating with the TSA and Coast Guard to find an amenable resolution to this important issue. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Michael Sacco President In its comments about the MMC, the SIU in addition to requesting an extension of the comment period noted, “The SIU urges the Coast Guard to separate this proposed rule from the timeline advanced in the TWIC proposal and further recommends that this proposal be either deferred or reintroduced gradually and subsequent to a thorough testing of the TWIC program, if promulgated…. During an initial review of the document, the SIU detected a number of minor errors and several noticeable omissions in the proposal which may create unintended consequences. Further, it has been noted that the Coast Guard intends to create a paper document which, in our view, is a reversion to the past. Smarter credentials are the answer, utilizing smart card technology. In fact, it is such technology that will enable the Coast Guard to bring U.S. maritime credentialing from the 19th to the 21st century. “As advanced by the Coast Guard in its Proceedings publication, the consolidation of credentials requires substantial effort, planning, coordination, and cooperation and many complex and sensitive details will have to be considered including revision of current statutes and regulations. The SIU agrees with this tenet and looks forward to working together with the Coast Guard to achieve a meaningful transition of credentialing to the 21st century.” Seafarers LOG 5 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:27 AM Page 6 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts Bargaining committee members included (front, from left) Ed Hanley, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Jack Craft, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Captain Robert Johnston, (standing) Mike Bohlman, Carol Berger, Wally Becker, Jean Harrington, Tony Naccarato, Bob Rogers, Bill Cole and Jack Robinson. Continued from page 3 overtime are increased as follows: 2 percent in 2006; 3 percent in 2007; 3 percent in 2008; 4 percent in 2009; and 4 percent in 2010, for a total of 16 percent over the life of the contract. „ Shipping Rules. Responding to numerous recommendations received from the membership, the union successfully amended the Shipping Rules by changing tours of duty for seamen with class A seniority employed above an entry rating from 22 months to 12 months. A labor-management committee has been created to identify and resolve crew shore-leave issues. Seafarers being relieved shall register at a port in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or Guam within 72 hours after being relieved, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. (Hawaii and Guam are new additions to this rule.) Mariners who hold permanent status aboard commercial vessels having the right to relief must confirm their intent to reclaim their position by notifying the hiring hall dispatcher at least 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival. This may be done by phone (a change from past practice). After validating a permanent seaman’s credentials in accordance with Rule 2 C. (2.) the hiring hall shall ship the seaman and advise the company to arrange transportation from either the seaman’s domestic home of record (excluding Guam) or the hiring hall from which he is registered (seaman’s choice). Mariners with either A or B seniority may extend their contractual tour of duty when mutu- ally agreed between the union and the company. Minimum time off for all ratings shall change from 30 days to 45 days. Shipping registration cards’ period of validity for mariners accepting the balance of a relief assignment (if less than 30 days) shall be extended by the number of days employed. „ Holidays. In order to conform with the rest of the maritime industry and effectively meet the SIU’s contractual obligations, Paul Hall’s birthday will be replaced by Columbus Day as a contractual holiday. „ Work Rules and Miscellaneous. Based on recommendations from the membership, vessels with automated payroll systems may now pay off at sea. The company is required to notify the union’s manpower office each time a vessel will be in a U.S. port after a payoff at sea or when the vessel will be paying off in a U.S. port. (This will not change the servicing of vessels by SIU port representatives.) The ship’s committee’s duties shall be expanded to expedite and facilitate the crew’s union business. Maintenance and cure will be increased from the current rate of $8 per day to $16 per day. Reimbursement for launch service will be increased from $10 to $25 per round trip, per man carried once every 24 hours. Reimbursement for loss of clothing will be increased from $500 to $1,000. Each crew member is required to possess a sufficient supply of needed medication for the duration of his shipboard assignment. Obtaining maintenance medica- LIBERTY STAR 6 Seafarers LOG BALTIMORE HALL CAPE WASHINGTON HORIZON FAIRBANKS tion is the mariner’s responsibility. Seamen shall be required to remain on board until properly relieved, unless given written authorization to depart by the captain. In order to improve the preparation and serving of food and eliminate waste on all SIU-contracted vessels, the procedures contained in the “Three Man Steward Department Guide” shall be used for guidance. A committee of recertified stewards will review and update the guide. In ports that are located fairly close to one another, such as (but not limited to) New York to Philadelphia, Seattle to Longview, Jacksonville to Charleston, or New Orleans to Baton Rouge (in either direction), bus or rail transportation may be used as mutually agreed to by the union and the company. If payment of overtime is delayed by the company beyond 72 hours (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays or holidays) after signing off articles, additional compensation shall be paid at the rate of $25. Other Contract News „ The union has negotiated a three-year agreement with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and also has secured tentative threeyear contracts with (respectively) Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, Sealift Inc. and Osprey Ship Management. Each of the contracts calls for annual wage increases while maintaining health care coverage at the Core Plus level. Each of the agreements also maintains pension benefits. Without exception, health care costs dominated the negotiations for each contract. „ Seafarers last month ratified the new Great Lakes standard freightship agreement. The five-year contract calls for wage increases in each year of the pact; maintains health benefits at the Core Plus level; and boosts vacation pay by 78 percent. The new Great Lakes agreement also replaces the extendedseason bonus with a safety bonus—effective July 1, 2006, an amount equivalent to 2 percent of base wages will be contributed to the Seafarers Vacation Plan for employees who complete their assigned tours of duty free of illness or injury. Additionally, signatory employers have agreed to provide satellite service and receivers for each billet. They will supply the same monetary contribution as provided to officers for satellite service. „ Negotiations on new agreements continue with the following companies: Waterman Steamship, Liberty Maritime, and Interocean American Shipping. USNS FISHER and USNS PILILAAU OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS GALENA BAY USNS WRIGHT August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:53 AM Page 7 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts TACOMA HALL USNS BOB HOPE GLOBAL SENTINEL SEABULK ARCTIC PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS USNS SEAY USNS POLLUX MAERSK NEBRASKA USNS BENAVIDEZ SL COMMITMENT USNS INTEGRITY COAST RANGE USNS BELLATRIX PHILADELPHIA HALL August 2006 ITB PHILADELPHIA NORFOLK HALL Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski reviews contract details aboard the USNS Shughart. USNS SHUGHART Seafarers LOG 7 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:03 PM Page 8 Union Provided Solid Foundation, Great Memories Prominent Broadcaster Ivan Scott Still Treasures Shipboard Experience He has an Ivy League degree and a resumé that would stand out even in a high-powered city like Washington, D.C. But for Ivan Scott, nothing tops the education or experience he received as an active SIU member in the 1940s and ’50s. Scott, 76, is the Pentagon and national security correspondent for a group of radio and television stations including major ones in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis and Washington. The job routinely allows him to interact with top-level U.S. military and government officials. Previously, among other notable posts, he served as a presidential appointee (first as an assistant chief of information for the Navy, then as communications director for the Federal Transit Administration) and a combat correspondent and anchor for ABC, CBS and Mutual. One might think that Scott’s four years at sea would be long forgotten, but that’s not the case. During a recent interview at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. (located just outside Washington), Scott’s genuine affection for the union immediately surfaced. Despite the passage of nearly a half-century, his maritime background remains a big part of his identity. Reflecting on his time with the SIU, Scott emphatically declares that if given a choice between his four years at sea and his days at Princeton, “It’s no contest—I’d choose the sea. You become a man and you get an education. The training was absolutely beyond compare.” His ties with the SIU weren’t limited to sailing. Scott helped organize the Cities Service fleet in 1948—one of the most important victories in the union’s early history—and he still has a lump on his head from walking the picket lines during the equally key Isthmian campaign from that same era. After he left the industry for Former Seafarer Ivan Scott proudly displays his honorary book during a recent visit at SIU headquarters. He also had a full book as an active member beginning in the late 1940s. good in the late 1950s and entered broadcasting, Scott developed a strong friendship with SIU President Paul Hall as well as with Seafarers LOG Editor Herb Brand, a trusted assistant to the union president. In 1983, Scott received an honorary SIU book—Book No. 4, he proudly notes. Scott’s recollections of his sailing days are rich in detail. He remembers several close calls at sea, including striking a mine SIU Crews Honored for Relief Operations Seafarers from five SIU-contracted Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet vessels on June 14 were recognized for the myriad of services they provided people along the Gulf Coast during the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The mariners—24 SIU members who served aboard the USNS Algol, USNS, Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pililaau and USNS Pollux, respectively, when the two storms struck—each were awarded the U.S. Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement. They received their awards during an MSC-sponsored and AMSEAcoordinated hurricane relief ceremony aboard the USNS Brittin in Violet, La. Rear Adm. Hugo G. Blackwood, MSC vice commander, delivered the keynote address and presented the medals to the mariners. Assisting the admiral in the medal presentations were John Henry, MSC Sealift Program manager, and USNS Brittin Master Capt. Robert Groom. New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook represented the SIU. “When hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, MSC ships manned by the merchant mariners in attendance here today again responded to the call to service,” Groom said. “This time it was not the call of conflict but a call of crisis and need. And once again, American Merchant Mariners answered that call and helped the people of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities and towns.” Those receiving medals and their respective vessels were: „ USNS Algol: Bosun Walter L. Loveless, FOWT Terrance C. Ford, Wiper Noe Orellana and SA Yolanda E. Martinez; Those receiving medals from aboard the USNS Algol included Bosun Walter Loveless, Wiper Noe Orellana, SA Yolanda Martinez, Chief Engineer Robert Cheramie, Second Assistant Engineer George Ahten, Wiper/OMU Terrence Ford and First Assistant Engineer Alex Zarganas. 8 Seafarers LOG „ USNS Altair: Bosun Morris E. Foster, AB Jonathan E. Brown, OS Leroyal Hester, Wiper Ralph E. Derocha, Wiper Marco T. Oliva, SB Darrell C. Weatherspoon and SA Jouan J. Jackson; „ USNS Bellatrix: Bosun Wayne Venison, AB Stanley Williams, AB Austin Howard, OS David H. Perry, Wiper Frank Casby, Wiper Earl C. Kendrick and Storekeeper Charlotte A. Tuggle; „ USNS Pililaau: AB Damon M. Johnson; and „ USNS Pollux: Bosun Wilfredo C. Rice, AB Robinson M. Crusoe, OS Mark A. Fleming, SB Mariano M. Martinez and SA Armando S. Evangelista. Among the medal recipients from the USNS Altair were Bosun Morris Foster, AB Jonathan Brown, OS Leroyal Hester, Wiper Marco Oliva, SB Darrell Weatherspoon, SA Jouan Jackson, Chief Mate Laurence Ledwon, Chief Engineer Thomas Ostarly, 1st Assistant Engineer James Mahar, and 2nd Assistant Engineer Michelle McCoy. Not pictured are Capt. Paul Breslin and Wiper Ralph Deroch. USNS Bellatrix medal recipients included Wiper Frank Casby, AB Stanley Williams, Wiper Earl Kendrick, AB Austin Howard and Third Assistant Engineer David Schutte. that didn’t explode. He rattles off the names of vessels and shipmates as if the experiences happened yesterday. “What I liked about shipboard life was the sense of adventure and the caliber of person I sailed with and for,” he notes. “I never had a boring day at sea.” Like others from that period, Scott entered the industry at a very young age—16 in his case, during the last week of 1946. He first sailed as an OS aboard the tanker Wahoo Swamp, a non-union ship. “I was so green I didn’t know which was fore and which was aft,” he acknowledges. Thirty minutes after climbing that initial gangway, with others not realizing Scott was a firsttripper, he found himself steering. A series of “90-degree swings” in New York Harbor quickly ended that particular assignment. Following several more voyages, Scott ended up on a Cities Service vessel while the SIU was trying to organize the fleet. He helped with the campaign (earning a full book) and found a home with the union, even though he would move in and out of the industry for the next decade. “I was turned loose on the world after World War II when you could get anything you wanted for a pack of cigarettes,” Scott says with a wink. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1948-52, eventually working as an air traffic controller. But he still found time for the SIU, discretely making a coastwise run while otherwise on base in Lake Charles, La. He returned to sea for a year after finishing his time with the Air Force and being honorably discharged. He completed high school and then enrolled at Princeton, a prestigious university. Still, he wasn’t done with the sea. Scott sailed on Isthmian’s Steel Advocate following his freshman year. After graduating from Princeton in 1959, his military experience helped him secure work as a broadcaster covering the Pentagon, while his labor history proved invaluable when reporting on the trade union movement. As an up-and-coming reporter with an SIU background, he was befriended by Paul Hall, a towering figure not just within maritime labor but in the entire union arena. “He was almost a father image to me,” Scott says. “He was one of the most dynamic leaders I’ve ever met, and he had a total vision for the future. I was a great admirer of Paul’s.” Scott kept an eye on the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine in general even as he moved on to other segments of his career. Today, he says the country absolutely must maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet, pointing to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as the latest among an overwhelming number of examples supporting that stance. “It’s vital for a world power,” Scott notes. “The Achilles heel of the U.S. military is a lack of adequate sealift, although we’re closing the gap somewhat.” As a Pentagon correspondent, Scott frequently meets with top U.S. officials. He says he let Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld win this friendly arm-wrestling match, but the LOG is investigating that claim’s veracity. August 2006 �37484_p1_3,9x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:35 PM Page 9 Industry ‘Pioneer’ Bill Saul Dies at 80 William Repass Saul, retired official with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, died July 15 in Leonardtown, Md. He was 80. Saul was a former assistant to the vice president at the Paul Hall Center, working in that post from 1993 to 1997. He also had served for many years as a waterways advisor and union confidante. Previously, he was well-known as a top official at Steuart Petroleum. “Bill was an absolute pioneer in our industry,” said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. “He had a wealth of knowledge in many areas—especially the maritime industry—and he always was willing to share it with you. He was a very kind and gentle person, someone who it was a pleasure to know and work with. He will be missed.” “Bill was a hands-on executive, at home in coveralls and jeans as well as designer suits,” said Paul Hall Center Instructor Mitch Oakley. “He was as keen in the shipyard as he was in the boardroom. “Consummate businessman, world class entertainer, and always a gentleman, his fatal flaw was his huge heart,” Oakley continued. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to love and learn from Bill Saul. Thank you, Bill, for always having a glass half full—your sharing spirit will continue to inspire those of us you touched.” “I met Bill Saul back in the Snapshots from Southern California ’70s when I first went to Piney Point,” said Jerry DiPreta, retired Pall Hall Center comptroller. “He was a great man and a true gentleman, someone I was proud to know. “He was very knowledgeable about the maritime industry, particularly about the inland waters and inland vessels,” DiPreta continued. “Bill always treated people with respect, and it was a real pleasure to call him my friend. He will be greatly missed.” “I worked with Bill for about 10 years at the school,” shared Capt. Jack Russell, a part- time instructor at the Paul Hall Center. “We ran the Osprey (one of the school’s training vessels) together and trained a number of unlicensed apprentices and upgraders on how to operate a ship. SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox recently mailed these photos of various happenings in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Pedro, Calif. “He was a mentor of mine because I learned so much from him,” Russell continued. “Bill also was a father figure to me, because I lost my father a long time ago. We shared a good many father-son things over the years, and he always provided me with sound advice. I’ll always remember him as the wonderful, kind, caring person that he was.” Born in Buckingham County, Va., Saul attended Pennsylvania Maritime Academy and held a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1947. Saul is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Susan Mathews of Beaufort, S.C., and Johanna A. Saul of Compton, Md.; one son, John T. Saul of Prince Frederick, Md.; three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were conducted July 22 at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California, Md. with the Reverend Mike Jones officiating. Saul’s The late Bill Saul is shown in one of his favorite places: at the helm of the Osprey. remains were interred in Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Appomattox, Va. The family asks that those wishing to make memorial contributions consider the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Notice The union was scheduled to open its new hall in Oakland, Calif. in late July, as this edition was going to press. Contact information for the new hall is as follows: 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360, Fax: (510) 444-5587 Apprentice Earns GED SIU President Michael Sacco (left) addresses a National Maritime Day audience of approximately 300 people in San Pedro on May 22. Sacco was the keynote speaker at a luncheon sponsored by the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee (AMMVMC). Earlier that day, John Pitts, president of the AMMVC, speaks at a separate National Maritime Day ceremony in San Pedro. Cox and other SIU representatives attended both gatherings. Unlicensed Apprentice Ceresa Moreno (pictured with SIU officials) recently earned her GED through the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Moreno received the certificate at the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where she was congratulated by (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Contracts George Tricker. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 12 at the U.S. Coast Guard’s new regional exam center (left) in Long Beach, Cox (center) poses for a photo with (from left) incoming Captain of the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach Paul Wiedenhoeft and outgoing Captain of the Port Peter Neffenger. The new REC is located at 501 West Ocean Blvd. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Help SPAD Help You—Contribute to SPAD The SIU-contracted Pride of Hawaii arrives at Berth 93 in Los Angeles on May 21, one day after its christening at another location within the port. August 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 3:20 AM Page 10 Snapshots from . . . HORIZON HAWAII Jacksonville IN THE JACKSONVILLE HALL AB Antonio Mercado (above) and AB Patrick Lavin (left) prepare for a lifeboat drill aboard the Horizon Hawaii. Above: Abdul Azeem Binladen, Garry Matthews and Jackie Jones are sworn in by SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey as Seafarers attending the union meeting in Jacksonville (right) look on. TUG BOAT SEA HORSE AB Raymond Fernandez stands gangway watch. From the left are SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware and crew members aboard the Crowley tug Sea Horse: Norman Skipper, Travis McGee and Isaac Coldwell. From the left: Chief Cook Juan Vallejo Hernandez, SA Jorge Mora and Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo make up the galley gang on the Horizon Hawaii. TUG BOAT ENSING HORIZON DISCOVERY Left: Third Engineer Michael McClinton and EU Mike Devonish take on bunker fuel aboard the Horizon Discovery. McClinton, a former SIU member, now sails as a licensed seaman with MEBA. Chief Mate David Massay and Second Mate Jose Marrero work on the Crowley tug boat Ensing. AB Douglas Hodges prepares the gangway for Seafarers to go ashore in Jacksonville. The Horizon Discovery docks in the port of Jacksonville. Chief Cook Tracey Newsome (left) and Recertified Steward Joseph Laureta (right) prepare lunch on board the Horizon Discovery. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:01 PM Page 11 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments Balloting Begins Sept. 1 Voting starts Sept. 1, 2006 for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers International Union/AGLIWD/ NMU. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31, 2006. A constitutional committee was elected at the June 5, 2006 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the constitution. The members of that committee studied proposed amendments to the constitution that had been submitted by the executive board, and the committee recommended that the changes be approved and brought to a vote by the membership. The full text of their report is on page 14. Some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar services and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Seafarers eligible to take part in this vote are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. The ballot will list the proposed changes to the constitution as determined by the committee. A sample copy of the ballot appears on pages 12 and 13. 20 Polling Places The election will be conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postagepaid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 20 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) „ From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, „ „ „ „ 2006, eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at the halls between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding any holidays recognized in the port. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. The member will be asked to sign a roster sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given, and his or her book number. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenge.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and placed in the mailing envelope and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. Absentee Ballots For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. „ Full-book members in good standing who need to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters—5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. „ Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. „ Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. „ Requests for absentee ballots The constitutional committee, which met at SIU headquarters, submitted their recommendations in a report dated June 7, 2006. August 2006 Elected at the Piney Point membership meeting on June 5, the constitutional committee thoroughly reviewed the proposed constitutional amendments. From the left are Christopher Nardone, Thommie Hampton, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, David Martz (chairman), William Henderson, Dulip Sookhiram (alternate), Charles Curley (alternate), Jose Guzman, George Mazzola and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. „ „ „ „ „ must be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 and delivered no later than Monday, Sept. 25. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Sept. 30. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, vote by marking the ballot. After voting, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope, which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper lefthand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. The mailing envelope must be received by the depository no later than Nov. 5 and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight on Oct. 31. Tallying the Votes The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file tallying committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected at the Nov. 6 membership meeting in Piney Point. The tallying committee report will be submitted to the secretary-treasurer and mailed to each port no later than Nov. 30 and then will be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. 20 Voting Locations Voting will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Sept. 1, 2006 and shall continue through Oct. 31, 2006. ALGONAC BALTIMORE BOSTON FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM HONOLULU HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE JOLIET MOBILE NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK OAKLAND PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT PUERTO RICO ST. LOUIS/ALTON TACOMA WILMINGTON 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 2315 Essex St. Baltimore, MD 21224 Marine Industrial Park/EDIC, 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 1221 South Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 101B, Bldg. B 422 West O’Brien Dr. Hagatna, Guam 96931 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 10 East Clinton St. Joliet, IL 60432 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 1121 7th St. Oakland, CA 94607 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Piney Point, MD 20674 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave. Santurce, PR 00907 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union St. Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 Seafarers LOG 11 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:28 PM Page 12 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments BALLOT NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS S OFFICIAL BALLOT For Constitutional Amendments No. 00000 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU VOTING PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2006 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS—In order to vote, mark a cross (X) in YES or NO box below the Proposition. If you mark more than one box for a proposition than specified herein, your vote for such proposition will be invalid. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL A 06 S 1, 20 3 NT E M ER ND OB ME OCT A L GH NA IO ROU T U H TIT 6 T NS 200 O , C 1 ED ER OS EMB P O T PR SEP R FO IOD R PE NG VO TI WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU met to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and M WHEREAS, among their discussions and deliberations was the subject of proposed revisions in the Union's Constitution which would enable the Union to function more efficiently and to continue to fulfill its obligations to the membership; and WHEREAS, a Constitutional Committee was elected on June 5, 2006, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolutions and unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions; and WHEREAS, the report of the Constitutional Committee was approved by the membership at the regular membership meetings in July 2006. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTIONALLY ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 PROPOSITION #4 Are you in favor of amending Article III, Membership, Section 1 as follows: Change the first sentence to read: “There shall be (3) classes of membership: full book members, probationary members and retiree members.” And add the following at the end of this section: “Retiree members shall receive the Union’s monthly newspaper and will be kept abreast of Union activities, especially those relating to efforts in the legislative and political arenas with potential impact upon retirees. In addition, retiree members may participate in Union social events and grass root activities.” Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 2 as follows: Change the first sentence of paragraph one to read: “No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.” And change the first sentence of paragraph two to read: “Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) as partial initiation fee.” ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #2 Are you in favor of amending Article III, Membership, Section 3 to read as follows: “Members more than one (1) quarter in arrears in dues can be suspended and, if so suspended, shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They can be dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues.” YES ❏ NO ❏ YES P YES ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #5 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee as follows: Add Section 5 to read: “Notwithstanding the above, the annual dues amount for retiree members shall be five dollars ($5.00).” YES ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #3 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1(a) to read as follows: “Dues annually in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;” ❏ NO ❏ Are you in favor of amending Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 1 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” Are you in favor of amending Article X , Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by deleting “Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large.” in its entirety; by renumbering Sections 11 through 16 accordingly; and by deleting all references to the Vice-Presidents at Large positions in “Section 14. Executive Board.” and Section 15. Delegates.” ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 Seafarers LOG OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Additional Proposed Constitutional Revisions OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 12 ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO E YES OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES L PROPOSITION #6 Are you in favor of amending Article VII, Systems Organization, Section 2 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:18 PM Page 13 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 A OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 S OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 BALLOT NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Voting will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence on September 1, 2006 and shall continue through October 31, 2006. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO ❏ ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #10 Are you in favor of amending Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 8 to read as follows: “The terms ‘this Constitution’ and ‘this amended Constitution’ shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the most recent version of the Constitution.” YES ❏ NO ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #11 Are you in favor of amending Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 13 to read as follows: “The term ‘seatime’ shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative.” YES ❏ NO ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES YES E Are you in favor of amending Article XIII, Elections for Officers, Assistant VicePresidents and Port Agents as follows: Change the first sentence of Section 2(c) paragraph one to read: “When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of the Article.” Change the last sentence of Section 2(c) paragraph one to read: OFFICIAL BALLOT “In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the2006 applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery or an equivalent mail service is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification.” Change the sixth sentence of Section 3(e) to read: “The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested or an equivalent mail service, to the address so designated by such member, a ‘Ballot’, after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned ‘Ballot’ envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words ‘Absentee Ballot’ and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #8 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ L OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO Are you in favor of amending Article XXIII, Meetings, Section 1 as follows: Change the second sentence of paragraph two to read: “During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday – at Houston; on Tuesday – at New Orleans; on Wednesday – at Mobile; on Thursday – at San Francisco area; and on Friday – at St. Louis.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ PROPOSITION #9 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES PUERTO RICO OAKLAND ST. LOUIS TACOMA WILMINGTON 3911 LaPalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 2604 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 1121 Seventh Street, Oakland, CA 94607 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North BroadBALLOT Avenue, Wilmington, OFFICIAL 2006 CA 90744 P OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #7 Are you in favor of amending Article XI, Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others, Section 3 to read as follows: “All elected individuals shall receive automatic wage increases in the same percentage amount and at the same time that the Union’s membership receives increases through the standard tanker and freight ship agreements.” NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, MI 48001 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 1221 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Suite 101B, Cliffline Office Center, Bldg. B 422 West O’Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 606 Kalihi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 1640OFFICIAL Dauphin IslandBALLOT Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 HONOLULU HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE JOLIET MOBILE M ALGONAC BALTIMORE BOSTON FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM VOTING LOCATIONS OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 These amendments, if approved, shall become effective upon the date of certification of the Union Tallying Committee, unless otherwise specified. August 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:04 PM Page 14 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on June 5, 2006, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolutions submitted by our Executive Board. These Resolutions, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, were adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolutions are summarized in this report and are attached in full so that all members will have available to them the full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Upon a thorough review of the Resolutions, your Committee recommends the Constitution be amended as indicated below. It should be noted that, where feasible, the language of the Constitution is presented with the proposed language changes underlined. A. Amend Article III, Membership, Section 1 and Section 3 to read as follows: “Section 1. There shall be three (3) classes of membership: full book members, probationary book members and retiree members. Candidates for membership shall be admitted to membership in accordance with such rules as may be adopted from time to time by a majority vote of the membership and which rules shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All candidates with two hundred and sixty (260) days or more seatime in a consecutive twentyfour (24) calendar month period commencing from January 1, 1968, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels, covered by contract with this Union, shall be eligible for full membership. All persons with less than the foregoing seatime but at least thirty (30) days of such seatime, shall be eligible for probationary membership. Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to hold any office or elective job, except as otherwise specified herein. All probationary members shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be entitled to vote on Union contracts. Retiree members shall receive the Union’s monthly newspaper and will be kept abreast of Union activities, especially those relating to efforts in the legislative and political arenas with potential impact upon retirees. In addition, retiree members may participate in Union social events and grass root activities.” “Section 3. Members more than one (1) quarter in arrears in dues can be suspended and, if so suspended, shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They can be dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not run:” B. Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1 (a), Section 2 and add Section 5 to read as follows: “Section 1. All members’ dues shall consist of: (a)Dues annually in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;” “Section 2. No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. In addition, the candidate shall pay a ten dollar ($10.00) “service fee” for the issuance of his full book. 14 Seafarers LOG Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) as partial initiation fee. The total of such initiation monies so paid shall be credited to his above required initiation fee for a full book member upon completion of the required seatime as provided for in Article III, Section 1.” “Section 5. Notwithstanding the above, the annual dues amount for retiree members shall be five dollars ($5.00).” C. Amend Article VII, Systems of Organization, Section 2 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” D. Amend Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 1 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” E. Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel as follows: 1. Delete “Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large” in its entirety. 2. Renumber Sections 11 through 16 accordingly. 3. Delete all references to the Vice Presidents at Large positions in “Section 14. Executive Board” and “Section 15. Delegates.” F. Amend Article XI, Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others, Section 3 to read as follows: “Section 3. All elected individuals shall receive automatic wage increases in the same percentage amount and at the same time that the Union’s membership receives increases through the standard tanker and freight ship agreements.” With regard to this amendment, the Committee recommends that, should the intent or application of this particular section become unclear, the Union’s Executive Board should be authorized to resolve any issues which may arise. G. Amend Article XIII, Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 2 (c) and Section 3 (e) to read as follows: “Section 2. Credentials. (c)When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee’s election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery or an equivalent mail service is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification.” “Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (e)Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel’s schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3 (a) of this Article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The SecretaryTreasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested or an equivalent mail service, to the address so designated by such member, a “Ballot,” after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned “Ballot” envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words “Absentee Ballot” and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words “Challenged Absentee Ballot.” The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member’s ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The Secretary-Treasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent.” H. Amend Article XXIII, Meetings, Section 1 to read as follows: “Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held monthly only in the following constitutional Ports at the following times: During the week following the first Sunday of every month a meeting shall be held on Monday—at Piney Point; on Tuesday—at New York; on Wednesday —at Philadelphia; on Thursday—at Baltimore; and on Friday—at DetroitAlgonac. During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday—at Houston; on Tuesday—at New Orleans; on Wednesday—at Mobile; on Thursday —at San Francisco area; and on Friday—at St. Louis. All regular membership meetings shall commence at 10:30 a.m. local time. Where a meeting day falls on a Holiday officially designated as such by the authorities of the state or municipality in which a Port is located, the Port meeting shall take place on the following business day. Saturday and Sunday shall not be deemed business days.” I. Amend Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 8 and Section 13 to read as follows: “Section 8. The terms ‘this Constitution’ and ‘this amended Constitution’ shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the most recent version of the Constitution.” “Section 13. The term ‘seatime’ shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative.” The Committee recommends that the amendments, if voted upon affirmatively in accordance with the following voting procedures, become effective upon their passage. It should be noted that the amendments regarding the dues and initiation increases will be effective January 1, 2007 and the amendments creating a “retiree members” class will be retroactive to January 1, 2006. In addition, the amendments regarding the removal of the two (2) VicePresidents at Large from the list of elected officers will not take place until such positions are vacated by the current officeholders. In addition, your Committee concurs with the Resolution that upon membership acceptance of our report and recommendations, a referendum vote by secret ballot be held as constitutionally required. We recommend that the voting follow the applicable procedures as set forth in Article XIII, Section 3 of the Constitution. We further recommend that the referendum period commence September 1, 2006 and end October 31, 2006. As such, the following dates and deadlines should be established: 1. Absentee ballot requests shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on September 15, 2006 and must be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer’s office no later than September 25, 2006. 2. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail absentee ballots via registered mail, return receipt requested to any eligible members by September 30, 2006. 3. All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than November 5, 2006 and must be postmarked no later than 12:00 midnight on October 31, 2006. 4 The Union Tallying Committee shall be elected at the Piney Point regular membership meeting on November 6, 2006. 5. The Union Tallying Committee Report shall be submitted to the SecretaryTreasurer and mailed to each Port no later than November 30, 2006 and shall be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. The Committee further recommends, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolutions and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, August 2006 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts at this time and copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of September and October 2006. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolutions will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, David Martz, M-2433, chairman Jose Guzman, G-1461 Thommie Hampton, H-6074 William Henderson, H-1818 George Mazzola, M-2288 Christopher Nardone, N-5218 Date: June 7, 2006 August 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:04 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September & October 2006 Membership Meetings JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 0 8 12 3 10 47 33 1 14 13 34 7 2 0 7 14 1 49 27 283 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 5 5 0 3 11 16 0 8 7 21 8 2 3 5 4 1 15 5 119 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 0 4 5 1 8 28 23 0 5 2 24 12 3 1 0 17 1 13 18 167 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 3 Totals Totals All Departments 4 3 9 12 5 2 32 15 1 4 15 17 17 5 20 5 12 7 33 21 239 2 4 3 3 0 3 10 18 1 4 3 1 14 4 1 4 6 3 16 10 110 0 0 0 5 3 11 6 6 0 3 6 6 12 1 2 0 5 0 8 8 82 1 4 4 5 2 4 13 13 0 4 3 28 6 2 18 2 13 1 13 11 2 2 1 4 2 1 14 8 0 0 2 6 10 1 0 2 2 0 8 8 73 1 4 2 3 0 1 10 6 1 3 3 8 6 0 0 1 1 2 2 7 61 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 1 1 1 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 29 4 4 2 11 0 5 12 14 1 2 4 16 12 1 21 0 11 0 10 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 5 1 7 27 24 1 12 6 23 8 2 0 7 13 1 30 19 188 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 5 5 14 6 5 16 14 1 7 10 13 6 3 12 9 8 4 28 14 182 1 2 1 3 5 0 8 5 0 0 3 2 11 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 46 1 1 3 9 0 3 20 11 0 12 4 12 9 4 1 6 9 1 23 15 144 86 1 4 0 4 1 3 3 8 0 1 2 8 14 2 0 4 9 4 15 5 88 0 4 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 1 2 1 5 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 28 0 0 1 3 0 0 5 9 0 0 2 2 6 0 0 2 6 0 8 3 47 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 6 0 10 14 9 0 1 2 13 10 0 3 2 14 1 8 17 113 0 0 1 3 1 4 4 4 0 2 4 4 14 3 1 2 2 0 3 4 56 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 5 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 1 9 11 11 0 4 2 13 7 0 13 3 4 1 8 8 0 1 1 2 0 3 7 5 1 0 4 4 9 1 27 0 6 1 8 3 3 0 14 22 5 19 80 63 1 20 23 79 26 7 0 14 37 2 64 53 532 5 9 9 28 10 2 55 32 2 15 20 37 36 8 15 8 19 12 54 34 410 3 3 2 6 1 2 28 15 1 2 7 23 6 2 1 4 5 0 15 21 Piney Point .............Tuesday: September 5* ................................Monday: October 2 .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: September 8, October 6 Baltimore ................Thursday: September 7, October 5 Boston.....................Friday: September 8, October 6 Guam ......................Thursday: September 21, October 19 Honolulu .................Friday: September 15, October 13 Houston ..................Monday: September 11 .................................Tuesday: October 10* .................................(*change created by Columbus Day holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 7, October 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: September 14, October 12 147 Mobile ....................Wednesday: September 13, October 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 4 1 3 9 16 0 2 4 5 11 1 3 1 5 0 10 8 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 4 0 1 10 5 0 0 0 11 9 1 1 3 8 0 9 5 0 0 7 10 1 10 29 29 0 16 18 40 12 3 3 5 15 1 21 18 2 2 8 9 3 6 22 33 3 12 9 10 25 4 4 6 7 5 22 15 1 0 3 6 1 5 13 11 1 2 1 15 8 2 0 1 3 2 8 10 238 207 93 3 0 5 6 2 16 46 35 1 11 8 43 15 4 5 3 35 2 28 41 0 0 2 6 6 11 12 11 0 4 6 9 16 1 2 0 5 0 12 13 0 0 2 2 0 1 6 4 1 2 2 6 5 0 1 0 1 2 3 7 68 309 116 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 7 3 0 1 2 11 1 0 0 0 7 0 9 4 1 5 4 8 2 7 28 26 1 7 7 76 16 2 19 4 19 1 27 15 10 7 5 15 2 9 25 34 1 2 6 38 27 1 5 0 14 0 20 24 22 147 142 18 99 83 0 53 275 245 591 578 305 405 425 174 259 1,132 1,008 530 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 12, October 10 New York................Tuesday: September 5, October 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday: September 7, October 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 6, October 4 Port Everglades.......Thursday: September 14, October 12 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 14, October 12 San Juan..................Thursday: September 7, October 5 St. Louis..................Friday: September 15, October 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: September 22, October 20 Wilmington.............Monday: September 18, October 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SUZANNE CASTONGUAY Please get in touch with Tom Christie, who worked with you on the J.N. McWatters. You may e-mail him at gizorp1@hotmail.com. ERNESTO GUARIN Please contact your son, Dino Guarin, at (412) 2712651. Remembering Paul Hall August 20, 1914 - June 22, 1980 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. August 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 Seafarers International Union Directory 6:04 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 0 9 2 5 10 0 1 3 30 1 2 3 1 4 1 0 3 15 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 0 10 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 7 3 1 6 0 1 3 21 1 2 3 0 5 2 0 3 16 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 9 0 7 1 0 10 2 1 4 25 13 28 1 18 38 0 1 1 100 2 9 2 8 25 0 0 0 46 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 4 6 12 0 6 14 0 0 2 40 1 4 0 1 7 0 0 0 13 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 6 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 6 Port 1 3 1 0 2 0 0 1 8 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 7 0 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 6 0 2 0 1 5 0 1 0 9 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 4 5 14 1 4 12 1 0 0 37 1 7 0 1 14 0 0 1 24 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 Totals All Departments 45 26 22 38 28 22 33 177 83 16 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Ted Vargas of Princeton, W. Va. It was taken at sea in March 1949 during one of the many trips he made to Cruz Grande, Chile aboard the SS Steelore. He doesn’t remember the complete names of the other men in the picture with the exception of Hector Duarte, with whom he had sailed on another Ore ship, the SS Bethore. Brother Vargas was the 12-4 fireman; Duarte was the 8-12 fireman. The Ore ships were the bread and butter to many Seafarers in the port of Baltimore during that period, Vargas wrote the LOG in a note accompanying the photo, especially during times of slow shipping. Brother Vargas sailed on three Liberty ships in the ’40s and ’50s. He presentBrother Ted Vargas took this photo of his fellow shipmates aboard the SS Steelore. Standing from ly volunteers as the 12-4 the left are Smitty, Pierre and Pedro. Kneeling from the left are Sparks, Hector Duarte and Herbert. oiler aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W. Brown, based in Baltimore. He notes that an interesting book has been published about the John W. Brown: “Good Shipmates: The Restoration of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown, volume one: 1942-1994.” It was written by Ernest F. Imhoff, one of the vessel’s volunteer crew members. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:22 AM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JERRY BANKSTON, 65, joined the union in 1957 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Bankston first worked aboard the Alcoa Planter in the deck department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1996 and 2000. Brother Bankston was born in Mississippi. His most recent voyage was on the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Bankston continues to live in Mississippi. SEVERIANO BONAFONT, 63, became an SIU member in 1970 in Puerto Rico. Brother Bonafont first sailed on the Osprey as a member of the deck department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner upgraded his seafaring skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Prior to his retirement, Brother Bonafont worked aboard the El Yunque. He makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. ROY CONN, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Conn first went to sea on the USNS Assertive. A native of Louisiana, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Conn enhanced his skills in 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Brother Conn calls Oak Grove, La. home. WILLIAM FARMER, 66, began his SIU career in 1997 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Farmer’s first ship was the USNS Able. He upgraded often at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Farmer’s most recent voyage was aboard the Observation Island. He was born in Kentucky and now lives in Charleston, S.C. ALEXANDER NICHOLSON, 71, was born in Ukraine. Brother Nicholson joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center on three occasions. Brother Nicholson’s first trip to sea was on the American Falcon; he last worked aboard the Horizon Discovery as a member of the deck department. Brother Nicholson is a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. JOHNNY O’NEIL, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1960. Brother O’Neil’s first voyage was on a vessel operated by Globe Waterways. The engine department member attended the Piney August 2006 Point school in 2000 and 2002. Brother O’Neil was born in Puerto Rico. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Crusader. Brother O’Neil continues to live in Puerto Rico. CHARLES SMOKE, 70, embarked on his seafaring career in 1960. Brother Smoke, who was born in Alabama, first sailed aboard the Navigator. His most recent ship was the Horizon Consumer. Brother Smoke resides in his native state. LUIS SPINA, 65, became an SIU member in 1962. Brother Spina, who was born in Central America, first shipped with Seatrade Corporation in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Spina makes his home in Brandon, Miss. GRAYSON WARREN, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Warren initially worked on the Arizpa. He was born in Detroit, Mich. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Warren attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Newark Bay. Brother Warren is a resident of Houston. WILLIAM WILLIAMS, 64, joined the SIU in 1964, first sailing aboard the Achilles. Brother Williams was a member of the engine department. Born in West Virginia, he most recently sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Williams calls Cottonport, La. home. INLAND IVAN CHRISTIANSEN, 61, was born in Texas. Boatman Christiansen embarked on his seafaring career in 1980, working primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Christiansen lives in Spicewood, Texas. JOSEPH KADAK JR., 61, joined the SIU in 1973. Boatman Kadak upgraded numerous times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He frst shipped on a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Kadak most recently sailed on the Pacific Reliance. He continues to reside in his native state of Louisiana. Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. ANTHONY LANIER JR., 64, became a union member in 1994. Boatman Lanier primarily shipped aboard Westbank Riverboat’s Boomtown. He was born in New Orleans and worked in the engine department. Boatman Lanier now makes his home in Port Sulphur, La. MAXIMO ALVAREZ, 65, joined the NMU in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Alvarez initially sailed on the Sealift Atlantic. Born in Honduras, he last sailed on the Kingston. PERRY RUBOTTOM, 62, launched his SIU career in 1993 in the port of Houston. Boatman Rubottom sailed primarily on vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. The deck department member, who was born in California, is a resident of Waring, Texas. GREAT LAKES EZZI SHARAY, 66, began shipping with the union in 1976 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Sharay worked primarily on American Steamship Company vessels and also aboard the Reiss Brothers and the Sharon. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Sharay calls Yemen home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime CALVIN BRINKLEY, 65, became an NMU member in 1972, shipping from the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Brinkley’s first ship was the Lipscomb Lykes. He is a native of Alabama. LORRAINE CLOYD, 66, was born in Galveston, Texas. Sister Cloyd started sailing with the NMU in 1980. Her first voyage was aboard the Antigone Pass. Sister Cloyd was a member of the steward department. She most recently worked on the Cape Henry. WILLIAM EVLETH, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1968 in Charleston, S.C. Brother Evleth first Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 The Seafarers International Union was certified this week as the bargaining agent for unlicensed crewmen on ships belonging to the Cuba Distilling Company. On receipt of the certification, SIU headquarters sent a memorandum to the company asking the immediate commencement of contract negotiations. Cuba Distilling was first contracted in 1938. However, the company’s small fleet of ships was sunk during the war and the company went out of business. Upon its return last winter with new ships, company officials maintained that no agreement with the SIU existed since the last one negotiated had lapsed. went to sea aboard the American Scout. He was born in Patterson, N.J. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Evleth’s concluding journey was on the Green Lake. ADELMO GIUSTI, 70, initiated his seafaring career in 1964 in the port of New York. Brother Giusti was born in Chile. In 2001, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Giusti worked in the steward department. His first vessel was the Gulfcrest; his last was the Liberator. CHARLES JACKSON, 66, joined the NMU in 1962. Brother Jackson first sailed aboard the Green Valley. The deck department member was born in Texas. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Curtis, Lance 79 April 1 Flores, Raul 56 July 1 Francis, Roderick 65 July 1 Harris, Hanson 65 April 1 Jones, Robert 65 May 1 Naysnerski, Wayne 55 May 1 rates plus an across-the-board 20 percent increase in wages, OT and penalty rates, all retroactive to July 1. 1969 The SIU-contracted Delta Steamship Line of New Orleans will more than double its fleet by purchasing Prudential Lines’ entire South American operation of ships and trade routes, it was disclosed recently. The sale will add 12 ships to Delta’s fleet, bringing their total to 23 vessels. It will put Delta’s service on all three U.S. sea coasts. This Month In SIU History 1957 Unable to make any headway in wage talks with the Bull Line after two months of negotiations, the SIU struck the company at its Brooklyn terminal on Monday, August 19. The four-ship installation has been tied up tight ever since by a 24-hour picket line manned by Seafarers. Talks with Bull Line reached an impasse a few days before the strike call over demands for parity with the West Coast scale on overtime and penalties 1985 The USNS Stalwart, the first new T-AGOS ship crewed by the SIU, recently completed a record voyage with top marks. “They did an excellent job and performed every task asked of them. This was a very important job that helped the nation’s security,” said an official of Sea Mobility Inc., the company which won the T-AGOS contract. The Stalwart’s deck and engine departments were singled out for the fine job they performed on the mission…. Two of the T-AGOS vessels have been crewed; the next two are due out by the middle of November in Norfolk and early December in Honolulu. Seafarers LOG 17 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 3:34 AM Page 18 Final Departures RONALD JONES Pensioner Ronald Jones, 63, passed away March 31. Brother Jones started sailing with the SIU in 1962. He was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. Brother Jones first shipped aboard an Ore Navigation Corporation vessel. His last trip was on the Leader. Brother Jones retired in 1989 and settled in South Williamsport, Pa. CARROLL KENNY Pensioner Carroll Kenny, 78, died March 18. Brother Kenny became a Seafarer in 1949 in New York. His first trip to sea was on the El Faro. Brother Kenny was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he sailed aboard the Florida. Born in Todd, Minn., Brother Kenny called Martinez, Ga. home. REUEL PALMER Pensioner Reuel Palmer, 77, passed away March 27. Brother Palmer joined the SIU in 1945, first shipping on the Steel King. The deck department member was born in Massachusetts. Brother Palmer last worked on the Falcon Countess. He went on pension in 1985 and made his home in Berry Creek, Calif. PEDRO PEREZ Pensioner Pedro Perez, 73, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Perez began shipping with the SIU in 1958. His first ship was the Sentry. A member of the steward department, the Puerto Rico-born mariner last sailed aboard the Horizon Hawaii. He went on pension in 1997 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. ANTHONY SINCLAIR Brother Anthony Sinclair, 48, died Jan. 2. He started his SIU career in 1981. Brother Sinclair initially worked aboard the Oakland. He was born in Ohio and shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Sinclair most recently sailed on the Horizon Crusader. He was a resident of Spring, Texas. ADRIAN TORRES Pensioner Adrian Torres, 90, passed away April 5. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Torres began sailing with the Seafarers in 1942 from New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Rosario. Brother Torres was a deck department member. His most recent voyage was on the Aguadilla. Brother Torres started collecting his retirement pay in 1980. He lived in Taneytown, Md. ALFONS WEINERT Pensioner Alfons Weinert, 74, died Feb. 19. Brother Weinert joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards) (MC&S) in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. 18 Seafarers LOG The steward department member was born in Germany. Prior to retiring in 1989, Brother Weinert worked on the President Wilson. He resided in San Francisco. PAUL WHALEN Pensioner Paul Whalen, 77, passed away March 20. Brother Whalen launched his SIU career in 1968, first sailing on the Long Lines. He was a New York native and shipped in the engine department. Brother Whalen’s last voyage was aboard the Patriot. He became a pensioner in 1995. Brother Whalen was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev. ROBERT YARBROUGH Pensioner Robert Yarbrough, 80, died March 3. Brother Yarbrough embarked on his seafaring profession in 1952. The Alabama-born mariner initially worked on the Seawind and sailed as a member of the deck department. His last journey was aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Yarbrough began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990. He made his home in Lake Charles, La. INLAND COLBOURNE AUTRY Pensioner Colbourne Autry, 79, passed away March 24. Boatman Autry joined the union in 1968 after serving in the U.S. Army. His first trip to sea was on a Steuart Transportation vessel. Boatman Autry was born in Virginia. He retired in 1989 and lived in Tangier, Va. DONALD GLASS Pensioner Donald Glass, 68, died March 15. Boatman Glass was born in Altoona, Pa. He started sailing with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Glass first sailed aboard a Mariner Towing Company boat. He went on pension in 2003 and called Aurora, Colo. home. HAROLD KINNEY Boatman Harold Kinney, 47, passed away May 28. He joined the SIU in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Kinney was a member of the steward department. His first ship was the St. Claire; his last voyage was aboard the Liberty Island. Boatman Kinney was born in Maine and resided in Chesapeake, Va. EARL NIXON Pensioner Earl Nixon, 75, died Oct. 22. Boatman Nixon became a union member in 1967. He first sailed on R.K. Davis Transportation Inc. vessels but primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Allied Transportation. Boatman Nixon made his home in Bel Haven, N.C. and retired in 1992. GREAT LAKES MISSED ALI Orleans. He first sailed on the Ero in the engine department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Almeria Lykes. Brother Gabriel was born in Louisiana. He retired in 1986. BERNARDINO GOICO Pensioner Missed Ali, 77, died Jan. 22. Brother Ali joined the SIU in 1970. The steward department member was born in Yemen. During his seafaring career, Brother Ali shipped primarily on vessels operated by American Steamship Company, including the U.S. Gypsum and the Buffalo. In 1992 he retired. He made Dearborn, Mich. his home. Pensioner Bernardino Goico, 85, died Nov. 25. Brother Goico joined the NMU ranks in 1964 in New York. His first trip was on the Argentina. Brother Goico’s last voyage was aboard the American Accord. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1982. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Pensioner Cruz Hernandez, 87, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Hernandez joined the NMU in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. The Puerto Rico-born mariner’s first ship was the Atenas. He last sailed on the United States. Brother Hernandez went on pension in 1970. JOHN ARENDALL Pensioner John Arendall, 80, passed away Dec. 29. Brother Arendall joined the NMU in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. He was born in Mobile, Ala. and worked in the steward department. Brother Arendall’s first ship was the Veraguas; his last was the Sealift Caribbean. He went on pension in 1986. MARCELO COLON Pensioner Marcelo Colon, 74, died Dec. 25. Brother Colon began shipping with the NMU in 1965, initially sailing aboard the St. Catherine from New York. The engine department member was a native of Puerto Rico. Brother Colon retired in 1991. His final trip to sea was on the American Astronaut. NICK DACKO Pensioner Nick Dacko, 93, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Dacko started his seafaring career in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard the Carleton Ellis. His concluding journey was on the American Charger. Brother Dacko, who was born in Jamestown, Pa., began receiving his retirement compensation in 1967. VICTOR DEMIDOVICH Pensioner Victor Demidovich, 88, died Oct. 28. Brother Demidovich was born in Shenandoah, Pa. He became an NMU member in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Demidovich last shipped aboard the Lightning. He began receiving his pension in 1974. LAWRENCE GABRIEL Pensioner Lawrence Gabriel, 82, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Gabriel embarked on his NMU career in 1961 in New CRUZ HERNANDEZ HILARY HUNTER Pensioner Hilary Hunter, 80, died Nov. 24. Brother Hunter began working with the NMU in 1968, while in Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard the Export Bay. Brother Hunter shipped in both the engine and steward departments. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he sailed on the Spirit of Liberty. ALBERTO JIMENEZ Pensioner Alberto Jimenez, 78, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Jimenez was born in Puerto Rico and joined the union in the port of New York. Brother Jimenez’s final voyage was aboard the American Champion. He began collecting his retirement stipends in 1977. CARLOS LIMARDO Pensioner Carlos Limardo, 89, died Oct. 25. Brother Limardo became an NMU member in 1946, initially sailing from Galveston, Texas. His first vessel was a Liberty ship, the Crawford W. Long. Brother Limardo retired in 1968. His last voyage was on the Container Forwarder. KENNETH LINGO Pensioner Kenneth Lingo, 84, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Lingo started his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing in both the steward and deck departments. His first trip to sea was aboard the Mormacdale; his final voyage was on a Lykes Brothers vessel. Brother Lingo went on pension in 1972. GABRIEL MARTI Pensioner Gabriel Marti, 93, died Nov. 12. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Marti joined the union in 1944. He first shipped from the port of New York on the William R. Day. Brother Marti became a pensioner in 1968 after sailing aboard the Gibbs Lykes. CONNIE McCALLA Pensioner Connie McCalla, 70, passed away Dec. 12. Brother McCalla began working with the NMU in 1964 in the port of Houston. He was born in Jamaica and shipped in the engine department. Brother McCalla’s first vessel was the Spencer; his last was the Corpus Christi. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1998. JAMES MILLER Pensioner James Miller, 79, died Nov. 7. Brother Miller was born in Texas. He first sailed from Wilmington, Calif. on the Sampan. Brother Miller, who worked in the steward department, retired in 1988. SEYMORE RICHARDSON JR. Pensioner Seymore Richardson Jr., 87, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Richardson joined the NMU in 1952. The Alabama-born mariner first worked aboard the John L. Sullivan. Brother Richardson was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1983, he shipped on the Sheldon Lykes. JOSEPH TRACY Pensioner Joseph Tracy, 81, died Dec. 25. Brother Tracy joined the NMU in 1944, first sailing from the port of New York aboard the Alden Barnes Fiertz. His last journey to sea was on the Pioneer Commander. Brother Tracy began collecting his pension in 1971. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Abbey, Clarence 78 Batenhorst, Donald 69 Blake, Kenneth 79 Broussard, Preston 77 Dew, Billy 77 Fassbender, Paul 76 Goodman, George 87 Haines, James 78 Hall, Phillip 78 Higgins, Samuel 83 Howell, Cyril 84 Jones, Floyd 80 Legendre, Rae 76 Lopes, Julius 81 Lorin, Jack 85 Malbrough, Paul 78 Micklowski, Frank 92 Padilla, Jose 91 Paul, Eugene 84 Rubo, Giovanni 78 Simmons, Louis 94 Tims, Ralph 81 Venegas, Carlos 94 Williams, Willie 70 DOD April 16 June 7 June 16 March 21 June 25 June 23 May 20 May 31 June 15 June 10 June 10 May 26 June 27 June 18 June 17 June 18 May 7 March 21 Jan 1 April 6 Dec. 29 June 12 June 15 April 12 August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:27 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Kadir P. Amat, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Apolinario A. Calacal, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Chairman urged everyone to read president’s report in Seafarers LOG. He also went over correspondence received from VP of Contracts George Tricker regarding changes to medical plan. Educational director explained Core Plus benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. TV wall mounts to be purchased in Charleston, S.C. for smaller room. Chairman thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. COMET (Maersk Line Limited), June 4—Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Daniel L. Borden, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman thanked all departments for great trip and encouraged them to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Suggestion made to increase retirement pay. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), June 25—Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Antonio Mendez. Chairman announced June 30 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He asked crew members to keep noise down in hallways while other crew members are sleeping. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration dates on necessary sailing documents and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested information on new contract. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for job well done. Sailing on the Hauge Thanks to OMU John Steeber for sending along this photo of himself (right) and AB James Blitch, who sail together on the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. August 2006 FLORIDA (Maersk Line Limited), June 15—Chairman Herbert Charles, Secretary Joseph Jones, Educational Director David Vega, Deck Delegate Randell G. Porter, Engine Delegate Robert T. Norris, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested sailing board be posted early. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), June 19—Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev, Deck Delegate John Bumgarner, Engine Delegate John Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman advised Seafarers to check their Money Purchase Pension Plan accounts. He requested information on status of new contract and expressed his gratitude to the steward department for great job during voyage. Educational director urged members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $4,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded to update beneficiary cards if changes have been made. Barbecue was announced for June 21 lunch. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), June 11—– Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Engine Delegate Angelo S. Wilcox Sr., Steward Delegate Simone J. Solomon. Chairman discussed possible changes in new contract and advised all members to be present for union meeting when Houston patrolman comes aboard. With increased competition for seafaring jobs, educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in order to be trained and ready. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. Suggestion was made to buy DVDs with the money. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew members this is an election year. He stressed the importance of registering and voting for those politicians who are favorable to the maritime industry. Recommendations were made regarding vacation and pension benefits. Crew expressed gratitude to Chief Cook Solomon and GSU Tony Grant for preparing good meals. Next port: Houston. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), June 10— Chairman James W. Saunders, Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director Herman Castro, Engine Delegate Hector J. Ginel, Steward Delegate Tracey L. Newsome. Secretary urged all mariners to keep documents current and upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension and medical benefits. June 13 payoff to take place in Jacksonville, Fla. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: San Juan, P.R. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), June 4—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Mohamad Y. Abdullah, Deck Delegate Antonio M. Mercado, Engine Delegate Rene Vazquez, Steward Delegate Carlos H. Sanchez. Chairman announced June 9 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked all departments for working well together. Members were advised to have documents and dues ready when patrolman comes aboard. He also emphasized importance of keeping passports and other necessary documents up to date. Secretary thanked crew for great voyage. Educational director advised members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AB Ray Fernandez thanked fellow SIU crew members and officers for their support and generosity during his family’s time of mourning. Thanks given to Chief Cook Carlito Sanchez and SA Jorge Mora for their hard work and great meals. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), June 11— Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Peter F. Ciddio, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Al M. Alhaj, Steward Delegate Marcus R. Rowe. Bosun announced payoff to take place June 13 in Oakland, Calif. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from regular trash. For security reasons while in port, mariners were asked to use one door when entering and exiting the house by the gangway. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade their skills by attending classes at the Paul Hall Center, which in turn would allow them to qualify for better paying jobs. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Anyone using washing machine and dryer was reminded to check pockets, so that no foreign objects clog drains. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), June 15—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director David S. Goodpastor, Deck Delegate Julie B. Ortiz. Chairman asked crew to check with patrolman before going ashore. Crew computer to be fixed in Tacoma; DVD player will be purchased in Kaoshiong. Everyone was reminded to wear hard hats during port operations or use the tunnel and also be aware of the no-smoking policy dockside in Guam. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point school and keep necessary shipping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent food and clean mess hall. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), June 18—Chairman Salvador N. Villareal, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Harry Massa, Engine Delegate Husain A. Ali, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman discussed new contract and announced June 20 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary urged all members to see him after meeting to obtain any needed forms (registration, vacation, SMPPP, benefits, upgrading applications). He also shared highlights from the May membership meeting in Tacoma, including the introduction by Horizon Lines of five new vessels into service in the near future and the opening of a new Oakland agreements. Next port: Houston, Texas. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), June 18—Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Gerald L. Hyman, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdullah A. Oun, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov. Chairman thanked everyone for safe and successful trip. Secretary encouraged crew members to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food during Aboard the Sea Breeze Crew members pose for a snapshot aboard the Crowley tug Sea Breeze. The picture was taken recently in Jacksonville, FL. hall (to replace the one in San Francisco). Members were advised to keep their dues paid up or risk having benefits suspended. Educational director encouraged all mariners to upgrade skills at the Seafarers-affiliated training school and take advantage of the union’s free education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for satellite TV. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), June 4—Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Efren P. Aguirre. Bosun thanked crew for safe voyage and good jobs. He announced June 10 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician requested more classes be offered at Piney Point school geared toward the engine department. Request also made for information regarding sea time benefits and installing satellite TV in individual rooms. Crew was asked to take care of DVDs and return to case when finished with them. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), June 4—Chairman Gavino A. Octaviano, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Antonio A. Octaviano, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Engine Delegate George S. Galanis, Steward Delegate Richard A. Gegenheimer. Secretary urged crew to renew zcards early to avoid missing job opportunities. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT reported. Members requested second washer and dryer. Suggestions made regarding possible changes in steward sections of standard tanker and freighter voyage. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), June 14—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Robert A. Ott, Deck Delegate John G. Gilston. Chairman announced June 17 payoff in Newark, N.J. He also reminded crew members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to high cost of medical insurance. Next ports: Norfolk, Va; Newark. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tankers), June 23—Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Steward Delegate Timothy J. Dowd, Educational Director Teresito O. Reyes, Steward Delegate Heath G. Bryan. Chairman stated actual letter—not just discharge—from Tanker Company is needed to renew tanker assist endorsement. Secretary advised members to start renewal process early on MMDs, allowing at least 12 months. Educational director noted that new tanker and freight agreements expected this summer, possibly mid-July or August. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to DEU for keeping house clean and to galley crew for great food. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), June 11— Chairman Grant A. Shirley, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Engine Delegate Manuel C. Flores, Steward Delegate Rocel C. Alvarez. Secretary asked mariners to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about new contract. Request made for refrigerators in all rooms. Seafarers LOG 19 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:03 AM Page 20 Know Your Rights Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Leo Kinney: A True Shipmate Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines “shipmate” as a fellow sailor on the same ship. Webster is wrong! Our definition of “shipmate” is Harold (Leo) Kinney. Leo Kinney—a man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and offer a helping hand to anyone, even the newest crew member, whom he would make feel at home. It was a pleasure to work with Leo, no matter what department he worked in: galley, deck or engine room. He would put his whole heart into every job from the cleanest to the dirtiest. Leo was the best cook on board our vessel. He will be remembered for his positive attitude. He was always cheerful, and it was a pleasure coming in at coffee time and meal hours. He always asked everyone if there was anything special he could cook for them or anything he could get them on the stores list. He tried to make everyone’s life on board these vessels a little easier. We could go on and on about all the good things and hard work this man did for his shipmates and the company, and few would disagree that it was a pleasure—and an honor—to work beside this man. He will be missed by many. May you rest in peace, Leo. Your friends, brothers and shipmates (Editor’s note: Brother Harold (Leo) Kinney died May 28, 2006. The above letter from his shipmates was sent to the Seafarers Harold (Leo) Kinney (center) poses with two of his shipmates. See page 18 for Brother Kinney’s obituary. LOG by David Ling, an SIU member working aboard the Dredge Liberty Island.) Thanks for All Your Help I am writing to thank our union for all the help extended to my wife and me this past year. My wife was in the hospital for 43 days after major brain surgery. She had a full recovery. I am now seriously disabled and am not able to work. I am receiving medical benefits for my problem. If it were not for the sickness and accident benefit, we would be in desperate straits. If not for these benefits, I don’t know what we would do. Most of all, I wish to thank Brother John Cox, our port agent in Wilmington, Calif. From the very first, he went far beyond his duties and responsibilities. I was at sea when my wife’s injury occurred. John took control, got me home and was directly involved in her recovery. For this, he deserves recognition for his direct help and uncalled-for involvement in our desperate time of need. I first joined the union in 1967. The SIU has always been there to help and support my family and me. However, this effort by the union is beyond anything I have ever experienced. John Cox is truly a “union man” in the fullest meaning of the phrase. He runs his hall in a fair and just manner for ALL. He is honest, knowledgeable and understanding and displays the qualities of leadership that we all need in these struggling times. Once again, to Brother Mike Sacco, John Cox and our great union, I say God bless you. George Paul Barber San Diego, Calif. Keeping Busy After Retirement I joined the Merchant Marine in 1943 and retired 27 years later in 1970 as an NMU member. I am very glad the SIU and NMU united and am receiving the Seafarers LOG, which I appreciate very much. I am very concerned about the passage of H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to Merchant Mariners of World War II because there are not so many of us great old seamen still alive. I think it is about time that some credit be given to us for all the efforts we made in keeping this country free. I am very proud of what I did for our country. At 83, I am still trying to do something to keep busy. I compose music and have an Internet site (www.rupertolopez.5U.com). In April, Hilltop Records of Los Angeles came out with a CD, and one of my songs, “I’m Lonely Again,” is on it. They want to record two more songs, “From Texas to New York” and “My Dear United States.” God bless you all. Ruperto López Rosado Hormigueros, P.R. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † Other ____________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 20 Seafarers LOG 8/06 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. August 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:15 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE FOWT September 11 November 3 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for August through the end of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Welding September 11 October 9 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion August 7 September 25 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB August 14 September 25 November 6 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT September 18 November 13 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT August 7 September 11 September 18 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 18 November 27 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 Course Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion August 21 October 2 November 13 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 7 September 18 October 30 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Course Able Seaman (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Steward Upgrading Courses Bosun October 9 November 6 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning August 10, 2006. Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. Course Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops Start Date Date of Completion September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ August 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 675 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 675. They include (in alphabetical order) Zachary Clayton, Carmelo Collazo, Christopher Curran, Darnell Keith, Alphonso Gowdy Jr., Marvin Hearman, Sherwin Jones, Rory O’Brien, Paul Pederson, Mychal Sands, Ronald Sease, Cornelius Taylor, Daron Tinney, Robert Vayko, Furman Watson, Jon Werner and James Wynegar III. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending June 23 are (in no specific order) Steven Sanderson, David Barber, Dean Bettis, William Markeson, Jorge Nunez, Edwin Rivera, David Spangler, Asaad Al-Waseem, John Villarta, Daniel Manning, Ivan Zapata, Jennifer Souci, Daryl Alvin Jr., DeAris Henry and Horace Robinson IV. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Fast Rescue Boat — June 9 graduates of the fast rescue boat course include (in alphabetical order) Louis Barra, Nicole Geideman, Linsey Knight, Arthur Marshall, Stephen Thompson, Robert Warren and Lawrence Williams. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at right in the front. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Upgrading Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices completed this course June 15. They are (in no specific order) unlicensed apprentices Nicholas Gattuso, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, Jeffery Novak, Claytain Carr, Antoine Best, Lester DeSheers and Aaron Larson; and Seafarers Shawn Alexander, Matt Waldman, Philomena Hoang, Ernesto Lagramada, Nestor Montano, Ricky Goodman, Matthew Whitmore, Randy Louque, David Grasso, Justin Bing, Henry Callahan, Richard DeLa Cruz, Fatim Rashed, Luke Staiger, Jose Blanco, Michael Garcia and Victor Rios. Advanced Fire Fighting — The advanced fire Machinist — Under the instruction of Steve Haver (second from left) are graduates of the machinist course, which took place June 5-23. They are Michael Kirby, Danillo Tabudlong, Ronald Sison, Miguel Batista, Christopher Schneider and Lamar Parker. fighting course took place June 5-9. Graduating from the class are Gregory Brunson Sr., Nathan Wirt, Alsea Mua, Michael Carvalho, Bobby Taylor Jr., Caleb Whorl, Charles Ross, Stephen Conley, Charles Clark and Byron Collins and their instructor, Tom Cessna (far left). Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding their certificates of achievement for courses completed June 23 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) Ricky Goodman, Fatim Rashed and Joel Fahselt. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in the back row. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (back row) are students who completed their computer courses June 30. They are (from left) Daniel Manning, Timothy Sexton, Tawrence Abrams and Jorge Nuñez. 22 Seafarers LOG August 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:05 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Specially Trained OS — Included in the June 16 graduating class are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) Stephen McGruder, Shawana Mills, Brendan O’Brien, Nelson Orien, Algernon Reed, Lawanda Thornton, Taufiq Wasel and Jesse Willard; and SIU upgraders Daniel Stavron and David Stavron. Their instructor, Michael Smith, is second from left. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course June 16 are (in no specific order) Juan Castillo, Michael Sykes, Joel Fahselt, Arthur Saeli, Alexander Kepchar, Billy Hill Sr., Meili Seegers, Jonas Robinson, Glen McCullough, Paula Hopson, Scott Bowmer, Andrew Eastman, Endang Abidin, Richard Summers, Paul Van Aken, Martin Josephson and Carlos Bonilla. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far left. Specially Trained OS — Completing this course June 16 are unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Wayne Altoonian, John Galatioto, Mathew Alaniz, Jeffry Cesvet, Scott Bloomfield, Donald Desir, Nicholas Kempker, Thomas Jarrett and Jonathan Rodriguez; and SIU upgraders Marvin Smith, Jorge Lanas, Joseph Quitugua, Adiener Alfaro, Rommel Lopez and Larry Castaneda. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is second from left in the back row. STCW — NCL, June 1: Zulma Gonzalez, Julio Perez, Rodel Rollo, Purisma Rosario, Leon Russell, Monique Sands, Catalina Sanga, Edina Scrantz, Leslie Sears, Robert Slaughter, Lizbeth Soto, John Steffens, Mark Stevens, Robert Tabasko, Shatila Thomas, David Tover, Benjamin Trusiak, Valentine Alloa, Janie Vera and Margo Waring. STCW — NCL, June 1: Jewel Abraham, Thelma Aguon, Cynthia Almo, Bobby Alyarado, Roel Arcala, Pariss Archie, Michael Ardolino, Rocklyn Arjona, Arturo Asenjo, Anthony Atkins, Romeo Baun, Imed Ben-Abid, Ricky Blount, Thomas Boudnik, Sharon Boyers, Oliver Brewer, Frankie Brown, Norma Castil, Michael Chappell, Aimee Christensen, Michael Clarke, Jean Dorcely, Antoine Dorismon, Mario Escobar, Jesus Estrella, William Flynn, Brandi Gallegos and Arturo Geigel. (Note: not all are pictured.). STCW — NCL and SIU, June 16: Victoria Lee, Marquis Manuel, William Martin, Marinell Martinez, Pauline Masley, Anthony Mastroianni, James McChrystal, David McKaig, Max McKee, Jerome McKinney, Brandon Mellstrup, Eric Montressor, Timothy Mulligan, Lovina Ngiramdelmang, Christian Olaes, Greg Orara, Ricardo Ortega, Alphonso Owens, Travis Parker, Danielle Parolini, Paul Penny, Elpidio Punu Jr., Monica Ramos-Mediavilla, Geraldine Ravelo, Kimberly Redmond, Gregory Repka, Rafael Rios DeJesus, David Rivera, Jeremiah Rowley and Joseph Palomo. August 2006 STCW — NCL and SIU, June 30: Mark Adams, Malcolm Holmes, Lamont Robinson, Juan Steward, Tengku Sukarno, Tiffany Taylor, Sean Theodis, LaMar Thomas, Carla Thompson, Reynaldo Tinay, Lauran Walker, Terrance Weary, James Webb, Zachary Wery, William Wetherell, Joshua White, Cortrell Wigglesworth, Morgan Williams and Lamarr Winston. STCW — NCL, June 1: Rebecca Gramm, Fountain Green, Nakana Haili, Peter Hamm, Katie Haughey, Raymond Hernandez, Flora Jackson, Mark Jadwick, Charity Jobe, Liberti Kimball, Steven Kluchi, Pedro Leal, Lana Lindsey, Anna Mahony, Bryten Manuel, Angela McClure, Mark McEachren, Diego Melendez, Jeffry Milian, Douglas Montalvo, John Morris, Janaree Nagel, Minh Nguyen, James Nicholas, Rifani Obaseki, Michelle Oliver and Sidney Pesch. Seafarers LOG 23 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:13 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 8 August 2006 The Slop Chest: Check out the exclusive online source for Seafarers International Union merchandise at www.seafarers..org. MS S P SShip hii p D ell ivv err s MSP Delivers . S.. Mi i lii taa ry y For U.S. Military F orr U. Alliance New York Transports Materiel Home T he SIU-crewed Alliance New York recently transported materiel for the United States military back to America from overseas, discharging its cargo in Philadelphia. The vessel then sailed to Baltimore to take on new cargo. (The photos of crew members on this page were taken in Baltimore on June 21.) Operated by Liberty Global Logistics, the Alliance New York reflagged under the Stars and Stripes late last year and then enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The roll-on/roll-off ship, built in April 2005, is 656 feet long, has a beam of 105.8 feet and can AB Anthony Pace, left, and Chief Steward Ron Lupinacci sail at greater than 20 knots. The MSP originated as a 10year program that was part of the Maritime Security Act of 1996. Originally signed into law by President Clinton, the program supports in the international shipping trades a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American citizens. Participating vessel operators are required to make their ships and other commercial transportation Chief Cook Felipe Reyes, left, and resources available to the Chief Steward Lionell Packnett Department of Defense during times of war or national emergency. Through the enactment of the Maritime Security Act of 2003—signed into law by President Bush—the MSP expanded to include 60 vessels (compared to the 47 ships in the original program) and was extended for 10 more years. During the reflagging ceremony for the Alliance New York last November, Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), noted that the expanded MSP helps augment the pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who sail aboard AB Felsher Beasley, left, and GUDE Tirso Cruz SA Anthony Clemons UA Montree Nakwichet The Alliance New York (pictured in 2005) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes last fall and then enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. civilian-crewed military support ships. He credited those mariners for their performance during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and stated, “We rely heavily on our commercial partners and associated labor organizations. We cannot do business without you. That’s a reality that’s not about to change.” Schwartz’s predecessor at TRANSCOM, Gen. John Handy (who retired last October), also spoke highly of the MSP. A year before the new program was approved, Handy testified before the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee. “I wholeheartedly support reauthorization of MSP beyond expiration of the UA Corey Overbeck current authority on September 30, 2005,” Handy told the panel. “The MSP is a vital element of our military’s strategic sealift and global response capability. As we look at operations on multiple fronts in support of the war on terrorism, it is clear that our limited defense resources will increasingly rely on partnerships with industry to maintain the needed capability and capacity to meet our most demanding wartime sceBosun Craig Amison narios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future.” As previously reported, the new MSP which took effect in October 2005 increases the number of participants to 60 ships; provides financial assistance to construct five newly built tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war; establishes a 30-month period to replace older ships with newer Defense Departmentapproved and militarily useful ships; and increases the annual payment to ship operators. GUDE Ahmed Ghaleb � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU WEIGHS IN ON TWIC, MMC UNIONS OFFER SENSIBLE SOLUTION: MODIFY CURRENT MMD SEAFARERS APPROVE STANDARD CONTRACTS MATSON’S MAUNALEI CHRISTENED IN PHILLY SHBP ELGIBILITY CHANGE ANNOUNCED 2ND T-AKE SHIP CHRISTENED SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES EARN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS LABOR ICON EVY DUBROW DIES AT 95 ‘ALL AVAILABLE BOATS’ EXAMINES NEW YORK EVACUATION ON 9/11 MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES WEB SITE UNION PROVIDED SOLID FOUNDATION, GREAT MEMORIES SIU CREWS HONORED FOR RELIEF OPERATIONS INDUSTRY ‘PIONEER’ BILL SAUL DIES AT 80 SEAFARERS TO VOTE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS MSP SHIP DELIVERS FOR U.S. MILITARY ALLIANCE NEW YORK TRANSPORTS MATERIAL HOME Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 8 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/d6f0d6016dc6edc135526e590318960c.pdf bb4bc44aa444e73c68a2a9c472747f14 PDF Text Text 36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:14 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 7 July 2006 President Praises Mariners President Bush on June 19 delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and he offered strong words of support not only for the graduates but for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. In photo at left, en route to Washington, D.C. after attending the graduation ceremony in Kings Point, N.Y., President Bush poses with SIU President Michael Sacco after their meeting in the president’s office on Air Force One. Below, President Bush addresses the audience at the academy (the SIU president is seated sixth from President Bush’s left). In his column on page 2, President Sacco reflects on the experience. White House photos by Kimberlee Hewitt Philly Tankers Reach Construction Milestones Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard recently announced two milestones in its “Veteran Class” tanker construction program. The keel was laid for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series (far left photo)—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third of the 10 doublehulled tankers. Construction also continues on the first ship in the series, pictured at immediate left. Page 3. New Cruise Ship Arrives in Hawaii Christened May 20 in Los Angeles, the SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii is the newest addition to NCL America’s fleet. The ship arrived in Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor early May 28 to dock in Hawaii for the first time. Before that, the vessel traveled a long route beginning at a shipyard in Germany. We’ve got lots of photos of that journey on pages 12 and 13. Moment of Remembrance On May 29 a number of SIU members participated in Memorial Day observances at sea and ashore. Those events included the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and shipboard ceremonies conducted for the National Moment of Remembrance. At left, crew members and military personnel on the USNS John McDonnell do their part for the National Moment of Remembrance. Page 4. Standard Contract News Page 3 SIU Family Photos Page 11 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 1:45 AM Page 2 Unions Adopt Key Resolution President’s Report SIU Statement Focuses on Mariners’ Rights Our Commander-in-Chief Both personally and professionally, June 19 is a day I’ll always remember. On that date, I had the great opportunity to travel with President Bush, Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and other dignitaries aboard Air Force One as the president flew to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to deliver the commencement address. So many things stand out about that day it’s Michael Sacco hard to know where to start. But I want every Seafarer to know that President Bush definitely understands and appreciates the absolute necessity of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. In particular he knows that America must have a strong U.S.-flag presence in the commercial sector, partly because such action helps guarantee the ongoing presence of a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen seafarers. His appearance at the academy, where he spent several hours, says a lot about the president’s view on our industry. As he said during his formal remarks, “America is a great maritime power, and our merchant marine has a vital role to play. In times of peace, the merchant marine helps ensure our economic security by keeping the oceans open to trade. In times of war, the merchant marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas, carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel.” It’s tough to imagine a stronger endorsement than that one. Behind the scenes on the airplane, President Bush was equally enthusiastic about our nation’s mariners. Simply put, he gets it. He knows we’re the nation’s fourth arm of defense, and that we remain ready to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere. That is no small achievement when you think about how generally overlooked our industry sometimes seems. It is recognition and an approval at the highest level, and it obviously must not be taken for granted. As mentioned, other strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine also made the trip from Washington to Kings Point and back. They included Secretary Mineta, as articulate a spokesman as our industry has ever had, and recently retired White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, a huge figure in advancing both the original and the expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program. For our industry, the entire day was a home run. I also want to share with the membership how warm and welcoming President Bush was throughout the entire experience, both aboard Air Force One and at the school. He could not have been any more generous with his time or any more willing to listen when we had a chance to discuss the U.S. Merchant Marine. His friendliness toward me felt genuine, and I believe 100 percent that it also reflects his appreciation for the sacrifices made by SIU members and other mariners in defense of this great nation. On a much lighter note, if you’re wondering about the perks of the presidency and what it’s like to travel with our commanderin-chief, let’s just say you never have to wait in line. The security and the overall flow from point to point were very impressive throughout the day, a true credit to all concerned. On the other hand, it’s not as easy as it looks to keep your balance when ducking underneath whirling helicopter blades, as I discovered when President Bush moved from Air Force One to Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Brothers and sisters, on June 19 I couldn’t have been happier to answer the question, “How was your day?” It was a real thrill and a real honor, not just for me but for the whole Seafarers International Union. Volume 68, Number 7 The SIU and the Seafarers International Union of Canada last month approved a joint resolution aimed at protecting mariners’ rights while respecting the modern-day realities of port security requirements. During mid-June meetings in Montreal between the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU and the SIU of Canada—affiliated through the Seafarers Interational Union of North America—officials from both unions carefully put together a statement that will serve as a guidepost for the SIU in the months and years ahead, particularly with respect to impending new requirements for mariner credentials. Among other points, the SIU asserts that the United States and Canada should recognize and accept the two countries’ respective mariner identifications. This is an important and fair step in light of the elimination of crewlist visas, which have been utilized for many years to facilitate shore leave for merchant mariners. Passed on June 16, the joint resolution notes that tighter security requirements inevitably have evolved since September 11, 2001. “The Seafarers International Union and its members, by the very nature of the work we do, have been at the forefront of these efforts to resist and to prevent acts of terrorism from spreading through international and domestic trade routes,” the unions declared. “However, mariners have also been among the most profoundly affected by the international focus on frontier and border security. For these reasons, the Seafarers International Union has determined that it is Among the meeting participants last month in Montreal were (from left) SIU General Counsel Leslie Tarantola, VPs Kermett Mangram and Charlie Stewart, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP René Lioeanjie, President Michael Sacco, SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and Executive VP Michel Desjardins, UIW National Director John Spadaro, and SIU VPs Joseph Soresi and Dean Corgey. essential in the best interest of its members and mariners worldwide and in order to further the battle against international terrorism to adopt the present resolution.” The resolution notes that the International Maritime Organization (IMO), through recent amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, “has reviewed measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism which threaten the security of passengers and crews and the safety of the ships by issuing revised measures specifically designed to enhance maritime security.” The unions further point out that the implementation of the ISPS Code in July 2004 requires ships and ports to apply a series of specific measures to ensure the security of vessels and port facilities and to provide a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating security risks. This standardized framework is designed to permit governments to respond to perceived threat levels and vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures. Providing additional important background, the resolution notes “that in addition to the revision of the ISPS Code, various governments expressed an urgent need to revise ILO Convention C108, Seafarers Identification Documents (SID), first adopted in 1958 and ratified by 64 countries. As a result of this expressed need, in its Conference held in London in December 2002, the IMO adopted a series of amendments to update and reinforce the security value of the SID; that the revised SID will clearly demonstrate that the holder is a genuine Seafarer and ensure that a Seafarer’s identity can be verified positively and that adoption of the revised SID would, if widely adopted by Contracting Governments, permit Continued on page 7 New Oakland Hall Opening Soon As previously reported, the SIU plans to relocate its San Francisco-area operations to a new union hall in nearby Oakland, Calif. this month. At press time, the tentative date for the new hall’s opening was Monday, July 26. The new building is located at 1121 7th Street. The phone number is (510) 444-2360 (a different area code and number than at the old San Francisco hall). By mid-June the new building had been undergoing modifications to prepare for the opening and to suit the membership’s needs. The new hall is two stories, not including a basement, and is approximately 17,000 square feet. It offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building, with additional parking available nearby. The Oakland hall is 9 miles from the union’s current San Francisco hall, which is located at 350 Fremont Street. The “Seafarers” letters are being moved from the San Francisco hall (top photo) to the new facility in Oakland (below, left and right). July 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817_P03x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:12 PM Page 3 Std. Freightship/Tanker Contracts Due for Vote In an effort to protect and ensure the continued job security of the SIU membership, the contracts department has negotiated tentative new standard freightship and tanker agreements that will be effective from June 16, 2006 through June 15, 2011, pending ratification. The contracts will be voted on at SIU halls and aboard ship beginning this month (July). In negotiating the new fiveyear pacts, the union carefully reviewed recommendations made by Seafarers in minutes of shipboard union meetings, in minutes of monthly mem- bership meetings at the various halls, in communications to the contracts department and in sessions with Seafarers attending upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Not surprisingly, health care costs dominated the negotiations—and offsetting those costs was a huge challenge, according to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. (See related story, page 5.) Nevertheless, the standard agreements maintain medical benefits at the top level offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (known as the Core Plus level). Also, despite the looming specter of insurance costs, the SIU negotiating team secured wage increases in each of the contracts’ five years. More details of the new agreements and the ratification votes will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. Also, a number of other SIU contracts—many of which in part are patterned after the standard agreements—were expected to be finalized late last month or in early July. Bulletin Secretary Mineta Submits Resignation As this edition of the Seafarers LOG was going to press, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, an outstanding supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, submitted his resignation to President Bush, effective July 7. The entire text of the letter is available through a link at www.seafarers.org and also may be accessed via the Transportation Department web site (www.dot.gov). SIU President Michael Sacco described Mineta as “a tremendous ally through his years of public service in both the Congress and the Clinton and Bush Administrations. We will miss his friendship and his leadership.” SIU Studies TWIC, MMC Rules Proposed Regulations Call for New Maritime Credentials Officials from the SIU and its affiliated training center participated in all four public meetings recently conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard after the government issued proposed regulations for documenting mariners and port personnel. At press time, the union was preparing formal comments on the seemingly inevitable Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC) and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The deadline for comments was July 6, though efforts were under way to secure an extension. “The union is monitoring and participating in this process with the utmost care and energy,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “We will use every resource necessary to make sure that our input is fairly considered by the appropriate agencies. Meanwhile I would ask that the membership remain patient and stay informed as this situation unfolds in the coming months and years.” Generally, the upshot for Seafarers is expected to be as follows, though this may change once the final regulations are issued by the Department of Homeland Security: The TWIC and the MMC together eventually will replace the merchant mariner document (z-card) and STCW certificate. In other words, whereas today an SIU member may be required to carry a merchant mariner document and an STCW certificate, within a few years those credentials will have been phased out and supplanted by a TWIC (currently envisioned as a card similar in size to a z-card or driver’s license) and an MMC (projected to be a larger, paper document). However, as with the rest of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued on May 22, nothing has been finalized. SIU members are asked to keep in mind that the final regulations likely won’t be finished for at least a few months. Understandably, the proposed details for issuing the new credentials—including time-frames, July 2006 content and costs, among numerous other considerations—are under intense discussion throughout the industry. Some of those discussions took place at the public meetings which quickly were arranged after the NPRM was released. The meetings took place from May 31-June 7 in Newark, N.J.; Tampa; St. Louis; and Long Beach, Calif., respectively. Besides requesting additional time to review the NPRM and asking for additional public meetings, among the most common points and questions raised at last month’s sessions included the following: „ The new credentials were mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. „ As currently written, the new regulations would require that the TWIC program is fully in place 18 months after the final rules have been published. The MMC program would follow and be completely in place no later than 18 months after the TWIC is implemented. However, where the MMC is concerned, a mariner may continue to serve under the authority of his or her license, zcard, certificate of registry and/or STCW certificate until the first renewal or upgrade of that credential, but not later than five years after the effective date of the final rule. „ There is great concern among ship operators regarding a requirement for a TWIC reader on every vessel. Those machines are estimated to cost $10,000 apiece. „ Mariners and their unions are asking for one credential for shipboard personnel—either a TWIC or an MMC, but not both. „ Mariners and their unions also declared that because the TWIC is a security requirement, the government should pay for it. The NPRM spells out total individual TWIC fees ranging from $95 for mariners with a z-card issued after Feb. 3, 2003 to $149 for all other applicants. „ Port workers said that excessive background checks might decimate their manpower pool. „ The recordkeeping requirement for vessels and port facilities is burdensome to execute and per- haps even more difficult to enforce. Everyone entering a port facility or vessel would have to be logged in and out, and the records would have to be maintained for at least two years. „ Numerous attendees suggested TWIC applicants should not be required to travel to an enrollment center twice (once to apply for the credential and once to pick it up), although the TSA is proposing mobile enrollment centers. (The MMC would be obtainable via mail service, basically because the TSA will share information collected from TWIC Secretary Mineta addresses the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board earlier this year in San Diego. applicants with the Coast Guard. A person would need to possess a TWIC before acquiring an MMC.) Technically there are three separate NPRMs to bring the TWIC and MMC on board. Each has its own docket for comments, with the same July 6 deadline. The proposed regulations would incorporate the new credentials into the Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR, Parts 10, 12 and 15, covering, respectively, licensing of maritime personnel, certification of seamen, and manning requirements); authorize and explain the TWIC system; and authorize and explain the MMC program. As previously reported, the TWIC would be required for mariners and for people needing unescorted access to secure areas of a regulated port facility or vessel. The document itself is an identification card utilizing various technologies designed to make it secure and tamper-proof. It is expected to contain two electronic chips, fingerprints and a photograph, and would be valid for five years. The TSA envisions having 125 enrollment centers covering approximately 300 ports. Roughly 750,000 individuals are expected to need a TWIC, although foreign-flag vessels are exempt. The MMC would appear in certificate form with many fraud protection measures. Its format hasn’t been finalized, but the credential is expected to resemble an STCW certificate. Philly Tanker Updates: Keel Laid for 2nd Ship, Construction Starts on 3rd Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard recently reported two more milestones in its current 10-ship tanker build program. On May 15, the keel was laid for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third of the 10 double-hulled tankers, cutting steel for the vessel which also is scheduled for completion next year. The 10 tankers will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). They are expected to sail in the Jones Act market. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, R-Wash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.crewed, U.S.-flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. The tankers being built in Philadelphia are categorized as “Veteran Class.” Each will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The first ship is slated for completion later this year. Dave Meehan, president and CEO of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, said, “Keel laying for our second tanker just days after start of production on our third tanker signifies another important step in advancing our yard and the 10-ship build program to new levels of efficiency and sophistication. For the first time in its history, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard now has four ships currently under construction, including three tanker vessels of the exact same design.” As part of the ceremony, coins were placed under the keel block in a practice which recreates a longstanding tradition whereby shipbuilders hide special coins in the keel section of a ship as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. Aker American Shipping CFO Jan Ivar Nielsen represented Aker in the ceremony, with Theo Mandopoulos, OSG’s site The keel-laying for the second tanker at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (above) signaled another milestone for a program in which 10 U.S.-flag tankers will be built. manager at the yard, participating from the Seafarerscontracted company. The tanker program was announced in April 2005. At that time the company pointed out that in the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, the order for 10 tankers is believed to be the largest of its kind. Also at that time, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen stated, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” More recently and as previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, OSG Senior Vice President Captain Robert Johnston stated that his company is exploring the possibility of investing in as many as 17 new additional U.S.-flag ships. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston stated. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” Formerly known as Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Aker Philadelphia earlier this year launched the final containership in a four-ship series being built for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company. The 681-foot long CV 2500 containership will be named the Maunalei and upon delivery this year will join three similar vessels in Matson’s fleet also constructed at the yard and delivered between 2003 and 2005. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is located on the site of the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Seafarers LOG 3 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 4 Crews Observe National Moment of Remembrance On May 29, a number of SIU members took part in Memorial Day observances at sea and ashore. Those events included the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and shipboard ceremonies conducted for the National Moment of Remembrance. Aboard the Freedom, while the RO/RO vessel was at sea headed for New York City, Unlicensed Apprentice Timothy Dougherty read a tribute he had penned on behalf of the entire crew. In part, he stated, “Today, we honor those heroes (our family members—fathers, brothers, uncles, sisters) fallen and present who have given us the freedom we take for granted today…. As multi-tasking Americans, we need days like this one to bring us back to reality. Our busy schedules don’t give us that time, but we have it today, and this bell ceremony with each ringing can remind us that we can strive to behave like those servicemen and women with virtues that are instilled during intense periods of military training from the very beginning of their service careers.” Freedom Captain Shawn M. Hagerty thanked Dougherty for Crew members and military personnel aboard the USNS John McDonnell take part in the National Moment of Remembrance. Following the observance aboard the Freedom, pictured from left to right are 3rd A/E J. Barto, Chief Steward Anthony Brown, Bosun Daniel Bratta, QMED Charles Bennett, AB Joseph Laine, UA Keith Parsons, SA Marcelo Alicea, UA Timothy Dougherty, Cadet B. Gilbert, Captain Shawn Hagerty, 3/M W. Payne, 1st A/E T. Hibl, Chief Cook Charles Davis, Cadet P. Wolfinger, Chief Engineer G. Benson, 2nd A/E E. Stone, and OMU Joseph Yamson. sharing his sentiments with the crew. On the hopper dredge Wheeler (SIU Government Services Division) in New Orleans, crew members gathered around the ship’s bell. After a moment of remembrance, a statement from the U.S. Maritime Administration was read, along with a reading of names of Wheeler mariners who have passed on since commissioning of the dredge in 1982. Additionally, aboard the hydrographic survey ship USNS John McDonnell, crew members met at the ship’s bell. They also rang eight bells and observed a moment of silence. “We shared a few words about those we were remembering from all branches of the armed services, the merchant marine, and the civilians who gave their lives throughout the nation’s history,” noted McDonnell Master Bob Mattsen. “We spoke of those who are continuing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.” Writing from the containership Maersk Maryland, Richard Hoey, the ship’s master, noted that crew members “paid tribute to the heroic men and women who have courageously served our country in times of war with special emphasis on the departed sailors of the United States Merchant Marine. The crew mustered on the bow to pay their admiration to those who have and continue to serve the United States. “Before the moment of silence, the crew was reminded of the historical sacrifices made by the merchant marine while gaining and maintaining our nation’s freedom. At 1500 hours, there was a moment of silence as the ship’s bell was rung eight times. Completing the ceremony, the chief cook (Benjamin A. Brooks) led the crew in a moving invocation in remembrance to those who came before us, to those in the present, and to those that will serve in the future.” Pictured aboard the Wheeler are (from left) Chief Steward Morrell Jones, Chief Engineer Brian Kavanagh, Electrician Clifford Farmer, 3rd Engineer William Kicklighter, 1st Engineer Brian Grover, Bosun Alton Dawkins and Administrative Technician Belinda Cannon. Crew members aboard the Maersk Maryland paid tribute to those who have served America in times of war, including fellow mariners. Other SIU-crewed vessels also participated in the National Moment of Remembrance. In the nation’s capital, students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helped represent the U.S. Merchant Marine in the National Memorial Day Parade. The annual event is organized by a coalition of military, veteran and civic groups in association with the White House Commission on Remembrance. Panel Weighs Maritime Convention Students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education joined other mariners in representing the U.S. Merchant Marine at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. As part of the National Maritime Day events that took place May 22 in venues around Washington, D.C., the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) hosted a panel discussion of the newly crafted Maritime Labor Convention under discussion for national ratification. The panel met at the Convention Center of the Washington Navy Yard. The Maritime Labor Convention, adopted in February of this year, was designed to update and consolidate approximately 60 earlier agreements dating back to the 1920s. The Convention applies to all oceangoing ships with few exceptions, and is expected to take three to five years for ratification by maritime nations. Participating were (from left) Rev. Lloyd Burghart, interim executive secretary, NAMMA; Alfred “Fred” Kuffler, partner, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP; Clay Maitland, managing partner, International Registries, Inc.; Bruce Carlton, associate administrator for policy and international trade, U.S. Maritime Administration; Joe Cox, president and CEO, American Chamber of Shipping; and U.S. Coast Guard Captain Frank Sturm. 4 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:15 PM Page 5 AFL-CIO Announces Gulf Coast Revitalization Program Billion Dollar Effort Aims to Create Good Jobs, Housing, Economic Development AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, flanked by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Building and Construction Trades Department President Edward Sullivan, International Longshoremen’s Association Local 3000 President James O. Campbell, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust CEO Steve Coyle and a broad contingency of New Orleans labor, civic, religious, financial, and academic leaders on June 14 announced the AFLCIO Gulf Coast Revitalization Program, a seven-year, $1 billion housing and economic development initiative. The program is designed to produce affordable housing, promote homeownership, and create good jobs with good wages in construction and other industries for New Orleans and other coastal communities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina last year. “Labor is in solidarity with the citizens of New Orleans,” stated Sweeney. “We are here to do our part to rebuild and reunite this great city. I am proud to stand with my brothers and sisters to announce this very first significant investment by labor in the rebuilding of this city. We hope business and financial institutions will follow our lead as they did when we stepped forward after 9/11 in New York City.” “Thousands of our people have been scattered by the wrath of Katrina,” said Nagin. “We want them back home and we must provide the affordable housing, jobs and community services to make that happen. Labor is stepping forward in a big way to help us make this difficult job an attainable reality.” Adding to the announcement, Sullivan said that his organization is establishing a Gulf Coast Workforce Development Project to meet the anticipated demand for skilled workers. It is anticipated that this project will create new employment and training opportunities in the construction industry for Gulf Coast residents. The project will build a stronger union presence in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast region, while providing job skill training for residents wishing to return to the area. Joining Sweeney, Nagin, Sullivan, Campbell and Coyle in announcing the Gulf Coast Revitalization Program were AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka; AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson; Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO President Robert “Tiger” Hammond; Southeast Louisiana Building and Construction Trades Council President Donald Denese and Executive Secretary Joseph Bertucci; Louisiana AFL-CIO President Louis Reine; Mike Arnold, secretary-treasurer of the AFLCIO Investment Trust Corporation; James R. Kelly, CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans; Charlotte Bourgeois, chief operating officer of Catholic Charities of New Orleans; Phil Thompson, associate professor of urban politics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Reed Kroloff, dean of Tulane School of Architecture; and Rev. Michael P. Jacques of the Society of St. Edmund, pastor of St. Peter Claver Church. The billion dollar investment plan will be carried out by three labor-backed investment and financial service organizations—the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT), the AFLCIO Building Investment Trust (BIT) and the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation (ITC). Both the HIT and BIT invest Taft-Hartley and public employee pension funds in housing and economic development projects nationwide to seek competitive returns for their participants. The ITC provides marketing, investor relations and investment development services for the BIT. All construction projects financed by the HIT and BIT are built with 100 percent union labor. Key components of the AFLCIO Gulf Coast Revitalization Program include the following: „ Multifamily Housing: $250 million in direct financing to be provided by the HIT for the production or rehabilitation of housing. This significant finan- Penn. WWII Mariners Eligible for $500 Bonus Applications for the Pennsylvania Merchant Marine World War II Veterans bonus now are available at each county’s Veterans’ Affairs Office. The legislation, which was sponsored by Pennsylvania State Rep. John A. Maher (R-Allegheny/Washington) and signed into law April 12 by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, calls for a one-time, $500 cash bonus to qualified veterans. To be eligible, an applicant must be a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Merchant Marine between Dec. 7, 1941 and Aug. 15, 1945; be in possession of a DD Form 214 evidencing honorable service; and be a legal resident of Pennsylvania on April 12, 2006. The benefits will be paid from July 2006 a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veterans’ bonus fund, a restricted receipt account in the general fund. Money for the fund will be appropriated from the General Fund by the General Assembly, and any money remaining in the fund on June 30, 2007, will be returned to the General Fund. Applications for this bonus must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2006. All applications will be reviewed, and payments will be made by next summer. For application forms or additional information, call 1-800547-2838 or write to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Bureau for Veterans’ Affairs, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Their web site is located at: www.dmva.state.pa.us. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney cial investment will seek to build or renovate 5,000 to 10,000 housing units, both in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities, and is expected to leverage an additional $150 million from other public and private sources. Special emphasis will be given to affordable housing, and workforce and special needs housing, as well as worker training programs in the building and construction trades. „ Commercial and Economic Development: $100 million in direct investment by the BIT for commercial real estate development in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. BIT investments will seek to focus on hotels and other economic development projects that create jobs in construction and services. These investments are expected to leverage an additional $150 million. The ITC will also explore the feasibility of alternative housing solutions, such as manufactured and modular housing. „ Health Care and Hospital Facilities: In conjunction with other partners, the HIT will seek to invest $100 million in health care facilities and hospital construction. These investments will help reduce the significant shortage of health care facilities in the region. „ Home Ownership: $250 million will be designated through the HIT’s successful HIT HOME mortgage program to enable union members and public employees to purchase homes throughout the region. In addition, HIT will work with local community development corporations on innovative home ownership programs for low-income families such as limited equity co-ops and the Section 8 program. „ A Long-term Commitment: Demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region, the ITC has leased office space at 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 2870, in downtown New Orleans. Experienced staff will work with the city and other labor, financial and community organizations throughout the Gulf Coast region to carry out the investment program. Since September 2005, HIT, BIT and ITC staffs have spent thousands of hours in the region assessing the critical housing needs of local communities and developing ties with local governments and community organizations. As part of the commitment to the region, the ITC last month joined with Providence Community Partners—a group that includes the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Christopher Homes, and three community development corporations (Reconcile New Orleans, Tulane/Canal Community Development Corporation and UJAMAA Community Development Corporation)—to submit a proposal to the city of New Orleans for redevelopment of 196 abandoned adjudicated properties in Tremé and Tulane/Gravier that are available for single and multifamily development. “Labor plays a vital role in the social and economic life of our community” said Hammond, president of the New Orleans AFL-CIO. “What Katrina destroyed, we will help to rebuild. Our neighborhoods have been destroyed, our citizens scattered, but our spirit and resolve are strong. This is a great program for this city, our communities and our workers.” Hammond mentioned that the local AFL-CIO will also play a role in supporting the labor-sponsored training programs for people seeking jobs in the building and construction trades. Continued Increases in Health Care Costs Affect All Sectors of American Economy The high cost of health care in this country has received lots of publicity lately. Employers are seeing double-digit premium increases annually, resulting in skyrocketing out-of-pocket expenses for their employees, including increased co-pays for office visits and prescriptions as well as high deductibles for insurance benefits. American automobile makers are one of the hardest hit segments of the population. Health care costs for General Motors Corp. (GM) workers and its retirees add $1,500 to the price of every car. Toyota’s health care costs are figured to be half that amount, still a substantial figure. In recent remarks, the president of the United Automobile Workers union (UAW), Ron Gettelfinger, told his members that they cannot ride out the automobile industry crisis and should be prepared to make tradition-breaking decisions to help rescue the industry. While U.S. companies have been moving overseas, foreign automakers have been increasing their investments in the United States, and sales of their American-made products have been increasing even faster than those of imports. As foreign-owned final assembly plants opened in the United States, foreign-based parts suppliers also expanded here. This has resulted in a reduction in the union share of the auto industry—from roughly 60 percent of the workforce in the early ’80s to about 30 percent today (even less for parts workers like GM’s spinoff Delphi Corporation, whose members were to decide by June 23 whether to accept buyouts and other retirement incentives to leave their jobs). Gettelfinger—long a proponent of national health care coverage—pointed to many reasons for the industry’s extensive health care expenditures. Bad management, coupled with Detroit’s fading fortunes, helped create a health cost crisis that has become “unsustainable” in the face of the auto companies’ declining sales. This, he said, was one reason why the UAW agreed to substantial health care concessions last year. Jobs in the UAW, which were once considered to be the envy of the labor movement for their contracts with high wages and extensive benefits, are now experiencing the same demands for givebacks that have swept other workers across the United States. In Quincy, Mass., for example, exploding health care costs for the city’s public employees was considered to be a major topic as city hall begins negotiating new contracts for its nearly 2,000 workers. The city currently covers 90 percent of the health care costs for most of its employees—a high percentage even among traditionally generous packages for public employees—but union officials fully expect the new contract to reflect a shift in how health care costs are split between the city and employees. School districts also are affected. In San Francisco, the school district faces declining student enrollment (and the resulting loss of state funds) and is seeing its worker health care costs skyrocket. The district has lost about 1,000 students every year for the past several years, and each departing student means $5,000 less in state revenue based on student attendance. That means the district will take in $5 million less next year and $10 million less in two years and therefore will have to make unpopular decisions to close more schools, lay off staff or further cut programs. But the fastest-growing financial strain, according to the district’s director of policy and planning, is the retiree health benefits. Until three years ago, teachers working in San Francisco Unified had to have just five years in the district to retire with lifetime health care benefits. In 2004, because of escalating costs, the teachers union renegotiated longer vesting periods. Teachers already in the district at that time now have to work 12 years to earn the same benefits, while new teachers must work 20 years. Policymakers and government officials agree that health care costs need to be controlled, but there has been no consensus as to the best way to go about it. The National Coalition on Health Care stated that while there appears to be no agreement on a single solution to health care’s woes, a continuing escalation in health care spending and health insurance premiums will severely affect the quality of life for employees—as well as the bottom line for many employers. Seafarers LOG 5 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 6 Engine Dept. Training Gets an Upgrade Following exhaustive efforts to logically restructure and improve its curriculum in the engine department, officials in the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s vocational department recently announced revised matrixes designed to help Seafarers advance their careers. Members currently holding any classification QMED 4 through OMED 1 are not impacted by the revised system and do not have to “retrain.” However, if they want to advance from a current classification, they will do so through the new system. The fresh career tracks consist of updated courses along with some old ones. Students may follow the paths all the way from entry ratings to licensed positions in the engine department. “The career path revisions mainly are due to Coast Guard requirements stemming from the STCW convention,” said J.C. Wiegman, Paul Hall Center assistant director of training. “Under STCW, advancement depends on practical demonstrations of skills. The training matrixes reflect those requirements.” Training essentially begins with the equivalent of “phase 3” of the unlicensed apprentice program. After completing the first three modules (and accumulating enough sea time), students may choose from among four avenues leading to certifications as QMED machinist (QMED dayworker), QMED watchstander, QMED pumpman, and QMED electrician, respectively. Simulator training—which will be used to help students in the completion of their assessments— will be a key component of this new career track. Those interested in pursuing an engine department license may continue on another track (“officer in charge of an engineering watch”) culminating in any one or more of several licenses. Simulator training will be a key component of the new career track. Students will utilize the new Haven steam simulator, the Transas electric plant simulator, the Transas slow and medium speed diesel simulator and others to assist them in completing their assessments. More information may be obtained by contacting the admissions department at the school at (301) 994-0010, extension 5202. Union, School Mourn Instructor Larry Malone The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were saddened when Lawrence Patrick Malone, formerly an instructor at the Southern Maryland school and a highly decorated U.S. Navy officer, died May 26 in California, Md. following a long battle with cancer. He was 65. Malone, who worked at the school from January 1997 until just a few weeks before his death, coordinated many of the Paul Hall Center’s classes in addition to teaching vessel familiarization and other deck department courses. He particularly embraced the challenge of instructing unlicensed apprentices as they first entered the program in Piney Point, Md. He made a powerful, lasting impression on students, school officials and fellow instructors. “He was one of the most unique individuals I ever met,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “He was an ex-Navy chief and he didn’t take no [stuff] from anybody. When he handled scheduling classes we never had a problem—ever. He was a great guy, and he had no tolerance for complainers.” J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the school and also a Navy veteran, said he and Malone were friends in addition to colleagues. “Larry and I met each morning at the school and discussed the plan for each day,” he recalled. “Privately, I called him captain and he called me chief. This was a mutual understanding of naval tradition and my respect for him as a mustang commander who earned the distinction of having command at sea (similar to going up the hawsepipe and becoming a ship’s master). We argued, we laughed and we tried to keep our days on an even keel over the last six or seven years. “When he was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, he was determined to beat it even though he wasn’t given much of a chance,” Wiegman continued. “He fought the battle through many ups and downs. He never forgot the school and came back frequently, as he would say, to check in on us—and finally even to say goodbye. Fair winds and following seas, captain.” Director of Training Bill Eglinton remembered Malone as “not shy. He would tell it like it was. Larry’s main crusade was trying to jump-start or motivate those kids with good potential who wouldn’t engage in class. He did a tremendous job.” Instructor David Martin knew Malone both in the Navy and at Piney Point. “Larry was an amazing man,” he said. “I can remember him when I was 20 years old and he was the gravelly voiced LTJG Bosun on the USS Kiska. We all very much respected Bosun Malone, and I remember how well he took care of his troops—us—even though we had a lot of underway commitments. He was always in my corner. “Twenty-one years later,” Martin added, “I was 6 Seafarers LOG Larry Malone (left) helped students at the Paul Hall Center to stay motivated to do their best. taking a lifeboat class at Piney Point as a retired BMCS (senior chief bosun’s mate), and lo and behold, who walked in to administer the test but Larry Malone…. I always loved working for him, and we all will miss him.” Instructor Jim Shaffer said Malone “was one of a kind, a straight shooter. I think that’s what everybody liked about Larry—he didn’t beat around the bush…. He was proud of his military career, having worked his way up through the ranks, but he wasn’t a braggart.” Shaffer said that although Malone could be demanding of students, he always treated them fairly and was quick to lend support. “If you had a job to do, he expected you to do it right,” Shaffer noted. “But if anyone needed anything, Larry was there for them. He was respected and admired by everyone here at the school and maybe feared by a couple. He’ll be missed by a lot of people.” A native of Dickinson, N.D., Malone served in the Navy for 29 years. Among other honors, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (two Bronze Stars), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. Malone is survived by many family members including his wife, three children, three stepchildren, five siblings and six grandchildren. A memorial Mass was conducted June 2 at St. George’s (Md.) Catholic Church; inurnment followed at Charles Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to OPIS, St. Mary’s Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650; and/or American Cancer Society, St. Mary’s County Unit, P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Engine department curriculums at the Paul Hall Center have been updated to help students advance their maritime careers while challenging them with the latest technology. Veitch and Richardson Chosen for AOTOS Awards Colin Veitch and Paul F. Richardson have been selected to receive one of the maritime industry’s most prestigious honors, the 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS). The honorees on May 22 were announced by John Bowers, chairman of the United Seamen’s Service AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Veitch is president and CEO of SIU-contracted NCL America; Richardson is a container shipping pioneer and president of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc. They led the field of nominees sought from more than 150 maritime labor, management and government officials. The duo is slated to receive their awards Nov. 3 during an industry dinner and dance in New York City. All proceeds from the event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. “Colin Veitch, in commencing brand new passenger services flying the American flag, has shown a renewed faith in a U.S. presence on the international seas and will provide muchneeded employment for our seafarers,” noted Bowers. “We are saluting his vision and actions. “With this being the 50th anniversary year of containerization, it is significant that we recognize a true pioneer, Paul F. Richardson,” continued Bowers. “He was with Malcolm McLean, the father of containerization, even before this momentous revolution began in 1956 and today remains a vital force and participant on the worldwide transportation scene.” “Our recipients have been selected by those who know them best, international transportation leaders who understand very well the challenges and issues which confront United States shipping and the American seafarers and recognize their leadership in this area,” Bowers added. Under Veitch’s direction, NCL America placed into service the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha, NCL’s first U.S.-flag vessel, in June 2004. It was the first deep sea passenger ship to join the American fleet in 50 years. A year later NCL America welcomed the Pride of America; the Colin Veitch, left, and Paul F. Richardson have been selected to received the 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award. company’s third U.S.-flag ship, the Pride of Hawaii, entered service last month. As U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said, “Raising the Stars and Stripes over more ships raises our maritime strength and raises jobs.” NCL America’s three U.S.flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study. Besides serving as president and CEO of NCL America and Norwegian Cruise Line, Veitch also is president of Orient Lines and a member of the boards of NCL Holding ASA and Star Cruises, Ltd. Richardson’s experience in transportation has been as a specialist in containerization, company management and labor. He held a key leadership role in the dynamic growth of Sea-Land Service, Inc., forging its development and serving as president and vice chairman of the innovative steamship company. In 1977, he established Paul F. Richardson Associates, Inc., an international maritime and transportation consulting firm serving various segments of the maritime industry including carriers, ports, shipbuilding companies, inland carriers, labor and labor-management groups. Today, Richardson serves on numerous boards, councils and committees including the American Bureau of Shipping, U. S. Coast Guard Foundation, Council of the Americas and other significant government commissions and committees. Established in 1942, the United Seamen’s Service operates centers in nine foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 7 Cape Decision Delivers in High-Profile Mission Brigadier General Bivens Commends Crew, Cites Support and Teamwork An SIU-crewed vessel under the operational jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command recently completed a high-visibility mission in Poland. The cargo ship Cape Decision from April 19-20 was in Szczecin, Poland, returning combat equipment used by that country’s military forces in Iraq. Seafarers aboard the 681-foot roll-on/roll-off vessel off-loaded more than 49,000 square feet of cargo belonging to members of the Polish army. Off-loaded items included more than 160 trucks, six helicopters, tanks, trailers and in excess of 100 containers of supplies. Brig. Gen. Nolen V. Bivens, in a letter to the Decision crew following its mission, in part said: “Thanks for all you do to support America’s fighting men and women. I look forward to our continued teamwork.” General Bivens is assistant chief of staff, C-3, Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Third U.S. Army. He visited the Cape Decision and its crew in December 2005. SIU-crewed MSC ships have been a familiar sight in Szczecin and other Baltic seaports since 2003 when MSC vessels began using them to load U.S. and coalition force cargo bound for the Middle East and for use in Operation Iraqi Freedom. An important partner in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Polish military forces took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Poland had 2,500 soldiers deployed to the region at the height of its engagement in the newly-democratized country. MSC ships since 2003 have moved nearly 430,000 square feet, or seven-and-a-half football fields’ worth, of combat equipment for these troops. “This is indicative of the enduring relationship the U.S. military has with Poland and our coalition partners in Europe,” said Capt. David K. Wright, Mariners’ Rights Resolution Continued from page 2 Seafarers to maintain a fair and essential freedom of movement in the normal conduct of their profession, while contributing to the maintenance of heightened security norms.” The General Conference of the ILO adopted the revised Convention during its Ninety-first session in June 2003 as C185, but very few countries have ratified it, including the United States, Canada and Great Britain. The SIU joint resolution continues as follows: “Considering the continuous and difficult struggle of both American and Canadian Seafarers to cross the U.S.-Canada border in this era of heightened border security; and given that the barriers have become so great that in numerous instances Seafarers are being completely denied access to the neighboring territory, and this simply because there is no generally accepted and easily available set of identity documents; “Considering that as long as seafarers have gone to sea, shore leave has been a cherished right; that vessels could not be manned should shore leave not be granted; and given that the livelihoods of many American and Canadian seafarers are presently at stake as a result of the absence of an agreed and efficient system of providing identity documents; “Considering that there have been important revisions to passport and visa requirements for Seafarers in North America and elsewhere; that there is not presently an all-encompassing maritime worker identity verification and background check system that is generally recognized by both Governments; and that neither the SIU AGLIWD nor the SIU of Canada is favorable to the present obligation imposed on their members to obtain passports and visas in order to have access to shore leave; “Considering that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) may be the solution to the problem of estab- July 2006 lishing generalized and systematized identification criteria; “The Seafarers International Union, representing both its American and Canadian districts, hereby: “RESOLVES through each District to lobby their respective Governments in order to secure the establishment as rapidly as is reasonably possible of uniform North American regulations governing Seafarer identification, whether through the North American implementation of TWIC rules or some similar protocol; that these uniform regulations would involve a collateral agreement between Washington and Ottawa with the objective of permitting Seafarers secure access to North American ports and the territory of both the U.S. and Canada based on this uniform identity documentation; “RESOLVES that whatever form this uniform identity document will take, whether as a TWIC document or otherwise, that it will conform to the following principles: (a) that it be recognized and accepted throughout the United States and Canada; (b) that it establish uniform requirements and conditions for Seafarers, whether based in the U.S. or Canada; (c) that it impose fair and reasonable requirements on Seafarers who seek to obtain the identity document in question; (d) that the document respect, to the extent consistent with security needs, the fundamental rights, liberties and privacy of the holders of such identity document; and (e) that the document in question ensure the freedom of movement, including complete shore leave access to those Seafarers who obtain the documentation in question. “RESOLVES to undertake all actions consistent with the law, to ensure that the maritime union movement takes its proper and essential role in the protection of transport security worldwide and participates fully, together with government and industry in the war on terrorism.” commander, Sealift Logistics Command Europe. SEALOGEUR is MSC’s European area command and is responsible for overseeing the movement of U.S. Navy cargo and logistics ships in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. “It is also a great example of the important role Military Sealift Command plays in the U.S. and coalition forces’ efforts in Iraq.” Since the beginning of the global war on terrorism and operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, MSC has moved more than 88.6 million square feet of combat equipment for troops in theater worldwide—with much of it carried on SIU-crewed ships. Seafarers-crewed vessels have also helped deliver more than 8.8 The Seafarers-crewed Cape Decision recently completed a key mission in Poland. billion gallons of fuel. That is enough fuel to fill the Empire State Building nearly 32 times. Operated by Seafarers-con- tracted Marine Personnel and Provisioning, the Cape Decision is 681 long with a beam of 97 feet. It can sail at more than 16 knots. Union Plus Rolls Out Two More Programs No-cost accidental death insurance and voice broadband phone service are the latest offerings in an ever growing list of programs for union members through Union Plus. Because the SIU participates in Union Plus, Seafarers and their family members are eligible for both programs. The insurance program, UnionSecure Accidental Death, is designed to help protect the future of union members’ families and is available at no cost to union members. The Union Plus Voice broadband phone service can help union families save on phone calls—up to $400 per year depending on the plan they choose. Insurance Program Union members can enroll in the no-cost UnionSecure program simply by calling 1-800-3930864, or by visiting www.UnionSecure.com. No medical exams are needed and members are not required to purchase anything, according to Union Plus. By calling the former number or visiting the web site provided, union members’ families can get up to $5,000 worth of coverage in the event of accidental death from covered motor vehicle/ pedestrian accidents, or $1,000 of coverage for death due to any other type of accident at home, at work or while commuting or traveling anywhere in the world. Union members who already have insurance may supplement it with this coverage—at no cost to them. UnionSecure was created through a partnership between the Union Labor Life Insurance Company and Union Privilege, established by the AFL-CIO to provide Union Plus benefits. To help working families gain security, UnionSecure has developed a broad range of insurance plans that union members and retirees can afford. It chose Hartford® to provide the plans because of that company’s outstanding record. All UnionSecure plans are subject to strict oversight by the trustees of the AFLCIO Mutual Benefit Fund, who have a legal obligation to protect the interests of union members. Union Plus Benefits for SIU Members If you are a member or retiree of SIU, you and your family are automatically are eligible for Union Plus benefits associated with the following programs. For more information visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-800-452-9425. Money & Credit „ Credit Card „ Union-Made Checks „ Credit Counseling „ Your Credit Score „ Loans „ Online Tax Service Insurance Deals „ Accident Insurance „ Auto Insurance „ Life Insurance „ Pet Insurance Health & Well Being „ Health Club Discounts „ Health Savings Education Services „ Education Services Phone Service With Union Plus Voice broadband phone service, union members get all the features of normal phone service plus those offered through this program. To use the service, members need broadband internet access through a cable or DSL internet connection. Union Plus Voice offers the following benefits and more, according to promotional material sent to the SIU: „ Save up to 85 percent compared to normal phone bills „ Unlimited calling, one monthly rate „ Quick installation, easy to use Auto Advantages „ Goodyear Tire & Service Discount House & Home „ Mortgage & Real Estate „ Moving Discount „ Home Heating Oil Discounts Everyday Savings „ ConsumerReports.org Discount „ Flower Discount „ Powell’s Bookstore „ Music Discounts „ Clothing Discounts Travel & Recreation „ Entertainment Discounts „ Car Rental Discounts „ Worldwide Vacation Tours „ Cruise Discounts „ Travel Center Computers & Tech „ Broadband Phone Service „ Dell Computer Discounts „ Cingular Wireless Discount „ Internet Service Discount „ No activation fees A variety of plans are available under the program, including unlimited outbound and inbound calling across the 48 contiguous states and Canada for $22.89 per month. Other plans are available for as low as $11.89 per month. Union Plus card holders can get additional savings with unlimited calling for $199 a year or less than $17 a month. Some plans are as low as $8.33 per month and affordable international plans are also available. To sign up visit www.UnionPlus.net/Voice or call 1888-868-6818. Notice SHBP Booklets Posted, Mailed The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has posted separate, updated booklets on line at www.seafarers.org in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section. One booklet is a “Guide to Benefits” for active Seafarers; the other is a benefits guide for retirees. On the web site, the guides are in PDF format. Printed copies of those same booklets were being mailed last month to eligible members and retirees. The mailings were scheduled to be finished by early July. Seafarers LOG 7 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 8 ALWAYS READy Bosun Lynn Mallis ABOARD THE USNS SODERMAN The men and women aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Soderman continue to stand ready on a daily basis in support of the U.S. military. As one of the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessels, the Soderman made multiple trips between the United States and the Middle East during the height of Iraqi Freedom to deliver urgently needed combat equipment and later to bring back military materiel that was no longer required in the theater of operations. Operated by Maersk Line Limited, the Soderman is one of the vessels in MSC’s Afloat Prepositioning Ship Squadron Four. The 950-foot Soderman is now forward deployed to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, loaded with Army equipment and supplies and ready for a rapid response at any given time. The photos on these two pages were sent to the LOG by Ron VonDrachek, chief engineer aboard the Soderman. The USNS Soderman in Diego Garcia OS German (Max) Maximo QMED Tristum Beeks AB Dale Harrison OS Kosar Iqbal Supply Officer Edwin (Dino) Coleman The photo at left of Chief Steward Kimberly Strate and Chief Cook Efren Matias was taken as the two were preparing for the lagoon-wide “Compsron Two Iron Chef” competition. The fact that the crew won a trophy for “Most Original” didn’t surprise anyone on the Soderman. At right is the “Best of the Best” galley gang. From the left are Chief Cook Matias, Chief Steward Strate, SA Margaret Young and SA Sarah Canon. 8 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 9 ALWAYS READy ABOARD THE USNS SODERMAN OS Enrique Defendini QMED Rutland Gale checks readings on the #2 A/C chiller. QMED Adnan Nasser and Wiper Nabil Nasser prepare for a lathe project. OS Kyle Hudson Electrician John Hunt does some troubleshooting. AB Timothy Dunn Electrician Ousmane Ka performs preventive maintenance on the generator. AB Nathan Carr AB Terrell Poole July 2006 AB Josh Wilson Seafarers LOG 9 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 10 Seafarer Weil Gets Revved Up About U.S. Merchant Marine Custom Chopper Honors Union, School, Industry When Seafarer Paul Weil decided to help publicize his industry, he did it in style. The QMED-electrician picked an unusual, eye-catching way to raise the profile of the U.S. Merchant Marine when he ordered a custom-built chopper adorned with spectacular artwork promoting the industry in general and the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education specifically. The project took longer than expected and it hasn’t come cheap. By the time Weil adds custom rims and exhaust pipes, the price tag will push $60,000. Nevertheless, Weil, a 1999 graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program, said he was very pleased with the chopper when he picked it up in late May. He certainly found an appreciative audience at the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where Weil brought the motorcycle to share with fellow members, SIU officials and school staff. “I figured it would help bring attention to the merchant marine,” said the 32-year-old Seafarer. “It’s also a way of giving back to the union and the school,” which together helped him find his niche. In 2003, Weil (pronounced, as he says, “Like wait a while”) sailed for about nine months in Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the Maersk Constellation. In the following months, he rekindled an old idea for the custom chopper as he met more and more people who knew little or nothing about the U.S. Merchant Marine. A longtime motorcycle enthusiast, Weil said the chopper features a 1500cc Super Sport engine and a hydraulic clutch and brake system that helps maintain “a clean look.” It has Seafarer Paul Weil says the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helped put him on the right path—a big motivation behind his custombuilt chopper. Instructor Makes Point at Piney Point six gears and—theoretically— would top out at around 160 mph or more. Outlaw Customs of Prince Frederick, Md. built the chopper (topped off with an alligator-skin seat), while Pro Artworks of Upper Marlboro, Md. did the painting. The latter component is breathtaking in its detail. The fuel tank bears the U.S. Merchant Marine slogan, “In Peace and War,” along with the industry seal and a finely illustrated eagle seemingly perched above it. The rear fender carries the SIU motto, “Brotherhood of the Sea.” Beneath the seat is a ship’s wheel with “SIU” and “Class 584,” Weil’s apprentice group. Despite the monetary cost, in many ways the chopper has been a labor of love for Weil, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. A quick look at his background helps illuminate his passion for the maritime industry. Weil grew up in a tough part of Washington, D.C. and as a teenager admittedly struggled to find his direction. He earned his GED but didn’t have the time or money for college. Eventually, at the urging of a friend, he enrolled in the apprentice program, a staple of the Paul Hall Center since the school opened in 1967. Piney Point offered new challenges, but Weil eventually settled into the program and made the most of the opportunity. “Shipping was the big key” in helping him onto the right path, he said. “At the school, it all worked out for the best. Since then I’ve never had a bad ship.” As evidenced by the chopper Weil, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, plans to sail “forever” even while pursuing other business interests on the beach. The chopper’s finely detailed artwork pays tribute to the SIU, the Paul Hall Center and the industry in general. (Note: Larger, color versions of these photos are available on line at www.seafarers.org, in the Heard at Headquarters section.) project, Weil is ambitious. He operates his own shoreside business (offering catering, construction and cleaning services, among others) and plans to earn a third engineer’s license. “The sky’s the limit, but I plan to sail forever,” stated Weil. “And I already plan to design another custom chopper.” Help Keep America Secure Paul Hall Center Instructor Eric Malzkuhn (standing in top photo and at right) last month accommodated the needs of a hearing-impaired student who enrolled in the school’s EPA refrigeration certification technician course. The student was part of a group of contractors from the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center. Malzkuhn, a longtime engine department instructor at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., had previously learned sign language due to family members who also are hearing impaired. 10 Seafarers LOG ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 11 Below: Eli and Alethea Rantanes with their granddaughters Chelsie (right) and Cecily stopped off at the SIU headquarters on their way home to Canton, Ohio, where Eli is on the executive board of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. Right: Eli, 81, sailed deep sea from 1943-53 and then on the Great Lakes for 29 more years. He shipped with the SIUNA-affiliated MFOW and later with MEBA and AMO in the engine department. He is holding a framed photograph of the WWII Merchant Marine Memorial located in Canton, which he gave to President Michael Sacco to thank him for his support over the years for merchant marine vets. Seafarers and their families: These are some of the images we all look forward to seeing—and sharing with our brothers and sisters of the sea. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. Right: Bosun Kervin Velazquez visits the SIU hall in San Juan with his new baby, Amaury. Right: Feb. 4, 2006 was visitors’ day at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Thomas Hampshire, a member of the unlicensed apprentice program, was visited by his wife, Mary Ellen, and their daughter Chelsea (who put on a uniform just for fun). Michael Thomas and his 12-year-old son, Matt, recently toured “Old Ironsides”—the USS Constitution, docked in the port of Boston. Thomas, who has a second mate ticket, is an SIU hawsepiper and AMO full book member who enjoys reading the LOG. SIU San Juan Port Agent Amancio Crespo joins his family at honors day for daughter Amanda (right) at her school, Christian Military Academy. Next to Crespo is daughter Cristina and wife, Maria de los Angeles. July 2006 Left: QMED Joseph Benavente, who ships out of Guam, recently brought his family to the hall. With him are his wife, Millie, 4-year-old daughter, Shainne, and newest addition, Vinitia, who was born May 17. Right: QMED Christian Rosado and his wife, Melissa, drop by the San Juan hall with daughter Keyshla. Seafarers LOG 11 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:19 PM Page 12 GERMANY SHIPYARD The ship was floated out on Feb. 19 and then underwent sea trials before sailing for the United States in April. MAKER BALTIMORE PORT of CALL PANAMA CANAL TO MARKET Thou of Ne f Seaf ATLANTIC to PACIFIC Officials from the SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers turned out to greet the ship when it sailed through the Panama Canal on May 11. Pictured from left to right are Omar Velarde, José F. Amador, Francisco González, Lidia Gómez, SIU VP At Large René Lioeanjie, Fernando Williams, UIW VP Orlando Diaz, Alcides Ulloa, María E. Vergara and Fernando Duran. 12 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:51 PM Page 13 LOS ANGELES CHRISTENING SIU President Michael Sacco was one of the featured speakers at the christening. He noted that the NCL America ships mean thousands of new jobs and a boost to America’s national and economic security. The SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii, NCL America’s newest cruise ship, traveled an extensive route from the shipyard to its home port in Hawaii, where it arrived May 28. Before its christening May 20 in Los Angeles, the vessel stopped in Baltimore and later transited the Panama Canal (among other stops). Photos from throughout the journey, beginning with the Pride of Hawaii’s construction in Germany (it was floated out on Feb. 19) are shown on these two pages. Extensive coverage of the christening was included in the June issue of the Seafarers LOG and also may be found online at www.seafarers.org. housands New Jobs for eafarers NCL America’s ships—the Pride of Hawaii, Pride of America and Pride of Aloha—offer cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. HAWAII HOME PORT July 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:04 AM Page 14 Health and Research Groups Trying to Tackle Avian Flu The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 15 confirmed that a young Indonesian girl who died on June 1 was infected with bird flu, taking the country’s total deaths from the virus to 38. The newly confirmed case pushed the cumulative total in Indonesia to 50 including the 38 fatalities. Bird flu has spread rapidly since late 2003 from Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Earlier last month Djibouti reported its first human case of H5N1, the first confirmed human case in the Horn of Africa. Following are some facts about the H5N1 avian flu virus and its spread around the globe: „ Since the virus re-emerged in Asia in 2003, outbreaks have been confirmed in more than 48 countries and territories, according to data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). „ Since the beginning of January 2006, more than 30 countries have reported out- „ „ „ „ „ breaks, in most cases involving wild birds such as swans. The virus has killed 129 people since 2003, according to the WHO. Countries with confirmed human deaths are: Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. In total, the virus is known to have infected 226 people since 2003, according to the WHO. Many of those who died are children and young adults. Vietnam and Indonesia have the highest number of cases, accounting for 80 of the total deaths. The H5N1 virus is not new to science and was responsible for an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Scotland in 1959. Britain confirmed a new case in Scotland on April 6. H5N1 is not the only bird flu virus. There are numerous strains. For example, an outbreak in 2003 of the H7N7 bird flu virus in the Netherlands led to the destruction of more than 30 million birds, around a third of the country’s poultry stock. About 2.7 million were destroyed in Belgium and around 400,000 in Germany. In the Netherlands, 89 people were infected with the H7N7 virus, one of whom (a veterinarian) died. „ The H5N1 virus made the first known jump into humans in Hong Kong in 1997, infecting 18 people and killing six of them. The government ordered the immediate culling of the territory’s entire poultry flock, ending the outbreak. „ Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, to eye inflammations (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening complications. Meanwhile, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) early last month announced a $5 million award to support the development of a global network to track avian influenza, with the aim of monitoring the role of migratory birds. According to a USAID release, the Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) will enhance international efforts to collect and analyze laboratory samples from wild birds and identify genetic changes in the virus. The entire award package totals $6 million, including a $1 million contribution from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spearheaded by the Wildlife Conservation Society, GAINS will work in countries situated along key migratory routes to improve the collection, coordination, and laboratory evaluation of samples from wild birds. The goal of this effort is to enhance understanding of the role wild birds play in the movement of the avian flu virus around the world. In addition, GAINS will create, update, and make data available to researchers related to avian influenza surveillance and migratory bird activity. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 14 Seafarers LOG “The United States is already supporting efforts to develop animal surveillance and build diagnostic and laboratory capacity in at least 25 countries,” said Dr. Dennis Carroll, director of USAID’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Response Unit. “The GAINS program is an extension of our important work. The information GAINS produces will feed into systems to warn people about the movement of avian influenza. This network will significantly bolster our ability to support the international community in response to the virus.” The announcement supports the successful outcome of the second meeting of the International Partnership for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, held in Vienna, Austria, June 6-7. The U.S. delegation, headed by Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Dr. Paula J. Dobriansky, also included representatives from USAID, and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. “Leaders must continue to encourage their colleagues at home and abroad to be forthcoming with information critical to global response efforts,” Dobriansky said at the meeting. “Providing accurate information to international partners can significantly limit both the human and economic impacts of an outbreak.” To date, USAID has allocated $158.4 million to fight avian influenza. The agency also collaborates with other U.S. government agencies, international partners, and local governments and organizations to provide support in 46 countries. Vaccine Tested In a related development, several sources on June 14 reported that a laboratory-produced bird flu vaccine protected ferrets against several strains of H5N1 avian influenza during a study. The ferrets were immunized with a vaccine based on an H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated in Hong Kong in 2003. Injections they received protected them against a newer variant of the virus, according to researchers at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and the University of Tennessee. The study was published on the web site of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the sources reported. Vaccine makers may not have to wait until the H5N1 virus evolves to become more contagious among people before producing inoculations for a worldwide outbreak, said the work’s authors, who include Elena Govorkova and Richard Webby. Earlier vaccine production may save lives and reduce the severity of illness, they said. “An effective influenza vaccine is urgently needed as H5N1 viruses continue to spread in Asia, not only causing an increasing number of human infections and high mortality rates, but also showing evidence of probable human-to-human transmission,” the authors wrote. Experts say a pandemic of some kind of influenza is inevitable and that H5N1 looks closer than any other virus to causing such a global wave of disease. A vaccine would provide the best protection. But flu vaccine technology is slow and unwieldy and a new vaccine has to be formulated every year to match the current circulating strains. Vaccine experts fear that they would have to wait until H5N1 changes into a human pandemic strain before they can make a vaccine against it. By then it could have infected millions. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:22 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea August & September 2006 Membership Meetings MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 2 0 7 14 2 7 40 46 2 7 12 40 22 6 0 8 29 2 24 28 298 0 0 5 6 2 7 15 22 0 8 9 18 9 4 3 1 15 0 13 17 154 1 0 2 5 0 11 22 16 1 4 9 20 11 1 4 4 25 1 19 26 4 8 4 22 7 3 29 27 0 12 13 20 18 1 9 10 17 9 29 11 253 1 1 5 7 4 4 11 19 1 7 8 11 12 4 1 2 11 5 20 7 141 1 0 2 7 3 6 5 8 0 5 3 2 15 1 2 2 6 0 5 8 1 2 2 2 2 1 15 9 1 2 3 18 6 1 0 4 2 2 11 9 93 0 0 2 3 1 3 4 6 0 0 0 7 7 3 0 1 3 0 8 3 51 1 0 1 4 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 2 2 4 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 4 10 1 4 31 25 1 7 9 16 10 1 1 5 20 0 25 23 193 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 3 5 15 3 6 23 15 0 9 3 13 11 2 15 5 11 4 21 9 175 1 2 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 8 2 0 0 0 1 2 8 7 41 0 1 1 6 0 2 20 22 0 9 3 17 8 0 1 6 11 1 22 11 141 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 0 6 7 10 0 6 5 7 4 2 2 2 9 2 13 11 93 1 0 3 8 1 3 7 8 0 5 3 9 5 4 0 2 4 1 18 10 92 0 0 1 2 0 3 5 2 0 0 0 2 4 2 0 1 2 0 3 2 29 1 0 2 4 0 1 7 9 0 3 4 8 4 1 0 3 3 0 6 9 65 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 4 2 4 19 11 0 3 3 12 6 2 1 0 19 0 22 21 182 81 30 133 1 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 2 2 5 1 0 1 0 6 0 7 2 0 1 5 6 2 8 19 17 0 5 5 40 13 0 10 5 14 0 17 9 4 2 3 5 1 3 18 19 1 1 4 22 17 1 33 0 7 2 16 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 6 1 5 3 10 0 4 1 2 10 0 3 2 4 1 4 9 67 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 4 5 1 4 10 3 0 3 1 21 6 0 8 1 14 1 10 2 0 0 0 6 4 1 11 6 1 1 2 6 9 0 37 0 5 1 6 2 1 0 2 4 0 1 8 13 0 2 0 4 8 2 0 2 5 1 9 11 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 10 18 5 16 76 64 1 22 21 79 30 8 1 15 37 2 51 50 3 3 3 8 5 3 34 18 1 2 9 25 8 2 1 4 4 2 14 16 508 414 165 0 0 6 14 2 10 33 34 0 12 19 32 17 3 4 3 15 0 18 22 2 2 5 10 6 7 18 29 3 13 9 20 26 2 3 6 14 6 28 14 1 0 2 6 1 5 8 11 1 0 1 12 12 2 2 1 3 0 8 9 244 223 85 1 0 5 7 1 18 37 23 1 8 10 41 17 1 8 5 37 2 26 46 0 0 3 8 5 6 12 10 0 4 6 11 18 3 1 2 2 0 7 10 1 0 1 4 0 0 4 4 0 2 2 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 5 8 73 294 108 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 10 5 0 3 2 8 1 0 0 2 9 0 8 2 2 1 4 6 3 17 32 30 1 10 6 78 19 0 17 6 16 3 27 16 6 5 4 9 3 10 34 37 1 2 7 41 30 1 17 0 13 1 25 24 36 176 173 12 96 98 0 56 294 270 670 651 347 431 430 183 279 1,102 1,039 566 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. July 2006 3 12 9 34 13 6 38 41 4 18 17 37 27 7 11 13 20 12 56 36 Piney Point .............Monday: August 7 ................................Tuesday: September 5* .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: August 11, September 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 10, September 7 Boston.....................Friday: August 11, September 8 Guam ......................Thursday: August 24, September 21 Honolulu .................Friday: August 18, September 15 Houston ..................Monday: August 14, September 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 10, September 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: August 17, September 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 16, September 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 15, September 12 New York................Tuesday: August 8, September 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 10, September 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 9, September 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: August 17, September 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 17, September 14 San Juan..................Thursday: August 10, September 7 St. Louis..................Friday: August 18, September 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: August 25, September 22 Wilmington ...........Tuesday: August 22* ..............................Monday: September 18 .................................(*change created by Paul Hall Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals MC&S PICNIC CANCELED David Cunningham, reunion chairperson, would like to announce that this year’s Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) annual reunion has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances TALAMA MOEGA Please contact John Brown at 1-800-828-1110, ext. 1341. Inland Career Opportunities – Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate or master’s license (inland) greater than 200 GRT, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater) are encouraged to contact Jim McGee at the SIU hall in Houston, (713) 659-5152. Seafarers LOG 15 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:04 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Port Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 9 2 3 10 0 0 2 29 0 4 2 0 4 1 1 0 12 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 6 Port 4 13 3 0 6 0 0 3 29 0 1 2 0 5 1 1 0 10 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 7 0 9 3 0 5 2 1 1 21 13 27 1 15 38 0 1 1 96 3 9 2 9 25 0 0 0 48 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 7 6 14 0 5 17 0 0 3 45 1 7 0 1 10 0 0 0 19 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 5 2 0 2 1 0 3 15 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 Port 2 5 2 0 2 1 0 2 14 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 2 1 1 7 0 1 2 16 1 2 1 0 6 0 1 0 11 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 4 2 3 1 1 3 0 0 2 12 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 6 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 6 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 4 16 2 4 16 2 1 0 45 1 7 0 2 14 0 0 0 24 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 5 Totals All Departments 60 27 13 55 19 16 32 186 91 17 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William L. Nihem of Jacksonville, Fla. It was taken in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947 on Sugarloaf Mountain. In a note accompanying the photo, Brother Nihem states that the crew members were on the SIU-contracted Liberty ship James R. Randall, making a five-month trip to four continents. Nihem is on the left; Blackie Smith is in the center. He can’t remember the name of the other shipmate. Brother Nihem joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. Born in Michigan, he retired in 1982 as a chief steward. SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ANDREW BALASH, 65, joined the union in 1995 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Balash, who sailed in the engine department, upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Balash was born in New York but calls Dania Beach, Fla. home. JAMES BLANCHARD, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1964. Brother Blanchard’s first ship was the Commander. The deck department member is a native of Mississippi. Brother Blanchard attended classes on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed on the USNS Henson. Brother Blanchard lives in Mobile, Ala. RUBEN CASIN JR., 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Casin’s first voyage was aboard the Brooks Range. He was born in North Carolina and sailed in the steward department. Brother Casin upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Before retiring, he shipped on the Comet. Brother Casin settled in Nevada. FAUSTINO CASTILLO, 65, was born in Honduras. Brother Castillo started shipping with the Seafarers in 1991. He first worked on the Independence. Brother Castillo attended the Paul Hall Center in 1997, 2000 and 2001. He sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires. Brother Castillo now makes his home in Houston. HENRY COLAR, 65, became an SIU member in 1963. Brother Colar’s first voyage was aboard the Cathy. He was born in New Orleans and shipped in the deck department. Brother Colar’s last trip to sea was on the Carolina. He is a resident of Marrero, La. CATALINO DIAZ, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Diaz began shipping with the SIU in July 2006 1970 in New York. He sailed in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Diaz upgraded his seafaring skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther; his last was the Horizon Producer. Brother Diaz makes his home in Caguas, PR. FAITH DOWNS, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. Sister Downs first shipped in the inland division aboard a Delta Queen Steamship vessel. She was born in Baltimore and worked in the steward department. Sister Downs was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Most of her career was spent aboard deep sea vessels such as the Gemini. Sister Downs calls Virginia Beach, Va. home. CHARLES FINCHER, 69, launched his SIU career in 1991. Brother Fincher’s first ship was the Overseas Chicago. The California-born mariner upgraded his seafaring skills in 1996 and 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fincher last sailed aboard the Long Lines. He is a resident of Volcano, Hawaii. HOWARD GIBBS, 71, started shipping with the SIU in 1959 in New York. Brother Gibbs first sailed on the Steel Artisan in the deck department. He upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gibbs’ most recent voyage was on the Horizon Spirit. Born in Pennsylvania, he calls Fairfield, Calif. home. RICARDO SEBASTIAN, 65, became an SIU member in 1988. Brother Sebastian worked primarily aboard the Independence in the engine department. Born in the Philippines, Brother Sebastian enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He currently lives in Honolulu. EDWARD WINNE, 66, is a New York native. Brother Winne began shipping with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Santa Mercedes. Brother Winne enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Arkansas. Brother Winne continues to make his home in New York. Wilmington, N.C., Boatman Todd worked aboard Cape Fear Towing vessels. He continues to make his home in Wilmington. INLAND RUSSELL COGNEVICH, 58, joined the union in 1974. Boatman Cognevich worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessels. He upgraded in 1984 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Cognevich settled in his native state, Louisiana. LONNIE GAMBLE JR., 62, began sailing with the union in 1967. Boatman Gamble worked in the steward department, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He most recently worked on the Delta Mariner. Boatman Gamble attended classes on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He resides in his native Alabama. JOHN SPARKS, 57, embarked on his seafaring career in 1979 in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Sparks was born in South Carolina. He last worked aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. DONALD TODD, 62, became a union member in 1975. Born in GREAT LAKES ALLAN JOHNSON, 64, joined the union in 1963. Brother Johnson worked in the deck department. His first trip to sea was on a Rockport Steamship Company vessel. Brother Johnson enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Born in Frankfort, Mich., he last sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. He continues to live in Frankfort. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. EUSEBIO AMAYA, 70, joined the union in 1982 in Chicago. Brother Amaya was born in Honduras. His first ship was the Amoco Indiana. Brother Amaya worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Liberator. PAUL BORG, 65, became an NMU member in 1967, initially sailing from the port of San Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 The Seafarers International Union rocked the maritime industry this week with the dramatic announcement that the union hiring hall will be retained in its contracts with member companies of the Atlantic and Gulf Ship Operators Association. Agreement between the union and the association, representing nine major companies, came after almost three weeks of negotiations during which the SIU committee firmly refused to discuss any other issue until its demands for retention of the hiring hall had been recognized. With the central issue settled to the union’s satisfaction, discussions on other contractual issues are now in progress. Francisco. Brother Borg was born in San Pedro, Calif. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Adm. William Callaghan. LYNN BOYD, 68, hails from Los Angeles. Brother Boyd started sailing with the NMU in 1969 from the port of Seattle. His most recent voyage was on the Chesapeake Bay. KENNETH DELANCEY, 56, joined the NMU in 1968 in San Pedro, Calif. Brother Delancey’s first ship was the Keystone State. The steward department member was born in Torrance, Calif. Brother Delancey’s last trip to sea was on the Fredericksburg. MAHFOUD FAYED, 55, was born in Yemen. Brother Fayed joined the NMU in 1977 in San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Texaco Minnesota. Brother Fayed last sailed on the Argonaut. JAIME PABON, 56, began his seafaring career in 1974 in New Orleans. Brother Pabon’s first voyage was on the Baldbutte. He was born in New York. will be in addition to upgrading training to enable working seamen to qualify for promotions after specialized training. 1982 Construction on the SIU’s brand new six-story headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. is nearing completion. The building is located just minutes by car from downtown Washington, D.C. All of the exterior work has been completed, and interior work is moving along rapidly. The building should be ready for occupation in the next few months. The opening of this structure gives the SIU a very visible presence in Washington, where the fortune of the U.S. maritime industry is decided on a daily basis. This Month In SIU History 1967 In a report to the Atlantic and Gulf membership during the regular July membership meeting at headquarters, President Paul Hall told the members that facilities for the training and upgrading of seamen were being expanded. In addition to local training sites in New York and other outports, the SIU has recently purchased a 28-acre site at Piney Point, Md. to train young men for entry-level jobs aboard American-flag ships. This 1996 Deployed on its first assignment, the SIU-crewed USNS Shughart is operating out of Newport News, Va., where it is participating in a series of military exercises. The U.S. Army support ship, operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), recently sailed from San Diego to the East Coast. The vessel also will undergo some minor work at Newport News Shipbuilding. Earlier this year, the Shughart was converted in a San Diego shipyard. Seafarers LOG 17 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH BILLOTTO Pensioner Joseph Billotto, 77, died March 21. Brother Billotto began sailing with the SIU in 1951. Born in Italy, he initially shipped on the Steel Fabricator as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 2000, Brother Billotto worked on the Horizon Challenger. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. SALVATORE FRANK JR. Pensioner Salvatore Frank Jr., 84, passed away March 24. Brother Frank began his seafaring career as a charter member in 1939. The deck department member first sailed aboard a Doric Shipping Company vessel. Brother Frank was born in Connecticut. His last voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Frank went on pension in 1984. He made his home in Barnstable, Mass. ANTULIO GARCIA Pensioner Antulio Garcia, 82, died March 9. Brother Garcia was born in Puerto Rico and joined the SIU in 1966. A member of the engine department, Brother Garcia began sailing aboard a Debardeleben Marine Corporation vessel. His last voyage was on the OMI Charger. Brother Garcia started collecting his pension in 1986. He was a resident of Land O’ Lakes, Fla. RAYMOND O’DOWD Pensioner Raymond O’Dowd, 78, passed away Jan. 6. Brother O’Dowd joined the SIU in 1946 in New Orleans. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an A.H. Bull company vessel. Brother O’Dowd was born in Utica, N.Y. He worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Achiever. He retired in 1992 and lived in Manlius, N.Y. LANIX REED Pensioner Lanix Reed, 89, died Feb. 27. Brother Reed joined the union in 1952. His first ship was the Ft. Hoskins, on which he sailed in the deck department. Brother Reed was born in Louisiana. Prior to retiring in 1982, he shipped on the Over Anchor. Brother Reed called Evangeline, La. home. FRED TIERNEY Pensioner Fred Tierney, 61, died Feb. 21. Brother Tierney joined the SIU in 1968. He first sailed on a Manhattan Tankers Corporation vessel. Brother Tierney was born in New York and shipped in the engine department. His most recent journey was aboard the Gopher State. Brother Tierney, who made his home 18 Seafarers LOG in Brooklyn, N.Y., became a pensioner in 2000. WILLIAM SISTO Pensioner William Sisto, 77, passed away Feb. 13. Brother Sisto became a Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) member in 1973. His maiden voyage was aboard the President Polk. Brother Sisto was a native of Pennsylvania. He worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Kaimoku. He went on pension in 1995 and settled in Torrance, Calif. INLAND CLARENCE LANCASTER Pensioner Clarence Lancaster, 84, passed away Feb. 24. Born in North Carolina, Boatman Lancaster embarked on his seafaring career in 1962. He was first employed aboard vessels operated by Gulf Atlantic Transport. Boatman Lancaster last shipped on an Allied Towing Company vessel. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1993. Boatman Lancaster was a resident of his native state. NORMAN SAWYER Pensioner Norman Sawyer, 72, died Feb. 21. Boatman Sawyer began sailing with the SIU in 1956. He shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Boatman Sawyer first worked aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. He was born in Virginia but called Harbinger, N.C. home. Boatman Sawyer retired in 1995. GREAT LAKES WILLIS CAMPBELL Pensioner Willis Campbell, 79, passed away March 16. Brother Campbell launched his seafaring career in 1951 in Detroit. He initially sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel in the deck department. Brother Campbell was born in Michigan. He most recently shipped on the Susan Hannah. Brother Campbell, who went on pension in 1995, lived in Cleveland. GLOUCESTER FISHERMEN SEBASTIAN SCOLA Pensioner Sebastian Scola, 87, died March 17. Born in Massachusetts, Boatman Scola joined the union in 1980. He primarily worked aboard fishing boats in the Gloucester Fisherman’s union. Boatman Scola retired in 1982. He resided in Essex, Mass. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. RUPERT ALEXIS Pensioner Rupert Alexis, 80, passed away Nov. 21. He joined the NMU in 1947, initially sailing from New Orleans on the St. Mary. Brother Alexis was born in Honduras and worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the John Lykes. Brother Alexis went on pension in 1987. sailed from New York aboard a Liberty ship. Prior to retiring in 1968, he sailed on the United States. Luckenbach. Brother Niles started receiving his retirement compensation in 1968. CLYDE LANTRIP WALTER POLLARD JOSE APONTE Pensioner Clyde Lantrip, 93, died Nov. 3. Brother Lantrip started his seafaring career in 1937. His first vessel was the Coppename. Brother Lantrip worked in the steward department and was a native of Mississippi. He became a pensioner in 1976. Pensioner Walter Pollard, 71, died Dec. 10. Brother Pollard was born in Newport News, Va. He began sailing in 1955 aboard the James Bowdoin. Brother Pollard shipped as a member of the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1983. HAROLD LUKE JACK RUSSELL Pensioner Jose Aponte, 81, died Dec. 4. Brother Aponte launched his seafaring career in 1945, first sailing from the port of New York on the Nicholas Gilman. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Aponte was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the African Rainbow. Brother Aponte began receiving his retirement stipends in 1969. MARIO AYUSO Pensioner Mario Ayuso, 77, passed away Nov. 7. Brother Ayuso donned the NMU colors in 1951 in New York. His first voyage was on the Kettle Creek. Brother Ayuso was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the steward department. He retired in 1987. TORIBIO BLANCO Pensioner Toribio Blanco, 74, died Dec. 13. Brother Blanco became an NMU member in 1965 in New York. His first ship was the Constitution; his last was the Green Harbor. Brother Blanco was a native of Honduras and sailed in the engine department. He started collecting his pension in 1998. EUGENE CAUVIN Pensioner Eugene Cauvin, 94, passed away Nov. 21. Brother Cauvin began working with the NMU in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member last sailed on the Brazil. Brother Cauvin began receiving his retirement compensation in 1971. CHARLES EIFFERT Pensioner Charles Eiffert, 82, died Dec. 14. He initially shipped from the port of New Orleans aboard the Jack Carnes. Brother Eiffert was born in Louisiana and sailed as a member of the engine department. His last voyage was on the Joseph Lykes. Brother Eiffert went on pension in 1967. RESTITUTO GARCIA Pensioner Restituto Garcia, 88, passed away Dec. 24. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner joined the NMU in 1945. Brother Garcia first Pensioner Harold Luke, 78, passed away Nov. 5. Brother Luke embarked on his NMU career in 1964, first shipping from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The engine department member was born in Florida. Brother Luke’s last voyage was on the Marine Princess. He started collecting his pension in 1989. Pensioner Jack Russell, 82, passed away Dec. 13. Brother Russell became an NMU member in 1942 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed on the Lewis Luckenbach in the steward department. Brother Russell was a native of Portsmouth, Va. Before retiring in 1995, he sailed aboard the Marine Princess. CONSTANTINOS MENDRINOS EDUARDO SANTANA Pensioner Constantinos Mendrinos, 84, died Dec. 7. Brother Mendrinos joined the NMU ranks in 1943 in New York. His first ship was the Stephen F. Austin. Brother Mendrinos was born in Greece. He began his retirement in 1971. Pensioner Eduardo Santana, 90, died Dec. 4. Brother Santana started shipping with the NMU in 1945. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Santana’s first ship was the Helen Whittier; his last was the Santa Elena. He began his retirement in 1966. RICHARD MONROIG Pensioner Richard Monroig, 88, passed away Oct. 5. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Monroig began sailing with the NMU in 1951 in the port of New York. He worked in the steward department. Brother Monroig went on pension in 1971. His last voyage was aboard the Argentina. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age DOD Alexis, Nelson 75 Apr. 24 Anglada, Carlos 80 May 12 Baker, Robert 68 Apr. 6 Bentick, Ronald 92 Apr. 13 JASPER NICHOLS Cole, Sam 90 Apr. 2 Pensioner Jasper Nichols, 92, died Nov. 3. Brother Nichols began his NMU career in 1937 in New York. His first trip to sea was on the Pennsylvania. Brother Nichols was a steward department member. He last worked aboard the United States. Brother Nichols retired in 1970. Coleman, Curtis 76 May 30 Evans, Aaron 73 May 15 Eylders, Gerritt 82 May 5 Ghany, Solomon 88 May 2 Leggington, John D. 79 May 4 Lemkuil, Norman 81 May 21 McBride, James 88 Mar. 15 Phillips, James 77 May 11 Pope, Rubin 79 May 9 Ritchie, Elmer 79 May 14 Romer, Albert 102 Apr. 6 Rosado, Pablo 80 May 17 Stankewicz, Zigmund 83 Apr. 21 Stewart, Freddie 81 Apr. 24 Turner, Noble 76 May 23 Veino, Robert 75 Apr. 25 Wellington, John 73 Apr. 24 Zuloaga, Lucio 88 May 11 WILLIAM NILES Pensioner William Niles, 86, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Niles joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Thomas F. Cunningham. A member of the steward department, Brother Niles was born in the Virgin Islands. His last voyage was on the Audrey July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), May 1—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Tran P. Luu, Deck Delegate Leandro A. Cacho, Engine Delegate Joseph Shepard Jr., Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Chairman advised all members to keep documents current. “You can’t sail without them.” He also encouraged them to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary reminded crew that safety comes first, no matter what the task is. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those in need of applications should see the electrician. Beef noted in steward department; no disputed OT. Crew requested new TV antenna system for lounge, 10 fold-away cots and copies of health and pension plans booklets. Vote of thanks given to all three departments for job well done and working well together. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), May 24—Chairman Edward J. O’Connor, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Engine Delegate Keithley L. Andrew. Chairman announced May 28 payoff in Newark, N.J. He asked crew members to clean rooms and see patrolman before departing vessel. Secretary suggested Seafarers clean up after themselves in pantry area and make new pot of coffee if they take the last cup. Educational director informed crew they can renew z-cards up to a year in advance, and it’s a good idea to do so because of the long waiting time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to separate old batteries and aerosol cans from plastics. Suggestions made regarding pension plan. Members requested new recliners in crew lounge. Four new mattresses are on order. Recommendation made to reduce seatime needed for pension benefits. Thanks given to steward department for excellent job. DENALI (Alaska Tanker Company), May 8—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Sean O’Malley, Educational Director John C. Henry, Deck Delegate Dee Poitevien, Engine Delegate Corey P. Hann, Steward Delegate Dennis Skretta. Chairman stated he was anticipating new tanker agreement next month; hoping for substantial gains. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read and discussed. Suggestion made to eliminate vacation pay and have it incorporated into base pay. Crew members were happy to have Steward O’Malley back aboard ship. They also thanked Chief Cook Skretta for job well done. Request made to keep crew deck doors dogged and not to perform chipping by house from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Clarification requested on whether pumpmen are required to operate winches during mooring operations. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Cherry Point and Port Angeles, Wash. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), May 28— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Deck Delegate Janaro N. Jackson. Chairman announced June 1 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean and working safely. Secretary thanked Chief Cook Antonio Mendez, SA Terence Bennett and UA Darrell Taylor for their outstanding work. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents current and upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville. Bosuns on the Brittin Recertified Bosuns Stanley Daranda (left) and Ronald Charles are pictured aboard the USNS Brittin last month in New Orleans. The ship is in ROS status and recently hosted a ceremony conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command honoring crew members from several SIU-crewed vessels who sailed in support of hurricane relief operations along the Gulf Coast. July 2006 HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), May 21— Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn. Chairman announced May 23 payoff after arrival in Oakland, Calif. Secretary asked that everyone clean room before departing vessel; this has been a bit of a problem on past voyages. Educational director advised crew to have documents ready when patrolman boards ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like information about upcoming contract. Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), May 15—Chairman Steven L. Bush, Secretary Robert P. Moseley, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Augustus C. Udan, Engine Delegate Haven M. Iussig, Steward Delegate Regalado M. Bayan. Bosun informed crew that ship run will change in January. He stressed importance of donating to SPAD and how it will benefit union and membership. Those getting off ship should leave room clean and supplied with linen for next person. Everyone should check with Customs and Immigration and with the patrolman. Secretary advised Seafarers to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $291 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Captain thanked crew for great job on sanitary inspection. All crew members were asked to keep noise down while watch stander is sleeping. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Taiwan. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), May 28—Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Rey D. Farinas, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan. Chairman announced payoff at sea prior to arrival in Tacoma if there are no beefs or disputed OT. He stated that current contract expires June 15 and that negotiations for new agreement are in process. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and watch expiration dates on MMDs. He also suggested that those retiring should keep z-cards updated or they’ll eventually lose their ratings if they decide to rejoin. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated $750 in ship’s fund. Footwear issue was discussed: slippers or open toe shoes should only be worn in rooms. Next port: Tacoma. ITB MOBILE (USS Transport), May 14—Chairman Joshua A. Mensah, Secretary Virgilio A. Donghit, Educational Director Jose M. Ramirez, Deck Delegate Carlos A. Arauz, Engine Delegate Adam M. Williams, Steward Delegate Duane K. Washington. Secretary informed mariners of pumpman course available at Piney Point school. He thanked crew members for separating wet and dry garbage. Educational director spoke about the benefits of upgrading skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification on status of crew. Members also requested written answers to questions about health insurance and deductibles. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line Limited), May 16— Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Army L. Leake, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Seth Ruckwell, Engine Delegate Ronnie L. Day Jr., Steward Delegate Frank D. McCreary. Chairman asked members to keep all doors locked and secured in port at all times. Educational director explained new z-card renewal policy (one can apply 360 days in advance of expiration). No tion made pertaining to medical benefits and union dues. Next ports: Houston; Philadelphia. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), May 16—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Eric A. Kjellberg, Engine Delegate Tracy L. Hanson, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Bosun read letter from company pertaining to 4 percent base wage bonus to members who complete their tours of duty without sickness or injury. Bonus will be added to Lending Their Expertise Seafarers (from left) Gil Manipon, Tom Wybo and Woodrow Brown recently volunteered their services for the Seattle Port Maritime Council’s annual labor-management awards luncheon. The event took place May 18 at the Catholic Seamen’s Club in Seattle. The port council is part of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on travel pay in the U.S.A. or its territories. Members requested new TV and short wave radio for crew lounge. Seafarers were asked to report anything that needs to be repaired to the 1st assistant engineer. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), May 14—Chairman Mohammed S. Ahmed, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji, Steward Delegate Alexander Cordero. Chairman announced May 20 payoff in New Jersey. Coast Guard and security checks will take place in Charleston, S.C. May 16. He encouraged gangway watches to stay alert when being questioned on procedures by Coast Guard officials. Secretary reported he was left with a good, organized steward department from previous steward. Remembrance held for late Assistant Vice President Steve Judd. He was an asset to the SIU and will be missed. Condolences went out to his family and friends. Treasurer reported new TVs and DVD players recently purchased for crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new pillows. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. OCEAN TITAN (Pacific Gulf Marine), May 20—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins. Chairman announced May 23 payoff in Houston. He reminded those crew members getting off ship to place dirty linen in laundry bags and clean room for next person. Educational director urged Seafarers to make sure all documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommenda- vacation check. To receive bonus, crew members must receive form from captain at payoff to be turned in when applying for vacation benefits. Secretary requested clarification on Article V Section 7(e) and Article V Section 12(a) of contract regarding additional personnel aboard ship. Educational director encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD for job security. He also recommends mariners watch necessary shipping documents for expiration dates. Treasurer stated $135 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested information on how much company is contributing to SMPPP in new contract and whether it will increase over next four years. Bosun reminded crew to sign out DVDs and only take one at a time. Steward department given vote of thanks for great food, especially with 15 extra people aboard. Vessel is scheduled for Operation Pacer Goose in July—the annual resupply mission for Thule, Greenland. Next ports: Wales; Rota and Cartagena, Spain. USNS SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Ships), May 14— Chairman Aristeo M. Padua, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director James G. Sloan, Deck Delegate Christopher J. Keshlear, Engine Delegate Steven M. Haver, Steward Delegate Randy A. Stephens. Chairman announced May 21 payoff in Houston. He talked about the 4 percent base wage bonus for completing a tour with no injury or illness. Treasurer stated $300 in ship’s fund. Secretary talked about short training course in personal awareness available for which certificates of completion are given. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to put 4 percent vacation incentive into next contract. No injuries reported in any department; everyone has been participating in all drills and meetings. Next ports: Houston; Key West, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 20 Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Former Seafarer Recommends New NCL America Cruise I retired from the SIU and then joined the Masters Mates & Pilots in 1951 after receiving my third mate’s license. As an unlicensed quartermaster, I sailed on the Alcoa Clipper and then as an officer on the Alcoa Corsair. They were good jobs. We carried 98 passengers on 16-day Caribbean cruises. It was such a pleasure for me and my lady friend to take a cruise on the Pride of America last April around the Hawaiian islands. I was able to get acquainted with the captain, officers, crew and other personnel. It Darley C. Bodden included a copy of his SIU retiring card, dated Sept. 27, 1951. was so much different from the foreign-crewed ships I’ve been on since I retired in 1984. I think it is great that NCL America has two ships and another coming soon to cruise the around the Hawaiian islands. I think everyone on the Pride of America is doing a great job, and they all seem to be happy. I would recommend the Pride of America to anyone who would like to take a good cruise. Darley C. Bodden Port Neches, Texas Bon Voyage to the Seafaring Hoggies The last of the “Hoggie” brothers, George Hatgimisios, died May 14, 2006. Kosta (Gus) was the first to start shipping in the 1940s. He was on ships going to Russia and was torpedoed twice. Then “Hoggie” (John) joined and became a union official in Baltimore. Peter shipped as chief steward, and George joined them when he came out of the Army after serving four years in World War II. This was truly a seafaring family. All the brothers were cremated when they passed away, and were buried at sea. Bon voyage to the Hoggie brothers as they sail the celestial seas. Anna (Mrs. George) Hatgimisios Coconut Creek, Fla. Thank you and congratulations on a fine performance. Franklin Gary King President, 3PSC From the left: Peter, John, Gus and George Hatgimisios, taken around 1950. Bravo Zulu for Gordon Transition to FOS I would like to express my personal appreciation to the Seafarers International Union, and particularly to Georg Kenny and Sam Spain in the Norfolk hall for the excellent effort and outstanding performance of the union in the recent activation of the USNS Gordon. The ships were fully crewed and transitioned to FOS about one day early. The ship not only transitioned to FOS timely but also departed the pier on mission before the end of the 96-hour transition period. This outstanding performance demonstrates the union’s dedication to the security and defense of the United States and solidifies the value of the unions to the nation’s security. I would like to thank you and the other members of the SIU leadership team for your outstanding support. Bravo Zulu. Thanks from Scholarship Winner - I My name is Allison Barra and I am a 2002 recipient of the Seafarers scholarship (dependent of Louis D. Barra). I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the SIU for all of its help and support over the last four years. I graduated first in my class at the University of Florida a semester early and have been working at a law firm until this August when I will begin Law School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The scholarship money I received from the SIU allowed me to focus on my studies and perform service in my community while in college. I was able to volunteer with many organizations such as the Red Cross, St. Francis Homeless Shelter, Project Mascot Youth Mentoring Programs, Keep Alachua County Beautiful and Domestic Violence Shelters as a Service Ambassador. I also had the opportunity to intern with a circuit court judge as part of my curriculum and write a senior honors thesis. Without the support of this scholarship, I wouldn't have had as much time to truly engage in active citizenship and fully appreciate the “college experience.” I am forever grateful to the generosity of this institution and I hope that this year's recipients are able to fully utilize this resource. Thank you for your time, and I hope that you we will be able to share my thanks through the Seafarers LOG. Sincerely, Allison Barra Thanks from Scholarship Winner - II The support that the Seafarers Union has provided me has allowed me to graduate without having to take out any school loans in four years. On April 29, I received my bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology at Grand Valley State University. I have decided to continue my education and have been accepted into the University of Wisconsin at Madison to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cancer research. Additionally this summer, I will be interning at a cancer research institute until I attend graduate school this fall. My parents joke that I am a “professional student.” Again, the scholarship has been so helpful in lifting an incredible financial burden, and I am thankful to have been so lucky to have been selected to receive it. Sincerely, Brittany Stropich (2002 scholarship recipient, daughter of Steve L. Stropich) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political pur- 20 Seafarers LOG poses of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The LaborManagement Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safe- guards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election; comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material; not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used); permit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for July through the end of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding July 17 September 11 October 9 August 4 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) July 10 August 7 September 25 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB July 3 August 14 September 25 November 6 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT July 24 September 18 November 13 July 28 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 31 September 18 November 27 August 11 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 10 August 21 October 2 November 13 August 4 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 7 September 18 October 30 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Steward Upgrading Courses (*must have basic fire fighting) Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning July 3, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops July 17 September 11 November 13 August 11 October 6 December 8 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 FOWT July 17 September 11 September 8 November 3 � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ Recertification Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward July 10 August 7 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ July 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 674 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 674. They include (in no specific order) Troy Lord, Billie Marshall, Harlan Alonzo, Hospicio Lupisan Jr., Jose Nieves, Jason Manion, Sean Fletcher, Jeff Cesvet, Jerome Liles Jr., Ernest Britt, Wilbur Torres, Jesse Willard, Jack Hill III, Edwin Pagan II, Michael Donovan, Robert Noble, John Chaney, Stephen McGruder and Sargent Anderson. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending May 12 are (in alphabetical order) Ruben Aguirre, David Bennett, Glenard Chaney Jr., Allan Coloyan, Stephen Cooper, Fred Forsythe, James Gano, Nicole Geideman, Jay Jones, Linsey Knight, Timothy Littles, Marc Maffia, Elmer Marko, Kyle Parson, Renaudo Pierce, Abebe Reda, James Ruffin, Luis Segui, Michael Sherman, Jon Silveira, Alexander Ward and Bruce White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — May 25 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course include (in alphabetical order) Norman Adler, David Barber, Larry Castaneda, Byron Collins, Isaac Diaz, Jay Jones, Martin Krins, Zlatko Lucic, Malek Mohamed, Juan Palacios, Howard Vick, Eric Vieira and David Warner. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. FOWT — Graduating from this course May 19 are (in alphabetical order) Heather Bushey, Hanah Cain, John Cox, Jose Deoferio, Roger Dillinger Jr., Justin Jarmalowicz, Stravon Jordan, Roy Martinez, Jimmy McCall, Mario Moralita, Timothy Johnson Jr, Lloyd Riddick, Franklin Rodgers, Devin Savoie, Harry Smith, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Drandon Tanton, Sanjay Waidyarachchi, Philandar Walton, Richard Wright and Herman Fleischman. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is at far right. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given May 25 to (in alphabetical order) Steven DeLuca, Arthur Marshall, Rudolph Miller and Barbara Trahan. Their instructor, Buzzy Anderew, is in the back. Chief Cook — Under the instruction of Instructor/Chef John Dobson (third from right) are students who completed the course for chief cooks April 20. From the left are Cesar Santos, Arthur Peoples, Marcia Mossbarger, Alfonsa Eligio, Jermaine Robinson, Dobson, Suyapa Marin and Robert Austin. Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding their certificates of achievement for courses completed May 19 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) John Daniels, Ruben Aguirre and Louis A. Segui. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in the back row. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (center, back row) are students who completed their computer courses June 2. They are (front row, from left) Arthur Marshall, David A. Warner, (back row) Joh Phillips, Byron A. Collins and Eric Vieira. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course June 23 are (in alphabetical order) Tawrence Abrams, Marcos Almazon, Rigoberto Beata, Felix Johnfinn, Melissa Leon Guerrero, Douglas Lowry, Forrest McGee, Lamont Robinson, Timothy Sexton, David Simpson, Thomas Swayne Jr. and Kelly Woolford. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the government vesssels course June 2. They are (in no specific order) Algernon Reed, Jesse Willard, Taufiq Wasel, Wayne Altoonian, Greg Simmons, Jeff Cesvet, Stephen McGruder, Gregory Brown, Edwin Pagan, Antoine Best, Henry Callahan, Gregory Brunson Sr., Allan Coloyan, Bruce White, Fred Forsythe and Robert Waren. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another group of Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course May 12 are Morgan Tury, Brendan O’Brien, John Galatioto, Jeffery Novak, Ricardo Former, Scott Bloomfield, Nicholas Gattuso, Jonathan Rodriguez, Gregory Brown, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, Ronald Byrd, Nicholas Kempker, Orien Nelson, Detrell Lambey, Mathew Alaniz, Aaron Carson and John Chaney. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course May 12 are Jeff Cesvet, Shawana Mills, Antoine Best, Lawanda Thornton, Algernon Reed, Wayne Altoonian, Thomas Jarrett, Lester DeSheers, Claytain Carr, Taufiq Wasel, Jesse Willard, Greg Simmons, Edwin Pagan and Steve McGruder. STCW — STCW — NCL, May 25: Marc Alwine, Sidney Babula, Edna Bactad, Elizabeth Bonanni, Gladys Bostic, Marvais Bowers, David Boyce, Jennifer Boyd, Sharon Boyers, Matthew Bruischat, Jennifer Bulin, Rebecca Burns, Todd Cash, Alfonso Castro, Ricardo CastroRangel, Paulo Choinski, Andrew Christensen, Paul Clinkscales, Fabio Cristiano, Krista Daigle, Jeremy Darling, Candace David, Juan DeLao, Ryan Deese and Eduardo Diaz. STCW — NCL, May 25: Terisa Marinos, Eduardo Martinez, Ashley Mihelich, Randy Milan, Tifani Obaseki, Nathan Ojeda, Stephen Palmer, Matthew Parker, Robert Patman, Karen Pedicini, Julio Perez, Amanda Perez, Rosario Perez, Natasha Pettigrew, Linda Pierce, Bernard Punu, Armando Quindo, Henry Quizon, Desiree Rafel, Joshua Regala, Andrew Reinhardt, Lindsey Reinig and Kimberly Retuyan. July 2006 NCL, May 25: Rodney Dixon, Robert Dougherty, Haley Anne Dunn, Thomas Ettenborough, Amorita Garcia, Andrew Garcia, Edgardo Gonzales, Chanice Guitang, Hebert Gutierrez, Justin Gwaltney, Mary Hays, Joy Hermann, Christine Jacinto, Danniele Johnson, Tara Jones, Melissa King, Jessie Littlejohn, Luz Lopez, Joetta Lopez-Garcia, Kenneth Lutz, Michael Mandigo, Kelly Manley and Abdellatif Marfouk. STCW — NCL, May 25: Jon Perry Corinna Richter, Loni Rosario, Mary Schluck, Kelly Shirey, El Roy Simmons, Melody Sinclair, Jason Skill, Oleg Solovyev, David Taxer, Tifani Thibodeau, Reuben Tobier, Rusty Tolson, Anthony Torres, Filippo Travisany, Andy Wilkerson, Brittany Willard and Donald Zimmerman III. Also included were SIU members Amy Atterbury, Gregory Brunson Sr., Saleh Eladari, Jose Figueroa and Robert Mason. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 24 July 2006 Volume 68, Number 7 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4, 2006 At Home in the Port of San Juan After completing a tour of duty on the Horizon Hawaii, Chief Cook Jorge Salazar is ready for 60 days vacation. Jesse Cintron takes the oath of allegiance to the union and receives his deep sea full book. A general basic awareness course was held in May at the San Juan hall. Conducted by Mitch Oakley, an instructor from the Paul Hall Center, and VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, members found the course material very interesting. Victor Rios (right) shows Port Agent Amancio Crespo his certificate of achievement from a course he took at the Paul Hall Center. Safety First on the Capt. Hagen When not shipping out, the San Juan hall is a great place to stay in touch with fellow Seafarers. From the left are AB Abel Vasquez, AB Larry Castaneda, Bosun Ilya Ledesma, Bosun Jaime Baretty and QMED Armando Garayua. Penn Maritime’s ATB tug Capt. Hagen, with its barge Key West, anchored in the river just north of New Orleans last year after the hurricane. The 6,000 horsepower tug is 123 feet long. Together with its barge, the unit carries petroleum products and has a 140,000 barrel capacity. Juan Rebollo shows off his first inland pension check at the SIU hall in San Juan. With him is Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Receiving their first pension checks from Port Agent Amancio Crespo are . . . . . . Angel Garcia . . . Bosun Wilson Garcia Receiving their books from Port Agent Amancio Crespo are . . . Each crew member had an opportunity to practice handling all the equipment during a recent fire and boat drill. From the left are AB Steve Thompson, Mate Lou Barra (who sent these photos to the LOG) and AB/Tankerman Archie Bodden. . . . Chief Steward Juan Vallejo . . . Bosun Jaime Baretty � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRESIDENT PRAISES MARINERS PHILLY TANKERS REACH CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES SIU STATEMENT FOCUSES ON MARINERS’ RIGHTS NEW OAKLAND HALL OPENING SOON STD. FREIGHTSHIP/TANKER CONTRACTS DUE FOR VOTE SIU STUDIES TWIC, MMC RULES PHILLY TANKER UPDATES: KEEL LAID FOR 2ND SHIP, CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 3RD CREWS OBSERVCE NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE AFL-CIO ANNOUNCES GULF COAST REVITALIZATION PROGRAM CONTINUED INCREASES IN HEALTH CARE COSTS AFFECT ALL SECTORS OF AMERICAN ECONOMY PENN. WWII MARINERS ELIGIBLE FOR $500 BONUS ENGINE DEPT. TRAINING GETS UPGRADE VEITCH AND RICHARDSON CHOSEN FOR AOTOS AWARDS UNION, SCHOOL MOURN INSTRUCTOR LARRY MALONE CAPE DECISION DELIVERS IN HIGH-PROFILE MISSION UNION PLUS ROLLS OUT TWO MORE PROGRAMS SEAFARERS WEIL GETS REVVED UP ABOUT U.S. MERCHANT MARINE HEALTH AND RESEARCH GROUPS TRYING TO TACKLE AVIAN FLU AT HOME IN THE PORT OF SAN JUAN Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 7 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/776047c80d193b100980b36c0a22599b.pdf 6f1d15513930edd82665026a471784e2 PDF Text Text 36210p01_24X2.qxp 6/1/2006 9:20 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 Aloha, Pride of Hawaii! Newest NCL America Ship Signals More SIU Jobs Seafarers welcomed the third ship in NCL America’s fleet—the Pride of Hawaii —at the vessel’s christening May 20 in Los Angeles. SIU President Michael Sacco (far left) was one of the featured speakers at the event. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) (left in photo at immediate left, with Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay) sponsored and named the SIU-crewed ship at the pierside event. The official naming is shown in photo at upper left—pictured from left to right are NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, Father Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Senator Inouye, Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay and Pride of Hawaii Capt. Kjell Nesheim. Pages 3, 12, 13. Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day SIU members were honored during National Maritime Day ceremonies May 22 in Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, the union participated in events hosted by the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Propeller Club. The SIU also took part in other Maritime Day ceremonies elsewhere across the country, including in San Pedro, Calif., where SIU President Michael Sacco was the keynote speaker. Pictured above, SIU officials and apprentices from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are joined by Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., MSC commander, and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson. At right, SIU Bosun Thomas Moore (center) receives recognition for sailing in hurricane relief operations from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Acting Deputy Administrator Nelson. At left, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao reinforces her support for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Coverage starts on page 24 and continues on page 10. It’s also mentioned in President Sacco’s column on page 2. Scholarship Winners Announced USNS Spica in Rescue Operation Pages 2, 7 Page 9 �36210p01_24X2.qxp 6/1/2006 9:21 AM Page 2 Labor Secretary Announces Training Grant President’s Report Mariners’ Heroism, Then and Now For National Maritime Day this year I was invited to speak in San Pedro, California before members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and others who support the U.S. Merchant Marine. As usual, I appreciated the opportunity to formally discuss our industry’s proud past and bright future. Also as usual, it was even more enjoyable afterward, when I informally met with a number of old salts in the audience. Those types of meetings are the best kind, especially when they involve U.S. Merchant Mariners from the “greatest generation.” One of the points I emphasized to the entire group Michael Sacco is that the passage of time tends to sanitize parts of our history. We simply cannot let that happen to U.S. Merchant Mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. When we memorialize our mariners, we should consider not only their fates, but also the incredible challenges they faced, most notably during World War II. For younger generations, those challenges probably seem distant and maybe even limited on the pages of history books, or in the grainy footage that was shot more than 60 years ago. But for the mariners of World War II, the odds weren’t good. The fear was real. The enemy was deadly. And yet the mission was essential. In San Pedro, some of the audience members knew from experience that the seafarers of World War II were attacked from every angle. They were bombed from enemy airplanes, fired upon by enemy ships and torpedoed by enemy submarines. Many did not survive. They died in blazing explosions, in icy waters, in lifeboats that drifted away to nothing. They died defending their country. Yet the mariners of that era also pulled off the greatest sealift operation in history. They sailed in every theater, regardless of the danger. They moved more than 300 million tons of materiel. They absolutely earned the title of America’s fourth arm of defense. Simply put, they delivered when their nation and indeed the rest of the free world needed them the most. As General Dwight Eisenhower said during the early stages of World War II, “When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.” Of course, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s heritage covers much more than World War II. Our mariners have been there literally since Revolutionary times, right up to today as we sail in support of our troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The seafarers’ names and faces have changed, and the ships look a lot different nowadays too, but our commitment never wavers. Our reliability never lessens. Our message to our troops and to the rest of our countrymen is the same: You can count on us! Equally important is the fact that America still needs to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet to help protect national and economic security. History has taught us, again and again, that when America is involved in conflicts, it depends on the sealift provided by a strong merchant marine. There is no other reliable, practical alternative. Before the Maritime Day events in San Pedro, I spent time at the christening of NCL America’s new cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. As you would expect, it’s a beautiful ship. It offers every luxury a passenger could want. But when I look at a ship like the Pride of Hawaii, I tend to look past the bells and whistles. What I see is the American flag flying proudly from the stern. What I see are American men and women working aboard that ship. What I see is one more reason why the U.S. Merchant Marine has a bright future. The deep sea cruise industry is a newly revitalized part of the merchant marine, but it most definitely is an important part. In fact, thousands of new jobs have been created aboard NCL America’s three U.S.-flag cruise ships— a development that helps maintain a pool of well-trained American mariners who can sail on military support vessels when needed. So in a way, I think the Pride of Hawaii pays tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine of years past. I also believe it symbolizes the ongoing truth that the best way we can honor the mariners of yesterday and confirm that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high seas. For all the right reasons, the SIU continues helping lead the fight to maintain and revitalize all segments of the U.S.-flag fleet. It’s a battle we are winning, as evidenced by the recent and current construction of new cruise ships and tankers, new containerships and RO/ROs and ATBs. It’s also evident in the continued strong support from the administration, Congress and the military for key programs including cargo preference, the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, which are nothing short of vital to the U.S. maritime industry. As I said in San Pedro, the U.S. Merchant Marine has a lot to be proud of. We also have a lot to look forward to, and you better believe the SIU will continue living up to the high standards of our brothers and sisters throughout history who never failed to deliver. Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao early last month announced a grant of almost $2.5 million to train workers for maritime occupations within the transportation industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), “The grant to the education and training affiliate of the Seafarers International Union is part of almost $6.3 million invested to date in the transportation sector through the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in vital industries.” “There are many career opportunities in the maritime industry for workers with the right skills,” said Secretary Chao. “This $2.5 million grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative will help thousands of new and incumbent workers to acquire or upgrade their skill-sets and knowledge base to access and retain good paying jobs on board merchant vessels.” In announcing the grant, the Labor Department noted that the Paul Hall Institute of Human Development (a component of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md.) “Will take on this nationwide project to develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations, including the various logistical skill sets required of military sealift command storekeepers, as well as those needed in shipboard security and sanitation. Also an Apprenticeship Certificate of Training Program for cruise ship hospitality will be created. Some 4,000 new workers will be trained for positions as entrylevel mariners, and 1,000 incumbent workers will receive training The school features state-of-the-art equipment including a full mission bridge simulator. to upgrade their skills.” Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton stated, “This grant is going to advance our technology to improve apprenticeship training, including competency-based training. It will give students a jump-start in their vocational education and training.” Eglinton also noted that in 2003, Secretary Chao reported that she along with the Seafarers International Union and Paul Hall Institute leadership developed and approved the first-ever National Apprenticeship Standards for the maritime industry. This led to new programs offered for mariners in all three shipboard departments: deck, engine and steward. Without exception, those programs meet U.S. Coast Guard certification requirements. Eglinton concluded, “I believe this grant is an investment in America’s national and economic The Paul Hall Center offers comprehensive training for mariners. security. The U.S. Merchant Marine continues to serve as our nation’s fourth arm of defense in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, just as they have done throughout American history.” The DOL reported that “industry partners in this project include Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Crowley Liner, Horizon Line, Liberty Maritime, NCL America, OSG Ship Management, and Pacific Gulf Marine. Additional partners include workforce investment boards, One-Stop Career Centers, Job Corps Centers, faith-based and community organizations, community colleges and high schools.” “As the seafaring sector evolves, maritime occupations demand workers with greater skills,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This nearly $2.5 million grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative will train thousands of workers across the country for successful careers in the water transportation sector.” In a press release, the DOL pointed out, “The President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic effort to better prepare workers to take advantage of new job opportunities in high growth sectors of the American economy. Through executive forums with leaders of expanding industries, critical workforce gaps and issues are identified. Solutions are then created in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system.” 4 Seafarers, 5 Dependents Selected for Scholarships The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has announced this year’s scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were four Seafarers and five dependents of SIU members—for a total monetary value of $132,000. Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct. is the Seafarer selected for a $15,000, three-year scholarship. Receiving $6,000 stipends are Ken Stathos of Hollywood, Fla. and Karen Domerego of Mesa, Calif. Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, N.C. has been awarded a $5,000, one-year scholarship. The five dependents of SIU members are Renee Dunham-Jones, wife of Recertified Steward Raymond Jones; Ryan Kirby, son of deep sea member Michael Kirby; Suci Madjidji, daughter of QMED Sjamsidar Madjidji; Shaval Stewart, daughter of AB Mark Stewart; and Kayla Watson, daughter of AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. This year’s selection committee, meeting in St. Croix, V.I., was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The panel was composed of the following scholars and academicians: Dr Michael Glaser, St Mary’s College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College (retired); Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio; and Professor Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president of academic affairs, California State (San Bernardino). See page 7 for brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the nine collegebound students. June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:08 PM Page 3 Great Day for the American-flag Cruise Ship Industry Pride of Hawaii Christened Amid much fanfare and celebration, the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Hawaii—the largest and most luxurious U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built—was christened May 20 at a pierside ceremony in the port of Los Angeles by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). Inouye, who was selected as the first-ever “godfather” of a contemporary cruise ship, “is the father of this project and its most steadfast supporter,” stated NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch in announcing the selection earlier this year, “and the introduction of the Pride of Hawaii is its crowning event. So there can be no one more fitting than he to name our newest U.S. flagship.” (The senator’s wife, Margaret, who passed away earlier in the year, christened the Pride of Aloha in 2004.) “The christening of Pride of Hawaii is the capstone of America’s return to the passenger cruise industry,” noted the senator at the official ceremony. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to the visitor industry in my state of Hawaii, Pride of Hawaii and her sister ships will have a broad economic impact throughout the United States by creating as many as 20,400 direct Crew members and guests enjoy the ceremony as SIU President Michael Sacco conveys the union’s enthusiasm for the NCL America fleet. and indirect jobs, including thousands of U.S. seafarer jobs and nearly $1 billion in annual U.S. economic activity. I am very proud to serve as Pride of Hawaii’s sponsor.” Inouye was joined by six female crew members from the vessel—all Hawaiian natives— who christened the ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. In addition to Veitch and Inouye, also addressing the audi- The christening in Los Angeles is celebrated by (from right to left) SIU President Michael Sacco, NCL President & CEO Colin Veitch, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft (Commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach), U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (DHawaii), Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Councel Julie Nelson, Star Cruises Chairman Tran Sri Lim Lok Thay and his wife, Puan Sri. ence were Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay; U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft; Julie Nelson, Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration; and SIU President Michael Sacco. “What a great day for the American-flag cruise ship industry,” Sacco stated. “We are proud to be here today with NCL America to celebrate this historic event. These U.S.-flag cruise ships create thousands of American seafaring jobs and represent a real partnership between NCL America, the shipboard workers and their unions.” Sacco congratulated NCL America for its confidence, commitment and partnership in the cruise ship project. “Most of all,” he continued, “I want to thank Senator Inouye and the entire Hawaii delegation for their strong leadership and their complete support of the NCL America fleet. In particular, Senator Inouye has been an extraordinary ally and a determined, powerful voice in leading the effort to deliver the Pride of Hawaii along with the Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha….Like Colin (Veitch) has said, Senator Inouye truly is the father of this project.” Sacco stated, “You all see the results: New ships. New Jobs. A boost to the United States economy. Brothers and sisters, I’d call that a win-win situation.” In concluding his remarks, Sacco said, “Last but not least, I want to offer a special welcome to the union members who are working aboard the Pride of Hawaii. That goes for the members of my union—the Seafarers—as well as the officers from the MEBA. Brothers and sisters, keep up the great work. Aloha!” Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay said, “Today marks the culmination of our effort. This is the third and largest ship in a planned threeship U.S.-flagged fleet. We have invested over $1.2 billion building these three world-class mega ships, purposely built for our unique Freestyle Cruising and outfitted to reflect the spirit and Aloha of the Hawaii Islands.” See pages 12-13 for photos of the crew and ship when the vessel docked in Baltimore. Bosun Victor Mariano signed aboard the ship in March when it was still being completed in Germany. Mariano has sailed with the SIU for 15 years, including voyages on the old cruise ships, the Independence and Constitution. He found sailing on a brand new cruise ship a totally different experience, even though most of the initial work consisted of cleaning and maintenance. “Things are going pretty well. We’ve been very busy,” he noted. Carpenter Scott Paxton agreed that the crew had been extremely busy getting the vessel Little room was left on either side of the Pride of Hawaii as the vessel went through the Panama Canal. The new U.S.-flag cruise ship has a beam of 105 feet. The largest the canal can accommodate is 108 feet. Veitch added his pride in honoring the development of the latest SIU-crewed vessel. “I’m very proud to celebrate the completion of a daring project to convert a large part of our business from the traditional model of the international cruise industry to the The pierside ceremony May 20 in Los Angeles officially signaled the entry of the Pride of Hawaii into NCL America’s SIU-crewed fleet. June 2006 much more challenging and less developed model of U.S-flag cruising,” he said, noting that NCL has consistently been at the forefront of innovative developments and breaking with tradition. ready for its debut as the newest U.S.-flag cruise ship, but said that spirits were good and everyone was doing their part. The voyage has been a “dream come true” for Colette DiMarco, a waiter from Glenwood Springs, Colo. “Not only was I being paid to learn [in Piney Point], but I’ll also be spending my birthday traversing the Panama Canal. How exciting is that!” she exclaimed in late April, when the ship stopped in Baltimore, its first U.S. port following the transatlantic voyage from Europe. After a week in Baltimore, the Pride of Hawaii set sail for Miami (NCL headquarters), through the Panama Canal, and on to San Francisco and Los Angeles for the christening. Its first port of call in Hawaii (at LOG press time) was scheduled for Nawiliwili, Kauai and then on to Hilo, Kahului and Kona before arriving in Honolulu June 3. The vessel is expected to enter service Monday, June 5, where it will join its SIU-crewed sister ships, the Pride of Aloha (which began sailing in 2004) and the Pride of America (christened last summer) in offering seven-day interisland cruises. Seafarers LOG 3 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 4 Legislature Honors Alaska Tanker Co. SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently added to its well-earned collection of safety awards when the Alaska State Legislature honored the organization for its consistently outstanding record. Alaska State Rep. Vic Kohring, State Senate President Ben Stevens and Speaker of the House John Harris presented ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur with a declaration commending the company for its safety-related efforts and achievements. Joining them at the May 4 ceremony in the Territorial Senate Chamber in Juneau, Alaska were Alaska Commissioner of Labor Greg O’Claray, Alaska House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, SIU Representative Tracey Mayhew and representatives from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial The double-hulled tanker Alaskan Legend is under construction in San Diego. It is scheduled for delivery to ATC later this year. Association (MEBA). Based in Beaverton, Ore., ATC operates six Seafarers-crewed vessels including three of the four new Alaska Class tankers built in San Diego (the Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator). The fourth of the new ships is scheduled for delivery near the end of this year. The commendation from the legislature “honors ATC and its employees for achieving the highest levels of safety and environmental performance while carrying Alaska North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to refineries in Washington, California and Hawaii. This outstanding record is unsurpassed,” notes the certificate. The document also points out, “ATC is the first tanker operator in the Alaska trade with its fleet comprised entirely of doublehulled ships…. ATC has also strongly supported an Alaskan hire policy since its inception in 1999. Abercrombie Receives ‘Salute to Congress’ Propeller Club Award Recognizes Maritime Advocate U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), a passionate and outspoken friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine, recently received the 2006 “Salute to Congress” award, presented by the Propeller Club of the United States. Abercrombie garnered the 22nd annual award during a dinner ceremony May 2 in Bethesda, Md. “This is the maritime industry’s premier award, and I’m honored to receive it,” said Abercrombie. “When everything is said and done, the U.S. maritime industry is a critical component of U.S. national security. I’m very grateful for this recognition of my efforts on behalf of the working men and women who make up the backbone of our nation’s merchant marine in peace and war.” The SIU was well-represented at the ceremony, as President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta attended on behalf of the union. Overall, an estimated 400 people were in the audience, including a number of U.S. senators and congressmen. The Propeller Club of the United States is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) congratulates U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) on receiving this year’s Salute to Congress Award. 4 Seafarers LOG Pictured at the presentation in Juneau, Alaska honoring SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company are (from left) Commissioner of Labor Greg O’Claray, Senate President Ben Stevens, House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, SIU Representative Tracey Mayhew, ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur, State Representative Vic Kohring, MEBA Representatives Joe Geldhof and Ben Goldrich, and Speaker of the House John Harris. “Since 2002, ATC ships have safely carried 43.6 billion gallons of crude oil with just 27.2 gallons of hydraulic oil escaping to the sea (as a consequence of storm damage),” the award text continues. “Furthermore, ATC has completed nine million man-hours of operation without anyone being so hurt that they were unable to return to work the next day (zero lost time injuries). This covers the period from January 2002 through February 2006 and is based on OSHA reporting standards. “The United States Coast Guard recognized ATC’s outstanding performance in 2004 when the company was awarded the Benkert ‘Osprey’ Gold Award. This award was given in recognition of ‘outstanding achievement in marine environmental protection that goes beyond mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards.’ The Osprey is the highest environmental award given by the Coast Guard. “ATC maintains a single focus on operational excellence and for this has been recognized by its stakeholders including BP, its unions, the Prince William Sound Citizens Advisory Council, and every environmental regulatory agency in the State. “The members of the Twentyfourth Alaska State Legislature extend their appreciation to Alaska Tanker Company for its superb record of safe operation, environmental stewardship, and its community outreach program in Alaska.” Harris, Stevens and Kohring signed the document, while dozens of additional cosponsors’ names also are listed. Amendment Aims to Maintain RRF U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) uses a local newspaper to make a point during Maritime Trades Department meetings earlier this year in San Diego, as MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco listens along with the rest of the audience. of all interests of the maritime community, nationally and internationally. The organization aggressively promotes the maritime industry through many of its programs and partnering with similar organizations. Abercrombie first served in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 and has backed the U.S. maritime industry throughout his career. He was a member of the now-defunct Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and currently serves on both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Resources as well as several subcommittees. In accepting the award, Abercrombie noted that he is a strong supporter of the Jones Act. He also pointed out that he helped secure House passage of legislation in 2003 that facilitated the successful efforts of Norwegian Cruise Lines to launch a U.S.-flag component (SIU-contracted NCL America). Abercrombie also has backed programs which provide loan guarantees and other forms of support for the U.S. shipping and shipbuilding industries. In a news release announcing the 2006 award, the Propeller Club noted that Abercrombie “is being honored for his consistent and strong support of the United States maritime industry.” Frank Baptista Sr., international president of the Propeller Club of the United States, said, “Being from Hawaii, Congressman Abercrombie knows the importance of trade and supports those that work in the maritime industry both ashore and at sea.” Past recipients of the Salute to Congress award include Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). During the most recent meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board earlier this year in San Diego, Abercrombie pointed to the Jones Act as a potential foundation for an expanded national maritime policy. He said he is carrying the message in Congress that “maritime has to be the number one security interest of this nation. Not just port security, but shipbuilding and a merchant marine owned and operated under the Jones Act must become a fundamental premise of American policy.” An amendment contained in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 calls for fully maintaining the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Jointly sponsored by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii) and U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), the amendment stipulates that the “Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to Congress by not later than March 1, 2007, a report describing a five-year plan for maintaining the capability of the Ready Reserve Force of the National Defense Reserve Fleet necessary to support Department of Defense wartime missions and support to civil authority missions.” The amendment requires that the RRF be maintained at a minimum of 58 vessels until the aforementioned report is submitted. The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act on May 11, by a vote of 396–31. The legislation now moves to the Senate. Before the AbercrombieMiller amendment had been introduced, the maritime industry newspaper Trade Winds published a story indicating that the RRF unexpectedly may face significant cuts of up to 26 vessels. It wasn’t immediately clear how those potential cuts would be in accord with the government’s stated plans from earlier this year to possibly begin a reserve fleet for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One thing that is readily apparent, however, is the RRF’s key role in America’s national and economic security. The U.S. Maritime Administration, which owns the RRF fleet, describes those vessels as having greatly aided U.S. military operations along with relief efforts following last year’s devastating hurricanes in the Gulf. “The RRF made a major contribution to the success of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from August 1990 through June 1992, when 79 vessels were activated and operated to meet military sealift requirements,” the agency notes on its web site. “The RRF has rightfully been called ‘American Seapower’s Reliant Partner.’ “During Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, the combined strategic sealift operation provided more than 80 percent of all cargo transportation to the theater of operations. Led by the U.S. Transportation Command, this joint effort included the Military Sealift Command, the Military Traffic Management Command, and the Maritime Administration. Forty RRF vessels supported Army and Marine missions during the operations providing up to 20 percent of the total combined surge sealift capacity.” June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 5 Proposed Rules Issued for New Credentials Union Examining Potential Content, Methods for Issuing TWIC The implementation of the highly anticipated Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) now is one step closer to becoming reality. Two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Agencies—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard—on May 10 issued proposed regulations for a biometric-based identification credential for port workers. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which lays out specific details on the program, will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days. The public will have 45 days to comment, and four public meetings will be hosted by the TSA and Coast Guard to solicit input. In a closely related matter, the Coast Guard also will publish a proposed regulation that works in conjunction with the TWIC to streamline the current credentialing process for merchant mariners. It will publish on the same day as the TWIC NPRM. The publication of these two rulemakings follows an an- nouncement last month by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff that his agency will begin conducting name-based background checks on approximately 400,000 port workers within the United States. These checks are being presented as an immediate measure to safeguard the nation’s ports while the DHS expedites the rollout of the TWIC. “TWIC is designed to ensure that individuals posing a security threat do not gain access to our nation’s ports,” said Kip Hawley, TSA assistant secretary. “Today’s Dept. of Homeland Security Issues Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on May 1 released a 63-page Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan (MIRP). The plan provides a standardized procedure for the restoration of maritime transportation systems following an incident of national significance. It includes a readiness plan aimed at promoting and maintaining preparation in the U.S. maritime community. What is the MIRP? „ The MIRP is intended to protect the American economy by facilitating the restoration of passenger and cargo flow, specifically container cargo, in the event of an attack or similarly disruptive event. Container cargo is more likely to hold perishable items in immediate need of unloading, or items that are key components in the production of consumer goods. „ The MIRP includes an exercise plan to maintain a level of preparedness within maritime field. This plan recommends periodic tabletop and field exercises, which align with existing related plans such as the National Response Plan and the Top Official program. What the MIRP is not: „ The MIRP does not address long-term interruptions for conveyances that carry primarily non-perishable cargo. In addition, certain commodities, such as liquefied natural gas and oil offer very limited options for cargo diversion, as there are just four LNG ports, and oil refineries are already operating at 97 percent capacity. „ The MIRP is not a plan for the physical recovery of a port that has been impacted by a natural or man-made incident. Rather, the MIRP protects the economy by providing guidance for redirecting container cargo traffic away from the impacted port to an appropriate alternate port. Hurricane Katrina and the MIRP The eight supporting plans to the National Strategy for Maritime Security were submitted— depending on ownership of each plan—to the White House, the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense for approval in June 2005, 180 days after National Security Presidential Directive 41 was signed. While the plans were in review, Hurricane Katrina struck. Although the National Strategy for Maritime Security was approved for release on Sept. 20, after which the supporting plans would be releasable at the discretion of their departments, the MIRP was held back for an additional 90-day review for lessons learned after Katrina. Katrina Findings According the DHS, New Orleans is not currently a key player in the nation’s container cargo trade since it handles just 1 percent of the nation’s container cargo. However, it represents 18 percent of the nation’s reserve cargo capacity. In the short term, Hurricane Katrina compromised the nation’s ability to divert container traffic in the event of a transportation security incident on the East Coast. To address disruptions similar to Katrina, which do not affect nationwide cargo or passenger flow to a great extent, the MIRP must either be expanded to an all-hazards recovery plan or a sister plan to the National Response Plan must be created in June 2006 the form of a National Recovery Plan, according to the DHS. Key Elements of the MIRP Within the context of container cargo and passenger vessels, the MIRP’s primary goal is to protect the U.S. economy from the effects of a maritime transportation security incident (TSI). In support of this goal, the MIRP will guide individuals designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security to help make decisions on maintaining or restoring transportation capabilities, in the event of a TSI. „ The MIRP will be activated when a TSI occurs in or near U.S. waters. The MIRP is employed when the Secretary of Homeland Security declares that an actual or threatened TSI under, in, on, or adjacent to waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction is an “Incident of National Significance,” in accordance with National Response Plan criteria. „ The MIRP reflects National Response Plan organizational structures and incident command system and unified command procedures. As such, the plan can be used for other similarly disruptive incidents requiring maritime infrastructure recovery management. „ The MIRP describes public- and private-sector roles according to relevant functional responsibilities. Recovery management takes place at the national, regional and local levels. Therefore, the plan describes recovery management considerations for the incident site and non-incident support sites, as well as for the national maritime transportation system. „ The MIRP provides for private-sector participation in decision making at all levels. The private sector owns and operates the vast majority of maritime transportation infrastructure assets, and it will decide whether to repair, replace or rebuild privately owned physical assets after a TSI. However, federal assistance may be needed to help restore critical cargo-handling infrastructure. Critical Issues Seven critical issues were identified as the MIRP was developed, which must be addressed. The following are considered high priority, according to the DHS: „ Port cargo-handling capacity information is unknown or not readily available for use in deliberations regarding recovery of the maritime transportation system following a national TSI. „ There is no national communications network or information exchange between the federal government and the private sector focused on maritime recovery management. „ The Area Maritime Security (AMS) Plans do not adequately and uniformly address critical MTS recovery management planning elements. „ Salvage capability specific to national and regional recovery is unknown. Section VI of the MIRP offers recommendations for further evaluation or implementation of these and the remainder of the seven issues of concern. The MIRP and other plans under the National Strategy for Maritime Security are available to the public and may be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. Feedback on this plan, as well as the Commerce Security and Transportation Systems Security plans may be submitted through the website or by e-mailing maritimesecurity@dhs.gov. proposed rulemaking represents a significant milestone towards putting TWIC on the fast track.” The TWIC rule proposes the following: „ TSA would collect worker’s biographic information including 10 fingerprints; name; date of birth; address and phone number; alien registration number, if applicable; photo; employer; and job title. „ All individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act would be required to have a TWIC. This includes longshoremen, port operator employees, truck drivers and rail workers. U.S. Merchant Mariners who hold an active Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD), Merchant Mariner’s License, Certificate of Registry or an STCW Endorsement also would be required to obtain a TWIC. „ Background checks would include a review of criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, legal immigration status and outstanding warrants. „ The TWIC would utilize socalled “smart card” technology and include a worker’s photo, name, biometric information and multiple fraud protection measures. The card would be consistent with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 201-1. It would be interoperable with other federal credentials built to those standards. „ The program is expected to cover 750,000 workers and would be funded through user fees. TSA anticipates workers would pay approximately $139 to receive a TWIC. Workers with current, comparable background checks would pay approximately $105 for the credential. A TWIC card would be valid for five years. „ Port facility and vessel owners and operators would be required to implement the TWIC into their existing access control systems and operations, purchase and utilize card readers, and update their approved security plans. The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) rule proposes the following: „ A new MMC would combine the elements of the Merchant Mariner’s License, MMD, Certificate of Registry, and STCW Endorsement into one qualification credential. „ Although the format in which the mariner’s qualifications and the application process itself would change, the training, experience and other requirements necessary to obtain a mariner’s service qualifications would not change. „ Merchant mariners would no longer be required to visit a Regional Exam Center to submit fingerprints and identification or to take an oath when they obtain or renew their credentials, potentially resulting in substantial time and travel savings. „ The MMC would appear in certificate form with many fraud protection measures. Although the actual format of the MMC is still in development, it is expected to look much like the recently released STCW Endorsement, as well as contain many of the security features used in that new certificate. TSA laid the foundation for the establishment of the universal credential through a technology evaluation and prototype test. During the prototype test of the credential last year, TSA issued more than 4,000 TWICs to workers at 26 sites in six states. All Seafarers are reminded that the foregoing points about the TWIC and the MMC are proposals only; nothing has been finalized with respect to either credential. A great many issues have to be addressed and resolved by all stakeholders, including the SIU, which currently is examining the 277-page advanced copy of the NPRM to ascertain its input on behalf of merchant mariners. Therefore, it would be premature to speculate on what the final regulations will entail. Future editions of the Seafarers LOG, as well as the union website (www.seafarers.org) will carry this information as it becomes available. Lewis and Clark Set for Delivery The USNS Lewis and Clark (above), the first ship in the T-AKE class, completed sea trials April 25-29 off the San Diego coast and is slated for delivery to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command by the end of June. Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the Lewis and Clark is a dry cargo and ammunition ship. It is 689 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet and can sail at 20 knots. The vessel was built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company yard in San Diego. Seafarers LOG 5 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 6 12 SIU Bosuns Complete Recertification Mariners Say Course Will Help Them Hone Work Aboard Ship A dozen SIU members on May 8 realized significant milestones in their respective careers when they earned status as recertified bosuns. The mariners completed the highest level of vocational education available to members of the deck department at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During the month-long course, the 12 Seafarers—Bosuns Reginald Watkins, Rufino Giray, Daniel Teichman, Richard Barnes, Winfred Itima, Robert Natividad, Mike Shappo, Amante Gumiran, Scott Palen, Paul Wade, Timothy Jackson and William Richards—learned more about the industry in which they work. Each now is better equipped to assume leadership roles by taking this knowledge back to their shipmates at the hiring halls and aboard individual vessels. The course included a mixture of classroom and practical training as well as visits to the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs to meet with representatives of the various departments and to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C. After being presented with their graduation certificates during the May membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertified bosuns approached the podium to address union officials, members and guests in attendance. All gave a few words of thanks for the opportunities they were afforded at the Southern Maryland-based school and emphasized that the class will help enable them to do a better job at sea. They also imparted a few personal words of insight to the unlicensed apprentices who are following in their footsteps. Watkins sails out of the port of Mobile. Ala., and has been going to sea since the early ’80s. The course was a lot of fun and very informative for Watkins, who “really enjoyed the small arms, CPR and firefighting classes.” “I joined the union in 1980 when I was 22 years old,” Watkins told those in attendance. “The union has changed my life a great deal, and I thank all of the union officials for the tremendous job they have done over the years in keeping our jobs secure. “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins,” he continued. “I wanted to be a bosun for a long time. A lot of people told me that I could not, but I did not quit because I knew if I kept knocking then the door would be opened. Well that door has opened for me today,” Watkins said. “To the trainees, work hard and pay attention while you are here so that you can learn,” he concluded. “When you go to sea, always be sure that you are loyal, hard-working and dedicated to your jobs. That way, you’re sure to be successful.” Giray proudly has worn the SIU colors for some 20 years. He sails out of the port of Honolulu, 6 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive VP Augie Tellez join other SIU officials and members of the recertified bosuns class aboard the Seafarers-contracted Pride of Hawaii when the vessel docked in Baltimore in late April. Hawaii and initially went to sea aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. “In addition to working as a mariner in the cruise industry, I also have sailed as a bosun aboard commercial ships, cable ships and container ships,” he told his union brothers and sisters. “I learned a great deal during the course, and it is an honor to be a part of this class,” Giray continued. “I’m very grateful to the people who made it possible for me to have this opportunity— President (Michael) Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez and the other members of the staff….thank you all very much.” He also expressed his gratitude to Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz and Patrolman Frank Iverson for their unwavering support. Giray applauded the school’s vocational department and its instructors for “a job well done” and expressed gratitude “to the entire Paul Hall Center staff for their accommodations and superior service while I was here.” “Study hard and ask questions,” Giray told the trainees. “You should always listen, pay attention to your superiors and work as a team. Go out there and do the very best you can, and no matter what, never give up.” Teichman is a highly seasoned veteran of the seas, having sailed for more than 43 years—the last 18 or so with the SIU. He noted that in addition to working as a member of the unlicensed crew, he previously had sailed as a mate and a chief engineer. He lauded the officers and staff of the school and throughout the SIU, as well as those at the various ports “for their work and consistent efforts to keep union jobs going here in the United States. Going to sea has enabled me to enjoy complete financial independence. “I learned a lot during this class,” continued Teichman, who sails out of San Francisco. “My eyes were opened to a great many facts about the work that goes on behind the scenes. I’d especially like to thank (SIU Vice President Contracts) George Tricker who used to be my port agent in Los Angeles and Augie Tellez who gave me an awful lot of information in the time we had together. And to Mike Sacco, thank you very much.” Turning to the trainees, Teichman said, “You need to remember all of those who have gone before you and always think of those who will come after you and take care of you. Just do your jobs when you go to sea and everything will be fine for you.” Spending time at the Paul Hall Center is becoming a regular occurrence for Barnes, who has upgraded his skills at the institution twice in the past. He sails out of the port of Tacoma, Wash. and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “I joined the SIU in 1992 and have seven years in the U.S. Navy and a stint in the oil patch,” Barnes said. “I’ve sailed with various companies on tankers, bulkers, containerships and in capacities from AB to bosun. “I’ve been to three different countries during my career,” he continued, “but my most memorable was South Africa where I met my wife of seven years.” Commenting on his recertification instruction, Barnes offered, “I gained good insights about contracts and benefits during my training. This was a real help to me because on the ships, you don’t want to give wrong answers to questions. “The instructors were very knowledgeable and just great to be around,” he continued. “I’d like to thank the school staff for a very memorable stay here and I salute the union’s officials for their hard work during the 2006 negotiations. “To the trainees, as a bosun, I want to tell you to always be ready to give 100 percent without a squabble,” Barnes said. And when you are at sea, “there’s never a wrong question, so don’t be afraid to ask it. We’re all out there to make a living for our families, ourselves and to safeguard the future of the SIU. So always give your best,” he concluded. Itima, who previously upgraded in 2001, sails out of the port of Houston and has been going to sea for more than a quarter-century. He joined the NMU in 1989. Reflecting on his recent training, Itima stated that small arms training and other safety-related components of the course will help him do a better job aboard ship. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this bosun recertification course,” he continued. “The school is well-organized and well-staffed, and the course content was thoroughly explained.” To the trainees, Itima said, “You must listen, respect those above you, study hard and work together.” Natividad sails out of San Francisco and previously has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. “I have been shipping for 28 years, three years with the Navy, seven years MSC SIU Government Services Division,” Natividad shared during his turn at the podium. “I’ve sailed 18 years in the deep sea division as an OS, AB and bosun. I’ve sailed to Australia, Japan, India and South Africa.” He said that the course was very informative and beneficial and recognized several individuals who played key roles in his career to date. “I’d like to thank the SIU and its officers, my friend (SIU Assistant Vice President) Nick Celona, and the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco for their support,” Natividad said. “I also thank the Paul Hall Center and its staff for their education, training, jacket, hat and briefcase.” “To the trainees,” said Natividad, “study hard, ask questions and always have a reference book handy, or know where you can get the correct information that you will need. During phase two when you are at sea, listen to your supervisors and be proud to work together as members of the SIU team.” Natividad concluded his remarks by encouraging those present to contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation and the Maritime Defense League. “Through your donations, our union leaders will remain strong in their ongoing fight for political success for the merchant marine.” Shappo thanked the union leadership for its hard work over the years and the Paul Hall Center staff for outstanding accommodations and providing superb training during his classes. “I was a trainee here back in 1971,” said the newly recertified bosun, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. “I got a job out of here and they sent me to San Francisco on a containership that took me to Honolulu and then back to Oakland.” Shappo over the years has sailed to many foreign countries including Egypt where “I got to go to the Pyramids and to the Cairo Museum. I also saw King Tut’s treasures and the mummies. That was very rewarding. “When you go on the ship, the old-timers can tell you a lot,” Shappo told the trainees. “Don’t think you know everything; instead, listen to them because these guys have been at it a long time and they worked hard to learn what they have. Pay attention and try to learn from them. You can make some money out there, have plenty of time off and see the world.” Gumiran thanked the vocational staff for providing him and classmates with a very informative training experience. A member of the SIU since 1990, he sails out of the port of San Francisco. He lauded union officials for the fine job they are doing in leading the organization. Gumiran was direct and extremely matter-of-fact in his remarks to the trainees. “Do what you are told and do not be lazy, lazy and lazy.” Palen is no stranger to the Paul Hall Center. Prior to entering bosun recertification training, he upgraded his skills twice at the institution. He joined the SIU in 1992 and sails out of the port of Norfolk, Va. Palen thanked the union for providing him with the opportunities he has had so far in his career. He indicated that his training was very beneficial, and he praised the school and its vocational staff for their professionalism. He told the trainees, “The SIU will supply you with the skills you need succeed.” “I joined the SIU in 1979 when I was 18 and have been shipping for 28 years,” said Wade. “It seem like it was just yesterday that I was in Bungalow 9 getting my head shaved (as part of the entry requirements for the trainee program).” He sails out of the port of Houston and has visited ports in Africa, Northern Europe, the Philippines and Japan, among other places. Commenting on his training, Continued on page 10 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 7 9 Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents SEAFARERS Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct., who joined the SIU in 1996, is the recipient of a $15,000, three-year scholarship for SIU members. His goal is to attend SUNY Maritime College in New York or the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and become a marine engineer. Born and raised in India and completing high school there, he relocated to the United States and served in the U.S. Navy for two years, sailing on SIU’s Government Services Division ships and retiring with an honorable discharge and numerous awards. He then graduated with a 3.54 GPA from a 9month certificate program in marine engineering offered by the Maritime Training Center in Seattle, which is a branch of Seattle Central Community College. For the past 10 years with the SIU, Bagchi has sailed as a QMED. He has furthered his education by upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. while continuing to learn as much as possible on the job. He received the United States Merchant Marine Expeditionary Award for his contributions supporting American and international coalition military forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom while working on the Cape John and Gus Darnell. Bagchi hopes his scholarship winnings will allow him to complete the education he wants for the career he loves. Ken Stathos of Hollywood, Fla. has been a member of the SIU since 1993, graduating at the top of his class from the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Sealift Arctic. After sailing in all three departments, he upgraded to AB in 1998. Stathos graduated from Evergreen Park High School in Illinois and also has a certificate from Sheridan Technical in Hollywood, Fla. and a number of credits from Governors State University and Moraine Valley Community College (both in Illinois). He now has been accepted into an 18-month program at Sanford-Brown Institute in Ft. Lauderdale, and will use his $6,000 scholarship to earn an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. In an autobiographical statement accompanying his scholarship application, Stathos states he will always be grateful to the SIU for enabling him to do and see so many things. But now with a wife and new baby boy, he feels it’s time for him to come ashore and spend more time with his family. Stathos put a lot of thought into his new career and is excited about going to school to be an ultrasound technician. For AB Karen Domerego of Costa Mesa, Calif., the $6,000, two-year scholarship award will take her into the nursing field at Goldenwest College in Westminster, Calif. Domerego graduated in 1987 from Silverado High School in Mission Viejo, Calif. She got a receptionist job straight out of high school and proceeded to learn the job from top to bottom—everything from accounting, filing, benefits administration, customer service, payroll and union submittals. With that experience, she became controller at another company and then moved to Hawaii at age 30, where she took a job on the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruise Ship. That was her introduction into the merchant marine. She has upgraded numerous times since then at the Paul Hall Center, and most recently sailed as an AB aboard the Sea-Land Lightning. At a 2003 Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, D.C., Domerego received a Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and a certificate from U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert for her service as an AB aboard the Cape John during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Domerego wants to continue her education, aspiring to earn a degree in nursing. She believes a nursing degree would be a wonderful career move, especially with her love of helping people. But, she notes, she intends to keep sailing, and expressed her gratitude to the SIU for all it has done for her. June 2006 F our SIU members and five dependents of Seafarers were selected by a panel of professional educators to receive scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. A total of $132,000 is being offered in this year’s program. One Seafarer was awarded a $15,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university; two were given $6,000 stipends; and one was presented with $5,000 to complete his mate’s license. The five dependents each were awarded a $20,000, four-year scholarship. One this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the nine collegebound students. Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, N.C. is passionate about his seafaring career and is thankful to the SIU for the opportunities he has been given. He believes, however, he could advance his career and better represent the union and the maritime industry as a licensed officer. His $5,000, one-year scholarship will help him attain that goal by studying for his mate’s license at the Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, Wash. With a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of North Carolina in 1995 and a 1999 honorable discharge from his two years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, McLarnon has been sailing as a tankerman with the SIU since 2000. Since then, he has upgraded his skills a number of times at the Paul Hall Center, and is now ready to go the extra step to further his career. DEPENDENTS It’s been a long and somewhat difficult road for Renee Dunham-Jones of Jacksonville, Fla., but today she knows what she wants, and her $20,000, four-year scholarship will help her get it: an undergraduate degree and then a master’s degree in human services, so she can continue to counsel teenagers and young adults. As a child growing up in the inner city, Dunham-Jones aspired to be a journalist. After losing out on an opportunity for a scholarship, she dropped out of high school (although she later earned her GED) and had four children by the time she was 26. She worked her way up in a law firm to the position of supervisor of the deposition department (from which she is now retired), but along the way got mixed up in the drug scene. With a lot of hard work and self-reliance, she pulled herself up and began going out on street ministry, talking to people about God, faith and life, in general. She started college in 2004 in the field of human services, counseling and addictions and will earn her A.S. degree this summer from Florida Community College in Jacksonville. She then will continue her higher education in the fall at Springfield College in Tampa, working toward her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dunham-Jones is the wife of Raymond Jones, a recertified steward, who has been an SIU member since 1969. He most recently worked on the Richard G. Matthiesen. Ryan Kirby, 18, graduated this month from Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, N.J. Inducted into the National Honor Society in 2004, Kirby also played soccer and baseball throughout his high school career, earning varsity letters in both. He also was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Spanish Club, Ambassador’s Club and Hospitality Club. Along with his rigorous academic and extracurricular activities, Kirby also found time to volunteer outside of school, including involvement with the Knights of Columbus and other charitable works. In the fall, Kirby plans to use his $20,000 scholarship to pursue his studies in civil engineering, heavily favoring the University of Maryland at College, Park, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. or Drexel University in Philadelphia. After getting his engineering license, he hopes to go into business with his brother, who is currently studying for his master’s degree in architecture. Kirby is the son of Lois and Michael Kirby, a deep sea member since 1970, who presently is working as a second pumpman aboard the Seabulk Power. Her love for school has led Suci Madjidji to consider a career in education, and she would like to have the same impact on others through teaching that her teachers had on her. Madjidji’s parents, who always stressed to her the importance of education, moved to the United States from Indonesia when she was a year old. As the 17-year-old graduates this month from Pocono Mountain West High School in Pocono Summit, Pa., she has definitely taken their words to heart. In addition to her heavy academic load, she was a member of the student council for three years, a member of the public relations committee, helped write a student council newsletter, among other activities, and was considered “a valuable team player.” Madjidji understands how fortunate she is to be able to attend college and hopes to use her $20,000 scholarship to earn a degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is the daughter of Cut Zurnita and Sjamsidar Madjidji, a QMED who joined the SIU in 1981. It has been quite an adjustment for Shaval Stewart this year, graduating from Apopka High School in Apopka, Fla. after she and her family were forced to move from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina at the beginning of her senior year. But she kept her spirits high and did not allow the Katrina disaster to prevent her from achieving her goals in life, foremost of which is to attend college. At her school in New Orleans, Stewart had participated in the marching band, concert band and New Orleans all star marching band. While at Apopka, she was in Junior ROTC and a member of the National Honor Society. The 17-year-old would like to be the first person in her family “to attend college and to make a difference in the world.” She plans to use her $20,000 grant to study business administration and finance, and has applied to Xavier University in New Orleans, Northwestern State University in Louisiana, and Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. Stewart is the daughter of Tracy and Mark Stewart, an inland member since 1987, who currently is working as an AB aboard Crowley Marine Service’s tug Gauntlet. Having just graduated this month from D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, N.C., Kayla Watson is now ready to tackle the demands of college. Her four-year, $20,000 scholarship will certainly help her as she pursues a career in the nursing field at East Carolina University in Greenville. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she hopes to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner. Watson has always been interested in a career in the medical field and believes she has the compassion, loyalty and dependability needed to be successful in her chosen profession. The 17-year-old has an exceptional high school academic record and was one of the top students in her class. She was involved in many school and community events, including participation in the Beta Club, Latin Club and numerous honor societies. She also received several outstanding awards such as being named a Health Science Academy Ambassador, National Society of High Schools Scholar and National Honor Roll Inductee. Watson also was a member of the volunteer program at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She volunteered at a local therapeutic horseback riding program and participated in community volunteer work with her church youth group. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, tap dancing and water skiing. Watson is the daughter of Candace and AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. Her father, an inland member, joined the SIU in 1978. He currently works aboard Maritrans’ tug Navigator. Seafarers LOG 7 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 8 Union Industries Show Attracts 200,000 Guests Annual Event Showcases Union-Made Goods and Services More than 200,000 visitors from the Great Lakes region recently converged on Cleveland’s I-X Center to see and hear how the nation’s union workers produce the goods and services that make life better for all Americans on a daily basis. The event was the 2006 AFLCIO America at Work Show. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the May 5-7 event showcased the latest in unionmade-in-the-USA products including autos and accessories, motorcycles, hardware, clothing, sporting goods and furniture. Also featured were baked goods and groceries, appliances and housewares. Visitors had an opportunity to interact with airline pilots and travel professionals, air traffic controllers, makeup artists, cake decorators, heavy equipment operators and others from a myriad of different professions. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) shared a booth promoting both organizations as well as their respective contracted companies. Overall, hundreds of exhibits— which together covered more than 400,000 square feet of floor space—were available to afford visitors an up-close look at a wide range of union occupations and the skills and training required to perform those jobs. Show-goers also talked with skilled workers in various crafts and trades along with the men and women who serve as instructors in dozens of union apprenticeship and training programs. More than $1 million in products and services were given away during the three-day show. Among big-ticket products and services that were handed out to visitors as prizes was the SIU/UIW grand prize—an allexpense-paid seven-day Hawaii cruise for two, which was donated by SIU-contracted NCL America. Other high-priced prizes included a top-of-the-line Harley Davidson motorcycle; new cars from Ford and DaimlerChrysler; groceries, tools, household goods and refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. UIW-contracted companies that provided products to be placed on display and for giveaways during raffles were: Bron Shoe and Franklin International of Columbus, Ohio; Church and Dwight from London, Ohio; Kroger of Delaware, Ohio; Sealy Mattress of Williamsport, Md.; Juanita’s Foods of Wilmington, Calif.; Cott Beverages, USA of San Bernardino, Calif.; The Queen Mary Hotel of Long Beach, Calif.; La Victoria Foods of Rosemead, Calif. and Del Monte of Terminal Island, Calif. “In my view, the show was a total success,” said UIW National Director John Spadaro, who worked the event from start to finish. “Turnout was impressive each day and the people were Members of the SIU/UIW booth crew, right and behind tables, keep the guests happy as another raffle takes place. extremely friendly and courteous. “A lot of visitors stopped by our booth and asked questions about the unions and the SIU- and UIW-contracted companies where many of our brothers and sisters work,” Spadaro continued. “Hopefully the responses we provided someday might influence them to become involved in the union movement.” “It was truly an extraordinary show,” said Charles Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department. “Attendance was good all three days, but we really were surprised by the turnout we had on Sunday. It was a beautiful day in Cleveland, the NBA playoffs were on television, but throngs of people still came out. We all were very pleased.” Mercer added that the event’s exhibitors were amazed by the high level of interest visitors displayed at this year’s event. “The exhibitors I spoke with said this show was perhaps the best we’ve had in recent years,” Mercer said. “According to them, visitors really got involved in the activities this year. They stopped by booths, asked exhibitors thoughtprovoking questions and generally demonstrated a keen interest in what was going on. This made for a unique experience for the exhibitors.” Just as in years past, the SIU/UIW booth was very popular among show visitors. Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland (D), fourth from left, joined the SIU/UIW contingent for a photo. With Strickland are (from left) AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex; UIW West Coast Region VP Herb Perez; UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Ellis; UIW National Director John Spadaro and UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love. UIW National Director John Spadaro, right, calls out the name of a winner, while UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love, left, draws another ticket. Looking into the crowd to spot the previous winner, center, is UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Ellis. St. Louis PMC Honors 4 Aloha from Aboard the Aloha Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio (center) submitted this photo of crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted NCL America cruise ship Pride of Aloha. Also pictured are (from left) Assistant Carpenters Arturo Orcino Jr., Wilfredo Lansangan, Mike Tadlip and Carlos Velasquez. Remetio included a note thanking the LOG staff and encouraging fellow mariners to stay up-to-date on the latest SIU news. (We would have published the photo anyway. Honestly.) 8 Seafarers LOG Four pro-worker individuals were honored May 6 at the St. Louis Port Maritime Council’s 26th annual dinner. Pictured in the top photo are Jack Martorelli, vice president of the port council; Vergil Belfi, president of Operating Engineers Local 2 and the port council’s Labor Man of the Year; Mark Lamping, president of the St. Louis Cardinals (Management Man of the Year); The Honorable Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County executive (Government Man of the Year); Angelo Russo, retired vice president, Chemical Workers (Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor); Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer, St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council; and Michael Sacco, president, AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department as well as president of the SIU. Pictured at right (from left) at the event are Lt. Col. Todd Robbins of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez; Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, deputy commander, TRANSCOM; and Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group. June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 9 Spica Locates Downed Marine Helicopters The U.S. Military Sealift Command recently reported that the combat stores ship USNS Spica—crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division—conducted search and rescue operations off the coast of Djibouti, Africa on Feb. 17 after two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 heavy transport helicopters crashed. The accident occurred during a routine training mission off the coast of Djibouti, a small east African country bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia. The two Marine helicopters were carrying 12 people. Two individuals survived. Both the Spica’s master and its officer-in-charge credited CIVMARS for their professional, brave response throughout the mission. From the Spica’s perspective, the ordeal began at 10:20 p.m. while the vessel was about 53 nautical miles from the reported crash site. At that time, Spica Capt. Michael Flanagan received the call to help. “We turned around and headed at maximum speed to Bab el Mandab on the Djibouti side,” Flanagan said. The Spica’s Puma helicopter pilots Dari Khosrovschahi and Wade Huddleston got airborne right away, scouring the ocean for any sign of survivors. The Puma relieved a French helicopter that had arrived earlier. The Spica was the first coalition ship to arrive on site, MSC reported, anchoring about two miles off shore. Flanagan learned that Djiboutian military members near the impact site pulled two survivors from the water. “The entire crew came alive on this. I mean the entire crew,” Flanagan added. “Everyone wanted to find these young Marines.” Shortly after 1 a.m., the Spica’s rigid hull/inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched with Deck Machinist Keith M. Larsen, Cargo Mate Raymond D. Barnett and SK3 James K. Stiles aboard. At the time, it was unclear whether the helicopters had crashed on land or at sea. They approached the peninsula very cautiously using night vision equipment. Within 20 minutes, they located a large piece of wreckage, rotor blades and the main body of one aircraft. No survivors were found. Puma pilots Don Willey and Greyson Morrow flew the second search and rescue mission. Additionally, another RHIB got under way to look for more wreckage, which again included Barnett as well as the Spica’s Radio Electronics Technician Brian Cottle and Deck Machinist Jose Rodriguez. The guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg arrived next along with an Italian vessel. U.S. Navy divers then entered the water and pulled the victims from the wreckage. “The crew members’ ability to stay calm under pressure and act professionally and courageously on short notice and in darkness, in a fast and furious operational tempo, was second to none,” said the Spica’s Officer-in-Charge Cmdr. Sidney J. Kim. “The list of heroes that night on the ship is essentially everyone,” Flanagan said. “I saw Boatswain Vergilio Dizon, exhausted, sleeping next to the RHIB cradle waiting for the crew members to return.” Chief Steward Wojciech “Ski” Wiatrowski stayed up to ensure all crew members involved had a late-night meal. The Spica carries a crew of 103 civilian and 26 military personnel and is one of MSC’s five combat stores ships. These vessels provide underway replenishment of supplies to U.S. Navy combat ships at sea. The ship is 524 feet long, has a beam of 72 feet and displaces 16,792 tons. Cooperative Efforts Result In NOAA Wage Gains Pay Schedules Announced for Mariners The SIU Government Services Division has been informed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration that new pay schedules for NOAA unlicensed mariners have been calculated and forwarded to the National Finance Center (NFC) for approval and implementation. This means that NOAA unlicensed crew members will soon receive significant wage increases. The pay for federal service mariners is established by federal law Title 5, Sec. 5348. It is a system unique to the Federal Service and basically calls for the federal Union Plus Offers Discount for Consumer Reports Web Site Group also Promotes Union-Made Checks, Other Services Because of the SIU’s participation in Union Plus, Seafarers and their families are eligible for a new discount program offered through the non-profit organization which was founded by the AFL-CIO. The new program applies to Consumer Reports.org, the online presence of the Consumers Union. By signing up for an online subscription through Union Plus, union members and their families save 27 percent off the usual price. The discounted rate for an annual online subscription is $19; the normal price is $26. According to Union Plus, an online subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes web access to all of the content of the current issue of Consumer Reports magazine; all Consumers Union product reports; online discussions with Consumer Reports.org representatives; and side-by-side comparisons of various product models. The Consumers Union itself is a union shop—its employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America. In announcing the Consumer Reports discount program, Union Plus described the Consumers Union as “the nation’s most trusted source of consumer advice. Consumers Union operates the largest nonprofit educational and consumer product testing center in the world. With over 100 testing experts—and feedback from consumers like you— ConsumerReports.org gives you impartial buying recommendations that have helped millions of consumers protect their families from shoddy products and get the most for their money.” For more information, visit the following web address: www.unionplus.org/ConsumerReports. Through the main Union Plus web site (www.unionplus.org), Seafarers may view the numerous other discount programs and services for which they are eligible. One such program offers competitively priced union-made checks June 2006 The combat stores ship USNS Spica participates in an underway replenishment with aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. (www.unionplus.org/checks) bearing pro-labor messages. The checks are part of a larger service called the Union Shop, which offers many other union-made items including notepads, tote bags, mugs, shirts and more. “One of the best parts of the offer is that you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping to protect American union jobs,” noted Union Plus Representative Valerie Lilja. “All the products are union-made, and workers at Union Shop are members of the Communications Workers of America.” Union Plus was founded by the AFL-CIO as Union Privilege in 1986. It is a non-profit entity which develops and manages programs that utilize the combined buying power of America’s union members to obtain top quality goods and services at competitive prices. Among many others, Union Plus programs open to Seafarers include those covering car rentals, education services, Dell computers, credit cards, online tax services, life insurance, Cingular Wireless phone service, and mortgage and real estate services. government to review private industry pay practices when establishing pay rates for the crews of the NOAA and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleets. Every year, U.S. maritime unions including the SIU, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) provide MSC with private-sector contracts to demonstrate the pay adjustments made by various U.S.-shipping companies. MSC reviews this information and then submits the changes to the Navy Wage Fixing Authority for approval. By regulation, NOAA follows MSC’s lead in establishing pay practices. This process takes a lot of time in a normal payroll year and in 2005 took longer than usual. The SIU’s Government Services Division worked diligently and engaged in ongoing discussions with NOAA to implement a different methodology for establishing wages that better reflects modern shipboard conditions and duties. The SIU’s formal proposal and a detailed wage analysis were sent to Rear Admiral Richard R. Behn, director of NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations Centers, and to other NOAA staff in late August 2005. During this process SIU Government Services Repre- sentative Kate Hunt and Rear Admiral Behn and his staff (especially Dale North, Mary Berklund and Capt. Jack McAdams) conducted several highly productive meetings. The meetings supported development of a very cooperative relationship between NOAA allowing the parties to reach an outcome benefiting all NOAA unlicensed crew members. Admiral Behn reviewed the submission and indicated his initial approval of the proposal to increase unlicensed wages across the board by 10 percent. Once that approval was made, the wage submission began making its way through the NOAA’s authorizing process. SIU representatives believe the result has been worth the wait. Within the next few pay periods, NOAA mariners will be receiving an approximately 3.6 percent (depending on locale) increase on base wages and overtime, retroactive to July 10, 2005 (this is the FY05 adjustment) and a 10 percent increase on base wages and overtime retroactive to Jan. 8, 2006. The union’s initiatives regarding all aspects of pay policies and work rules are meant to support improvement in the economic lives of unlicensed mariners and their families. The union believes that NOAA will benefit from these wage adjustments because competitive earnings in this fleet will result in NOAA becoming a premier employer in the maritime industry—and more shipboard personnel will be willing to consider positions with this agency. Full Book for Seafarer Dumlao Union Plus For general information about Union Plus programs, union members may call 1 (800) 452-9425 or (202) 293-5330 in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Detailed program information is available online at www.unionplus.org. Firsttime visitors to the site will be prompted to select their union from a list so that they may view all programs for which they are eligible. Seafarer Dominic Dumlao (center) received his SIU full book during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Dumlao, who sails in the steward department, was given the oath by SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and was congratulated by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) along with other officials. Dumlao first sailed with the SIU in 2003. Seafarers LOG 9 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:03 PM Page 10 Seafarers Honored on Maritime Day Continued from page 24 luncheon sponsored by the Propeller Club, saluted the accomplishments of merchant mariners and paid tribute to numerous sacrifices over the years. In making the appearance, Secretary Chao became the first secretary of labor to address the Propeller Club’s National Maritime Day luncheon. The secretary emphasized the merchant marine’s critical support role in the war on terror and for U.S. Armed Forces throughout history. “Today we reflect upon the tremendous contributions merchant mariners have made to ensuring that our country is strong, safe and free,” said Secretary Chao. “When the history of the war on terror is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered—as it has been in every war—as vital to our victory.” In her remarks, the labor secretary noted that 8,000 merchant mariners—including members of the SIU—are crewing auxiliary vessels for the U.S. Navy that supports American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seventy-six million square feet of cargo have been delivered by the merchant marine to American troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “As they have in every war in our nation’s history, merchant mariners are delivering the troops and supplies needed by our armed forces. The cargo they transport is precious— some of the most expensive and complex equipment in the world,” Secretary Chao said. “It takes the tremendous skills of our country’s merchant mariners to protect and transport this cargo, especially when it is at risk on the high seas.” Commenting on the future of the merchant marine, Secretary Chao said, “The 21st century holds many challenges for the maritime industry including an anticipated doubling of cargo and passenger traffic within the next two decades. Training and the collaborative partnership between management and labor will become even more important than ever before. And recently I announced a grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative to the [Paul Hall Center] to train workers in MSC’s traditional wreathlaying ceremony drew a large crowd to the Washington Navy Yard. the maritime industry. “The Paul Hall Training Center in Piney Point which I visited will develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations,” Secretary Chao said. “The DOL and Seafarers also will create an apprenticeship training program for cruise ship hospitality jobs.” In the commercial arena, Secretary Chao noted the three new U.S.-flag cruise ships that will cruise Hawaii. She pointed out that the Pride of America, one of those ships, “is the first brand new U.S.-flag, oceangoing passenger ship in 50 years.” Another vessel, the Pride of Hawaii, recently was christened in Los Angeles. “Together they will create about 20,000 American jobs, of which about 3,000 to 4,000 will be seafarers’ jobs,” Secretary Chao said of the three NCL America vessels. “Let me conclude by expressing our country’s gratitude for the critical role that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays in serving our country during times of war and times of peace. They do so at great personal risk and with great distinction,” the secretary said. “Their contributions are immeasurable. Even during times of peace the life of a merchant mariner is one of sacrifice—long and lonely days at sea, separated from family and loved ones.” Secretary Chao also issued a statement recognizing the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. It reads in part: “I urge all Americans to pause on National Maritime Day 2006 to reflect on the service of the brave men and women who serve in 12 Recertified Bosuns Graduate Continued from page 6 Wade said, “I’d like to thank the SIU, the school and staff for this opportunity. A special thanks goes to (SIU Assistant Vice President) Jim McGee and (SIU Vice President Gulf Coast) Dean Corgey down in Houston for being good friends. “To the trainees, do the best you can and try to follow directions,” Wade added. “Bosuns are not out there to pick on anyone; they’re just trying to get the job done. Be a part of the team and help them.” Jackson thanked the union officials for their continued support and expressed his gratitude to the Paul Hall Center and vocational staff for their accommodations and academic expertise. He has been a member of the SIU for 16 years. “I have been around the world many times, seen a great deal of things and have had plenty of fun,” said the mariner who sails out of the port of Mobile. “Always listen to your department heads and veteran seamen,” 10 Seafarers LOG Jackson advised the trainees. “They will teach you the best and safest way to get a job done. Work hard, learn your job well and always be willing to be a part of the team.” Richards has been sailing with the SIU since 1991. “I have sailed around the world several times and talked to everyone twice,” he told his fellow union members. “I have never wanted for anything as an SIU member,” Richards, who sails out of the port of New York, continued. “The union has allowed me to pursue my dream of seeing the world, owning a home and becoming a productive member of society.” Richards expressed his thanks to the SIU and its officers as well as the Paul Hall Center and its staff for the opportunity to attend the bosun recertification course. “This had been a memorable time,” he said. “Take advantage of this opportunity,” Richards advised the trainees. “You have made the right choice. Remember to study hard, ask questions and always remember it is a team effort.” the United States Merchant Marine and to remember those merchant mariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the service of our country. “This was a nation founded and built through the contribution of merchant mariners. They have served in every American war since the American Revolution. In every conflict, America’s merchant mariners have stood by this great nation. They continue to inspire their fellow Americans. “The nation is grateful for the United States Merchant Marine’s support of our Armed Forces. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners serve in the Military Sealift Command, crewing auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy. These ships support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They deliver our troops and the combat gear, fuel, and other supplies all that they need to complete the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq. All told, merchant mariners have delivered more than 76 million square feet of cargo. “In war, and in peace, the men and women of the Merchant Marine serve their nation today with the same professionalism as they have in the past. “The contributions that merchant mariners make to this nation are immeasurable, and we all recognize the sacrifices they make so we can enjoy our freedom here at home and abroad. So on National Maritime Day 2006, a grateful nation gives its thanks to the merchant mariners who sacrificed for us in the past and who honor us today with their committed service.” Wreath-Laying Ceremony Joshua M. Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, served as the guest speaker at the National Maritime Day ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. In his remarks, Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly, Jr., commander, Military Sealift Command, welcomed those in attendance and expressed his appreciation for the large turnout. Paying tribute to past and present mariners, the MSC commander said, “Merchant mariners have been a crucial part of our security and prosperity since the beginning of our nation, part of a tradition of service and patriotism, an unbroken circle of heroes. From the veterans and the fallen that we honor today, to the cadets who represent those that we will honor in the future, each and every mariner, from the able seaman standing watch to the CEO of the ship operating company—all are a vital part of that circle of service.” Admiral Reilly said that for more than half a century, the Military Sealift Command has benefited from the professionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners. “Whenever, wherever, when duty called, they delivered. “They’ve been out there, and are still out there today,” Admiral Reilly continued, “standing strong behind our war fighters, out at the pointed end of the spear, where combat readiness means survival as well as success, and where combat readiness depends on us and our promise to deliver; wherever, whenever. “MSC’s merchant mariners are delivering today, aboard more than 110 Military Sealift Command ships around the world,” he concluded. “We’re proud of our mariners, so it is fitting that today we express the great debt of gratitude we owe to them, the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Bosun’s Newsletter a Welcome Distraction When Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman first wrote and distributed a shipboard newsletter, he had a simple goal. “I started it years ago, on a tanker,” Teichman recalled. “There was a lot of stress among the crew, so I wrote a newsletter to bring everybody together and give them something to talk about other than each other. That’s really the reason I still do it.” Teichman normally circulates his missives every other week when he’s sailing. The newsletter’s content usually is a mix of practical tips and observations. The formatting is very basic, along the lines of a business memo, and the title is equally to the point: “Bosn’s Newsletter.” He gives copies to unlicensed and licensed mariners alike and gets “good feedback, including requests and suggestions. Some are indifferent but most enjoy it. It does cause a lot of conversation.” The newsletter’s length varies—sometimes it’s a single page, other times it’s much longer. Below is the content of Teichman’s most recent holiday edition. (They aren’t always this sentimental. The other sample he gave the LOG covered some of the intricacies of real estate transactions.) Bosn’s Newsletter A CHRISTMAS STORY “I Believe in Santa Claus” Every trip to sea I write this newsletter to maybe lift your spirits with a little trivia, to cause conversation and debate. Whether you agree with me or disagree, it will cause you to interact with those you otherwise may not have. Here in this microcosm of society we occasionally must reach out for each other. In my family on Christmas Eve we don’t open presents (that is for the morning). Instead, for just 10 minutes we shut off the TVs and stereos, and with just the season’s warm lights we all close our eyes and try to hear the angels sing. We try to remember that it is not what you take with you when you leave this world, but what you leave behind. Yes, even in my advanced years, I believe. I must, for I am a man of the sea. I like the idea, I love the feeling and I liken this to the man for which one celebrates Christmas. You cannot see Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman him, but you can talk to him and certainly if he lives in the hearts of man then perhaps there is a little room in there for old Chris Cringle, too. We who go to sea must believe at this time of year, and indeed at all times when we leave our loved ones, that we are there with them always. We are the sunlight in their hair to keep them warm, we are the whisper of the wind through the trees to guide them and give them comfort. We are their eagle to make their spirits soar. We must find our own comforts in what we believe, and I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower blooms and even in the darkest night, a candle burns for me somewhere to light my way home. It is my wish for each of you now and in the New Year that you find joy, in both your personal and professional lives. Seek this: demand of yourself first and not of others. Be the best friend, the best fountain of understanding, the essence of courtesy. Live your lives in a manner so when you close your eyes, you do not see any ghosts. From myself and my family, the best holiday wishes, and may your New Year be bountiful and all your dreams be fulfilled. — BOS’N June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 11 SA Catalino Diaz (right) receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amanacio Crespo at the hall in San Juan. Chief Steward Juan Vallejo, who just got off the El Yunque, is ready for a vacation with his wife, Odaliz. Following a recent payoff in San Juan aboard the El Morro, Chief Cook Nelson Morales (left) and AB Roger Plaud get a jazz practice session going. Spotlight on Puerto Rico Ready for another voyage are AB Sergio Gonzalez (left) and AB Hector Serrano. They will be flying out to join the Cleveland in Poland. Chief Cook Antonio Mendez (right) shows Port Agent Amancio Crespo the diploma he recently was awarded for completion of a chief cook course at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. After 40 years as a merchant mariner, SA Americo Garayua receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the SIU hall in San Juan. Garayua noted that the maritime industry has been a big part of his life for all these years, and if he were to be reborn, he’d do it all over again! Luis Roman (left) chats with Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall. Roman is assistant port agent and a former crane maintenance electrician for Navieras de Puerto Rico. Relaxing in the San Juan hall are QMED Orlando Herrera (right) and Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Prior to payoff and the union membership meeting aboard the El Morro, Recertified Bosun Robert Grubbs (left) and the ship’s third mate perform a routine inspection of the life boats. Recertified Bosuns (from the left) Patrick Ray, Eric Perez and Tony Mercado have a lot in common to discuss. Chief Cook Nelson Morales prepares lunch on board the El Morro prior to payoff. June 2006 Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo is flanked by QMED/Electrician Manuel Quinonez Cardona (left), who was in the hall filing for his pension, and Capt. Felix Aguilar, an inland pensioner. Seafarers LOG 11 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 12 Baltimore Welcomes F Above: A conch shell blower is painted on one side of the ship’s hull. ollowing its transatlantic voyage in April, the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was presented to the public for the first time in the port of Baltimore. Nearly 400 Seafarers were aboard the 93,500-ton vessel during the crossing. They worked in all three departments, practicing for the required fire and life boat tests, assisting in getting furniture in place, setting up the bars and generally helping clean up the areas and readying them for the ship’s first passengers. Approximately 600 more crew members, who completed their training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., joined the ship in Baltimore, where the vessel also underwent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard. SIU officials and guests had an opportunity to board the cruise ship in Baltimore and get a closer look at the magnificent vessel. It also was the first time many of the waiters and bartenders got to do the jobs for which they have been well prepared and trained. From Baltimore, the ship headed to Miami and then through the Panama Canal on its way to San Francisco and inaugural ceremonies in Los Angeles before joining its sister ships, the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America on their seven-day cruises around the Hawaiian islands. Left: Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Waiter Vittoria Rodgers Below (from left): SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joe Soresi, Bosun Victor Mariano, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram Wiper Isaac Jackson Luxuries Abound On Board Vessel There are a lot of windows on the ship. Keeping them clean are (from left) AB Todd Peden and AB Tirso Sarmiento. The food is great, according to (from left) Asst. Reefer Engineer Romeo Ochavillo, Wiper Fidel Pascua, Engine Repairman Severino Culajara Jr., OS Carlos Navarro and Engine Repairman Emilio Ordaniel. 12 Seafarers LOG While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons, and with 1,100 crew members and a passenger capacity of 2,146, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and, in fact, enters the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. There are more than 1,000 cabins within the 15 decks, each of which features cherry wood finishing, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers, and large bathrooms. Two garden villas (with their own private gardens, sun decks, whirlpool, concierge service) and 10 courtyards villas (that share a courtyard, pool and sun deck) as well as one top-of-the-ship owner’s suite are options for Pride of Hawaii passengers. Additionally, some of the standard cabins can interconnect to create two, three, four or five bedroom areas suitable for small or large families. NCL’s unique “freestyle” options allow passengers to take advantage of the vessel’s 10 restaurants. Plasma screens show the status of each eatery (full, moderately busy, empty) which eliminates the need to wait for service. Food for every taste is available—from steak and pasta to elegant French bistros or sushi and tapas bars, among others. “Bar Central” is a connected martini bar, champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whisky pub. Other amenities include a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, an internet café and large theater as well as an expansive Keiki (Kids) Club and the surf-themed Wipe Out Teens’ Club. There also is a golf pro shop, sports deck complete with basketball, volleyball and tennis courts and a photo old photographs of which is owned by The Pride of Ha leave Honolulu eve day each in Hilo an each in Kahului (on (on Kauai) before h Honolulu. Color and comfo Pride of Hawaii. courtyard pools. well appointed lib ing old photograp States, and at ri mills, set up in th user has a great June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 13 s the Pride of Hawaii Left: Bosun Victor Mariano (second from right) welcomes SIU officials aboard the cruise ship in Baltimore, its first port of call in the United States. From the left are VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Mariano and Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. At work and in the messhall are (from left) Deck Repairman John Nersten; AB Bill Cornelius; AB Rigo Boggeano and Carpenter Scott Paxton. Preparing hors d’oeuvres are (from left) Chef Tournant Noel C. Mok and Executive Sous Chef Patrick Clarke (in blue) and Cook Morgan Maestas. gallery. Shore excursions are available at each port, and other activities (e.g., art auctions, health and wellness program, cooking demonstration) are offered—or passengers can simply relax and enjoy not having any schedule to follow. The interior design highlights Hawaii’s rich history and culture. The exterior hull art depicts a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other joined by a colorful hibiscus lei. The library, named in honor of the S.S. United States (which entered service in 1952 and won the title as the fastest ocean liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two crossings) has a wide selection of reading material and some interesting hs of the S.S. United States, d by NCL. of Hawaii is scheduled to u every Monday and spend a lo and Kona and two days ui (on Maui) and Nawiliwili fore heading back to omfort abound aboard the awaii. At left is one of the ools. Above is part of the ted library with its interestographs of the S.S. United at right is a row of treadin the exerise room so the great view of the ocean. June 2006 When the cruise ship first docked in Baltimore, some of the waiters were lined up, ready to greet the guests. From the left are Katy Flint, Patti Morgan, Shannon Wright, Colette DiMarco, Jennifer Hastings, Michelle Campbell and Ryan York. Right: Junior Waiter Jamie Knaebel gets practice helping serve during the crew’s lunch. Seafarers LOG 13 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:21 PM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, EIN 942430964 for the year ended June 30, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $11,130,361. These expenses included $884,922 in administrative expenses and $10,245,439 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,382 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $138,101,966 as of July 31, 2005, compared to $135,749,137 as of August 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,352,829. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $13,483,190, including employer contributions of $33,071, losses of $456,204 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $13,904,788 and other income of $1,535. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the administrator’s office of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 7644990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(216,505) as of June 30, 2005, compared to $(453,765) as of July 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $237,260. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $620,489 including employer contributions of $595,753, earnings from investments of $128 and other income of $24,608. Plan expenses were $383,229. These expenses included $275,167 in administrative expenses and $108,062 in benefits paid to or for participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, P.O. Box 191086, San Francisco, CA 94119; telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a trust fund. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,282,960 as of July 31, 2005, compared to $1,618,698 as of August 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $335,738. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $8,717,763, including employer contributions of $8,669,159, losses of $20,109 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $67,894 and other income of $819. Plan expenses were $9,053,501. These expenses included $484,559 in administrative expenses and $8,568,942 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. 14 Seafarers LOG 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:37 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2006 Membership Meetings APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 2 0 5 11 5 11 45 20 0 16 10 33 15 4 1 9 17 0 32 33 2 5 5 24 6 10 29 22 3 10 9 26 14 10 26 3 10 3 36 24 3 2 0 7 3 0 13 7 0 2 7 11 4 0 1 0 1 0 7 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 3 9 1 7 27 18 0 9 9 20 11 4 0 4 12 0 21 21 269 277 80 178 0 0 3 6 0 6 20 13 1 9 12 14 7 1 2 3 7 1 13 15 1 2 3 9 3 2 12 17 2 6 4 7 15 2 3 6 4 0 15 9 0 0 1 3 1 1 10 7 0 0 0 5 13 1 0 0 2 0 3 7 0 0 3 4 0 4 14 13 1 2 4 4 4 1 3 5 5 1 11 8 133 122 54 1 0 4 3 3 9 23 11 0 5 3 20 6 1 5 1 20 1 19 29 0 0 1 4 2 3 8 10 0 2 2 6 8 2 2 1 3 1 5 10 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 2 2 6 3 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 Trip Reliefs 187 1 0 1 1 0 0 9 3 1 2 1 8 5 0 0 0 2 0 7 2 43 0 0 7 9 0 4 24 11 0 2 3 6 16 1 1 4 6 3 13 14 124 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 87 0 1 4 4 0 1 12 14 0 2 4 5 10 1 3 0 5 1 7 4 78 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 5 0 2 0 3 8 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 35 0 0 3 1 0 1 9 9 1 2 0 6 5 1 1 2 5 0 4 6 56 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 1 8 18 15 0 1 2 12 5 3 2 1 20 2 11 9 164 70 28 117 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 4 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 0 1 2 4 2 9 21 11 1 4 3 38 17 0 24 1 13 3 16 8 2 4 1 9 4 7 16 19 2 0 5 16 22 0 20 0 12 0 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 5 0 4 1 0 0 0 6 2 3 3 9 0 3 2 4 7 0 1 1 9 2 7 7 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 2 3 2 2 16 8 0 4 3 14 14 0 11 1 7 0 5 3 0 2 1 2 2 4 9 3 1 0 2 3 10 0 13 0 3 0 6 6 Piney Point .............Monday: July 3, August 7 Algonac ..................Friday: July 7, August 11 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 7 15 5 4 25 20 1 3 7 14 15 3 13 4 6 4 25 13 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 5 2 0 3 6 5 0 2 2 8 5 0 0 2 9 0 8 2 0 0 8 17 5 14 79 54 0 20 24 72 21 5 2 12 30 1 64 53 2 11 10 33 11 18 44 39 4 17 9 44 26 9 20 11 17 7 57 42 3 4 1 13 5 2 31 18 0 2 9 20 10 2 1 0 5 2 15 20 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 6, August 10 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 6, August 10 481 431 163 0 0 5 13 2 8 27 30 0 13 16 27 12 1 4 4 12 2 25 21 2 1 4 14 7 7 18 24 2 13 4 21 20 3 3 6 13 4 30 17 1 0 1 6 1 5 13 9 1 2 1 11 11 1 2 1 4 0 3 10 222 213 83 1 0 6 7 3 21 40 22 1 9 4 38 12 2 7 2 36 2 32 51 0 0 2 8 3 9 11 18 0 4 6 15 19 2 5 3 1 1 7 12 0 0 3 5 0 0 4 6 1 4 3 6 4 0 1 0 1 0 4 9 59 296 126 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 6 0 1 2 6 0 0 0 1 5 0 4 2 3 2 7 10 2 17 34 21 1 8 5 78 19 0 24 4 20 4 31 14 3 5 1 19 8 13 35 34 2 4 7 39 26 0 22 1 15 0 23 20 25 178 157 26 97 67 0 37 304 277 591 647 319 408 428 159 239 1,036 1,074 574 Boston.....................Friday: July 7, August 11 Guam ......................Thursday: July 20, August 24 Honolulu .................Friday: July 14, August 18 Houston ..................Monday: July 10, August 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 6, August 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: July 13, August 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 12, August 16 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 11, August 15 New York................Wednesday: July 5* .................................Tuesday: August 8 .................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 5, August 9 Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 13, August 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 13, August 17 San Juan..................Thursday: July 6, August 10 St. Louis..................Friday: July 14, August 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 21, August 25 Wilmington ...........Monday: July 18 ..............................Tuesday: August 22* .................................(*change created by Paul Hall Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals DAVID BALLARD Mickey Noble, a shipmate from aboard the Steel Executive, would like to get in touch with you and catch up on old times. Call him at (415) 235-1432. RUSSELL LEE and AMERICUS BELL Leo Castro would like to hear from you. Call him on his cell phone at (713) 443-1301. Correction A photo caption in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG listed an incorrect title for Coastal Maritime CFO Kathy Wiley. The LOG regrets the error. *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 7 6 4 1 11 1 0 3 33 0 4 0 1 12 1 1 1 20 0 2 4 0 1 0 0 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 8 6 1 14 1 0 3 10 1 2 0 0 2 1 1 1 7 0 2 4 0 1 0 0 4 11 0 9 4 1 5 0 0 2 21 17 30 1 14 38 0 1 1 102 9 10 2 10 27 0 1 0 59 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 3 1 0 4 0 1 1 10 5 18 1 5 20 0 0 3 52 2 6 0 2 10 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 9 1 1 6 0 0 1 22 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 1 8 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 Port 4 4 2 0 5 0 0 1 16 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 3 2 2 5 1 0 0 15 0 3 1 0 6 0 0 1 11 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 2 1 5 1 0 0 15 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 5 4 19 3 4 11 2 0 0 43 2 7 0 2 9 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 6 Totals All Departments 70 39 16 68 17 15 36 197 99 18 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y. They were taken aboard the old Liberty ship Lewis Emery Jr. in 1954. The vessel was carrying coal from Japan to Korea on a 6-month trip. In the photo at right, ABs are tying up the ship in Japan. The Seafarer in the center is Agustin Tellez, father of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Below left: Crew members “shoot the breeze on the #4 hatch. That’s what we used to do in the old days,” wrote Porcari in a note accompanying the pictures. Below right: “The wheelhouse had portholes, so when we had to steer in tight places, like the Panama Canal, as in the picture, we had to steer on the open flying bridge.” Porcari joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1947 and retired in 1991. SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:13 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KENNETH ADAMCZAK, 66, joined the union in 1977. Brother Adamczak initially sailed on the J.T. Hutchinson. The Michigan native worked in the engine department. In 2000, Brother Adamczak attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the El Morro. Brother Adamczak is a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. HERMAN BERGERON JR., 62, became an SIU member in 1964. Brother Bergeron was born in Louisiana. He worked in the engine department. Brother Bergeron’s first ship was the Penn Sailor. He lives in Harvey, La. RAYMOND COOLEY, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Cooley first shipped on board the PFC James Anderson Jr. The deck department member, who was born in Georgia, last sailed aboard the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. He now makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. WILSON GARCIA, 65, joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Garcia, a member of the deck department, first shipped on the Geneva. The Puerto Rico-born mariner upgraded his skills in 1976 and 2006 at the training school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Garcia calls Penuelas, P.R. home. WALTER HARRIS, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. Brother Harris was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Brother Harris was a member of the deck department. He most recently worked aboard Tyco’s Decisive. Brother Harris resides in Baltimore, Md. ROBERT HINES JR., 66, embarked on his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Hines’ first ship was the Steel Voyager. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hines was born in Mississippi. His most recent voyage was on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Brother Hines continues to live in Mississippi. TYRONE MATTHEWS, 66, began his seafaring career in 1965. The Louisiana native, who worked in all three departments, enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. June 2006 Brother Matthews last sailed aboard the El Morro. He is a resident of New Orleans. GARY PETERSON, 61, joined the union in 1971. In 1993, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Peterson was born in California. He makes his home in Fall City, Wash. TERRY RYAN, 67, launched his SIU career in 1990. Brother Ryan first sailed on the Presque Isle. Born in Minnesota, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and 2002. Brother Ryan last worked aboard the Horizon Trader. He calls St. Paul, Minn. home. RANDOLPH TANNIS, 65, became an SIU member in 1970, first shipping on the Western Clipper. Brother Tannis was born in Wisconsin and sailed in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Tannis’s most recent voyage was on the Maersk Missouri. He settled in Staten Island, N.Y. WILLIAM TURNER, 59, began shipping with the SIU in 1977. Brother Turner’s first voyage was aboard the Overseas Vivian. He attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 1967, 1982 and 2001. Brother Turner worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the San Juan. Born in New York, Brother Turner calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. MIGUEL VINCA, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 from the port of New York. Brother Vinca’s first ship was the USNS Capella; his last was the Cleveland. The Philippine-born mariner worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 2001 and 2004 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vinca now makes his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. INLAND PETER GOTTSCHALK, 65, joined the union in 1990. During his SIU career, Boatman Gottschalk shipped primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. He was born in Germany and went to the Piney Point school on three occasions to upgrade his seafaring skills. Boatman Gottschalk is a resident of Houma, La. JOHNNY O’FERRELL, 58, hails from Rhode Island. Boatman O’Ferrell joined the SIU in 1965. He first sailed on board the Hanover in the deck department. Boatman O’Ferrell upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on the Delta Mariner. Boatman O’Ferrell resides in Chickasaw, Ala. ERNEST PARKS JR., 62, first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Southern Carriers Corporation. The Virginia-born Parks upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Express Marine. Boatman Parks continues to live in his native commonwealth. CHARLES TELLER, 62, became a union member in 1973 in the port of Houston. Boatman Teller first sailed aboard a G&H Towing vessel. The deck department member attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Teller last shipped with Tampa Tugs. He resides in Hitchcock, Texas. ANDREW VEAL, 62, began his seafaring career in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Veal was born in North Carolina. He worked primarily with the Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Veal calls Crab Orchard, W.Va. home. GREAT LAKES DONALD BINKOWSKI, 65, joined the SIU in 1970. Brother Binkowski first sailed on the Kinsman Enterprise. The engine department member hails from Wisconsin. Brother Binkowski, who last shipped aboard the Saint Clair, settled in his native state. BAISEL KUVSHINIKOV, 64, began sailing with the union in 1971. Brother Kuvshinikov, who was born in Russia, worked in the engine department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2003 and most recently shipped on the Sam Laud. Brother Kuvshinikov is a resident of Thomasville, N.C. LEVI SANFORD, 64, joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Sanford sailed as a member of the deck department. He was born in Covington, Ga. and upgraded his skills in 2003 at the Piney Point school. Prior to retiring, Brother Sanford shipped on the St. Mary’s Challenger. He makes his home in Sweetwater, Tenn. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. 1940 In spite of claims by outsiders that it was impossible to get increases from the coastwise operators, the SIU negotiated with the coastwise companies and won increases of $10 per month plus an increase in the overtime rate of ten cents per hour for all departments. Companies covered by this agreement were Seatrain Line Inc., Range Lines, Canadian and Gulf Lines, Fall River Navigation Company and Waterman Steamship Corporation (for their coastwise ships). BENITO BONILLA, 66, became an NMU member in 1966 in New York. Brother Bonilla first sailed on the United States. He was born in Honduras. Brother Bonilla’s most recent voyage was aboard the Endeavor. NORMAN BUSH, 70, hails from Honduras. Brother Bush joined the union in 1984. His first ship was the Nancy Lykes. Brother Bush worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Green Harbor. AHMED HAMID, 65, joined the NMU in 1966. Brother Hamid was born in Yemen. He first shipped on the Texaco Montana. Brother Hamid most recently worked aboard the Denali. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME HERMAN BEASLEY, 64, embarked on his NMU career in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. Brother Beasley was born in Louisiana. His first ship was the Zoelle Lykes; his last was the Lykes Explorer. AGE EDP Eldridge, Shirlie 65 May 1 Erazo, Roberto 66 April 1 Major, Alvin 62 April 1 Runyan, Ronald 70 April 1 Vargas, William 70 April 1 1970 Three SIU members who risked their lives by jumping into heavy seas to rescue two downed Air Force pilots have been awarded the Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal in Seattle. The Seafarers, sailing aboard the Anniston Victory, jumped into icy seas with safety lines to help the exhausted airmen aboard ship. The rescue occurred on Feb. 26, 1968. Gale conditions made launching of a lifeboat too risky. This Month In SIU History 1955 Full protection of Seafarers and their rights, including their right to the union hiring hall, is assured under the terms of a resolution on merger of the AFL and CIO which was approved by SIU of NA convention delegates. The resolution orders the SIU of NA to set up a committee which will represent the international and it affiliates in any discussions relating to merger questions. The committee, in turn, will report back to the respective affiliated unions and the international officers at an emergency convention if such becomes necessary. Medals were presented by Maritime Administration Representative Frank I. Huxtable to Ordinary Seamen James B. Harrington and Theodore Zieser and AB Morgan L. Jones in the Seattle union hall. 1985 It was a busy time in Newport News Shipyard in June as Seafarers readied theI PFC Dewayne Williams for a military career with the Maritime Preposition Fleet. Later in the month when the Williams steamed from the Newport marine terminal to the Pacific Coast to take part in her first military exercise, SIU members were on board. Seafarers LOG 17 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:14 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RAYMOND ALLEN Pensioner Raymond Allen, 71, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Allen was born in Pennsylvania and joined the Seafarers in 1952. He first worked in the deck department aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. Brother Allen’s last voyage was on board the Del Brazil. He retired in 1990 and called Windsor Mill, Md. home. ARTHUR AUSTIN Pensioner Arthur Austin, 82, died Jan. 3. Brother Austin joined the SIU in 1966. The engine department member was a native of Honolulu. Brother Austin’s first trip to sea was on the Eagle Voyager. Prior to retiring in 1990, he sailed aboard the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Austin made his home in the state of Washington. JAMES BARNETT Pensioner James Barnett, 78, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Barnett embarked on his seafaring career in 1945. He first shipped on a Sprogue Steamship Company vessel in the steward department. Brother Barnett was born in Alabama. His last journey was aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Barnett began his retirement in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala. home. ERNIE BODDEN Brother Ernie Bodden, 41, died Oct. 19. He began his SIU career in 1996. Brother Bodden initially shipped on the Robert E. Lee. He was born in New Orleans and most recently sailed aboard the Green Point. Brother Bodden was a resident of Louisiana. GEORGE BRANNAN Pensioner George Brannan, 80, passed away March 14. Brother Brannan became a Seafarer in 1944 in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed aboard the Robin Kettering. Born in North Carolina, Brother Brannan worked in the engine department. His last ship was the Adonis. Brother Brannan started collecting his pension in 1985. He resided in Upper Chichester, Pa. ALVIN CARPENTER Pensioner Alvin Carpenter, 79, died Feb. 9. Brother Carpenter joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. The Missouri native worked in the steward department. Brother Carpenter’s first ship was the Timothy Dwight; his last was the Leader. He settled in Rhode Island and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1984. GEORGE CONNELL SR. Pensioner George Connell Sr., 91, passed away Jan. 6. Brother Connell commenced his seafaring career in 1963, initially 18 Seafarers LOG sailing aboard a vessel operated by Intercontinental Transportation. He was born in Alabama and worked in the engine department. Brother Connell last shipped on the Cove Spirit. He lived in his native state and went on pension in 1981. JOHNNY CRINER Pensioner Johnny Criner, 65, died March 7. Brother Criner joined the SIU in 1986, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. The steward department member was born in Oklahoma. Before retiring in 2002, Brother Criner worked on the USNS Impeccable. He called Altoona, Wis. home. MARTIN FOX Pensioner Martin Fox, 60, passed away March 25. Brother Fox joined the SIU in 1965. His first trip to sea was aboard the Kenmar. Brother Fox was born in Baltimore and shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Fox retired in 1994 and made his home in Dundalk, Md. GEORGE GIBBONS Pensioner George Gibbons, 78, died Dec. 25. Brother Gibbons launched his seafaring career in 1947. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Gibbons first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. His last voyage was on the Horizon Challenger. Brother Gibbons was resident in his native state of New York. He became a pensioner in 1990. ROBERT HOLT Pensioner Robert Holt, 83, passed away March 29. Brother Holt became an SIU member in 1951 in New York. His first ship was operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Holt was born in Pennsylvania. His last trip to sea was aboard the Santa Isabel. Brother Holt started receiving his retirement stipends in 1984. He lived in Pottstown, Pa. CHARLES JOHNSON Pensioner Charles Johnson, 84, died March 19. Brother Johnson was born in Kennett, Mo. He became a Seafarer in 1951, joining in the port of San Francisco. Brother Johnson initially sailed with Sprogue Steamship Company in the deck department. His last voyage was on the USNS Denebola. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1982. He called St. Louis home. JENNINGS LONG Pensioner Jennings Long, 90, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Long started shipping with the SIU in 1947. His first trip was with Martis Steamship Corporation. A native of North Carolina, Brother Long worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Long went on pension in 1980. He resided in Burlington, N.C. RICHARD McCALL Pensioner Richard McCall, 76, died Feb. 6. Brother Long joined the union in 1951 in New York. He initially sailed on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother McCall was born in Louisiana. Prior to retiring in 1986, he shipped aboard the Long Lines. Brother McCall was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JUAN OSARIO Pensioner Juan Osario, 67, passed away Oct. 23. Brother Osario became a Seafarer in 1978, first sailing on board the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico and continued to live there. Brother Osario last shipped aboard the Borinquen. He started collecting his pension in 1986. HIRAM PAYNE Pensioner Hiram Payne, 77, died Jan. 9. Brother Payne joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Savannah, Ga. He first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Payne was born in Georgia and shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Monticello. Brother Payne became a pensioner in 1978. He made his home in Winder, Ga. ANTHONY PERRY Pensioner Anthony Perry, 80, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Perry was born in Rhode Island and joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing on the Mohawk. Working as a member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard the Horizon Navigator. Brother Perry began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He was a resident of Pahrump, Nev. JOHN WATERS Pensioner John Waters, 66, passed away Jan. 14. Boatman Waters became a Seafarer in 1976 in the port of Houston. He was born in Charleston, S.C. Boatman Waters sailed primarily aboard Marine Contracting & Towing Company vessels. After retiring in 2001, he continued to live in South Carolina. GREAT LAKES RANSOM EHRENBERG Pensioner Ransom Ehrenberg, 86, died Dec. 28. Brother Ehrenberg was a Michigan native. He joined the union in 1963, first sailing aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Ehrenberg went on pension in 1985 and resided in Palmer, Mich. MASOOD ELGIRSH Pensioner Masood Elgirsh, 71, passed away Oct. 14. Brother Elgirsh started sailing with the SIU in 1961 in Detroit aboard a Seatrain Lines vessel. He was born in Yemen and worked in the engine department. Brother Elgirsh’s last voyage was on the Saint Clair. He retired in 1997 and made his home in Dearborn, Mich. DAVID HUBBARD Pensioner David Hubbard, 68, died Dec. 28. Brother Hubbard joined the SIU in 1970. The Michigan-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Brother Hubbard initially sailed aboard the Hennepin. Prior to retiring in 2002, he worked on the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Hubbard was a resident of New Mexico. INLAND HENRY IRVINE PETER LOVASCO Pensioner Peter Lovasco, 84, died Jan. 18. Boatman Lovasco embarked on his seafaring career in 1980. Born in Massachusetts, Boatman Lovasco last sailed on the St. Joseph. He started collecting his pension in 1984 and made his home in Essex, Mass. ISAIAH NOTTINGHAM Pensioner Isaiah Nottingham, 88, passed away Jan. 19. Boatman Nottingham joined the union in 1971. During his seafaring career, he sailed primarily on vessels operated by Penn Central Transportation. Boatman Nottingham continued to live in his native Virginia. He went on pension in 1982. JOHN TAYLOR Pensioner John Taylor, 78, died Oct. 5. Boatman Taylor joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Company vessel. Boatman Taylor was born in Maryland. Prior to retiring in 1988, he shipped with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Taylor called Princess Anne, Md. home. Pensioner Henry Irvine, 84, passed away Dec. 1. Brother Irvine joined the Seafarers in 1961. He sailed in both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Irvine first worked aboard a Price Brothers McClung vessel and last sailed on a Great Lakes Towing vessel. Born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. Brother Irvine began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1984. He called Michigan home. JUNIOR LARSON Pensioner Junior Larson, 77, died Oct. 6. Brother Larson began his seafaring career in 1977. His first vessel was the Henry Steinbrenner; his last was the Indiana Harbor. Brother Larson was a member of the engine department. He settled in his native state of Wisconsin. Brother Larson started receiving his pension in 1995. MARK SCOTT Brother Mark Scott, 47, passed away Jan. 17. He became a union member in 1999 in Seattle. Brother Scott’s first trip was on the USNS Sisler. The engine department member was born in Minnesota and most recently sailed on the Alpena. He made his home in Wisconsin. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. EVANGELISTA CRUZ Pensioner Evangelista Cruz, 92, died Oct. 19. Brother Cruz joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of San Juan, P.R. He first sailed on the Glenpool; his last ship was the Export Champion. Brother Cruz went on pension in 1976. SOLEM GREFALDIA Pensioner Solem Grefaldia, 87, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Grefaldia, who was born in the Philippines, became an NMU member in 1957, initially shipping aboard the Atlantic Trader. He worked in the steward department. Brother Grefaldia’s last voyage was on the Ashley Lykes. He retired in 1984. WELDON HAMILTON Pensioner Weldon Hamilton, 83, died Oct. 3. Brother Hamilton began his seafaring career in 1946, sailing from the port of San Francisco, Calif. The steward department member’s first ship was the Brazil. Prior to retiring in 1968, Brother Hamilton shipped aboard the Constitution. EVANGELISTA QUINONES Pensioner Evangelista Quinones, 89, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Quinones started his NMU career in 1947. His first voyage was on the Santa Rosa. Brother Quinones came ashore in 1954 as a patrolman in the port of San Juan, P.R. He retired in 1969. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE DOD Adams, Raven 63 Banker, Orett 86 Bauernfeind, Jane 69 Butler, Alex 86 Cruz, Estanislo 94 David, Monico 79 Efre, Jose 95 Figueroa, Modesto 80 Foster, Bender 82 Kokoszka, Valentine 89 Padilla, Jose 92 Perez, Eligio 79 Peterson, Carl 81 Sang, Jim 99 Smith, Gordon 71 Tatum, Courtney 78 Wise, Shelton 79 April 15 March 3 Jan. 10 April 19 April 1 April 21 April 15 Jan. 31 April 6 April 15 April 1 April 2 March 25 March 21 April 13 April 17 Feb. 20 June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. COAST RANGE (Crowley Liner Services), April 30—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Carlos A. Perez Jr., Deck Delegate Travis Stringer. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Garyville, La. and urged everyone to read president’s report in April Seafarers LOG. Secretary reminded crew members getting off to clean rooms and leave fresh linen for next mariner. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and contributing to SPAD. Treasurer stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made concerning pensions. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. CP LIBERATOR (Marine Transport Lines), April 8—Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Deck Delegate Manuel A. Uy, Engine Delegate Adelmo Giusti, Steward Delegate Eusebio V. Amaya. Bosun announced April 12 payoff upon arrival in Houston. He discussed importance of education. “Democracy is based on an educated population not just people that can read and write but people that ask questions and read between the lines.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Houston; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Antwerp, Belgium. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cableship Company), April 10—Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate John C. Bumgarner, Engine Delegate John W. Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman noted Tacoma patrolman visited ship last week to talk about new contracts. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $3,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Ship’s internet connection still being worked on. Once it is up and running, crew members will have an opportunity to sign up for service. This service will be separate from company e-mail. Discussion was held pertaining to current contract negotiations. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), April 29—Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward Sr., Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez, Engine Delegate Marshall J. Sanford, Steward Delegate Simone J. Solomon. Discussion held concerning five new Horizon Lines ships coming out in the next year. Treasurer stated $200 in captain’s safe to be used to purchase DVDs. Clarification requested on box girder. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to regarding next contract, including raising pension amounts due to cost of living increases and lowering medical plan’s deductible. Crew members were in agreement that recent barbecue was the best ever. Next port and port of payoff: Houston. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), April 30—Chairman Sailing on the Hauge Working aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are SA Naziruddin Patankar (top left), ACU Shanita Daniel (top right) and (below, from left) Electrician John Brantly and AB Edward Rockinger. June 2006 Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Jorge L. Falero, Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced May 5 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and asked crew to have union books and dues payments ready for patrolman. He thanked all three departments for working well together and advised everyone to keep passports and all other required shipping documents current or risk losing a job. Secretary thanked crew for great trip and reminded them to “be alert—don’t get hurt.” Educational director urged mariners to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. Treasurer said captain is maintaining stewardship of joint funds and will give report of totals at next crew meeting. The money currently is being used for satellite TV, among other items. Refrigerators for crew state rooms are also to be ordered with treasury funds. Crew extended thanks to Brothers Tony Rosario and Mo Ahmed for recovery of misplaced money. Sympathies of crew members went out to Brother Ray Fernandez on loss of his beloved father. Job well done by Chief Cook Salazar and SA Chucha Rodriguez. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, NJ. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), April 19—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Crew discussed newly implemented ID requirements for entry into port of Jacksonville. Question arose as to required payment for additional background check. Bosun encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD, particularly in an election year. Unlicensed Apprentice C.J. Curran complimented for his easy adaptation to shipboard life. His work has been excellent and he learns very quickly. Educational director advised everyone to allow significant time when applying for required shipping documents. Treasurer stated $2,235 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Condolences extended to family of former New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd. Crew advised that new washing machine does not work properly in rough seas. Chief engineer has been informed and will take care of it soon. Steward department thanked for clean ship as well as good food and excellent barbecues. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Trader), April 1—Chairman Ali A. Saleh, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Steward Delegate Efren P. Aguirre. Chairman thanked crew for safe voyage and job well done. He announced April 1 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and congratulated crew on achieving the one-year mark without a lost-time injury. Educational director reminded members of the many classes available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $425 in ship’s fund. Money used this trip for picnic and movies. Suggestion made to purchase new chess set and backgammon set and to check contract regarding TV sets in each room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested broken VCR in crew lounge be replaced. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), April 23—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Robert A. Ott. Chairman announced April 29 payoff in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew members for smooth, safe voyage. He also advised them to check expiration dates on all documents and renew early, if necessary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew inquired as to availability of shoregang while in Newark and to have payoff on arrival in New York instead of following day. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Spain. charge, ship will sail for Valdez. Bosun and steward requested union official in San Francisco to collect dues payments and take care of ship business. Secretary asked for assistance in keeping mess hall and lounges clean. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade at union-affiliated school and keep documents current in order to avoid having to take exams over. He also urged crew members to donate to SPAD; it’s vital in the union’s fight for beneficial legislation. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Crew requested review of medical benefits. New Charleston Pays Off in Savannah Union Rep Thornton Elliott (second from left) was aboard the Charleston when it held a payoff recently in Savannah, Ga. From the left are AB Silas Sam, Elliott, Recertified Bosun Elkanah Ladia, Chief Steward Peter William and Pumpman Clarence Verdun. As each man made sure his dues were paid up, William also was thanked for his generous contribution to the Maritime Defense League (MDL). OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), April 16—Chairman Abdulkarim F. Mohamed, Secretary Jack A. Hart Jr., Steward Delegate Carlos L. Olascoaga. Chairman announced April 24 payoff in Long Beach, Calif. following run to Portland, Ore. Secretary read letter from Executive VP Augie Tellez pertaining to future contract negotiations. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center to better themselves, their jobs and their income potential. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to President Sacco and VP Tellez for job well done on getting new ships and better contracts. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), April 30—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman encouraged Seafarers to participate in union meetings while ashore. He also noted that copies of the contract are available at union hall. Educational director talked about educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits. Suggestion also made to put penalty meal hour back into contract. Next port: Tampa, Fla. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 16—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., Engine Delegate Hernando Basilan, Steward Delegate Orlando Hill. Chairman announced April 17 arrival of ship in Kenai, Alaska. Following dis- ice machine received; still awaiting new laundry machine. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line Limited), April 1—Chairman Herman L. Reynolds, Secretary James H. McLeod. Chairman urged all mariners to read Seafarers LOG for current information about union and maritime industry and recommended everyone keep z-cards, passports, etc. up to date and contribute to SPAD. Secretary thanked crew for helping separate trash and keeping ship clean. He reported April sanitation inspection went very well and gave special thanks to bosun and deck department for helping with vessel’s stores. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities and courses available at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more information on Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Everyone looking forward to ship’s gathering for departing and newly arriving crew members. Next port: Saipan. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), May 1—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Tran P. Luu, Deck Delegate Leandro A. Cacho, Engine Delegate Joseph Shepard Jr. Chairman advised all members to keep documents current. “You can’t sail without them.” Secretary reminded Seafarers that whatever job you are doing, safety comes first. Educational director suggested members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Applications are available on board ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new TV antenna system for lounges, 10 foldaway cots, and copies of pension and welfare plans booklets. Thanks given to all departments for working well together. Special thanks given to Mark (radio officer) for daily news and e-mails. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 PM Page 20 Letter to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Important Message Dear Brothers and Sisters of the SIU: Recently, I was admitted to the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (known as “The Farm”). This came about due to bad choices that I made concerning drugs and alcohol. I had the choice to enter rehab or quit sailing. I have been sailing for quite some time with the SIU, and quitting was not the option. I entered the program reluctantly and learned how serious my problem was. I was a functioning alcoholic and was on the slow path to ruin and death. The SARC has shown me literally how to save my career and my life. I will be clean and sober and able to make the Know Your Rights right decisions in the future. The SIU and SARC care about us and will help us overcome the scourge of alcohol and drugs that can ruin our lives. If you or a shipmate has a substance abuse problem, please talk with someone about it. You will be treated with confidentiality and respect. You need not feel alone because, believe me, you are not. The Brotherhood of the Sea can save your life. A grateful SIU member LOG-A-RHYTHMS To the Old Timers by Paula Werfel Here’s to you old timers whose blood, sweat and tears Have brought this industry through many tough years. I stare at the sea and wish she would tell All the stories she has in each formidable swell. As a boy you set sail seeking adventure and spice. A man you became with many a sacrifice. The heartaches, the victories, the making of men. I’ll bet there’s not one of you who wouldn’t do it again. Missed weddings, anniversaries, births, deaths and many an event, “Job call” was hollered and off you went. Here’s to you old timers for whom I have great respect. I’ll listen with awe and wish I was ’board deck. Not for glory or medals or “hats off” from anyone. But because there was a job that needed to get done. You supplied soldiers and allies with provisions for the “fray,” Dodging torpedoes or bullets and learning quickly how to pray. Sometimes the dodge was not quick enough, A lost shipmate and friend, now that was quite rough. Aching muscles, sunburn, ornery engines and callused hands, Tight places, no sleep and rules of foreign lands. The fun that you made was “creative” for sure. The poker games, the jokes and oh ... pranks by the score. The time passed, sometimes too slowly, sometimes too fast. Each voyage with memories to tuck away with the last. Wine, women and song in some foreign port. Hard work and loneliness was more like the sort. There must be some future “old timers” among these young men, But it’ll never be for them like it was for you then. Please when you set feet on dry land and plan to retire, Pass on those good truths, the need is quite dire. I thank you for your sacrifice, hard work and the pain Through salty spray, ice, snow, gales and miserable rain. For me there’s no greater pleasure or prize Than to learn of the sea through an old timer’s eyes. This poem is dedicated to all retired seafarers. Your sea stories are awesome. I never get tired of hearing of your shipboard antics, quite arduous times, personal victories and defeats. I’ve always said I was born too late. You have brought a world to me that cannot be found anywhere else. Being a landlubber all my life, I had no idea what I was missing until you opened and shared your treasure trove of priceless booty!! For this I thank you. Paula Werfel works at SIU headquarters in the pension benefits department. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † Other ____________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 20 Seafarers LOG 6/06 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:15 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for June through the end of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Machinist June 5 June 23 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding July 17 September 11 October 9 August 4 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) June 5 July 10 August 7 September 25 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB July 3 August 14 September 25 November 6 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT July 24 September 18 November 13 July 28 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT June 26 July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 June 30 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 5 July 31 September 18 November 27 June 16 August 11 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Courqse Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 10 August 21 October 2 November 13 August 4 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 26 August 7 September 18 October 30 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning June 12, 2006. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun October 9 November 6 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops July 17 September 11 November 13 August 11 October 6 December 8 Steward July 10 August 7 Fast Rescue Boat June 5 July 17 June 9 July 21 FOWT July 17 September 11 September 8 November 3 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ Academic Department Courses With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending March 31 are (from Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 673 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 673. They include (in alphabetical order) Antoine Best, Gregory Brown, Ronald Byrd, Marion Cruzat, Mervin Cruzat, Lester Desheers, Thomas Jarrett, Nicholas Kempker, Detrell Lambey, Aaron Larson, Jesse Lewis, Robert Miskel, Orien Nelson, Derrick Norfleet, Jeffery Novak, Brendan O’Brien, Kevin Robinson, Michael Sanders Jr., Kyle McClellan, William Thomas and Penny Williams. left, kneeling) Christopher Bean, Patrick Guertin, Kemer Rojas, (second row) Adrian Cockerell, Robert Morrison, Christopher Doucet, William Devers, William Little, Jason Boyer, Keyon Kidd, Abigail Maki, Audania Bomar, John Yi, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), (third row) Saleh Mothana, Graham Jones, Brian Saba, Timothy Eide Jr., Scott Jones and Greg Martineau. Not pictured is John Springer. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course April 14 are (in no specific order) Karen Suzuki, Frank Zoumakpe, Victor Rios, Xavier Alfaro, Milton Hollis, Eufracio Arzu, Keith Jasmine, Mark Wyn, Rudolph Miller, Mark Leman, Angel Carrillo, Carlos Valdes, Derrick Lott Sr., Roger Saxon, Robert Warren, Lamont Robinson, Melvin Smith, Francisco Palacios and Samuel McDaniel. (Note: not all are pictured.) ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (second from right) are students who completed the ARPA course April 21. They are (from the left) Jeffrey Titco, Bill Hewett and Michael Sykes. Radar — Graduates of the recent radar course are (from left) Arthur Price, Bill Hewett, Jeffrey Titco and Michael Sykes. Mike Smith (center) was their instructor. Galley/Advanced Galley Operations — Graduates of recent galley operations and advanced galley operations classes are (from left) Jay Ashun, Willie Frink, Kay Kalua, Irina Shubov, Tammy Brown, Ismael Garayua, Abdulsattar Nasser, Edvaldo Viana, Brittany Lewis, Jermeka Williams, Cheryl Lynch and Cresencio Gonzalez. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — April 14 was graduation day for the six students in the water survival course. They are (in alphabetical order) Allan Coloyan, Fred Forsythe, Rene Gil, Jaber Jaber, Patrick Thompson and Bruce White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is seated third from left. Computer Lab Classes Any student who has registered for a class and finds— Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) Jeff Leman, Alyxi Alexander, John Frey and Anthony Alibah. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, is in the center. for whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:25 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Small Arms — Seafarers in the bosun recertification program completed the small arms training course April 21. They are (in no specific order) Richard Barnes, Daniel Teichman, Rufino Giray, Amante Gumiran, William Richards, Timothy Jackson, Mike Shappo, Robert Natividad, Paul Wade, Scott Palen, Iima Winfred and Reginald Watkins. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Small Arms — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the small arms training course April 28. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Steven Blair, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Jeremy Finley, Ernest Frank, Dallon Garnett, Maxine Howard, Jesse James, Raul Morales, Winston Rankin, WilmaJoy Smith and Akia Wilcox. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Specially Trained OS — Thirteen unli- censed apprentices from Phase III of their training completed this evening course April 27. They are (in no specific order) Casey O’Brien, Ryan Vandergrift, Reid Bland, Joseph Ward, Joseph Bianchi, Wilma-Joy Smith, Abner Torres, Maxine Howard, Sean Fox, Shawn Orr, Eddie Flood, Michael Sedita and John Davis. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. Specially Trained OS — Included in the April 27 graduating class are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Francisco Palacios, Dominique Calvy, Jeremy Finley, Jesse James, Karel Cain, Steven Blair, Tim Kauble, MacGregor Davis, Raul Morales, Tyrell Blackburn and SIU upgraders Patrick Tucker, Mohamed Khodeiri, Atanacio Bernardez, Gary Hirsch and Alexander Rodriguez. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. STCW — NCL, April 7: Rachid Aboulwafa, Luis Ahumada, Robert Alway, Edward Anderson, Wanda Anderson, Laura Archer, Manuel Arsenio Jr., Charles Austin, Elizabeth Ayiku, Richard Bailey, Antonio Barleston, Michael Basak, Lissa Bates, Margaret Bauras, Rachid Beldi, Nicole Belmont, Amber Benjamin, Toufik Benjeddi, Charles Bennett, Joseph Bentley and Jordan Beswick. STCW — NCL, April 20: Aurelien d’Anglejan, Chanel Daniels, Terronce DeBarros Freeman, Pedro Diaz, Alycia Distefano, Teag Drabik, Novelette DuCasse, Timmy Ducut, April Durbin, Rebekah Dykhorst, Rachid Fahmi, Paula Fanjoy, Nicholas Fernandez, Jose Figueroa Seary, Cory File, Victor Garza, Brenda Giles, Robert Glynn, Reynante Gonzales, Derijah Goss, Yukari Hadde, Kathy Hancock and Troy Hankerson. June 2006 STCW — NCL, April 20: William Bloom, Johnnie Booth, Lucette Breitenkam, Matthew Brice, Fabian Brooks, Anthony Bruce, Riffany Burd, John Burns, Shasta Byrd, Dennis Calhoun Jr., Dimitri Chenin, Ulysses Church, Llewlyn Clarke, James Collins, Felipe Colon, Jay Cook, Nicole Cordero, Maristella Cordova, Michael Crowley, Nancy Cummings and Joseph Czelusniak II. STCW — NCL, April 7: Jared Hauck, Donald Hawk, Rebecca Henckel, Joseph Henry, Diane Higginbottom, Matthew Hollis, Belinda Hoyt, Roy Jackson Jr., Mary Juszczak, Leonardo Kalesaran, Daishawn Keith, Garth Kennedy, David Kim, Christopher Klein, James Kubalanza, Donald Langwell, John Laquidara, Jessica Leati, Steven Lienhart and Tasha Lindsay. Seafarers LOG 23 �36210p01_24X.qxp 6/1/2006 8:56 AM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan SIU PD Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. SIU PD Seafarers Medical Center Fund — page 14 Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day S eafarers, union officials and a large troop of unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on May 22 joined scores of dignitaries who witnessed and participated in four National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The events included a Maritime Day observance and medal ceremony, a Mass commemorating National Maritime Day, a Propeller Club luncheon and a wreath-laying ceremony. A forum on mariners’ welfare also took place that day. The respective events took place at the U.S. Department of Transportation, St. Dominic Catholic Church, and the Washington Navy Yard. They were sponsored by the Department of Transportation’s U.S. Maritime Administration, the Apostleship of the Sea and the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America, the Propeller Club (Port of Washington, D.C.) and the Kings Point Club of Washington D.C., the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the North American Maritime Ministry Association. National Maritime Day Observance U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, a battle-tested champion of the U.S. Merchant Marine, was the principal speaker during the National Maritime Day Observance. Following his keynote address, the transportation secretary presented U.S. Merchant Marine Medals to 28 mariners and to representatives of ship management companies for their respective efforts and contributions made during the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes in the Gulf. Nine of the medal recipients were SIU members. “I extend a special welcome to veterans of the merchant marine who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Secretary Mineta upon taking the podium. “The nation is grateful for your service.” Focusing on the purpose of the day’s gathering, Secretary Mineta noted, “Like the military veterans who we will honor on Memorial Day, the National Maritime Day recounts the history of the sentries of our seas and their contributions to our great country. Today, we honor the achievements and sacrifices of those seafarers in times of war and in time of peace. “From our nation’s founding to the present day,” he continued, “the legacy of our nation’s merchant Left: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao tells a Washington, D.C. Maritime Day audience that the nation continues to rely on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Right: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (right) presents the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement to SIU Chief Cook Jack Curry for the mariner’s efforts in recent hurricane relief missions. mariners is woven through the fabric of American history, creating a vibrant tapestry that tells the tale of exceptional character and uncommon valor.” Recounting history, Secretary Mineta said when America’s 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain over 200 years ago, they had only 31 ships comprising the Continental Navy. “So the colonists commissioned privately owned merchant marine ships to be outfitted as war ships to add to the fleet,” he said. “These ships and their crews successfully interrupted the British supply chain supporting the defeat of the redcoats and contributing to the birth of our great nation.” Moving to the 20th century, Secretary Mineta told those in attendance of the merchant mariners’ consistent tradition of service to country. “When our country was again in need, during World War II,” he pointed out, “the merchant marine provided critical logistical assistance and carried out the greatest sealift in history. Whether in the seas of the Pacific, or the waters of the Atlantic, the support and sacrifice of these seafarers were vital to the victory of the allied forces. “This legacy of remarkable service lives on today with the outstanding efforts of the maritime industry in the global war on terror,” the transportation secretary continued. “More than 5,000 merchant mariners voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way to transport much-needed equipment and supplies to our troops serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Secretary Mineta noted that the same brand of noble service which merchant mariners exhibited overseas during armed conflict also flourishes in the domestic arena. “Here at home, the merchant mariner has proven himself invaluable as well,” he said. “Immediately following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, American Merchant Nine Seafarers were honored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration at a May 22 ceremony in Washington, D.C. Those SIU members are pictured after the event with SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (third from right) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from left). Mariners were among the first to answer the call for assistance by transporting emergency personnel and needed supplies to ground zero. That day, more than a half-million people were safely evacuated from lower Manhattan … [by] ferry boats, tour boats and government vessels. And in the days that followed, merchant mariners stayed the course, providing rescue and recovery support and ferrying responders into and out of lower Manhattan. “More recently, following Hurricane Katrina, merchant mariners provided critical rescue relief and recovery support as part of the hurricane response team,” he noted. Secretary Mineta said that immediately follow- Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., commander of MSC, welcomes Unlicensed Apprentice James Burton and other trainees to the agency’s Maritime Day ceremony. ing Katrina, “I took the unprecedented step of activating the Ready Reserve Fleet for service to help more supplies and personnel into the Gulf Coast Region and move people out of harm’s way. The Ready Reserve ships brought in emergency cargo, generated electricity, helped to restore port activity and provided shelter and meals to relief workers. Their (merchant mariners’) hard work was nothing short of extraordinary. Teamwork was vital to these efforts, so today we would like honor this spirit of cooperation by awarding the Merchant Marine Medal for outstanding achievement to 28 seafarers for their leadership following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” Other speakers at the Maritime Administration ceremony included Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson; U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Tom Atkin, assistant to the Coast Guard chief of staff; and Federal Emergency Management Agency Acting Director of Response Division Michael W. Lowder. Maritime Day Mass After the morning observance and medal presentation, many of the event’s attendees, including SIU officials and the contingent of trainees from the Paul Hall Center, departed Department of Transportation grounds and made their way across the street to the St. Dominic Catholic Church. In that venue, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., conducted a special Mass observing National Maritime Day. Among the ministers assisting in the Mass was Rev. Sinclair Oubre, president, Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (and an active SIU member). Maritime Day Luncheon U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, during her keynote address at the annual National Maritime Day Continued on page 10 NATIONAL MARITIME DAY 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our national security and strengthening our economy. As we celebrate National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation. Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our military as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas, and they helped keep vital ocean supply lines operating. President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering "despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber, and the surface raider." Today's merchant mariners follow those who courageously served before them as they continue to provide crucial support for our Nation's service men and women. America is grateful for their commitment to excellence and devotion to duty. In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate commerce by importing and exporting goods throughout the world. They work with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valuable skills and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo transportation. This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant mariners also played an important role in hurricane relief efforts. Ships brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided assistance for oil spill cleanup, generated electricity, and provided meals and lodging for recovery workers and evacuees. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2006, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirti- eth. GEORGE W. BUSH � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LABOR SECRETARY ANNOUNCES TRAINING GRANT 4 SEAFARERS, 5 DEPENDENTS SELECTED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS PRIDE OF HAWAII CHRISTENED LEGISLATURE HONORS ALASKA TANKER CO. ABERCROMBIE RECEIVES ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ PROPELLER CLUB AWARD RECOGNIZES MARITIME ADVOCATE AMENDMENT AIMS TO MAINTAIN RRF PROPOSED RULES ISSUES FOR NEW CREDENTIALS UNION EXAMINING POTENTIAL CONTENT, METHODS FOR ISSUING TWIC DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE RECOVERY PLAN 12 SIU BOSUNS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW ATTRACTS 200,000 GUESTS ANNUAL EVENT SHOWCASES UNION-MADE GOODS AND SERVICES SPICA LOCATES DOWNED MARINE HELICOPTERS COOPERATIVE EFFORTS RESULT IN NOAA WAGE GAINS UNION PLUS OFFERS DISCOUNT FOR CONSUMER REPORTS WEB SITE SEAFARERS HONORED ON MARITIME DAY BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER A WELCOME DISTRACTION BALTIMORE WELCOMES THE PRIDE OF HAWAII SEAFARERS HONORED ON NATIONAL MARITIME DAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 6 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/3e470feff7aff8e6e9afb34dc420daf4.pdf 383759d2d4464968c0186dd8592f53fa PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 Pacific Reliance Joins SIU Fleet New ATB Christened In Mobile The SIU participated in ceremonies March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the tug Pacific Reliance and its accompanying barge 650-1 (both pictured below). Together the new units form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) with a capacity of 185,000 barrels. The tug is 127 feet long, while the barge is 587 feet. Pictured before the ceremony are (inset, from left) SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, Engineer Joe Kadak, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Willie Allen, AB Kevin Schroder and Engineer Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood. Page 3. Union Opening Hall in Oakland Vocational Training Available to Seafarers Upgrading Remains A Key to Advancement The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved upgrading courses to mariners interested in advancing their careers. Courses are available for students in the deck, engine and steward departments, as reflected in these recent handson training photos taken at the Piney Point, Md. facility. For more information (and many more photos), see pages 12-13. The SIU is relocating its San Francisco operations to a roomy, conveniently located building in nearby Oakland, Calif. The new building, pictured above, is being tailored to the union’s needs; a tentative move-in period is set for early July. The Oakland facility has numerous advantages over the old hall on Fremont Street. Page 3. Claims Department Reopens in Piney Point Seafarers Prepare Pride of Hawaii Page 4 Page 6 �President’s Report Great Start, but Work Remains We are barely a third of the way through 2006 and already it has been a great year for the SIU. Near the end of April, there was a lot of excitement at SIU headquarters and at our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as members, officials and employees anticipated the arrival in Baltimore of NCL America’s newest cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. This is the third SIU-crewed ship we have welcomed into NCL America’s fleet since 2004, and needless to say, it doesn’t get old. Michael Sacco The Pride of Hawaii is a big headline-grabber, but it’s not the only recent story signifying new and future jobs for Seafarers. This year alone we have crewed up a new ATB on the Gulf Coast and applauded the announcement of an order to build a ninth T-AKE ship that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We’ve kept an eye on the ongoing construction in Philadelphia where new tankers are being built, and on the West Coast where the fourth Alaska-class tanker and another Government Services ship are being completed. In case you missed it in last month’s LOG or at the April membership meetings, during the recent conference of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board, Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), announced that his company is primed to invest in 17 new U.S.-flag ships for the Jones Act trades. Brothers and sisters, that is news that’s worth reporting at least twice! Around that same time, SIU-contracted Horizon Lines announced an agreement to charter five new American-flag ships beginning early next year. We’ve made progress this year in other areas, too. On the West Coast, work is being done to help us move from our old hall in San Francisco to a better facility in nearby Oakland. This isn’t a new trend: Since 1988 we have opened or relocated to new halls in Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, Anchorage, Joliet, Tacoma and Guam. We have refurbished several of our other halls. I’m very proud of the recognition Seafarers have received this year for their efforts assisting hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast. Once again, the SIU delivered when called upon. Even though the rebuilding process in the Gulf of course is far from finished, it was fitting that our members and other mariners were acknowledged for pitching in during the critical earliest stages. Those are just some of the highlights from the first four months of this year. We have plenty more to look forward to—and plenty of challenges to meet. No challenge—or responsibility—may be more important than our grassroots participation leading up to Election Day in November. This year, the entire U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. There are a number of state and local elections as well, including those for about three-dozen state governors. It’s no exaggeration to say that most Seafarers understand the great impact that politics has on our livelihoods. SIU members know that our industry was heavily regulated long before September 11 and before the unrelated, amended STCW convention. Since then, you could say, we have to jump through a few more hoops before climbing the gangway. Seafarers also understand that our political efforts never end. There is regular turnover at every level of government. With those changes comes the need to educate newly elected representatives about the tremendous importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Of course, it’s also necessary from time to time to remind even the most seasoned legislators about our role in boosting America’s national and economic security. That’s true not just during election years. Once again, I appreciate SIU members’ support of the voluntary fund known as the Seafarers Political Action Donation. SPAD is nothing short of essential in helping deliver the right message to the right people. At the same time, SPAD isn’t the only way that members can pitch in to help elect pro-maritime representatives. That’s why I’m confident that you will answer the call when your local SIU representatives ask for your time to assist in grassroots campaigning between now and November 7. The greater the success we have in politics, the more good news we’ll report each month. Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Coast Guard Authorization Bill Clears Conference Committee Early last month, House and Senate conferees agreed to an $8.7 billion authorization for the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal year 2006. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, includes provisions intended to allow the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement. Commenting on the overall conference report, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, stated, “This agreement provides the good men and women of the Coast Guard, who performed so well in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the resources to carry out their vital missions.” Young also chaired the conference committee. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889 includes the following provisions: „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the impacted region. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 features components aimed at allowing the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, among other directives. Above, Coast Guard personnel from Station New York on Staten Island patrol the waters surrounding the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor earlier this year. „ Defines (in the U.S. Code) a riding gang member on a U.S.-flag vessel as a non-U.S. citizen or permanent alien who is used to perform certain limited repair functions on the vessels. A riding gang member also is defined as someone who isn’t part of the crew; doesn’t possess a z-card or license; doesn’t perform watchstanding, automated engine room duty watch or personnel safety functions; doesn’t do longshore work; isn’t a member of the steward department; and doesn’t come from a nation named by the U.S. as a sponsor of terrorism. „ Stipulates that no ship may carry more than 12 riding gang members at once, and that companies employing foreign riding gangs must certify that they first tried to hire U.S. citizens to do the work (and that no U.S. citizens are available for the jobs). „ Provides a $1.6 billion funding level for the Integrated Deepwater Systems (Deepwater) Program, the Coast Guard’s program to replace or modernize the ships and aircraft used in the Coast Guard’s deepwater missions. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish Naval Vessel Protection Zones up to 12 nautical miles offshore. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct international training and to provide technical assistance to international navies, coast guards and maritime authorities during regular Coast Guard operations. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to inspect ferries for maritime safety purposes; „ Requires the Coast Guard to detail adequate personnel to assure that Great Lakes pilotage rates are adjusted annually. „ Requires the Coast Guard to develop a long-term plan to recapitalize the service’s polar icebreakers. „ Promotes the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on U.S.-flag vessels; „ Establishes a long-range vessel tracking system pilot project. „ Adjusts oil spill liability limits for tank and nontank vessels to reflect changes in inflation. „ Authorizes the federal government to purchase any property that was the principal residence of a member or related employee of the Coast Guard that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas. „ Requires the Coast Guard to report to Congress on the additional costs associated with the Coast Guard’s response to Hurricane Katrina. Rep. King Pledges Support For U.S. Maritime Industry The House Homeland Security Committee chairman recently told a Washington, D.C. audience that he supports the U.S. maritime industry and that he is committed to protecting U.S. ports without losing jobs, hurting the economy or neglecting labor interests. “I stand by your industry,” said U.S. Rep. Peter King (RN.Y.) during an appearance at the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on March 30. He said it would take cooperation throughout the maritime spectrum to secure ports and U.S.-bound cargo. “Coming from New York, we have many vulnerable areas, but none more so than our ports,” he continued. The congressman reminisced on the friends, acquaintances and constituents he lost on 9/11 and said that for many, the controversy over the Dubai Ports World deal brought home the importance of port security. King was speaking to the audience just after H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE) Act, passed out of the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security by voice vote. The House bill is the companion to the Senate version (S. 2459) introduced by U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). King called for more radiation portal monitors and increased inspections overseas before cargo reaches U.S. ports. He also said he wants to work throughout the maritime industry on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC card. The committee chairman told the audience that he believes there should be separate funding for port security grants, and said he believes U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, supports this position as well. Addressing a question from former Congresswoman Helen Bentley, King said he’s taking an active role in reforming processes involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He asserted that the secretary for Homeland U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) Security should co-chair it along with the Treasury Secretary. King also noted that when CFIUS was formed in 1988, it was more concerned with foreign investment than it was about homeland security. He said some level of secrecy still needs to stay in the process, but suggested that Republican and Democratic leadership in the House be kept informed on matters before CFIUS. The congressman also agreed with another questioner who said that not all fixes to port security can be legislative ones, and that the entire supply chain has to be examined. May 2006 �Crowley Christens New ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the first of six new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company plans to take delivery of during the next two-and-ahalf years. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly represented the union along with a number of rank-and-file members. The vessels christened were the 9,280-hp tug Pacific Reliance and barge 650-1. The event took place at the Mobile Convention Center. Constance Crowley Peabody, aunt of Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO, christened the 127-foot Pacific Reliance while Janet Bishop from ConocoPhillips christened the 587-foot barge 650-1. “This is state-of-the-art equipment and it represents a great addition to the SIU-contracted fleet,” noted Corgey. “I’m sure I speak for all of our other officials in saying that we’re completely confident that SIU members will do a fantastic job aboard the new ATB and the ones that follow.” According to the company, Crowley’s Petroleum Services group will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and operate it for ConocoPhillips under a three-year agreement. “We are thrilled to be expanding our ATB fleet with these new, larger, state-of-the-art vessels,” said Tom Crowley. “Our existing ATBs have performed extremely well for our petroleum customers, and we’re confident that this new ATB will provide ConocoPhillips with many years of safe, reliable and efficient transportation for their products.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane, in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the ATB SIU Contract Honored In Delta Queen Sale The Seafarers-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company has been purchased by Ambassadors International, Inc., and the new owners are honoring the SIU collective bargaining agreement. “Effectively there is no change where the membership is concerned,” noted SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “All SIU jobs are maintained and the SIU contract remains in place.” Delta Queen itself apparently will remain as the operator of the Seafarers-crewed paddlewheel steamboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, but the company’s headquarters will be consolidated to Seattle. Bruce Nierenberg, president of Delta Queen, told the Associated Press that Ambassadors probably will move sales and financial operations to Seattle while keeping the marine and hotel operations in New Orleans. Ambassadors, which acquired Delta Queen from the Delaware North Companies, operates the 163-passenger Queen of the West and the 235-passenger Empress of the North in the Pacific Northwest through its subsidiary American West Cruises, based in Seattle. According to Delaware North, Ambassadors will acquire the three Delta Queen vessels and associated operating assets of Delta Queen for $3 million in cash, the assumption of approximately $9 million of customer deposits and the assumption of approximately $35 million of fixed-rate debt payable through 2020. The deal also includes stock considerations. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company operates historical cruise itineraries on many of America’s best known rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Arkansas rivers with stops at many of America’s most historic cities, battlegrounds and estates. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is America’s oldest cruise line, with its history dating back to 1890. The Delta Queen can carry 174 passengers, the Mississippi Queen 416 and the American Queen 436. The American Queen recently completed a special mission under charter to energy companies in support of disaster relief efforts in the Gulf Coast area. Joe Ueberroth, president and CEO of Ambassadors International, Inc., noted that Delta Queen and American West would combine to create “a national, American cruise company.” He also expressed confidence in the fleet’s “dedicated American crews.” The SIU-crewed American Queen, pictured in New Orleans, assisted in hurricane relief missions after Katrina struck last year. May 2006 The new ATB features all the latest equipment and double-hull construction. tank vessel. The barge 650-1 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Pacific Reliance at its shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it also can carry heated cargoes and certain chemicals which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above that normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. According to Crowley, there is an electric cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring Seafarers welcome the new tug Pacific Reliance in Mobile, Ala. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) David Lane, William Davis, Willie Allen, David Nimmer, (standing) Leo Venegas, Joe Kadak, Darren Bates, John Quagliano Jr., Wallace Ashwood Sr., Kevin Schroder, Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood, William Palmer, Bob Hoffman, Marc Tomuschat and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. The ATBs also feature a dual mode inert gas system and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of inert gas covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectratype lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient diesel engines; a noise reduction package; and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today, according to Crowley. Union’s San Francisco Operations Moving to New Hall in Oakland Spacious Facility Offers Numerous Improvements The SIU plans to relocate its San Francisco-area operations to a new union hall in nearby Oakland, Calif. this summer. The new building is scheduled for various modifications to suit the membership’s needs. Pending completion of those alterations, the move tentatively is penciled in for early July. Located at 1121 7th Street, the new hall is two stories not including a basement and is approximately 17,000 square feet. It offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building; additional parking is available nearby. The Oakland hall is 9 miles from the union’s San Francisco hall, which is located at 350 Fremont Street. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel said the move will provide several noteworthy improvements. The Oakland hall is based in a generally more attractive area near Jack London Square, a popular community. The new hall is located within easy walking distance of the Matson pier and also is near public transportation. Additionally, the building on 7th Street will offer a “media room” for rank-and-file members that includes a television and high-speed internet hookups. It will contain a classroom for off-site training, a meeting room, a conference room and other amenities. Ample parking is available behind the new hall on 7th Street, scheduled to open this summer. The facility is 60 years old but underwent major refurbishment a few years ago, including various structural reinforcements. The interior as of late April largely was wide open, which should facilitate its upcoming reconfiguration. The union has occupied its hall on Fremont Street since 1980. More details on the upcoming move will be reported in the Seafarers LOG as they become available. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU-Crewed Hauge Honored for Safety The crew and captain of the SIU-contracted CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. on March 24 formally were recognized for their impressive achievements in the area of safe ship operations during 2005. The recognition itself, which came in the form of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award, originally was bestowed on the Hauge and its crew last summer. It formally was presented to Capt. Paul Zubaly by Jerry Eker, director of maritime operations, Maersk Line Limited during recent ceremonies in Norfolk, Va. Officials from the SIU, including Vice President Government Services Division Kermett Mangram and Jacksonville, Fla. Port Agent Archie Ware were on hand for the ceremony as were representatives from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. As previously reported, in addition to the Maersk-operated Hauge, 10 other SIUcontracted companies along with their top performing vessels last year were cited by the U.S. maritime industry for safe ship operations. Like the Hauge, the other vessels and their crews originally were recognized during the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award and the 2005 Ship Safety Achievement Awards. The event took the form the Chamber of Shipping of America’s Annual Safety Awards Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Claims Office Reopens The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s claims office fully reopened April 3. The department is based at the Seafarersaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The claims office also includes a membership services department. More than 40 employees work in the claims office, which is reachable by phone at 800 252-4674. “We’re delighted to bring membership services back to the claims department,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “There is widespread confidence both within the department and the union that this move will result in an improvement in membership services.” Claims Director Pat Benoit stated, “We’re all very happy to be doing the job we know best and giving the members the quality service they deserve.” Employees took part in a brief but spirited re-opening ceremony following the April membership meeting. Oleta Copsey is a membership services representative. Pam Harris (left) and Tammy Smyth are among the 40-plus employees at the claims office. Riverside. The awards recognized individual ships and the women and men who crew them while performing accident-free operations. The prizes also served as incentives to promote safe ship practices aboard all American-flagged vessels. “It’s always great to see Seafarers receive this type of well-deserved recognition, especially when it has to do with safety,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Such awards are SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware (center) met with tributes not only to the indi- Chief Steward Victorino Cruz (left) and Recertified Bosun vidual mariners, but also a James Foley prior to the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. reflection of the tremendous Devlin Award. jobs that the instructors and staff at our affiliated training crews for accident-free operations. school (the Paul Hall Center in Piney Twenty-six vessels representing seven Point, Md.) do in preparing students for companies received the Certificate of their careers.” Honor Award that year. Two years later, The Hauge is a roll-on/roll-off containthe award was renamed the Jones F. ership that is part of MSC’s prepositioning Devlin Award to honor the safety expert program. The vessel is 755 long and has a who thought the credit should go to the beam of 90 feet. It can sail at 16.4 knots. mariners who were achieving these In 1954, American Export Lines had a results. safety-at-sea expert who was in close assoFor more than 40 years, this award has ciation with the American Merchant been given to individual vessels that have Marine Institute. That year, he approached achieved at least two years of injury-free the AMMI board of directors requesting that an award for safety achievement at sea operation. The Chamber of Shipping of America be established. The board agreed to sponrepresents 25 U.S.-based companies that sor such recognition, and the first Ship Safety Achievement Awards were estab- own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships and other merchant lished (and four vessels were honored). In 1958, that same safety officer vessels engaged in both the domestic and approached the AMMI once again regard- international trades and other entities that ing sponsorship of an award that would maintain a commercial interest in the operrecognize individual vessels and their ation of such vessels. Claims office personnel are pictured with officials from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans as the department reopens in Piney Point, Md. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (ninth from left) and Jerry Eker, director of operations, Maersk Line Limited (seventh from left) join the crew and captain of the Hauge shortly after the award presentation. Port Official Edward Smith Dies at 79 “There wasn’t a day that went by where my father didn’t brag about the SIU and how it provided for all of us,” said Edward C. Smith about his father, Edward V. (Smitty) Smith of Severna Park, Md., who passed away March 27 of natural causes. He was 79. Brother Smith was born in Boston but moved to Prince Edward Island at a young age and served in the Canadian merchant navy during World War II. He returned to the U.S. and joined the SIU in 1947. Working in the steward department, Brother Smith served as a cook, chief cook and chief steward. He sailed from New York, New Orleans and then Baltimore. In Baltimore, he headed up the cafeteria in the union hall and later served as a port representative. Some of the SIU ships he worked on were the Boulder VicThis photo of Brother Smith was taken in the Baltimore union hall when he tory, Mankato Victory worked as a port representative there. and Robin Mowbray. 4 Seafarers LOG Brother Smith retired in 1982. “He would tell some great stories about working with Paul Hall and the Sacco brothers,” noted his son, “and he helped with the groundbreaking activities for the school at Piney Point in 1967.” Ben Wilson, who began shipping around the same time, but in the deck department, became good friends with Smith. Now retired from the union as an AB, Baltimore patrolman and port agent— and presently living in North Carolina—Wilson said the two got together whenever they could in recent years. He spoke with Smith just three days before he died. “He was a real good man and a good friend,” said Wilson. “He enjoyed his sea- Edward V. Smith in a photo taken in 1964. faring career and helping the members.” A graveside service celebrating Smith’s life was held March 31 at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie, Md. He is survived by his children Edward C. Smith and Tara Berman, brothers Earle and Fred Smith, and three grandchildren. SA Tiffany Thompson May 2006 �Massachusetts Health Plan Draws Federation’s Ire At a time when some 46 million Americans are uninsured, one state—the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—has unveiled a “universal health plan” which some are touting as a model for the rest of the country while others, including AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, call it bad deal for working families. Lawmakers in the Bay State’s House of Representatives on April 4 approved a health care bill making it the first U.S. state to require nearly all residents to either be insured or face consequences. House members voted 155-2 in favor of the 145-page plan; it unanimously was approved by the Senate. Under the plan, a combination of financial incentives and penalties will be used to expand access to health care over the next three years and extend coverage to the state’s estimated 500,000 uninsured residents. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R), who may run for president in 2008, signed the bill into law April 12. The new regulation includes three key provisions meant to increase coverage. First, it is intended to modestly expand Medicaid eligibility. Second, it will offer subsidies for the purchase of private coverage to lowincome individuals and families, though the size of the subsidies has yet to be determined. Finally, those making more than three Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ Moves to House Subcommittee The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing April 6 on proposed legislation calling for monthly payments to World War II-era merchant mariners. The SIU supports the bill, known as the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. For last month’s hearing, the SIU submitted a joint letter with other U.S. maritime unions calling for its enactment. The legislation has strong bipartisan support in both the House (210 cosponsors as of early April) and Senate (28 cosponsors). Introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), the Belated Thank You bill calls for a monthly payment of $1,000 to World War II mariners or their surviving spouses. In his testimony to the subcommittee (which is part of the House Veterans Affairs Committee), Filner said that the story of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II is one of “patriotism, of youthful exuberance, of dedication to duty, of pride in a job well done, of bravery in the midst of battle, and sadly, of a nation who forgot these heroes for over 40 years after the war’s end.” Filner noted that merchant mariners suffered a high casualty rate (by most measures, second only to that of the Marine Corps) but kept on delivering the goods. “Without them, we would not have been able to win the war. It’s as simple as that,” the congressman said. He also pointed out that in the war’s aftermath, the U.S. Merchant Marine “became the forgotten service.” They not only weren’t covered by the GI Bill, they weren’t formally acknowledged as veterans until 1988. (Even then the recognition was incomplete. It took another decade for the government to match the cutoff date for veterans’ status for mariners with that of the armed services.) “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose that this bill will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits,” Filner added. Ian Allison, who co-chairs the citizens’ group leading the grassroots effort to pass the bill, testified before the subcommittee and also submitted the maritime unions’ letter along with other supportive statements. A merchant marine veteran of World War II, Allison said that his group (the Just Compensation Committee) represents approximately 6,300 individuals. Allison said that passage of the Belated Thank You legislation “would be the final chapter of what has been a ragged response by the government to men who placed their lives in danger as they served their country. There might be some members in Congress who are not historically informed in what happened to some 230,000 seamen, both black and white, from the end of World War II to the present. The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was the only service that was not segregated…. “It has been said that when one dies, so dies one’s influence and power,” he continued. “And so it was that when President Franklin Roosevelt died, his directions to his advisors that the merchant seamen of World War II should be accorded benefits like veterans of other services also died. The influence of dissenting members (of Congress) and some of the animosities left over after the war from competing services and civilian service groups prevented benefits being given to merchant seamen. Many service people who might have dug ditches in Louisiana and never stepped outside the United States got the full GI Bill, GI loans, and much more; but those who sailed the Murmansk Run, were sunk in burning oil or frigid waters of the North Atlantic got nothing. In fact, their pay, which has been reviewed countless times, stopped the moment they went into the water.” Allison told the subcommittee that the youngest of the World War II mariners today are in their late 70s, “many in poor health. The majority are men in their mid-80s. I am 86 years old and dedicating 100 percent of my time to see the record set right by passage of H.R. 23. There is still time for a grateful nation to say ‘Thank You’ to a thinning rank of men. “Sixty years is a long time for any service person to wait for proper recognition. Sixty years is a long time to spend trying to correct history written to denigrate what we thought was service to our country.” Pennsylvania Law Stipulates $500 Bonus For WWII Mariners Pennsylvania-based U.S. Merchant Marine veterans who sailed during World War II applauded last month’s signing of state legislation that calls for a one-time, $500 cash bonus to eligible mariners from that era. The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) had pushed for House Bill 58, which also was supported by the SIU. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell signed the bill on April 12. Sponsored by Pennsylvania State Rep. John. A. Maher (R- May 2006 Allegheny/Washington), the bill calls for a $500 bonus to any U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who served during World War II and who is also a legal resident of Pennsylvania. According to the governor’s office, eligibility requirements include honorable separation from the U.S. Merchant Marine; having maintained U.S. citizenship during World War II; and not having “refused to be subject to military discipline on conscientious, political, religious or other grounds during World War II.” The adjutant general is charged with administering the act, issuing applications and reviewing applications for the bonus. Also, the adjutant general is to prepare, publish and distribute a pamphlet explaining the benefits under this act. The bonuses will be funded by a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veterans’ bonus fund, a restricted receipt account in the general fund. Money for the fund will be appropriated from the General Fund by the General Assembly and any money remaining in the fund on June 30, 2007, will be returned to the General Fund. The bill passed the House 1990 and the Senate, with amendments, 49-0. The House concurred 197-0. This bill becomes effective immediately, but will expire on June 30, 2007. times the poverty income (about $30,000 for a single person) will have to buy their own coverage or pay a fine. The new law is still largely a work in progress as some of its significant details—the exact definition of what it means to be able to afford insurance, as an example—will be finalized when the plan’s regulations actually are drafted. But Sweeney, the head of America’s largest labor organization, has seen enough to form a strong opinion. He and others took particular issue with Romney’s vetoing of one portion of the legislation: a $295 annual fee on businesses that don’t give coverage to their workers. “It is simply ridiculous that Governor Romney would try to solve Massachusetts’ health care problems by dumping them on the backs of working families and already stretched budgets, and then penalize them if they cannot afford it,” Sweeney said. “By vetoing language that would have required employers to pay into the health care system, he protected them from taking on even the slightest iota of responsibility. “An individual mandate to buy insurance can only work if it is paired with a guarantee of affordable, comprehensive coverage, and the language in [this] legislation falls dangerously short of that goal.” Sweeney noted that news sources including the Boston Globe have reported that the average plan cost for a single worker would be $350 a month. For someone earning $28,000 a year (the amount at which state assistance and subsidies become unavailable) that would mean paying 15 percent of his or her pre-tax income toward coverage. “For a working family that’s huge, and it’s a lot more than the meager annual assessment fee of $295 for employers who fail to provide coverage,” Sweeney stated. “But in Romney’s eyes, even that was too much to ask of his business friends. The provisions for families below 300 percent of the poverty level should be commended. But families above that 300 percent level will be forced to buy coverage they cannot afford, or accept cheaper, stripped down policies that provide coverage in name only.” The federation president concluded, “This legislation provides little hope for middle class famiContinued on page 6 Philadelphia’s Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved to a new building at the Navy Yard Corporate Center, a few minutes from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Philadelphia Health Unit Parks in a Better Location The Seafarers-contracted Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved from Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia to a newly built facility at the nearby Navy Yard Corporate Center. The new building is located at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The complete address is: Healthmark Incorporated Clinic Navy Yard Corporate Center 1 Crescent Drive Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19112 Telephone (215) 952-9901 SIU members will continue receiving the same comprehensive health services that have been offered by Healthmark since the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan first signed on with the clinic in 1991. Normally, it takes only a few minutes to drive to the new facility from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Even before stepping inside the Corporate Center, Seafarers likely will notice one major advantage to the relocation. According to Healthmark employees, parking at the old building often proved challenging—patients sometimes ended up as far as six blocks away. The new building features plenty of on-site, free parking. The improvements don’t end there, however. Healthmark has installed a substantial amount of new, state-of-the-art medical equipment. “We offer the same services as before,” said a Healthmark worker, “but this building is brand new, beautiful and spacious. The access is great and there’s no hassle with the parking.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Pride of Hawaii Makes Its 1st Transatlantic Crossing The Pride of Hawaii officially was handed over to NCL America in a ceremony last month in Eemshaven, Holland. As the American flag was raised aboard the SIU-crewed vessel, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Star Cruises (which owns NCL Corp.), was joined by NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, the shipyard that constructed the vessel at a cost of more than $500 million. “We are proud to take delivery of this beautiful new ship not only because she is our newest and largest U.S.-flagged vessel, but because she features the innovative design and tremendous consumer appeal,” said Thay. Although the delivery of the ship was initially slowed by an adjustment to its propulsion system, Veitch was pleased to welcome the company’s new addition. “We are thrilled to complete our ambitious plan of bringing three U.S.-flagged ships to Hawaii by 2006,” he said. “The Pride of Hawaii, along with Pride of America and Pride of Aloha and our one international ship, will bring around half a million passengers a year to the Hawaii islands.” Seafarers already are working aboard the Pride of Hawaii, which began its Atlantic crossing after the handover ceremony in Eemshaven. When it reaches Baltimore—its first port in the United States—it will undergo U.S. Coast Guard inspections and increase the number of crew members on board from 400 to 1,000. It then will travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles for a series of inaugural events before setting sail for Hawaii to join its sister ships, the SIU-crewed Pride MarAd Officials Tour Paul Hall Center Officials from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) toured the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education early last month. They are pictured in the left photo with students and SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left). Pictured at right are (from left) President Sacco, MarAd Chief Counsel Julie Nelson, Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian, MarAd Director of Congressional and Public Affairs Shannon Russell, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. The school is based in Piney Point, Md. of America (christened last summer) and the Pride of Aloha (2004) in offering seven-day inter-island cruises. The vessel will leave Honolulu every Monday and will spend a day each in Hilo and Kona and two days each in Kahului and Nawiliwili before heading back to Honolulu. While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons and with a passenger capacity of 2,400, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and will enter the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. The new cruise ship offers many of the same amenities and “freestyle” options as the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in its choice of restaurants and other shipboard and excursion activities. One of the differences, however, is the expansive suites aboard the newest vessel, each of which includes a private courtyard with pool and whirlpool, concierge service, and much more. Another innovation on the Pride of Hawaii is the library, which is named in honor of the United States. The United States, which entered service in 1952 and is owned by NCL, won the title as the fastest ocean liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two crossings. With assistance from the SS United States Conservancy, the library features original photographs, vintage advertisements and original lithographs from renowned marine artists, as well as wall-hanging annotations from Conservancy experts to help educate passengers about the vessel’s significance. “As one of the country’s most venerable ships from the glory days of transatlantic sea travel, the SS United States was revolutionary, faster and more technologically advanced than anything else afloat at the time,” said Veitch. The three SIU-crewed ships in the NCL fleet are creating thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Hawaii and to the United States in general. Additionally, more than 3,000 students have successfully completed the Paul Hall Center’s three-week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of nonmarine positions. With distinctive artwork painted on both sides of its hull (a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other), the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was floated out of its dock in Germany Feb. 19 and then underwent sea trials before being handed over to NCL in Holland. The vessel late last month was en route to Hawaii with inaugural stops in Baltimore, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mass. Unveils Health Plan CIVMARS Meet in Norfolk Continued from page 5 Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division met with representatives from the union in Norfolk, Va. earlier this year to discuss several hot topics affecting CIVMARS. The meeting took place Feb. 9 at the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Customer Support Unit East. A number of the attendees are pictured above and below. SIU Government Services Representative Maurice Cokes (center) is flanked by deck department CIVMARS Abdul Rashid Yaquobe (left) and James Jones. Maurice Cokes (right) chats with CIVMARS Benito Lambert (left) and Lewis Hailey. Lambert works in the supply department, while Hailey sails in the engine department. 6 Seafarers LOG lies, choosing instead to penalize them for our nations’ failure to ensure affordable health care. This legislation sends the wrong message to other states looking for answers to their own health care crisis. Universal health care should mean just that—affordable health care for all, not just for the top and the bottom.” Under the plan, expected to take effect in July 2007, everyone who files a state tax return, beginning in 2008, will have to indicate if they have health insurance. The new law requires Medicaid and private insurers to turn over to the state lists of their enrollees each month. Anyone deemed able to buy insurance, but who is still uninsured, will face increasing penalties. During the first year, they will lose their ability to claim a personal exemption on their state tax returns. That would cost an individual about $189 and a couple filing jointly about $378. In the second year, they will be assessed half the annual cost of one of the new low-cost health plans that are supposed to be created by private insurers under the bill—a fine that would easily top $1,000. The poor and uninsured not making enough to afford the lowcost plans will be eligible for subsidies. The poorest—single adults making about $9,800 or less— will get access to insurance with no premiums and no deductibles. Those earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty line (about $48,000 for a family of three) will have access to plans with sliding scale premiums. To help guarantee that the poorest residents of Massachusetts know about the new health care options, the bill also includes $3 million in outreach funds for hospitals, clinics and community groups. A new state agency will connect people with the private insurance plans that sell the coverage, and allow people to use pre-tax dollars to purchase coverage (a tax break that mostly helps affluent tax payers who are in high tax brackets). This new agency is also supposed to help design affordable plans. May 2006 �Service Commemorates Texaco Oklahoma Tragedy A catastrophic day in U.S. maritime history took place slightly more than 35 years ago off the coast of North Carolina. On the fateful day of March 27, 1971, the NMU-crewed tanker SS Texaco Oklahoma— fully loaded with a cargo of 200,000 barrels of oil—broke in two and sank some 120 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The 632-foot vessel, after leaving Texaco Dock 22 in Port Arthur, Texas, as it had on many previous occasions, was en route to Boston. Thirty-one U.S. mariners, including 24 NMU members, lost their lives in the tragedy. Thirteen others survived. A prayer service and luncheon marking the 35th anniversary of the event on March 31 was held at the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. Jointly hosted by the center and the Apostleship of the SeaDiocese of Beaumont, the event was attended by Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont; Pumpman Willie Jacquet, one of 13 crewmen who survived the 1971 tragedy; Shwe Aung, SIU ITF inspector from the port of Houston who represented the National Maritime Union; relatives and friends of some of the Texaco Oklahoma crew who perished; and a host of others who are involved in the U.S. maritime industry. After prayer and the reading of scripture, Father Sinclair recited the names of the 31 seamen who met their fate on the Texaco Oklahoma. Seventy-eight-year- Retired NMU Pumpman Willie Jacquet, left, addresses those in attendance at the memorial service as Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont, listens. Jacquet is one of 13 survivors from Texaco-Oklahoma sinking. old Jacquet, who as a young man migrated to Port Arthur from Lafayette, La. to find work, then recounted some specifics of the sinking for those in attendance. Jacquet spent more than 20 years sailing as a member of the NMU “After the ship broke in two, the bow section was smashing up against the stern section,” Jacquet said, according to Port Arthur News staff writer Marilyn Tennissen. “We still had power in the back, so it was backed away. Then the bow began to drift off, there were still men on board. We just lost sight of them.” The official National Transportation Safety Board report on the tragedy was released July 26, 1972. In part, the report said “The ship was en route from Port Arthur Texas, to Boston, Massachusetts, and was proceeding at very slow speed in a severe storm when the casualty occurred. “The ship split in the vicinity of No. 5 tanks and submerged all of the crew asleep in the forward deckhouse. The forward section then reversed direction and drifted down on the stern section, destroying the starboard lifeboat before the stern section was backed safely away.” None of the 13 crew members on the forward section survived. The crew members on the stern section attempted to attract passing ships by firing flares, blinking white and red lights, and sounding the ship’s whistle. One ship responded to the light signals but no distress signals were identified and it departed. The crew also operated the portable lifeboat radio transmitter for at least 12 Ricky Koenig, far right, is the son the late chief engineer of the TexacoOklahoma who perished when the vessel went down. Also pictured are other family members and friends of some of the mariners who lost their lives 35 years ago when the ship sank. hours without knowing that the distress signals were not being received. The stern section sank at about 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28, which was the time the ship was scheduled to arrive in Boston and 27 hours after the vessel broke in two. “The crew members abandoned the stern using one 15-person inflatable raft and two rafts improvised from oil drums. About 10 hours later, a merchant vessel discovered the raft, rescued 11 survivors, and initiated an extensive rescue effort,” the report noted. “Subsequently, two more crew members that had been in the water about 32 hours were rescued. Thirty-one of the 44 crewmembers perished in this casualty.” Trainee Thornton Receives NCL Award Good training, hard work and dedication on Jan. 2 paid off for Unlicensed Apprentice LaWanda Thornton, when she was presented with the Most Valuable Player award by the captain of the SIU-crewed Pride of America. The citation was given to Thornton “in recognition of your special effort and outstanding achievements in implementing the S.T.Y.L.E. philosophy in the workplace” and was signed by the ship’s captain and Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines. (S.T.Y.L.E. stands for Service, Teamwork and Yes Lead to Excellence.) This was the Holding a copy of her award, Unlicensed first time a most Apprentice LaWanda Thornton poses with the valuable player award captain and staff captain aboard the Pride of has been pre- America. sented to a we told by the cooks, chefs and utility galley staff, much our supervisors that we were the less to an SIU unlicensed best they had had in a long time, apprentice. Thornton gives much of but the captain, himself, even the credit to her training at smiled and thanked the both of the Paul Hall Center and to us when he saw how clean and her cousin, Shawana organized we kept our work Mills, who worked with area.” her at the school and Thornton wholeheartedly aboard ship. believes that without the Paul In a letter to Assistant Hall Center and her instructors Director of Manpower Pat there, none of this recognition Vandegrift, the member of would have been possible. She Unlicensed Apprentice noted that the classes, structured Class #672 wrote, “We environment, attention to detail, worked together as a team, and training in how to work just as you . . . and all of together as a class and a team our teachers at Piney Point contributed to her success. taught us. We took those “My award proves that the LaWanda Thornton (far left) was among teachings and many more many messages that our instrucother employees who won awards for tors were trying to deliver did their performance aboard the SIU- with us on that vessel and we shined. Not only were get through,” she concluded. crewed Pride of America. May 2006 The NMU newsletter reported on the sinking of the Texaco Oklahoma in its May-June issue in 1971. Happy Retirement to MarAd’s Krusa The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently said a bittersweet “farewell” to Christopher Krusa (pictured at right in Baltimore), who retired in late March after 34 years of federal work. Krusa was a maritime training specialist for the U.S. Maritime Administration. He often served as part of U.S. delegations participating in international maritime forums, and in that role he worked closely with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton. In the early 1970s, Krusa worked as a navigational instructor at the Paul Hall Center. “Chris was totally professional and ‘by the book,’ but there’s no question he also was a true friend to the union and the school,” Heindel stated. “His retirement is a loss for the industry, but obviously I wish him the best.” Eglinton added, “Chris did great work on behalf of all U.S. mariners. He was sharp and reliable and he definitely will be missed.” Krusa received an SIU jacket (among many other mementos) at his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seafarers LOG 7 �John Lane (left) ties up the Gen. Oglethorpe in Jacksonville while (below) Ben Murphy and Heath Parker take on stores aboard the Crescent Towing & Salvage Co., Inc. tug. Seafarers At Sea and Ashore Tim Barnaby (left) and Chris Follmar stop by the Joliet hall to complete some paperwork. Both work aboard tugs operated by Great Lakes Towing. Left: With help from the local Navy League and Northwest Airlines, Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus has established a scholarship to enable students to attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. The Navy League provided funding for clothing and documentation, and Northwest Airlines in Guam provided a round-trip ticket for the recipient. The first scholarship award was presented to Paul San Nicolas. Turkus hopes that four or five additional students each year will take advantage of this opportunity. Pictured with the check are (from the left) Tom Ahillen, president of the Navy League Guam; Jennifer Gauyan, sales representative for Northwest Airlines; Paul San Nicolas, the scholarship winner; Marie Lizama, sales manager for Northwest Airlines; SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus; and Larry Butterfield, Navy League board of directors and president of the Citizens Security Bank of Guam. Jacksonville-based Sea Star Line, LLC christened El Faro, the newest addition to its fleet on March 7. Formerly chartered to the Military Sealift Command under the name Northern Lights, the high-speed rollon/container vessel will be deployed as Sea Star’s third ship in the rotation between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Capt. John Sparks (left) met with SIU officials at headquarters April 6 as he filed paperwork for his retirement. Sparks joined the NMU in 1972, then joined the SIU in 1979, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He also was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He and his wife, Elizabeth (second from are retiring to right), Greenwood, S.C. His son Michael Freeman is an AB/tankerman with Penn Maritime. Brother Sparks discussed the Jones Act with SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez, as well as recent trends in the inland sector and how they might impact the union and the industry as a Above: The El Faro was docked at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal for the christening ceremony. On hand for the festivities were (from left) Sea Star Senior VP Operations Phillip V. Bates; SIU Port Agent Archie Ware; CEO Magnus Lindeback of Coastal Maritime Stevedoring; and Kathy Wiley, office manager at Coastal Maritime. At left are SIU Patrolman Joe Vincenzo and CEO Lindeback. 8 Seafarers LOG AB Rudy Harjanto (second from left) receives his full book at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. With him are SIU officials (from left) Executive VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Retired SIU member Isaiah Gray (center) visits the Houston hall where he poses with VP Dean Corgey (left) and Assistant VP Jim McGee. Gray, whose nickname is “Tiger,” recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Aboard the Crescent Towing tug Bulldog, Randy Sikes (above) shows his new Training Record Book (TRB) while other crew members (below) stand on the deck. From the left are Hank Page, Jimmy Howe, Charlie Warren and Sean Keith. May 2006 �Agencies Offer Answers, Precautions for Bird Flu SIU-crewed vessels continued sailing in and out of countries where outbreaks of the highly publicized and dreaded avian influenza (bird flu)—especially among birds and domestic fowl—in recent months have become more commonplace. While Seafarers have continued to perform at the same high standard that has become their trademark in the worldwide maritime industry, they of course aren’t impervious to their environment or unscathed by events taking place around them. Public health officials and organizations from around the world—the Geneva, Switzerland-based World Health Organization (WHO) and the Atlanta, Ga.-headquartered Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among them—in recent months went to a state of high alert because of increasing concerns about the prospect of an influenza pandemic. As of press time for this edition of the LOG, bird flu—specifically the H5N1 strain—had been identified as killing 109 people in nine countries, mostly in Asia. Virtually all were infected through contact with poultry, according to the WHO. A 16year-old Egyptian girl became the latest victim April 6. The disease also killed or forced the slaughter of more than 200 million chickens, ducks, turkeys and other domestic fowl in Asia, Europe and Africa, the WHO said. During late 2003 and 2004, the poultry populations in eight Asian Countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) were hit especially hard. At that time, more than 100 million birds in the affected countries perished either directly from the disease or were killed in efforts to control the outbreaks. The virus has yet to turn up in the Western Hemisphere, but U.S. scientists and citizens alike are worried that migrating birds could spread it to the birds and domestic fowl of the United States. Their greater concern, however, is that the H5N1 strain could evolve and gain the ability to jump easily from human to human, at which point it could trigger a pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. The following information— extracted primarily from various WHO and the CDC releases—is provided to inform and educate the entire SIU family on bird flu: What is avian influenza (bird flu)? According to the WHO, avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, includ- SMPPP Statements Slated for Mailing The Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan is scheduled to mail annual statements to Plan participants in early May, according to SMPPP Administrator Maggie Bowen. Year-end reports from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP’s investment manager, indicate that the Plan continues doing well in the face of continuing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2005 was approximately 5 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $29.9 million. The SMPPP was founded in 1996 when the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. Since then, the SMPPP has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s de- May 2006 fined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); statement date; opening balance for 2005 (which was the year-end 2004 closing balance); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 2005; and the closing balance for 2005 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). Participants who don’t receive their year-end statement by the end of May are asked to call 800 485-3703 to verify (and possibly correct) their address. ing chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The low pathogenic form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100 percent, often within 48 hours. How does avian influenza spread among birds? Infected birds shed the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. Do avian influenza viruses infect humans? Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but more than 190 confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997. The WHO maintains updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A, also called H5N1. How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses? Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. The spread of avian influenza viruses from an ill person to another person has been reported very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person. During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have direct or close contact with infected birds or with surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans? Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress syndrome) and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection. How is avian influenza detected in humans? A laboratory test is needed to confirm avian influenza in humans. What are the implications of avian influenza to human health? Two main risks for human health from avian influenza are: the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the infected bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease; and the risk that the virus, if given enough opportunities, will change into a form that is highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. How is avian influenza in humans treated? Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines. Does the current seasonal influenza vaccine protect me from avian influenza? No. Influenza vaccine for the 2005-06 season does not provide protection against avian influenza. Should I wear a surgical mask to prevent exposure to avian influenza? Currently, wearing a mask is not recommended for routine use (in public) for preventing influenza exposure. In the United States, disposable surgical and procedure masks have been widely used in health-care settings to prevent exposure to respiratory infections, but the masks have not been used commonly in community settings, such as schools, businesses and public gatherings. Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry? There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the WHO website at http://www.who.int/foodsafety/micro/a vian/en/. The U.S. government carefully controls domestic and imported food products, and in 2004 issued a ban on importation of poultry from countries affected by avian influenza viruses, including the H5N1 strain. This ban still is in place. For more Continued on page 11 Admiral Seiberlich Begins Final Voyage The SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine have lost a good friend with the March 24 death of Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.), 84. Born in Jenkintown, Pa., Admiral Seiberlich graduated in 1943 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., completing a Bachelor of Science degree in marine transportation. He served on two merchant vessels before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy. Admiral Seiberlich served as a navigator on the USS Mayo during World War II and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific at the end of that conflict. In 1952, he was recognized for his work in the development of the world’s first operational, variable depth, towed sonar. During the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, he had primary responsibility for surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. He was the only aviator in the Navy’s history qualified to land blimps, airplanes and helicopters aboard an aircraft carrier and was decorated with the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal, among other commendations. As commanding officer of the USS Hornet in 1969, he directed recovery of the astronauts, command modules and lunar samples for Apollo 11 and 12, the first two lunar landing missions. Admiral Seiberlich was the first Merchant Marine Academy graduate to achieve flag rank. His military record was exemplary. And although he retired from the Navy in 1980, following a career of more than 40 years, he continued to serve his country and its maritime needs in a civilian capacity. In 1983, Admiral Seiberlich joined American President Lines as director of military programs, and in 1994 was awarded the Vincent T. Hirsch Award for Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.) Outstanding Leadership by the Navy League for his contribution in meeting the rapid, largescale sealift needs of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He continued to participate in maritime affairs, including his work as a U.S. representative to the International Standards Organization committee, which seeks to improve worldwide security for inter-modal freight transportation. He also was a member of the National Defense Transportation Association Military Sealift Committee, where he was a tireless advocate for Americanflag military sealift capabilities. Seafarers LOG 9 �Seafaring on the West Coast . . . I Ali Saleh (center) is the bosun on board the Horizon Fairbanks. In the above picture, he is flanked by Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and VP Nick Marrone. n late February, following the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in San Diego, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone helped service some of the vessels in nearby Oakland and Alameda. They had a chance to visit with the crews and answer any questions that were on the minds of the members. Piney Point Reunion! Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet an old friend, Freddie Reyes. All three were trainees together in 1975 at the Piney Point school. Reyes worked his way up the hawsepipe. He now holds a chief engineer’s license and sails under the AMO banner. Recertified Bosun Robert Trainor (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez chat aboard the Maersk Lightning, which was docked in Oakland. During a shipboard meeting on the Horizon Fairbanks, Executive VP Augie Tellez responds to questions from the crew. Crew members from vessels in the RRF fleet (Gem State, Keystone State and Grand Canyon State) pose with Executive VP Augie Tellez in Alameda. Aboard the Horizon Trader are (from left) Bosun Jose Gomez, VP Nick Marrone, Executive VP Augie Tellez and QMED Joe Vasquez. Executive VP Augie Tellez poses with the Oakland shoregang while servicing the Maersk Lightning. Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet with steward department members on the Horizon Fairbanks—Chief Cook Susano Cortez (second from left) and Chief Steward Kevin Dougherty. . . . and in Puerto Rico Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and AB Jose Canales are on board the El Yunque following a payoff. Right: Bosun Luis Ramirez (left) and Chief Steward Juan Vallejo work aboard the El Yunque. Chief Cook Miguel Barbosa (right) receives his A seniority book at the San Juan hall from Port Agent Amancio Crespo. 10 Seafarers LOG Seated in the San Juan hall are (from left) Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez and Recertified Bosun Eric Perez. AB Carlos Castillo (left) meets with San Juan Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Castillo was in the hall to pick up the necessary paperwork to enable him to fly to Singapore to board his next ship. Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez shows his support for the MDL campaign at the SIU hall in San Juan. During the March payoff meeting, the El Yunque crew stands ready for action. May 2006 �Snapshots from the Tacoma Hall Left: SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson works the service counter at the Tacoma hall. Right: Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner handles many inquiries from the membership. Agencies Offer Answers About Avian Flu Continued from page 9 information, see Embargo of Birds, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm. We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them? Yes. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents. What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk for infection from wild birds in the United States? As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects people from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact your state, tribal, or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found. What precautions can hunters take to reduce the risk for infection when hunting birds in the United States? Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game, including wild birds. The National Wildlife Health Center recommends that hunters: „ Do not handle or eat sick game. „ Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. „ Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. „ Cook all game thoroughly. Top: Port Agent Bryan Powell (right) and Administrative Assistant Jim Ott talk about shipping and registration procedures. Middle: Recertified Stewards Muhammed Sani and Veronika Cardenas relax between job calls. Left: Safety Rep Joe Vincenzo prepares for a vessel servicing trip. Canada Cracks Down on Port Security Documentary Tells Port security remains a prominent topic in the United States, but Canada recently has made waves with its enforcement of entry requirements for nonCanadian-flag vessels and their crews. The Canadian regulations have been reexamined and recirculated within parts of the U.S.-flag maritime industry in an effort to comply. Also, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System in mid-March issued a notice to mariners titled “Pre Entry Information Required from Foreign-Flag Vessels” that spells out Canada’s requirements. Essentially, Canada won’t allow anyone with a criminal record (including DUI/DWI convictions) to enter the country. Vessels carrying crew members with criminal records to Canadian ports may be subject to various penalties by the Canadian government. According to Canada’s Consulate General in New York, the following individuals are “inadmissible” to Canada. This information is taken directly from the organization’s web site: “Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of minor offenses (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada. “Those who have received traffic violations (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e., littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have juvenile convictions (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.” The office goes on to report that those who have been convicted of an offense in Canada and who wish to return to that country must first apply for a pardon from the Clemency and Pardons Division of the National Parole Board. Those unable to obtain a May 2006 ‘Story of America’s Seafaring Women’ Canadian authorities are cracking down on port security. Pictured here is part of Deltaport, Vancouver’s largest container terminal. pardon may still apply for a temporary resident permit. More information from the consulate on this subject is available on the internet at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york/ visas/inadmissible-en.asp Additionally, the contact information for the New York office is as follows: Consulate General of Canada 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020-1175 Tel: (212) 596-1628, Fax: (212) 596-1790 e-mail: cngny@international.gc.ca The SIU executive board plans to meet with the SIU of Canada executive board in the near future to more closely study this situation and refine strategies for addressing it, since it impacts Seafarers. Meanwhile, masters on a number of U.S.-flag ships that sail to Canada have been reminded to send a crew list to the Canada Border Services Agency and request that it be reviewed as soon as possible to help prevent problems. Similarly, individual crew members having a criminal record or DUI/DWI conviction should notify the ship’s master prior to sailing to Canada. A new documentary, written and directed by the same person who produced the award-winning film “The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships,” looks at life aboard ship for women in the U.S.-flag industry. Maria Brooks’ newest production is an hour-long DVD titled “Shipping Out: The Story of America’s Seafaring Women.” The SIU assisted in the documentary by helping arrange shipboard interviews and also donating to the project. The show was broadcast on various PBS stations in March as part of Women’s History Month, and it has received several very positive reviews. One labor publication described “Shipping Out” as “a comprehensive, spirited look at the women of today who sail the seas for a living. The video documentary opens with striking images of intrepid women on tankers and tugs, climbing on board containerships, piloting through dangerous waters, and yes, even cooking up a gourmet meal in a ship’s galley. “Over the next 56 minutes, the viewer gets to know a dynamic, diverse group of women who have been drawn to the merchant marine, not just in the last 20 years since significant restrictions have been lifted on women’s access to these jobs, but as far back as the late 1800s, when women disguised themselves as men to be able to ship out.” Brooks said she found it “refreshing” to meet her interview subjects. “I was awed by their daunting, their daring. It’s as if they’ve tested themselves and proven something to themselves,” she said. “Shipping Out” is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $4 mailing. Make checks payable to: Waterfront Soundings Productions, 3252 Kempton Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. An accompanying study guide (sporting a union bug) is available for $5.00 or can be downloaded for free at www.shippingoutvideo.com. For more information send email to WFSoundings@aol.com. Seafarers LOG 11 �DECK DEPARTMENT TRAINING SAFETY/SPECIALTY TRAINING 12 Seafarers LOG In an era when training for mariners is more important than ever, the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers cutting-edge courses designed to help students advance their careers. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school features upgrading classes in all three shipboard departments—deck, engine and steward. The Paul Hall Center also conducts safety and specialty courses for all mariners such as basic and advanced fire fighting, STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), oil spill containment and much more. Overall, the school runs more than 40 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes. Named after an outstanding past president of the SIU, the Paul Hall Center opened in 1967. In addition to the upgrading courses, the school also is known for its unlicensed apprentice program, available to students just entering the industry. The center also provides academic support and boasts programs for a GED and college degrees. In addition, it features a program for military veterans who possess sea time that can help them transition into the U.S. Merchant Marine. For those already sailing, upgrading is the way to go. Combined with Coast Guardrequired sea time, upgrading courses such as AB, QMEDPumpman, Certified Chief Cook and many others help enable mariners to advance their ratings and earn a better living. ENGINE DEPARTMENT TRAINING May 2006 �STEWARD DEPARTMENT TRAINING For More Information on Upgrading „ Visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org for up-to-date course dates and class descriptions. „ Check page 21 of this edition of the LOG for upcoming course dates. Every issue of the LOG includes such a list. „ Contact the admissions office at Paul Hall Center Admissions Office P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or by calling (301) 994-0010, extension 5220 May 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �Letter to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Remembering the Luckenbach I was quite surprised when I saw the picture of the Katrina Luckenbach [February 2006 LOG, page 16] In 1945, I was aboard the J.L. Luckenbach and loading for the South Pacific. For the benefit of the younger brothers and sisters of today’s merchant marine, following are some of the conditions under which we worked: 1. There were nine watchstanders to a room—with one fan. 2. The shower was on the stern—with no door. 3. The showerhead produced lots of steam and very little water. 4. One day out to sea the refrigerator quit. My first thought was: this is going to be a long, hot, hungry trip. 5. Another day at sea, a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew had the fire out in 15 minutes, but damage was done. We bobbed around for two days. During this time, however, there was news that the war with Japan would be over soon. The engineers made some temporary repairs and we limped back to New Orleans on one screw (this was a twin-screw ship with 7 hatches). Upon arriving at the anchorage in New Orleans, a big party was going on in town. You could hear the hollering all the way out to the ship. Know Your Rights But guess what: they did not let us ashore. So the boys found out how to get beer out of the No. 6 hatch—and we had our own party. I would like to mention that I had my 17th birthday on this ship as well. The following day or so, the NMU pulled us off the ship and I thought to myself, good. I walked over to the SIU hall and caught the Waterman ship Antinous. My last ship was the Gopher State in 1991. Gene T. Lachappelle Big Bay, Mich. Above is a copy of Brother Lachappelle’s certificate of discharge from the J. L. Luckenbach, dated Aug. 27, 1945 in New Orleans. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 14 Seafarers LOG monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2006 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 6 8 2 7 31 36 0 12 11 34 10 3 0 7 17 1 30 26 241 1 0 3 9 2 4 21 25 1 4 7 12 7 1 3 2 5 2 10 10 4 5 7 15 6 5 24 26 2 10 7 18 26 3 6 6 7 7 30 17 231 1 1 3 5 4 7 11 15 0 5 3 14 13 1 2 1 7 2 19 12 1 2 2 9 2 3 19 7 2 1 3 13 4 1 1 3 4 2 11 4 94 1 0 2 2 0 3 5 5 1 1 1 7 4 0 2 1 1 0 4 7 129 126 47 0 0 5 5 2 10 19 11 0 4 4 22 11 2 1 0 25 1 19 23 0 0 0 7 0 6 2 11 0 4 2 10 9 0 2 2 4 1 7 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 164 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 4 2 71 2 1 10 7 1 6 15 12 0 9 4 34 12 0 4 2 10 1 13 4 18 2 3 2 4 4 7 23 19 0 3 3 21 12 0 24 0 5 0 13 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 5 4 3 10 23 21 0 6 14 19 5 3 0 5 13 1 23 14 169 Trip Reliefs 161 0 3 2 4 1 1 9 3 1 2 2 3 4 0 1 4 3 0 5 4 52 1 1 0 1 0 3 14 18 1 1 7 10 7 2 2 4 11 0 19 7 109 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 3 1 8 11 14 1 5 3 9 6 1 2 0 4 0 8 12 92 1 1 4 4 2 4 4 9 1 3 2 6 3 3 0 4 3 2 13 8 77 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 5 4 27 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 0 4 2 7 4 1 0 1 2 1 7 7 49 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 2 0 8 7 6 0 4 7 13 6 0 0 2 16 0 11 18 101 0 0 0 3 1 2 2 5 0 4 0 3 6 1 2 0 1 0 7 3 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 2 2 3 1 3 11 10 0 2 4 10 4 0 14 1 8 0 8 4 0 2 2 5 0 4 2 7 0 2 0 7 11 0 26 0 2 0 9 7 0 0 1 2 0 6 6 3 0 3 2 4 5 1 2 0 6 0 6 8 0 0 7 19 4 11 71 55 0 19 28 76 20 5 1 9 29 1 59 50 4 10 12 35 12 12 51 45 3 14 14 42 33 6 7 10 15 11 58 37 2 2 2 9 2 4 36 19 1 4 8 23 12 2 1 1 6 4 24 16 464 431 178 0 0 4 13 2 7 23 33 1 7 10 23 12 1 4 6 13 3 23 15 1 0 7 12 6 7 23 32 0 8 6 23 19 6 4 1 15 6 27 12 3 0 2 4 0 7 10 9 1 4 1 11 8 0 3 2 5 0 4 13 200 215 87 1 0 5 6 3 23 38 27 1 6 6 35 14 4 5 1 45 3 32 42 0 0 1 13 4 12 8 24 0 9 6 19 22 0 4 4 7 2 11 12 0 0 1 5 0 1 7 7 1 2 3 5 7 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 55 297 158 52 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 9 4 0 1 3 6 1 0 0 2 8 0 6 3 3 4 10 12 2 15 36 23 0 10 7 68 22 0 12 3 17 2 27 11 5 5 2 17 7 13 39 26 1 5 7 37 23 0 15 1 14 1 21 22 29 147 157 15 87 86 0 47 284 261 563 575 316 377 365 169 213 1,008 1,088 578 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: June 5, July 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 3 3 3 5 1 7 15 14 1 7 4 12 13 2 12 13 8 4 16 18 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Boston.....................Friday: June 9, July 7 Guam ......................Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ..................Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 8, July 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 13, July 11 New York................Tuesday: June 6 .................................Wednesday: July 5* .................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan..................Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis..................Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington ...........Monday: June 19, July 18 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ARTIS GILMORE Please get in touch with Diane Murphy at 52 Heath Lane, Bath, Maine 04530. SDRF Contributions The last few editions of the Seafarers LOG included lists of individuals who have contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (DSDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals. Kevin Nolan Joshua McDaniel In addition, a contribution was made by the American Maritime Officers in memory of Brother Stephen Judd. HIPAA Privacy Notice The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a comprehensive federal law which established standards and requirements for the electronic transmission of medical claims and mandated the adoption of privacy rules to protect the confidentiality of personal health information. The purpose of HIPAA’s privacy rules is to safeguard “Protected Health Information” that is shared between hospitals, doctors’ offices, and health plans. The HIPAA Privacy Rules give Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan participants more control over their health information, limit the use and release of health or claim records, and establish appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of health information. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Notice of Privacy Practices is available on the seafarers.org web site or by requesting a copy of the notice from the Plan. If you wish to request a copy of this notice, you may write to: Privacy Officer, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 8 17 1 4 15 0 3 2 50 2 2 0 0 8 2 1 0 15 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 17 2 5 9 1 3 3 44 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 0 8 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 0 4 1 0 4 2 1 0 12 17 33 2 15 46 0 1 1 115 11 10 2 9 19 0 1 2 54 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 7 7 16 2 4 19 0 0 4 52 2 7 0 3 8 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 6 1 1 7 0 0 0 18 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 Port 2 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 6 1 1 4 1 0 2 17 0 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 7 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 7 9 16 5 3 11 2 0 0 46 2 7 1 2 9 1 0 0 22 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 5 Totals All Departments 85 26 21 62 15 18 26 213 96 17 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Andrew Messana of Framingham, Mass. The picture at right was taken aboard the SS John Gallup, a Smith & Johnson Steamship vessel, in December 1947. The voyage was from New York to Lisbon, Portugal with a load of grain. In a note accompanying the photo, Messana, who sailed aboard the vessel as an FOWT, noted that the ship and its crew had just spent 18 days in Lisbon and that it was “one of the best crews I ever sailed with.” The John Gallup paid off that voyage in New York in January 1948 and then laid up. The photo at left shows mariners from the SS Steel Advocate, an Isthmian Steamship Co. vessel, in March 1948. This was a 4½month trip from New York to the Far East, the ship’s first trip under an SIU contract. While in Bombay, India (see Bombay’s most famous monument, the Gateway of India, in the background), the crew rented bicycles (complete with monkeys) for the day. It, too, was a good trip with a great crew, according to Messana, who continued to sail as an FOWT on that vessel. The Steel Advocate paid off in Philadelphia in June 1948. Brother Messana was a member of the SIU from 1946 to 1962. May 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KLAUS AHMELS, 66, joined the union in 1965 in New York. Brother Ahmels sailed in the deck department aboard vessels including the Maiden Creek and the Jacksonville. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Ahmels was born in Germany and makes his home in Neihart, Mont. PETER CZICHOMSKI, 65, became an SIU member in 1998 in New Orleans. Brother Czichomski first sailed on the Maersk Colorado. He was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Achiever. In 1999 and 2000, Brother Czichomski upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The German-born mariner now calls Lafayette, La. home. LORIE CHRISTMAS JR., 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1964 in New York. Born in New Orleans, Brother Christmas shipped in the engine department. His first ship was the Los Angeles. Brother Christmas attended the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions. He is a resident of Marietta, Ga. JUAN GONZALEZ JR., 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of Houston. Brother Gonzalez’s first voyage was on the Windjammer Polly. Born in Progreso, Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gonzalez enhanced his seafaring skills in 2001 at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Trinity. Brother Gonzalez is a resident of his native state. NORMAN JOHNSON, 65, joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Johnson first sailed on the Maunalei in the steward department. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Johnson was born in California and last worked aboard the Kauai. He lives in his native state. ARVEL JONES JR., 65, joined the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, May 2006 Md. Brother Jones first sailed on the Equality State in the engine department. He was born in Birmingham, Ala. Brother Jones’ most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Washington. He lives in Cherokee Village, Ark. WILLIAM KRATSAS, 64, became an SIU member in 1959 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Brother Kratsas first sailed on the Dorothy. The deck department member was born in Newport News, Va. Brother Kratsas attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 1982 and 2000. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Kratsas resides in LaPlace, La. MOHAMED MUTHANNA, 71, launched his SIU career in 1982 in New York. Brother Muthanna was born in Yemen and shipped in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Aleutian Developer. Brother Muthanna last worked aboard a Bay Ship Management vessel. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Muthanna makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. OREN PARKER, 70, hails from Louisiana. Brother Parker began his seafaring career in 1993 in New Orleans, first shipping on the USNS Regulus. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Parker last went to sea aboard the Liberty Glory. He makes his home in Mississippi. JAMES ROSE, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1970 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rose first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The steward department member was born in New York. Brother Rose most recently shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams. He enhanced his skills in 1988, 2000 and again in 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Brother Rose resides in Pittsburgh, Pa. LAWRENCE ROSE, 71, joined the SIU in 1990. Brother Rose upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Cape Horn. Brother Rose is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. Prior to retiring, he worked on the 1st Lt. Harry Martin. Brother Rose now calls Melbourne, Fla. home. MOHAMED SALEH, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Saleh worked in deck department. Born in Arabia, his most recent voyage was on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Saleh makes his home in San Francisco, Calif. EFSTRATIOS ZOUBANTIS, 69, became an SIU member in 1966 in New Orleans. Brother Zoubantis sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first sailed aboard a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. Brother Zoubantis was a deck department member. Born in Greece, he last shipped on the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Zoubantis attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in 2000. He makes his home in Slidell, La. INLAND HARRY BRYAN, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1984. Boatman Bryan shipped primarily on Crowley vessels. The New Jersey native currently resides in Hazleton, Pa. ALBEN WASH, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1980 in New Orleans. Boatman Wash worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels as a member of the steward department. He hails from Kentucky and resides in Natchez, Miss. GREAT LAKES PAUL ALLERS, 67, was born in Michigan. Brother Allers joined the union in 1963. He sailed pri- marily aboard vessels operated by Arnold Transit Company. The deck department member now lives in Mackinaw City, Mich. CICERO DOOLEY, 62, was born in Arkansas. Brother Dooley joined the NMU in 1967, initially sailing from San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Adelphi Victory; his last was the Cape Victory. Brother Dooley shipped as a member of the steward department. CARMEN POWELL, 66, became an SIU member in 1969. His first ship was the Del Valle. Brother Powell shipped as a member of the engine department in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. The Michigan-born mariner last sailed on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Powell calls Manistique, Mich. home. RAYMOND SHAFFER, 67, became an NMU member in 1995. Brother Shaffer’s first voyage was aboard the Cape Henry. He was born in Pennsylvania and worked in the engine department. Brother Shaffer most recently shipped on the Cape Decision. DONALD SAUSMAN, 58, joined the union in 1965 in the port of Duluth, Minn. In 2002, Brother Sausman attended the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. to enhance his seafaring skills. His first journey to sea was aboard the Huron Portland Cement. Brother Sausman shipped in the deck department, most recently on the Presque Isle. He continues to live in his native state of Minnesota. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 The S.S. Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans (May 21). The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the Robin Moor, sinking it. The attack eventually helped lead to all American-flag ships being armed and supplied with gun crews. ARNOLD SMITH, 70, began his employment with the NMU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Smith first shipped on the Coastal Crusader. His most recent voyage was aboard the Argonaut. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Frazer, Thomas 65 April 1 Linwood, Elwood 64 Mar. 1 Marcelle, Max 68 April 1 Thompson, Charles 65 Mar. 1 Waldron, Basil 70 April 1 Williams, Wilfredo 64 Mar. 1 man per working day. Each Seafarer will collect his vacation pay from the central fund on the prorated basis of the number of days worked during the previous 12-month period. 1961 Danish seamen, whose strike ended May 15, have thanked the SIU for its support. In a cable from Copenhagen to SIUNA President Paul Hall, the Danish seamen’s unions expressed appreciation for “your fraternal cooperation and demonstration of sympathy.” The strike of the Danish Sailors and Firemen’s Unions ended early this month when the Danish transport unions voted to go back to work. The Danish seamen here turned to May 15 after ratifying their new contract. The strike in U.S. ports was supported by American maritime unions including affiliates of the SIUNA and the International Longshoremen’s Association. This Month In SIU History 1951 Another smashing precedent was established in maritime this week when the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District won from a majority of its contracted operators agreement to a revolutionary, industry-wide plan which guarantees all Seafarers two weeks of paid vacations for each 12 months of service. Under terms of a memorandum agreement signed on May 15, the operators granted the union’s demand for a vacation plan that will assure Seafarers of an opportunity to collect their vacations on the basis of the time worked, regardless of how many companies they are employed by throughout the year. As a result of the precedent-making agreement, the operators will pay into a central fund an amount—as yet undetermined—for each 1971 The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domestic shipping be moved on American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields carried in runaway-flag tankers…. The SIU is leading a campaign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RESTITUTO BERNADAS Pensioner Restituto Bernadas, 84, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Bernadas joined the union in 1952 in New York. His first ship was the Arizpa, on which he worked in the engine department. Brother Bernadas, who was born in Philadelphia, last sailed aboard the Aurora. He retired in 1985 and lived in New Orleans. ROBERT BLACKWELL Pensioner Robert Blackwell, 74, died Dec. 24. Brother Blackwell began his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing on the Steel Vendor and most recently sailing aboard the Patriot. The engine department member was born in Idaho. Brother Blackwell retired in 1997 and made his home in Yreka, Calif. LEONARD CHING dence and later, when it was renamed the Independence. Brother Gibbons started receiving his pension in 1990. He made his home in Walden, N.Y. sailed on a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Jones was a native of Elizabeth, Pa. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Jones lived in Trinity, Texas. ROBERT GOODSON PABLO LOPEZ Brother Robert Goodson, 58, passed away Jan. 16. He began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Houston. Brother Goodson first worked aboard Crowley Towing of Texas vessels. He was born in Texas and sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Goodson most recently shipped on the Florida. He settled in Pasadena, Texas. Pensioner Pablo Lopez, 83, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Lopez joined the union in 1951 in Seattle. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. Brother Lopez first sailed on a Bull Steamship vessel. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Overseas Harriette. Brother Lopez resided in King, Wash. MASON HALL ARTHUR MAILLET Pensioner Mason Hall, 83, died Oct. 16. Brother Hall began his SIU career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk. His first ship was the Golden City; his last was the Santa Magdalena. Brother Hall resided in his native California. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1983. Pensioner Arthur Maillet, 82, died Nov. 14. Brother Maillet became a Seafarer in 1951, first sailing aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The engine department member was born in Marksville, La. He last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Maillet started receiving his retirement stipends in 1984 and made his home in Destrehan, La. Pensioner Leonard Ching, 80, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Ching became a member of the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1960 in the port of San Francisco. He initially shipped aboard a States Steamship vessel. Brother Ching was a native of Hawaii. The U.S. Army veteran retired in 1988 after sailing on the Lurline. He called Honolulu home. Brother Robert Hall, 50, passed away Jan. 20. Born in Oakland, Calif., he joined the union in 1997 in San Francisco. Brother Hall shipped in the engine department, initially aboard the Sumner. His most recent voyage was on the Equality State. Brother Hall made his home in California. TOMMY CUFFEE DOLPH HOLM Brother Tommy Cuffee, 32, died Nov. 9. He joined the SIU in 1997 in Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner sailed as a member of the deck department, primarily on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping, including the Flickertale State and Cornhusker State. Brother Cuffee was a resident of his native state. Pensioner Dolph Holm, 78, died Nov. 7. Brother Holm was born in Iceland and began sailing with the SIU in 1951 in New York. Brother Holm initially shipped with Isbrandtsen Company as a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Houston. Brother Holm retired in 1987. He called Babylon, N.Y. home. JOHN FEDIOW Pensioner John Fediow, 93, passed away Nov. 27. Brother Fediow was born in Plains, Penn. He joined the SIU in 1951 in New York, first sailing aboard the Trinity. He worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1977, Brother Fediow shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He continued to live Pennsylvania. ERNEST GIBBONS Pensioner Ernest Gibbons, 80, died Dec. 7. Brother Gibbons joined the SIU ranks in 1980. He was born in Cornwell, N.Y. and worked in the steward department. Brother Gibbons sailed on the Independence for most of his career, first when it was called the Oceanic Indepen- 18 Seafarers LOG ROBERT HALL CLEO JONES Pensioner Cleo Jones, 70, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Jones became an SIU member in 1957. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Jones first sailed on the Alcoa Polaris. Before retiring in 1997, he shipped on the Overseas Valdez. Brother Jones was a resident of Houston. WILLIAM JONES Pensioner William Jones, 89, died Oct. 12. Brother Jones embarked on his seafaring career in 1944. The engine department member first DONALD MORGAN Pensioner Donald Morgan, 63, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Morgan began his SIU career in 1967. He was born in Baltimore and shipped in the engine department. Brother Morgan first sailed on the Steel Vendor; he last sailed on the Overseas Chicago. His home was in Brinnon, Wash. JOHNNIE OPRY Brother Johnnie Opry, 55, died Dec. 2. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the union in 2001 in Houston. Brother Opry shipped aboard the Commitment and the Lawrence Gianella as a member of the deck department. He called Galveston, Texas home. PHILIP PARDOVICH Pensioner Philip Pardovich, 70, passed away Nov. 8. Brother Pardovich became a union member in 1958 in New York. He sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions as a member of the engine department. Brother Pardovich’s final voyage was on the Newark Bay. The New York native was a resident of Florida. FLOYD PAYTON Pensioner Floyd Payton, 78, died Nov. 11. Brother Payton joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966. His first voyage was on the Jefferson City, where he worked in the steward department. Brother Payton was born in North Carolina. Prior to retiring in 1992, he sailed on the Innovation. Brother Payton called Norfolk, Va. home. MICHAEL PIERCE Brother Michael Pierce, 56, passed away Nov. 20. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Pierce’s first voyage was aboard the Diamond State. The engine department member most recently worked on the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Pierce lived in his native state of Louisiana. RICHARD RIGNEY Pensioner Richard Rigney, 77, died Oct. 16. Brother Rigney started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Robin Hood. A member of the deck department, Brother Rigney was born in Maryland. He last went to sea on the Long Island. Brother Rigney, who made his home in Bel Air, Md., retired in 1993. JOHN RODRIQUEZ Pensioner John Rodriquez, 78, passed away Oct. 3. Brother Rodriquez joined the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member, who lived in California, retired in 1978. VINCENTE ROMAN first sailed aboard the Seagarden in the deck department. Brother Spears last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. He began his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of New Orleans. SENETENARI TAEOTUI Pensioner Senetenari Taeotui, 75, died Dec. 12. Brother Taeotui became a member of the MC&S in 1978 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member, who was born in Samoa, last worked aboard the Constitution. Brother Taeotui lived in San Francisco and went on pension in 1983. WILLIAM TALBERT Brother William Talbert, 55, passed away Nov. 11. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1998 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Talbert first sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce in the deck department. He was born in Seattle. Brother Talbert’s last voyage was on the USNS Regulus. He made his home in Yorktown, Va. HEINZ ULRICH Pensioner Vincente Roman, 80, died Dec. 22. Brother Roman began his SIU career in 1966. His first voyage was aboard a Victory Carriers vessel. Born in Ponce, P.R., Brother Roman worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Pioneer. Brother Roman, who continued to make his home in Ponce, went on pension in 1990. Pensioner Heinz Ulrich, 85, died Nov. 7. Brother Ulrich joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York. The German-born mariner shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Ulrich first went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. His last trip was on the LNG Capricorn. Brother Ulrich made his home in New York. He started receiving his pension in 1990. CHARLES SHAW SR. JOSE VIOLANGO Pensioner Charles Shaw Sr., 80, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Shaw commenced his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Brother Shaw first sailed on the Oremar. Before retiring in 1987, he shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Shaw resided in Maurertown, Va. Pensioner Jose Violango, 82, passed away Sept. 6. Brother Violango was born in the Philippines and began his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Violango first sailed on the Eagle Traveler as a member of the deck department. His last vessel was the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Violango was a resident of Seattle. He went on pension in 1993. RUDOLH SHIELDS MAXWELL WADLINGTON Brother Rudolph Shields, 54, died Oct. 9. He started sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Rudolph’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel King. He most recently shipped on the Overseas New Orleans. Born in Bartow, Fla., Brother Shields lived in Jacksonville. RICHARD SPEARS Pensioner Richard Spears, 67, passed away Oct. 19. Born in Louisiana, Brother Spears joined the SIU in 1955 in New Orleans. He Pensioner Maxwell Wadlington, 90, died Sept. 11. Brother Wadlington began his SIU career in 1953, first sailing on the Government Camp. The deck department member, who was a native of Henderson, Ky., last worked aboard the Seattle. He retired in 1981 and made his home in Eustis, Fla. BOBBIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Bobbie Williams, 76, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Williams joined the SIU in 1951. He Continued on page 20 May 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), March 20—Chairman Sherman Hudson, Secretary John G. Reed, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Craig A. Pare, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson, Steward Delegate William Blees Jr. Chairman advised crew members to pay dues on time. Secretary reported previous steward would be returning soon and thanked Seafarers for great trip. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of training available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested satellite radio and TVs for all rooms as well as computer in crew lounge to be used for emailing family and friends. New washer and dryer also needed. Suggestion made to have vacation payments set up for direct deposit. Vote of thanks given to steward department. CALVIN P. TITUS (APL Maritime Ltd.), March 3—Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Adrian M. Reed, Educational Director Richard D. Hannon, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Steward Delegate Mauricio M. Castro. Chairman informed crew of changes from current run (Singapore to Jakarta) to Red Sea run and noted that future changes are possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read e-mail regarding contract negotiations. Recommendations were made as to vacation pay and overtime wages. Heading to ports in Africa and the Middle East. CAPE DOUGLAS (Marine Transport Lines), March 12— Chairman Felsher Beasly, Secretary John D. Bukowski, Educational Director Rodolfo C. Cunanan, Deck Delegate Michael C. Penkwitz, Engine Delegate Abdallkerim Kassim, Steward Delegate Alfonsa Eligio. Chairman reported safe trip and said ship going into ROS. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean and working together efficiently. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at Piney Point. He reminded them that the more skills they have, the better their potential for increased earnings. He advised them to fax the form in Seafarers LOG to speed up application process. Treasurer stated $2,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding rotation rule. Crew members requested new furniture in crew lounge and cabins along with some mattresses and refrigerators. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Howard H. Hendra, Steward Delegate Wiley C. Owens. Chairman noted smooth sailing. Educational director urged all mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the Piney Point school. He requested copy of the constitution and any letters with suggestions from crew members for next con- May 2006 tract. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that money in ship’s fund is going toward purchase of cell phone antenna to increase reception. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. EL FARO (IUM), March 5— Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr. Chairman discussed safety equipment and went over ship’s new run (Jacksonville, Puerto Rico, Port Everglades). He asked crew to report any needed repairs or other problems to department heads. He thanked everyone for safe, smooth trip. Secretary welcomed crew members aboard ship. Educational director advised members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school, so the union can continue to put out good certified mariners and keep SIU strong. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. President’s report was read and discussed. Members expressed gratitude to President Sacco for all his hard work on behalf of the SIU. Crew requested satellite be installed. Recommendation made for union to review steward department needs aboard ship. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), March 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Ivan R. Salis, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Janaro N. Jackson, Engine Delegate Rafael Comesana, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman announced March 3 payoff. He requested information on status of contract negotiations and copies of plans’ financial statements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from VP Contracts George Tricker was read and discussed. Suggestions made regarding rotation time and pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent food. Interesting sighting: Seafarers aboard vessel reported spotting whales as they approached Puerto Rico. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He advised crew members to be vigilant with z-cards and passports and to be sure to keep all documents current. He also reminded them to have union books and dues payments ready for boarding patrolman March 24. Secretary reported great voyage and stressed importance of safety at all times. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and to renew documents well before they are due to expire. Captain maintains joint funds and will give report at next crew meeting. No beefs or disputed OT noted. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 7— Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman discussed importance of headquarters being located close to the seat of political power. It gives the SIU access to elected officials who pass legislation that affects our industry. He urged crew members to contribute to SPAD, which supports the union’s lobbying efforts. Educational director asked all mariners to renew all documents in sufficient time to prevent loss of work. Treasurer stated $1,502 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read February 2006 Seafarers LOG concerning retirement of Wilmington’s dispatcher, Jesse Solis. Suggestion made regarding rotary shipping. It was reported that a new deep fryer was installed in galley and a new washer in laundry room. Steward department was thanked for great living conditions they maintain on board vessel. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Geraldine B. Carter, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria. Chairman announced payoff March 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Port agent will be present. Secretary noted great crew and smooth trip. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. She reminded crew members that document renewal takes a long time, so start early. Treasurer stated $830.98 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was posted on bulletin board. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Tacoma), March 19—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall. Chairman announced payoff to take place Feb. 29 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean and urged them to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point— it’s never too late to learn something new. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), March 18— Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Frances Dvoroznak, Deck Delegate Carl H. Peterson, Engine Delegate Stephen J. Riccobene, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for excellent job during clean-up following inclement weather. Members requested clarification on penalty time restrictions. Treasurer stated $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New gym equipment on order due to damage suffered during foul weather. Seafarers were reminded to clean up after themselves and empty lint catchers in dryers. Suggestions made for improving contract. Next ports: New York; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C. CPL LOUIS J. HAUGE (Maersk Line Limited), March 17— Chairman James J. Foley, Secretary David Vega, Educational Director John C. Brantly, Steward Delegate Richard Jefferson. Bosun stressed importance of safety (including wearing of hard hats and using proper walkways or shuttles) especially when downloading cargo and ammunition at the terminal. He also thanked crew for safe trip and recent transit through Panama Canal. Educational director offered assistance to anyone wishing to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), March 12— Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama. Chairman thanked Seafarers for safe, smooth trip. Point, Md. Contact claims department to check status of bills. Piney Point is also the place to upgrade maritime skills. “It is your future.” No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. After reading President’s report in Seafarers LOG regarding sinking of Panamanian-flag ferry, crew members vowed continued commitment to safety. Suggestions made regarding pension benefits. Crew members requested satellite TV in each room. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Alexander Galley Gang on the Hauge Two of the steward department members on the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are (from left) SA Saleh Omar and Chief Cook Richard L. Jefferson. Read more about the Hauge on page 4. Secretary noted 60-day stores to be brought aboard in Virginia and thanked everyone for their help keeping the vessel clean. Educational director suggested members look into classes offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension amounts for all ratings. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Portsmouth, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Algeciras, Spain. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), March 26— Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Phillip R. Ayotte, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel. Chairman announced April 1 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reminded those departing vessel to leave cabins clean and supplied with fresh linen. He also noted the number of days since the last losttie accident: 1,112. Educational director urged members to enhance seafaring skills at Piney Point school. He also reminded them to keep MMDs current and allow plenty of time when renewing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer reported DVD players and TVs to be purchased for all rooms using money from movie fund. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), March 27—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman discussed safety while working on deck and said to watch out for yourself and your shipmates. He urged all mariners to read union contract and get clarification from delegates on any questions. Educational director advised crew that medical bills are once again being paid in Piney Banky III, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth. Chairman thanked everyone for doing jobs well and safely. He announced March 13 payoff in Newark, N.J. and suggested Seafarers check out tax tips on pages 12 and 13 of February 2006 Seafarers LOG. Secretary asked all crew members to donate to SPAD. “When you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters.” Treasurer stated $40 in ship’s fund and $800 in satellite fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestions included that showers be fitted for mixing valves. Request made for copy of communications between company and vessel regarding OT for SIU members, and repair or replacement of crew laundry sink faucet. Certificates of recognition were awarded to Steward/Baker Banky and Wiper Carlos Bonefont. No lost-time injuries reported. Next ports: Halifax; Newark; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), March 7—Chairman James D. Crate, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Frank G. Guenther, Engine Delegate Eric D. Vieira, Steward Delegate Larry D. Pugh. Bosun talked about state of health care crisis and possible impact on contract negotiations. He urged members to support SPAD and become involved in labor-related issues. Secretary reported lodging claim for all crew members being paid in accordance with agreement. Educational director advised mariners to stay abreast of changes that may affect benefits and earning power. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made pertaining to tour rotation and vacation benefits. Crew requested some form of on board entertainment system. Seafarers LOG 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 first sailed on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Williams was a member of the deck department. Before retiring, he worked on the Star of Texas. Brother Williams lived in his native Texas and began his retirement in 1991. JAMES WILSON Pensioner James Wilson, 66, died Dec. 8. Brother Wilson joined the union in 1968. He was born in Tulsa, Okla. and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Wilson first sailed aboard the Overseas Anchor. His most recent trip to sea was on the USNS Mt. Washington. Brother Wilson, who lived in Port Bolivar, Texas, went on pension in 2003. CARLOS ZAMBRANO Pensioner Carlos Zambrano, 89, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Zambrano launched his seafaring career in 1955 in New York. He initially worked aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother Zambrano was born in South America. His last voyage was on the Boston. INLAND RICHARD BARALDI operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Dantin began receiving his pension in 1981. He made his home in Harvey, La. a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman Petrlak retired in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville. JAMES FRAZEE JOSEPH PISCITELLO Pensioner James Frazee, 75, passed away Oct. 27. Boatman Frazee embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. Born in Crowley, La., he sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Hvide Marine. Boatman Frazee started collecting his retirement pay in 1992. He called Groves, Texas home. Pensioner Joseph Piscitello, 89, passed away Oct. 23. Boatman Piscitello became an SIU member in 1980. He was born in Framingham, Mass. Boatman Piscitello’s last voyage was aboard the American Eagle. He started collecting his pension in 1981 and resided in Massachusetts. THOMAS GUIDRY MELVIN RAINIER Pensioner Thomas Guidry, 58, died Sept. 7. Born in Orange, Texas, he joined the SIU in 1979. Boatman Guidry first shipped aboard the Seabulk Tanker. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2005 and was a resident of Hemphill, Texas. Pensioner Melvin Rainier, 83, died July 15. Boatman Rainier was born in Virginia. He joined the SIU in 1960. Boatman Rainier last worked on a Penn Central Transportation vessel. He retired in 1982 and lived in his native state. FRANCIS HOPE CHARLIE RUPERTI Pensioner Francis Hope, 83, passed away Nov. 16. Boatman Hope joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Cape Charles, Va., he last sailed aboard a Penn Central Transportation vessel. Boatman Hope lived in Marionville, Va. and retired in 1982. Pensioner Charlie Ruperti, 74, passed away July 29. Boatman Ruperti embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. His first trip was aboard a Capital Transportation Corporation vessel. Prior to retiring in 1996, Boatman Ruperti shipped with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He was a resident in his native Virginia. JIMMY JACKSON Boatman Richard Baraldi, 61, died July 26. He joined the union in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Baraldi first went to sea aboard a ship operated by Meyle Towing Company. His last voyage was on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Baraldi, who was born in Pennsylvania, made his home in Sickleville, N.J. Pensioner Jimmy Jackson, 73, died July 16. Boatman Jackson launched his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. He first worked on a P. F. Martin Company vessel in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1987, Boatman Jackson sailed aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He resided in Kingsland, Texas. RICHARD CONNER STANLEY PAUL HARRY SMITH Pensioner Stanley Paul, 86, passed away Nov. 1. Boatman Paul started shipping with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va. His last voyage was aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Paul made his home in his native Beaufort, N.C. Pensioner Harry Smith, 78, passed away Sept. 19. Boatman Smith joined the SIU in 1962, working primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He was born in Arkansas and made his home in Texas. Boatman Smith went on pension in 1986. Pensioner Richard Conner, 87, passed away Nov. 20. Boatman Conner began sailing with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was aboard a Meyle Towing Company vessel, and he last worked on a vessel operated by American Towing & Transportation. Boatman Conner is a native of Conestoga, Pa. He retired in 1980 and lived in Boyertown, Pa. ORIS DANTIN Pensioner Oris Dantin, 83, died July 28. Boatman Dantin became an SIU member in 1962. He shipped primarily on vessels 20 Seafarers LOG ROBERT PETRLAK Pensioner Robert Petrlak, 81, died Jan. 3. Boatman Petrlak joined the union in 1981 in Jacksonville, Fla. The steward department member was born in New York. Boatman Petrlak last went to sea on CHARLES SHORES Pensioner Charles Shores, 90, died July 20. Boatman Shores began sailing with the union in 1961, first working on a Meyle Towing Company vessel. Born in Maryland. Boatman Shores last shipped on a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He settled in New Jersey and became a pensioner in 1988. JAMES TODD Pensioner James Todd, 66, passed away Dec. 3. Boatman Todd began sailing with the SIU in 1963. His first ship was operated by Gulf Canal Lines. Boatman Todd was born in Amite, La. Before retiring in 1993, he worked aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Todd called Livingston, La. home. CALVIN WAGNER JR. Boatman Calvin Wagner Jr. died Sept. 1. He joined the union in 1975. Boatman Wagner began sailing aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company and most recently worked on the Cape Florida. The Texas-born mariner was a member of the engine department. Boatman Wagner made his home in Texas City, Texas. JOHN WARD Pensioner John Ward, 79, passed away Sept. 13. Boatman Ward was born in Missouri. He joined the SIU in 1972. Boatman Ward shipped primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. The deck department member lived in Baltimore, Md. and went on pension in 1988. JOHN WISE Pensioner John Wise, 88, died Oct. 4. Boatman Wise joined the SIU in 1964 and sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His first voyage was aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. Born in Enterprise, Ala., Boatman Wise’s most recent trip to sea was on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He lived in Pensacola, Fla. and retired in 1979. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. NAME AGE DOD Alindato, Antonio 90 Jan. 20 Banner, Stewart 89 Jan. 16 Coulombe, Gerard 83 Mar. 7 Davis, William 79 Mar. 10 Desiderato, Nicola 80 Mar. 8 Dominguez, Lloyd 74 Mar. 1 Estay, German 76 Mar. 16 Holtz, Anthony 83 Feb. 26 Johnson, Clarence 83 Mar. 24 Johnson, Robbie 75 Mar. 6 Lindsay, Herbert 98 Oct. 25, 2005 Madarang, Felino 95 Feb. 14 Moore, William 63 Feb. 3 Nelson, Joe 71 Feb. 11 Parrilla, Juan 98 Mar. 21 Quiroga, Abilio 92 Feb. 13 Seck, Issakha 85 Feb. 26 Thompson, Isiah 82 Nov. 21, 2005 Valentine, Robert 69 Mar. 16 Varela, Alfredo 77 Mar. 10 Velez, Gilberto 93 Mar. 13 Williams, Levi 62 Feb. 12 Wyatt, Stanley 74 Mar. 7 ATTENTION SEAFARERS: STERLING SPENCER Pensioner Sterling Spencer, 58, died Sept. 14. Boatman Spencer joined the SIU in 1974. He shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Spencer was a member of the deck department. He was born in New Orleans and lived in Harvey, La. Boatman Spencer started receiving compensation for his retirement in 2003. May 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for May through September 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Courqse Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 29 July 10 August 21 June 23 August 4 September 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 15 June 26 August 7 September 18 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning May 1, 2006. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Machinist June 5 June 23 Welding May 8 July 17 September 11 May 26 August 4 September 29 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) May 8 June 5 July 10 August 7 September 25 May 12 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB May 22 July 3 August 14 September 25 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 29 July 24 September 18 June 2 July 28 September 22 Government Vessels - FOWT May 15 June 26 July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 May 19 June 30 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 5 July 31 September 18 June 16 August 11 September 29 August 7 August 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Recertification Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 22 July 17 September 11 June 16 August 11 October 6 Fast Rescue Boat June 5 July 17 June 9 July 21 May 22 July 17 September 11 July 14 September 8 November 3 FOWT � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward July 10 August 7 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 672 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 672. They include (in alphabetical order) Scott Bloomfield, Nicholas Bridges, Claytain Carr, Donald Desir, Nicholas Gattuso, Phillip Lowe, Shawana Mills, Derrick Norfleet, Jonathan Rodriguez, Scott Smith, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, LaWanda Thornton, Nicholas Vandergriff and Kevin Wimbley. Receiving certificates for completion of the FOWT course March 24 are (in alphabetical order) Miguel Abad, Anthony Alibah, Anthony Bartley, Robin Bourgeois, Robert Crosby Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Robert Hinkle, Kenneth Johnson, Timothy Johnson Jr., Arthur Kately III, Frank Lewis, Jay McGlone Jr., Christian Oding, Dean Parks, Oscar Pena, William Price Jr., Timothy Rieman, Shawn Sayers, David Spaulding, Abraham Straughter, William Wilson and Robert Young. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far right. Damage Control — Fast Rescue Boat— Chief Cook— Graduates of a recent chief cook class are (from left) Penny Pollard, Antonio Mendez, Jack Curry Jr., Chef John Dobson (instructor) and Vidal Vallesteros. Marine Electrician — With their instructor, Stan Beck (back row, far right) are seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course March 24. They are (in no specific order) James Kruger, Simon McCarny, Mark Leman, John Frey, Peter Madden, Darrall Rabalais and Patrick Morse. Under the instruction of Jay Henderson (far left) are students who completed the marine electrician course March 10. They are (in alphabetical order) Rahul Bagchi, Jordan Cuddy, Ron Embody, Edward Fore, Samuel Garrett, Ashley Nelson, Francis Quebedeaux, Kenneth Ross and Hector Solis. March 24 was graduation day for those completing the damage control portion of the government vessels course. They are (in no specific order) Vincent Hamm, Kipling Wise II, Miguel Abad, Raymond Jones, Yjohnzail Mack, Nur Hois, Scott Paxton, Margaret Young, Nathaniel Carr, Carlos Gibbons, Natividad Zapata, Christopher Vincenzo, Arthur Kately III, Timothy Hell, Ricky Myers, Kelly Doyle, Eugene Edwards, James Roy, Oscar Catabay, Antonio Arizala and John McIntosh. Marine Refrigeration — Graduates of the marine refrigeration course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Davon Brown, Alfonza Davis, Richard Huffman, Daniel Ramirez Jr., Jeffrey Roddy, Charles Sadler and Jome Zerna. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is standing, second from left. Welding — Completing the welding course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Xavier Alfaro, James Cedeno, Elliott Del Aguila, Geoffrey Hall, Simon McCamy, Abraham Moreira, Eldon Palmer, Kyle Pillsworth and Karberto Ramos. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing, second from right. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two groups of graduates of the tanker assistant class united for a photo March 17. They are (in no specific order) Anthony Berry, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Nicholas Bridges, Steven Blair, Catherine Clark, Wilma-Joy Smith, Gregory Simmons, Reid Bland, Karel Cain, Joseph Bianchi, Sean Fox, Tyrell Blackburn, Ernest Frank III, Ismael Gonzalez, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Abdmutaali Muhammad, Dallon Garnett, Jesse James, Jeremy Finley, Timothy Hetz, Michael Iverson, Maxine Howard, Lee Patrick, Abner Diaz-Torres, Jayson Cottrille, Richard Guerra Jr., Michael Lais, Derek King, Winston Rankin, Ryan Vandergriff, Timothy Kauble, Lewis Coleman, Raul Morales, Akia Wilcox, Phillip Rhule, Eddie Flood, Dennis Rivard, Shawn Orr, Joseph Ward, David Meacham, Stephan Thompson, Michael Sedita, Pavis Whitley, Eutiquio Flores, Damion Vaughn, Chris Sahagon, Reylan Tendido, Casey O’Brien and Gil Lawrence. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes STCW — NCL, March 10: Gary Albers, Jessica Allen, Nancy Badawy, Kimberly Bascon, Cherie Bessette, Alison Boehm, Jenea Brown, Quentin Collins, Stephen Collins, Garnett Davis, Tanya Dominguez, Crystal Edwards, Carin Eisenmann, Jason Enriquez, John Ferrari and Magdalena Flores. STCW — NCL, March 10: Jesse Friendshuh, Victor Garcia, Alejandro Garcia, Hector Garcia, Andrew Haladay, Jennifer Hastings, Danny Hicks, Brian Horn, Jon James, Albert Jethanamest, Conrad Jones, Amber Lander, Brian Lewis, Virron Libranda, Allison Lippert, Joseph Marodix and Jason Marshall. (Note: not all are pictured.) May 2006 NCL, March 16: Araceli Alvarez, Tierra Arnold, Mike Barkl, Nicole Bennett, Jacqueline Billesbach, Corina Blas, Lloyd Brown, Christina Burton, Michael Cajiao, Sarah Calahan, Zachariah Campbell, Kristin Cannard, Christopher Castilow, Candice Chapin, Violeta Chillous, Leon Cominski, Alin Cordasco, Jennifer Cossette, Jessica Daubenmire and Marites Davidson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Shelly McCarroll, John McMeans, Jamie Mehr, Maria Mercado, Carolyn Michael, Linda Mizuno, Michael Moreno, Patti Morgan, Sean Morris, Sarah Morrow, Amber Myrick, Todd Neelis, Maureen Nelan, Elmer Nieveras, Isaac Osei-Asibey, Ryann Paquette, Michael Perez, James Petrean, Nam Pham and John Pine Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 16: Sharlene Davis, Sarah DeCamp, Maria Ebel, Kekoa Ehia, Shannon Espinosa, Michael Gaydosh, Terrence Hackett, Justin Hornberger, Chrystal Hosler, Kandice Hubbard, Stephanie Johnson, Joseph Kent, Steven Kiefer, Brenda Leggett, Misti Levijoki, Patricia Lewis, Joe Lorenzini, Jacqueline Lovejoy, Treshanna Martin, Mikia McBride and Alan Hemmati. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 10: Natasha Smith, Robert Sousa, Christopher Stack, Laurel Stiles, Apryl Swhear, Jennifer Taft, Stephanie Taylor, Clarissa Tengco, Teah Turner, Michael Valente, Damien Vincent, Kathleen Wilkins, Christopher Williams, Christopher Wilson, Roger Woody, Tiana Wyatt and Danny Zapanta. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 10: Gregg Massey, Paul McClure, Jennifer Mosquedo, Mark Munholland, Tyler Olivier, Brandon Olivier, Andres Oropeza, Diana Pandolfini, Anthony Paproski, Cody Powell, Jovonda Powell, Stephen Richards, Rolando Rivera, Eric Rodriguez, Brian Rosario, Charles Sadler II, Stanley Seale, Jameson Sehl and Shawn Sisson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Arthur Piotrowski, Daymon Plowman, Shauna Rafferty, Kimberly Rhoden, Christopher Saenz, Hiram Santoni Jr., Shay Schofield, Monica Shearer, Brian Smith, Megan Smith, Kevin Snauko, Meredith Stevens, Vanessa VanVorst, Johnnie Whitiker, Todd Williams and Rex York. (Note: not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 National Maritime Day May 22, 2006 In memory of American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country Seafarers Help Keep Curtiss Ready Prepositioning Ship Supports U.S. Marine Corps T The Curtiss has supported U.S. troops in OIF and Desert Storm. Left: AB Steve Gardner he SIU-crewed SS Curtiss is one of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s two aviation maintenance logistics ships and also one of three dozen vessels in MSC’s prepositioning program. Seafarers sailed aboard the Curtiss in support of U.S. troops during earlier stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, transporting troops and materiel to key locations in the Middle East. They also sailed aboard the Curtiss backing U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War. A visit to the vessel in late February in San Diego found SIU members among the reduced operating status crew helping ready the Curtiss for a safety inspection by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Bosun David Collins, who sailed on several other MSC ships during OIF and also during Operation Desert Storm, said that the Curtiss crew is very serious about keeping the ship in top condition so that it’s ready for the next activation, whenever that call comes. He also noted the positive interaction between mariners and troops that he has witnessed on various Seafarers-contracted ships. “The United States Marines have a sense of humor,” recalled Collins, whose father (Don) is an SIU retiree and whose two brothers (Donnie and Darren) also sail with the union. “They work hard, but they play hard, too.” Operated by Crowley, the Curtiss is 602 feet long and has beam of about 90 feet. The steam-powered ship can travel at 19 knots and has a five-day activation period. Chief Steward Vern Wilson Bosun David Collins, SIU Port Agent John Cox and GUDE Charles Alford Left: Electrician Gary Dahl The menu is posted daily aboard ship. GUDE Charles Alford Right: U.S. Marines aboard the vessel during earlier stages of OIF creatively logged their journey. Right: Bosun David Collins comes from an SIU family. In the background of this photo is NASSCO—with two more Seafarers-contracted ships (Alaskan Legend, right, and USNS Lewis and Clark) under construction. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION BILL CLEARS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. KING PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY CROWLEY CHRISTENS NEW ATB SIU CONTRACT HONORED IN DELTA QUEEN SALE UNION’S SAN FRANCISCO OPERATIONS MOVING TO NEW HALL IN OAKLAND SIU-CREWED HAUGE HONORED FOR SAFETY CLAIMS OFFICE REOPENS PORT OFFICIAL EDWARD SMITH DIES AT 79 MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH PLAN DRAWS FEDERATION’S IRE PUSH FOR ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ MOVES TO HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE PHILADELPHIA HEALTH UNIT PARKS IN A BETTER LOCATION PENNSYLVANIA LAW STIPULATES $500 BONUS FOR WWII MARINERS PRIDE OF HAWAII MAKES ITS 1ST TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING SERVICE COMMEMORATES TEXACO OKLAHOMA TRAGEDY TRAINEE THORNTON RECEIVES NCL AWARD AGENCIES OFFER ANSWERS, PRECAUTIONS FOR BIRD FLU SMPPP STATEMENTS SLATED FOR MAILING ADMIRAL SEIBERLICH BEGINS FINAL VOYAGE CANADA CRACKS DOWN ON PORT SECURITY DOCUMENTARY TELLS ‘STORY OF AMERICA’S SEAFARING WOMEN’ SEAFARERS HELP KEEP CURTISS READY PREPOSITIONING SHIP SUPPORTS U.S. MARINE CORPS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 5 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/baff9282d60bf2d13ec8d19d5ca85772.pdf 49a00f010f863ddbbb2a519361f67064 PDF Text Text Horizon Lines to Charter 5 New Vessels Volume 68, Number 4 — Page 2 April 2006 MTD Executive Board Meetings Military, Gov’t Leaders Reaffirm Merchant Marine’s Essential Roles Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military and the labor movement offered high praise for the U.S. Merchant Marine during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 24-25 in San Diego. Speakers pointed out that U.S. Merchant Mariners continue delivering the goods whether for hurricane relief operations, national defense mobilizations or routine but important commercial cargo runs. Pictured clockwise beginning at upper left are General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Vice Admiral David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and MTD President Michael Sacco; U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.); executive board members and other audience members; and AFLCIO President John Sweeney along with President Sacco. Pages 3, 11, 12, 13. ITF Secures Back Pay For Crew of FOC Ship The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently secured more than $200,000 in back pay for crew members from a so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessel that had been detained in Houston. Many of the mariners are pictured at right, aboard the runaway-flag Taxiarchis Sierra. SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung helped lead the effort to assist the crew. Page 5. Union Mourns Steve Judd USNS Mercy Preps for Mission Page 4 Page 24 �Horizon Lines Charters New Ships President’s Report Support for Maritime Evident While it’s normal to hear from supportive guest speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings, I found the most recent sessions exceptionally encouraging. Talk about good news! Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), announced that his company is strongly looking into investing in 17 new U.S.-flag ships Michael Sacco that would sail in the Jones Act trades. OSG already is scheduled to operate 10 other new ships —the tankers being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. General Norton Schwartz, the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, talked in detail about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s outstanding performance in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also emphasized the excellent cooperation that exists between our industry and the military, and declared his full support for U.S. mariners. Vice Admiral David Brewer, who served as commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command until his recent retirement, offered similarly powerful and enthusiastic backing for the U.S. Merchant Marine. He said that we have been nothing short of indispensable in helping America fight the war on terrorism. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta discussed another key role filled by U.S. mariners. Namely, supporting hurricane relief efforts along the Gulf Coast for victims of Katrina and Rita. Secretary Mineta couldn’t have been more appreciative or more genuine in commending the U.S.-flag industry. Of course, we were very fortunate to hear from other prominent speakers from Congress, the administration and the labor movement who also discussed not only the U.S. Merchant Marine but also various issues affecting all working families. When you put it all together, it’s obvious that the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry as a whole have done an outstanding job—and we’re looking at a bright, bright future. I’m especially glad that 20 or so rank-and-file SIU members, including members from our Government Services Division, attended the meetings. They heard for themselves the great impression that the MTD unions have made on our military leaders and elected representatives. They got a firsthand look at how grassroots campaigns, combined with their own outstanding work aboard ship, have helped revitalize an industry that some people never believed would flourish again. I’ve always been confident about what lies ahead anyway, but it was impossible to leave those meetings without feeling even more optimistic. We’ve come a long way and we have a lot to look forward to. As I said to the executive board, sometimes it may take longer than others to accomplish our goals, but there is no doubt that we ultimately will come out on top. Tragic Loss About a week after the meetings, we suffered a huge loss when SIU Assistant Vice President Steve Judd died in an accident. For those of you who knew Steve, you already understand that we could fill this whole newspaper with kind words about him and it still wouldn’t be enough. Steve was exceptional. He had such a bright future, and that’s one reason why his death hit us so hard. Steve had a lot of things going for him, but to me nothing stood out more than how hard he worked. He was totally, absolutely committed to this union and this membership. He didn’t take shortcuts. He never gave up and he never complained. We will move forward with heavy hearts—but we will move forward. I think it’s completely true to say that Steve Judd would have wanted nothing less than for us to continue giving our all for the betterment of the Seafarers International Union. He was the kind of guy who always put the union—our team, our SIU family—ahead of individual interests. We can honor his memory by doing the same. Volume 68, Number 4 April 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers-contracted Horizon Lines on March 17 announced an agreement in principle to charter five new U.S.-flag ships for 12year terms from Ship Finance International Limited. The five vessels are expected to join Horizon Lines’ fleet beginning in early 2007. In a news release, Horizon Lines described the foreign-built ships as being “of a proven, international design” and noted that each will carry 2,800 20-foot equivalent containers and have 23-knot service speed. “The five new vessels will be deployed in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia, upgrading the current ‘TP1’ service that is being served with five Jones Act-qualified vessels today,” the company observed. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker described the charters as “certainly a very positive development for our union and for the U.S.-flag fleet. Bringing in new tonnage, whether in the form of replacement ships or outright new additions, is good for job security. In the bigger picture, it’s also good for our country’s national defense capabilities and for economic security.” Charles G. “Chuck” Raymond, CEO and president of Horizon Lines, said, “As we embark on our fleet enhancement strategy, this is a proud and historic day for Horizon Lines. The enhanced service will provide us with additional space and faster transit time ILO Adopts Innovative Maritime Convention The International Labor Organization (ILO) during its 94th International Labor Conference in Geneva realized a momentous achievement when it overwhelmingly adopted a new comprehensive work standard for the world’s maritime sector. In what ILO Director-General Juan Somavia labeled a landmark development in the world of work, the body during its Feb. 7-23 meetings agreed (by a vote of 314-0 with four abstentions) to establish the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention as the worldwide code for countries doing business in the international maritime trades. The vote evidenced the unwavering support by delegates from more than 100 countries representing seafarers, shipowners and governments. Following the vote, some hailed the Convention as a new “Bill of Rights for Seafarers.” “This is a big step in the right direction for our entire industry,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section. “An agreement like this will help ensure that the world’s seafarers are less likely to be exploited. The international maritime community is speaking with one voice and sending the message that government, shipowners and maritime unions will not tolerate substandard shipping... This Convention is an important part in raising the quality of life at sea and must be ratified by all governments, including the United States.” “We have made maritime labor history today,” Somavia said of the action taken by ILO. “We have adopted a Convention that spans continents and oceans, providing a comprehensive labor charter for between the U.S. West Coast and Guam, as well as the return voyage from Asia to the U.S. West Coast.” In its press release, the company added, “The introduction of this new tonnage also allows the carrier’s Jones Act vessels to be used as reserve capacity to meet seasonal and dry-dock needs, as well as to respond to potential new opportunities such as coastwise container service.” By July of next year, Horizon Lines plans to operate 17 ships and to have four vessels in reserve status. Currently, the company operates 16 U.S.-flag vessels on routes linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. the world’s 1.2 million or more seafarers and addressing the evolving realities and needs of a sector that handles 90 percent of the world’s trade. “What’s more, we have established a socioeconomic floor to global competition in the maritime sector,” he continued. “This initiative can also provide the impetus and support for similarly innovative and balanced approaches to addressing the need to make globalization fair in other sectors of the world of work.” In addition to ILO Director-General Somavia, the Conference also heard statements from four special guests: IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos; Jacques Barrot, vice-president for transport, European Commission; Zuyuan Xu, vice minister, Ministry of Communications, China; and Karin Yrvin, deputy minister of trade and industry, Norway. Each spoke highly of the new convention and its positive international implications. The new Convention clearly sets out, in plain language, a seafarers’ “bill of rights” while allowing a sufficient degree of national discretion to deliver those rights with transparency and accountability, according to the ILO. It also contains conditions which enable it to keep in step with the needs of the industry and help secure universal application and enforcement. The Convention’s specifications will help to meet the demand for quality shipping, which is crucial to the global economy and will apply to all ships engaged in commercial activities with the exception of fishing vessels and traditional ships (such as dhows and junks). The new Convention is designed to encourage compliance by operators and owners of ships and strengthen enforcement of standards at all levels, including provisions for onboard and onshore comContinued on page 8 Financial Committee Okays Records A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the March union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU’s financial records for the year 2005 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Bosuns William Henderson and Norman Tourtellot, ABs Gerard Costello, Walter Harris and Raymond Henderson, Deckhand William Kelly and Oiler Michael Joel. In its report, the committee stated, “All records used in connection with the Union’s financial operations were reviewed fully…. We find that the Headquarters of the Union is taking all steps possible to safeguard Union funds and to see that the disbursements of the Union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The use of an annual financial committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: “The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations.” Members of the financial committee and an SIU official are pictured last month at union headquarters. Standing left to right in the front row are Bosun William Henderson, AB Gerard Costello, Oiler Michael Joel, Deckhand William Kelly and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. In the back row are Bosun Norman Tourtellot, AB Raymond Henderson and AB Walter Harris. April 2006 �U.S. Fleet’s Progress, Value Emphasized MTD Speakers Credit Mariners for Defense, Humanitarian Missions Whether it’s in hurricane relief missions or the ongoing war on terrorism—or in routine commercial cargo operations—the U.S. Merchant Marine continues demonstrating its tremendous value to the nation. That message was delivered by many of the guest speakers during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings Feb. 24-25 in San Diego. Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military and the labor movement all cited the merchant marine’s importance to America’s national and economic security. In addition, the guest speakers and MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, covered other key issues including health care, political action, pension security, job safety, protecting workers’ rights, supporting our troops and more. The MTD is composed of 24 international unions and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 5.5 million working men and women. In order of appearance, the following individuals addressed the executive board: AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; United Mine Workers Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Kane; U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.); Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president, Overseas Shipholding Group; James McGregor, president, Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.; Eugene Magee, chief of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Reserve Fleet Division; Doug MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) listens as Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, commends the U.S. Merchant Marine. General Schwartz also noted the effective cooperation between the military and U.S. maritime industry. Dority, retired president of the United Food and Commercial Workers and current head of coalition America’s Agenda; Communications Workers of America Vice President Ralph Maly; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta; Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii); Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (DS.C.). Sacco opened the meeting by briefly reviewing some of the industry’s recent accomplishments along with ongoing challenges. He noted that the prior SIU Members Crew Up 3rd NCL America Ship Seafarers already are working aboard NCL America’s newest cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii, which is scheduled to reach the United States in late April. The Pride of Hawaii—advertised as the largest U.S.-flag passenger ship ever built—is slated to stay in Baltimore for at least a week and then sail to Los Angeles for its christening. The vessel will join its sister ships, the SIUcrewed Pride of America (christened last summer) and Pride of Aloha (2004) in offering sevenday cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. The Pride of Hawaii was floated out of Germany’s Meyer Werft dock Feb. 19 and berthed at the shipyard’s outfitting pier for final touches before sailing along the River Ems to Eemshaven for sea trials March 11. After a series of initial voyages, the Pride of Hawaii will begin its regular inter-island schedule, probably in June. “This is another great development with more new jobs for our union,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “SIU members already are doing an outstanding job aboard NCL America’s other ships, and there’s April 2006 no doubt the tradition will continue aboard the Pride of Hawaii.” “Consumers will now have the choice between three different NCL America ships in Hawaii,” noted Colin Veitch, NCL America’s president and chief executive officer, “each with its own personality and style but all delivering incredible inter-island freestyle cruises.” At more than 93,000 gross tons and with a passenger capacity of nearly 2,400, the Pride of Hawaii and its sister ships are creating thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Hawaii and to the United States in general. In fact, with this third vessel, NCL America is providing employment for some 4,000 shipboard personnel. While all three of the vessels offer seven-night cruises to Hawaii’s four main islands, the Pride of Hawaii will depart from Honolulu on Mondays. And like the Pride of Aloha, which departs Sundays, and the Pride of America, which departs Saturdays, the new ship offers many of the same amenities and “freestyle” options in its choice of MTD meetings had taken place right before the AFL-CIO convention last summer which saw several unions leave the federation. “I thought the disaffiliations were a mistake then and I’m even more convinced they’re a mistake now,” he stated. “Whether it’s a month from now or a year from now or whatever length of time, I hope that the AFL-CIO regains all of the unions that left. That’s the best course of action for everyone, most importantly the rank-and-file members. “But whether or not that happens, our federation will survive,” Sacco continued. “We’re already proving it. In particular, we scored quite a few victories during the elections in November. That was a big test, coming so soon after the disaffiliations, and we passed with flying colors.” He further pointed out that soon after the MTD convention last July, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita battered the Gulf Coast. In response, “Members of MTD unions were among the first on the scene in New Orleans, helping local hospitals and rescue workers even before Katrina was finished. Since that time, thousands of our union members have aided in relief operations. Many thousands more donated money Members of the MTD executive board and guests—including rank-andfile Seafarers—attend the department’s recent meeting in San Diego. restaurants and other shipboard and excursion activities. One of the differences, however, is the expansive suites aboard the newest vessel, each of which includes a private courtyard with pool and whirlpool, concierge service, and much more. Both the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America have dramatic artwork painted on their hulls. The Pride of Hawaii features a distinctive and equally vivid look. To celebrate its name, the hull artwork features a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other. Each is joined by a lei—a welcome symbol of Hawaii, made up of yellow, red and orange hibiscus blossoms. On all three NCL America ships, union members and their families can secure reduced fares through Union Plus, a nonprofit organization founded by the AFL-CIO. In fact, since NCL America and Union Plus first teamed up last summer, thousands of union members have taken advantage of the discounted rates. The toll-free number for this benefit is (866) 867-0593. As previously reported, NCL America faced some relatively brief growing pains in 2004, but since then has successfully refined its product—a fact not lost on professional and amateur critics alike. In the media and on or contributed clothing, food and supplies.” See pages 11, 12 and 13 for full coverage of the MTD executive board meetings. Other achievements and activities since the convention included the christening of new U.S.flag vessels and the continued support of U.S. troops involved in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. “When we’re called upon, we will deliver the goods any time, anywhere,” the MTD president said. Turning toward some of the key goals of not just the MTD but the entire labor movement, Sacco mentioned improving workplace safety, securing affordable health care for all citizens, and reinforcing the freedom to join a union. On the latter issue, the Employee Free Choice Act—proposed legislation with strong bipartisan support—remains a prime focus of the MTD along with the AFLCIO. The freedom to join a union “is a right that has been weakened under mountains of red tape and legal ploys, but it’s a right that must be truly and fully restored,” Sacco declared. “More than any other approach, giving workers a real opportunity to choose union representation may be the quickest and most effective way to organize new members. “It may take longer than we’d like, but we can and will accomplish all of these goals. Together, we won’t be denied.” The SIU-contracted Pride of Hawaii, ready for sea trials along the River Ems, is the newest NCL America vessel. internet message boards populated by passengers, the reviews these days are very favorable. Some of the magazine reviews point to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center as one reason why things have improved. In 2005, more than 3,000 students successfully completed the Paul Hall Center’s three-week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of non-marine positions. NCL America Raises Money for Hawaii Charities SIU-contracted NCL America recently reported that the company last year raised $250,000 for local Hawaii charities via a special charity cruise on the Seafarers-crewed Pride of America. The money raised on the charity cruise (which took place last summer) benefits three Hawaii non-profit organizations, according to the company. Those organizations are the Child & Family Service; the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; and the Kapi’olani Children’s Miracle Network. Nearly 1,200 people sailed on the charity cruise, according to NCL America. Guests enjoyed a full evening and morning of culinary delights at the Pride of America’s eight different restaurants and bars. NCL America donated the use of the U.S.-flag ship and all operational, food and beverage services and amenities for the cruise. Seafarers LOG 3 �Steve Judd: Remembering One of the Best New Orleans Official Served the Membership With Integrity, Energy The SIU suffered an enormous loss March 5 when Assistant Vice President Contracts Stephen W. Judd, one of the union’s most dedicated and well-respected officials, died unexpectedly in Metairie, La. He was 45. News of his death caused an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from SIU members and officials alike. Most emphasized Judd’s personal kindness and integrity along with his absolute dedication to rank-and-file Seafarers. Judd, who comes from a family of SIU members, joined the union in 1978 and sailed in the inland division with Crescent Towing. He started as a deckhand and AB, quickly earned a U.S. Coast Guard license and then sailed as an SIU captain before eventually coming ashore as a patrolman in 1991. He served as the union’s port agent in New Orleans beginning in 1997 and was promoted to the assistant vice president’s post late last year. He was a key figure in the SIU’s organizing victory at E.N. Bisso culminating in 1994—a protracted battle and clearly one of the union’s most noteworthy SIU Assistant VP Contracts Steve Judd (left) joins Mobile, Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Md. in 2002. At the time, Judd served as the union’s New Orleans port agent. organizing wins in recent memory. SIU President Michael Sacco said Judd’s dedication, talent and loyalty were second-to-none within the union. “He was devoted to his work and he loved what he was doing,” Sacco stated. “He dedicated his whole life to the SIU. He was appointed as assistant vice president because of the great work he’s done and his leadership qualities. He was trustworthy—it was easy to have confidence in him.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez recalled that Judd stood up for every member, regardless of circumstance. “He wanted to make sure everybody got representation,” Tellez said. “A company guy once questioned why he was pushing on behalf of a member whose situation looked like a lost cause, and Steve said, ‘Everybody needs a chance to be heard.’ He was as tenacious as a pit bull in those situations.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel pointed out that Judd “was born and bred in the SIU. He grew up on the boats and was always a true believer in the union. He was always looking out for the other guy and never was one to back down…. He was a great boatman, and when he came ashore he carried those same qualities servicing the members. Obviously he’s going to be missed. My sympathies go to his wife and the rest of his family.” Dean Corgey, vice president of the SIU’s Gulf Coast Region, said Judd’s death “is the greatest tragedy I’ve seen since I’ve been with the SIU, losing such a standup guy at such a young age. He had so much promise, such a great future. It was an honor to work with him. He had the heart of a lion and unquestioned integrity. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the membership.” Seafarer John Bilich, currently sailing aboard the Delta Mariner, knew Judd since 1979. They sailed together and later served on negotiating committees when Judd worked as a union official. “Steve was immediately respected by all his peers when he started as a deckhand,” Bilich said, noting that Judd continued earning the admiration of union and company personnel alike throughout his career. “If you didn’t smile at least once in his company, you didn’t listen well enough. He was a man of his word and a rising star. He will be sadly missed.” Another member, David Merida, knew Judd since they attended the same high school in the 1970s. “Anything he did, he did it 110 percent,” said Merida, who joined the union in 1982. “I’ll always remember his willingness to help people, his unselfishness. His integrity could never be questioned. He might have been small in height and weight, but he was a very powerful official when it came to getting your attention and talking shop.” George Tricker, SIU vice president contracts, said Judd “set the highest standard for representing this membership. Whether he was defending a seaman’s rights or pursuing a grievance, his tireless efforts and tenacity reflected his commitment to this organization. Steve’s knowledge of the issues and the membership’s needs were invaluable during negotiations. I will forever carry his example.” Chris Westbrook, the union’s New Orleans port agent, first met Judd while sailing as an engineer at Bisso. “I knew him from both sides, as a member and (later) as a co-worker, and also as a friend,” Westbrook remembered. “He was a fantastic guy, a great mentor and he passed along a wealth of knowledge. He loved the union and he was a dedicated servant to the membership, to his family and to his friends. Steve was truly an exceptional person.” Ed Kelly, SIU port agent in Mobile, Ala., described Judd as “one of the most thorough individuals I ever met, and also the fairest person I ever met. He was a Appreciation If it’s true that we are best measured under adversity, Steve Judd showed his real colors on the heels of Hurricane Katrina. He couldn’t have shined any brighter. Steve finagled his way back into New Orleans right after the hurricane, while the city was incapacitated. He did so in large part because he wanted to take care of the damaged SIU hall on LaPalco Boulevard, and to help look after family members as well as help in his neighborhood. Throughout the ensuing weeks we often spoke by phone, partly so that I could get updates for the Seafarers LOG but equally because we were friends. As Steve matter-of-factly described the hardships and the devastation—not to mention the endless, difficult work at the start of the recovery—he occasionally would pause and say, “But I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining. Plenty of other people are worse off. I’m grateful just to have food and water.” As always, he was 100 percent sincere. And as always, he was giving all his time and energy to help others, whether they were family members or Seafarers or neighbors or even strangers. Professionally, Steve was a godsend to the LOG office. If we needed a particular type of photo or had to contact members on short notice, I always felt comfortable turning to Steve for help. He not only delivered, he did so with a warm, welcoming attitude that superbly reinforced the notion that we 4 Seafarers LOG really are one big family. Thank heaven I occasionally had chances to reciprocate. Neither of us minded long phone conversations, and that helped enable us to solve most of the world’s problems a few times over, or so it seemed. Steve was especially interested in the health care crisis, specifically because he wanted to help educate the membership about this most serious issue. We discussed it for hours, sharing newspaper articles from across the country, reviewing members’ feedback, taking candid looks at the LOG’s coverage and how it might improve. Personally, Steve was as decent a man as I’ve ever known. There are too many examples for this space, but, just to share one: He preceded me in recovery from nicotine addiction, and proved a helpful but never pushy long-distance mentor. When I finally broke free from tobacco’s clutches, Steve’s positive reinforcement felt priceless. *** Steve Judd’s obituary was written at least 40 years too soon. I don’t claim to have known him better than his contemporaries in the Gulf, but I knew him well enough to submit a first-person tribute for the first time in my nearly 15 years at the LOG. That is my homage to Steve, whose exceptional character remains a powerful reminder of just how much good we can do. Steve Judd (second from left) celebrated the opening of the SIU hall on LaPalco Boulevard in April 1999 along with Seafarers, officials and guests. Here, he is pictured with (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco; Brother Judd’s wife, Nancy; his brother, AB Willie Judd Jr.; and his father, SIU Retiree Willie Judd Sr. unique individual and it was easy to get close to him. You didn’t have to know him very long to know what kind of person he was.” SIU Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski credited Judd with being “a consummate professional. There was never a situation where he couldn’t handle himself. He had an answer, and if he didn’t he knew where to go to find it.” SIU Political Director Terry Turner said, “To me, Steve was what the SIU is all about: bright, personable and hard-working. During the Katrina disaster he was the first one back in the hall, shoveling mud and debris so that we could start the operation of getting members out to open up the port. He worked with the federal and state agencies as well as the Coast Guard to help ensure that the port would open and recovery could begin. He was a true hero and I will miss him.” Funeral services took place March 9 at Bultman Funeral Home in New Orleans, followed by interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie. An online guest book is available at www.legacy.com. Brother Judd’s surviving family includes his wife, Nancy Lee Nolle Judd; parents William S. Judd Sr. (an SIU retiree) and Esther Boutian Judd; and Brother William S. Judd Jr., who sails with the SIU. Steady as She Goes Written by AB Johney August IV In Tribute to Steve Steady as she goes I heard the Pilot say Just follow my commands I am the Way Fear not rough weather We shall prevail Cause I am the rudder, the tiller, The wind and the sail I’ll steer you to a place Where heaven and oceans meet A place of serenity and happiness Like “Fiddler’s Green Retreat” Steady as she goes I am the lighthouse in the blue abyss That guides you at night When you are troubled I shine ever so bright That’s my voice you hear Calling you near Like a foghorn in the distance So faint yet so clear Hard left? Or hard right? Full ahead? Or full astern? Come to me I am the peace that you yearn I am the ebb and the flow of tide That favorable knot current that you ride I say to you, “I am that I am” As the beginning joins the end So shall the end join the beginning Safe passage…. Calm seas…. Our port of call is near! Steady as she goes — Jordan Biscardo April 2006 �Crews Earn More Kudos for Relief Missions Seafarers from the Cape Vincent, Cape Victory and Empire State recently were recognized for their respective efforts in relief missions following last year’s hurricanes in the Gulf region. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) on March 9 conducted a hurricane relief cere- U.S. mariners answered the call for hurricane relief beginning immediately after Katrina and Rita. Among those who recently sailed on the Cape Vincent were (from left) Capt. David Scott, GSU Walter Wise, Chief Steward Ronnie Hadnott, Chief Cook Charles Curley, GSU Enrique Agosto, 2nd Cook Bridget Burkhalter and GSU Daniel Miller. Scott also offered special thanks to galley gang members who sailed on the vessel earlier in the relief mission: Francisco Sanchez, Pete Hernandez, Leo Battiste and Reynaldo Bernardez, who helped supply more than 11,000 extra meals. Displaying awards aboard the Cape Vincent are (from left) ABs Brian Jones, Thames Solomon and Anthony Smith, Bosun Darryl Sutton and Capt. David Scott. mony for Empire State crew members, who had just completed a six-month deployment in New Orleans. Mariners received certificates of achievement and commemorative Ready Reserve Force medallions at the ceremony, hosted at the State University of New York. MarAd also donated a plaque to be displayed on the vessel. Both the Cape Vincent and the Cape Victory were honored Jan. 31 by the City of Beaumont, Texas for their relief roles following Hurricane Rita. The ships and crews received a Congressional Proclamation from U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) along with a plaque from the city, a public service award from the Beaumont Police Department and a certificate of appreciation from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. A day earlier, Cape Vincent crew members and other Seafarers were recognized in New Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller (left), AB Kaled M. Saleh and Bosun’s Mate Malek G. Mohamed prep the hull of the Empire State. Orleans during a ceremony jointly sponsored by the port and the Maritime Administration. That ceremony honored mariners involved in Hurricane Katrina relief operations. “The crew has done an excellent job and deserves recogni- Mariners from the Empire State are honored March 9 at the State University of New York. The vessel aided in hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast for six months. Federal Court Says No to NSPS ITF Gets $240,000 In what a coalition of labor orga- the International Federation of In Back Pay for Crew nizations described as a victory for Professional & Technical Engineers Department of Defense workers worldwide, U.S. Federal District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan recently blocked the Pentagon from moving forward on the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). Via a late-February news release, the United DoD Workers Coalition noted the court found that the new rules fail “to ensure even minimal collective bargaining rights.” Specifically, the court determined that DoD regulations allowing the DoD to ‘take whatever actions are necessary to carry out the mission’ by creating issuances to override labor agreements failed to ensure collective bargaining under the statute. In the context of bargaining itself, the court held that subjecting union officials to the same standard as the average employee restricted vigorous advocacy and invalidated this regulation. The court further enjoined the new National Security Labor Relations Board on the grounds that this Board, as DoD envisioned it, did “not satisfy Congress’ requirement for an ‘independent third party’ to review labor management disputes.” The 36 member unions of the United DoD Workers Coalition (UDWC), which includes the SIU and represents the overwhelming majority of DoD’s 700,000 plus workforce, applauded Judge Sullivan’s decision. Gregory Junemann, president of April 2006 tion,” noted David Scott, master of the Cape Vincent, who submitted some of the photos accompanying this story. Altogether, more than 500 Seafarers sailed in the relief missions, aboard no fewer than 14 ships. (IFPTE), said, “I applaud Judge Sullivan for his reasoned and well thought out ruling.” John Gage, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), stated, “I’m proud of the work done by our coalition of AFL-CIO unions and independent unions across the country. The judge’s decision is a decisive victory for the coalition. I would hope the DoD would not appeal the judge’s decision but give up the quest to change the personnel system and sit down with unions again to decide on a system which supports collective bargaining.” Rick Brown, national president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, said, “This is a great victory for the unions of the coalition. Judge Sullivan’s decision clearly shows that employee rights in the workplace are not a threat to national security.” UDWC Chair and AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Byron Charlton capped off the comments, stating, “The decision by Judge Sullivan is further vindication of the UDWC member organizations’ position that the DoD had far exceeded its so-called ‘authorization for change’ authority. I want to thank every UDWC member organization for its support in the long struggle to maintain workplace democracy. We recognize that this important decision is a very critical step in this process.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in February secured $240,000 in back pay for 17 mariners aboard the runawayflag vessel Taxiarchis Sierra that had been arrested in the port of Houston. A 21,000–dwt Cyprus-flag bulker/log carrier, the Taxiarchis Sierra on Feb. 10 was arrested by SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who works out of Houston, for unpaid wages and failures on the part of the mariners’ crewing agencies to forward previously authorized funds to their respective families in Sri Lanka. Built in 1985, the Greek-owned vessel is operated by Argosy Ship Management. Aung on Feb. 8 received a call from Rev. David Wells of the Port of Houston Seafarers Center. Wells had offered to provide phone service for crew members aboard the seized vessel who wanted to contact their families. (Most didn’t have shore passes.) The vessel’s captain refused Wells’ offer, perhaps fearing that the crew would call the ITF. Wells deemed the captain’s refusal suspicious and decided to go aboard the vessel to visit the crew. Once on board, Wells learned, among other violations, that the crew had not been paid in four months. Without hesitation, he contacted Aung. Going immediately to the aid of the crew, Aung boarded the vessel and met several individuals including the captain. He had a U.S. Coast Guard team inspect the ship and later had the Taxiarchis Sierra arrested. During his investigation, Aung discovered that the vessel’s managers had not only failed to pay the crew in accordance with their ITF contract, but also that they had been stealing about $28,000 from crew wages each month. The ITF inspector demanded that the company pay all wages, back pay and repatriation costs. Further, Aung demanded that the owners take no action against the seafarers for seizing the vessel and demanding their contractual rights. According to Aung, the Taxiarchis Sierra master claimed that the unpaid wages were simply a matter of miscalculations. Lawyers retained by the SIU, working in conjunction with the ITF, intervened and negotiated not only the payment of previously earned wages for the crew, but also arranged for repatriation to their home countries and protection from blacklisting by their crewing agencies. Sixteen of the crew members were from Sri Lanka while one hailed from Egypt. Mary Ann Starks, one of the attorneys retained on behalf of the crew, reportedly told Trade Winds that her clients were happy with the terms of the negotiations and pleased that Piraeus, Greece-based Argosy “stepped up to the plate” to do the right thing. The $210,000 recovered in back wages for the crew included some $55,000 that Stark says the owner had advanced in an attempt to halt the arrest. An additional $30,000, which members of the crew initially paid to their crewing agencies, also was secured for a total collection of $240,000. The crew was repatriated Feb. 27. According to Trade Winds, Starks said that crew members paid “deposits” of $3,000 each to their crewing agencies prior to taking jobs aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra. These monies could be forfeited unless the owner provided certification that they had fulfilled their contracts before quitting the ship. Supposedly because of high unemployment in Sri Lanka since the December 2004 tsunami, crewing agencies there demand high deposits for fear seafarers will jump ship in Western ports, Starks said. Seafarers who fear losing the deposit may also be reluctant to protest short wages or poor working conditions. Aung thanked the Port of Houston Seafarers Center, the U.S. Coast and Port of Houston security personnel. “Individuals from these agencies have good hearts,” Aung said. “They tried to help the crew members any way they could including providing food and beverages to the stranded Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 5 �Lakes Bosuns Attend Annual Meeting The winter months on the Great Lakes, when ships are often laid up for four to six weeks, has proven to be a good time for the bosuns working aboard SIUcrewed American Steamship Company (ASC) vessels to get together and discuss the important issues of concern to them about their work environments. This year’s annual two-day meeting of the Great Lakes bosuns took place in early March at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sponsored by the SIU and ASC, the sessions gave everyone an opportunity to confer on certain common issues or problems and clarify contractual questions. Safety discussions, which cen- The bosuns listen to a number of informative presentations including those on safety and the use of synthetic wire. tered around maintaining safe working environments and accident avoidance, were held, led by Laurie A. Montante, risk management assistant at American Steamship Company and Thomas S. Anderson, assistant vice president of fleet operations at that company. This year, a special presentation was given by John Sheehan, director of outside sales at Puget Sound Rope, pertaining to the benefits of using synthetic wire versus the standard rope wire. SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski and SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak attended the meeting along with the following bosuns: David Barber, James Joyce, William Mulcahy, David Greig, Charles Neigebauer, Albert Brzezinski, Ron Bochek, Tim Burke, Scott Gallagher, Paul Gohs, Jeff Eckhart and Mike Keogh. Seafarers who attended the annual ASC bosuns’ meeting at Piney Point are (from left, front row) David Barber, James Joyce, William Mulcahy, David Greig, Charles Neigebauer, (second row) Al Brzezinski, Ron Bochek, Tim Burke, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Scott Gallagher, Paul Gohs, Jeff Eckhart and Mike Keogh. MSC Welcomes New Commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. is the new commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). Reilly replaced Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III in the post March 10 during a 1 p.m. change of command ceremony at the historic Washington Navy Yard in the nation’s capital. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen presided at the event while Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, delivered remarks. SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker represented the SIU at the ceremony. Brewer, an unyielding supporter and vocal advocate of the U.S. maritime industry and the SIU, retired following 36 years of distinguished naval service. He had served as the commander of MSC since August 2001. Reilly, a native of Winnetka, Ill., comes from a family with more than a century of service in the U.S. armed forces. He graduated from the University of Washington and was commissioned in 1975 through the Navy’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program. As the new MSC commander, Reilly will be responsible for a fleet of more than 120 govern- Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. 6 Seafarers LOG ment-owned and chartered ships, as well as a workforce of more than 10,000 civil service and military personnel—including SIU CIVMARS—operating worldwide. MSC ships transport critical fuel, supplies and ammunition to U.S. Navy ships underway and to U.S. forces ashore around the globe; preposition military equipment at sea to ensure rapid delivery to U.S. forces in support of possible future contingencies; and perform myriad at-sea special missions such as charting ocean bottoms and conducting undersea surveillance. In recent years, MSC has been at the forefront of the global war on terrorism, delivering 85.7 million square feet of combat power and more than 8.4 billion gallons of fuel to U.S. war fighters around the globe. This represents enough cargo to fill a bumper-tobumper line of mid-size sport utility vehicles stretching from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, and enough fuel to fill the Empire State Building more than 30 times. Much of that materiel has been delivered by SIU-crewed ships. Reilly comes to MSC from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C., where he reported in June 2004 and served as deputy assistant chief of naval operations for Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III information technology. Throughout his 31-year Navy career, the new MSC commander has served in a wide variety of assignments at sea and ashore. Reilly’s previous commands include: Cruiser Destroyer Group Two and the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, home ported in Norfolk, Va.; Destroyer Squadron Fifty, the Navy’s Arabian Gulf destroyer squadron headquartered in Bahrain; and USS Halyburton. The admiral’s shore assignments include multiple tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, as well as tours at the Car Carrier Jean Anne Is Named Magazine’s ‘Ship of the Year’ In its annual American Ship Review issue, the SIU-crewed Jean Anne was named Ship of the Year for 2005 by Professional Mariner magazine. The cargo carrier, owned by The Pasha Group of Corte Madera, Calif. and operated by Interocean Ugland Management, was praised for bringing new and competitive life to the Hawaii-West Coast trade lanes. It is the largest vessel ever built by VT Halter Marine at its Pascagoula, Miss. facility and is the first pure car/truck carrier constructed to meet the requirements of the Jones Act. The 579-foot vessel, which was christened early last year in the port of San Diego’s National City Marine Terminal, can carry cars, trucks and buses and othercargo—including household goods and construction equipment—on a roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) platform and can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots. On its 10 cargo decks, the Jean Anne holds 4,300 automobiles, and its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. There are three hoistable decks to handle larger vehicles like buses, 18-wheel rigs or M-1 tanks, which can be lifted upward in sections to provide greater height on the deck below. Smaller vehicles are driven up a ramp leading to an opening in the ship’s side. VT Halter President Butch King noted that the vessel’s maiden voyage in March 2005 “marked the beginning of a new transportation system that has already changed the way RO/RO cargo is delivered between the West Coast and Hawaii, in that Naval Personnel Command; duties with the operations directorate on the Joint Staff; and at headquarters, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Reilly holds a Master of Public Administration in National Resources degree from George Washington University and is a 1993 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. no other vessel on this route has the car-carrying capacity and the speed of the Jean Anne.” And while every square foot of available space is devoted to the purpose of transporting cars and trucks, there also are 18 staterooms for the officers and crew as well as a hospital, pharmacy, mess, galley, crew lounge and refrigerated space for food. The Jean Anne transports its cargo from San Diego to the Hawaiian Islands, needing only a week to complete a voyage from the U.S. West Coast and calling on the Hawaiian ports of Hilo, Kahului and Honolulu. Named “Ship of the Year for 2005” by Professional Mariner magazine in its annual American Ship Review issue, the SIU-crewed car carrier Jean Anne graced the magazine’s cover. April 2006 �Appreciative SIU Recertified Stewards Share How and Why Union, School Work for Them For the SIU’s newest class of recertified stewards, working their way to the top of their department has proven worthwhile in many ways. The dozen Seafarers in last month’s graduating class briefly shared their respective backgrounds and perspectives with fellow members and unlicensed apprentices at the March membership meeting in Piney Point. While the details varied, the stewards all expressed appreciation for how the union not only helped them find their niche but also enabled them to earn a good living and provide for their families. Many credited the school for helping them advance. Successfully completing the four-week program—considered the top curriculum for mariners in the steward department—were William Churney, Virgilio Donghit, Alphonse Dixon, Charles Fincher, Abdul Hasan, Erik Ivey, Franco Pizzuto, Joseph Jones, Michael Watts, Pedro Ramos-Mena, Dennis Skretta and Fausto Aranda. The recertification course, like most other classes at the Paul Hall Center, blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. It also includes meetings with representatives from the various departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans, along with a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). Detailed refreshers in safety training (including fire fighting, highest caliber. I have learned many things here that have helped me in my chosen career. I also learned from the cook/bakers, chief cooks, stewards and other crew members I worked with on the ships. “To the ladies and gentlemen who will be joining this union, I want to say there is a lot of knowledge at this facility and out on the ships at sea. I implore you to take advantage of it all.” Pedro Ramos-Mena “The SIU has been good to my family and me. Almost everything I have is because of the SIU. Our union is like a guide to a better future. “I have learned a lot here at the school, and everything I’ve learned is going to help me guide others…. Apprentices, learn about and support SPAD. Work hard together as a team.” SIU officials are pictured with the union’s newest recertified stewards last month in Piney Point. Standing left to right are Alphonse Dixon, Assistant VP Gulf Coast Ambrose Cucinotta, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Charles Fincher, William Churney, Franco Pizzuto, VP Contracts George Tricker, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, Abdul Hasan, Erik Ivey, Pedro Ramos-Mena, Virgilio Donghit, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Michael Watts, President Michael Sacco, Joseph Jones, Fausto Aranda, Dennis Skretta, Executive VP Augie Tellez. first aid and CPR) and sanitary conditions are emphasized. Computer training also is a key part of the course. Other important topics include study skills, communication and nutrition. In every instance, the curriculum is designed to help stewards do an even better job when they go to their next ships. Following are some of the comments shared by the stewards last month, including remarks directed to the unlicensed apprentices at the meeting. They are presented in the same order in which the Seafarers addressed their fellow members. Joseph Jones “I’ve sailed all over the world. The SIU has helped me in a positive way, helped me better my life and my family…. To the apprentices, study hard, ask questions, listen to your supervisors and work together as a team.” Honing their skills during a culinary contest are Dennis Skretta (left), Joseph Jones (below left) and Erik Ivey. Abdul Hasan “I learned a lot during the course and improved my job skills. I like my job and being part of the SIU. I can be a good provider and still spend time with my family. God bless the SIU!” Virgilio Donghit “I was a career Navy man, a steward and cook for 26 years, and when I first retired I didn’t have much luck. Then I realized I still belonged at sea. I joined the SIU in Jacksonville as a messman, starting over. I was advised to upgrade and upgrade, and that’s what I did to once again reach my ambition. “Apprentices, do your best and think of safety first—yours and that of your brethren. Encourage your friends to join this outfit. That’s my message.” Michael Watts “I thank the SIU for opening a lot of doors for me, and I commend my classmates. To the apprentices, there is money to be made, but learn how to manage it. Don’t waste it.” Franco Pizzuto “In the 1980s I was on vacation in Hawaii when I heard about American Hawaii Cruises. I got a job with them, and after 19 years I’m still an SIU member. That says something good about this union. “I’ve upgraded many times, and each time I return to the school I see improvement. The instructors and staff are really dedicated. I hope you apprentices will take advantage of the school, because it’s all here for you.” “Apprentices, we look forward to you being out there with us because you’ll have the right training and skills.” Erik Ivey “I thank the staff here at the school. I also want people to understand that without the union we wouldn’t have any medical benefits for our loved ones. We can never forget our union leaders who go out and fight on our behalf.” Alphonse Dixon “I’ve sailed with the Navy, MSC and the SIU—all over the world, in all positions. I give personal thanks to the school staff and instructors. “To the apprentices, do you have dreams? The opportunity is right here for you. Don’t blow it. You’ve got the best team of officials right here to help you.” William Churney “I’ve learned quite a bit here and really enjoyed the training. We have great instructors, and there is so much to learn. Everyone should upgrade.” Fausto Aranda “The SIU has helped me take care of my kids, and this is a great school for those who want to get ahead in life. I learned a lot during the course and look forward to sharing the knowledge with members on ships. “God bless our apprentices. It’s a great career and a huge opportunity to be part of a great American tradition. Take pride in your learning and you’re going to see the difference the SIU makes.” Dennis Skretta “I have come to this school six times so far. The level of education here has always been of the Alphonse Dixon takes part in the “mystery basket cook-off.” The stewards’ delicacies are shown at various points during the cooking contest. Charles Fincher “This (course) has been highly educational. The Camp Springs (SIU headquarters) staff is doing a wonderful job…. I’ve been doing this for 40 years and I’d say they have some of the best instructors in the world right here at Piney Point. April 2006 Seafarers LOG 7 �ILO Adopts Innovative Maritime Convention Continued from page 2 plaint procedures for seafarers regarding the shipowners’ and shipmasters’ supervision of conditions on their vessels, as well as the flag states’ jurisdiction and control over their ships. The Convention sets minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship and contains provisions on conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection. Among the novel features of the Convention are its form and structure with legally binding standards accompanied by directions given by guidelines. It departs significantly from that of traditional ILO Conventions. Its amendment procedures are rapid and, most importantly, it sets out a system for the certification of seafarers’ labor conditions. Under the new Convention, ships that are larger than 500 GT and engaged in international voyages or voyages between foreign ports will be required to carry a “Maritime Labor Certificate” and a “Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance.” The declaration sets out shipowners’ plans for ensuring that applicable national laws, regulations or other measures required to implement the Convention are complied with on an ongoing basis. Shipmasters will then be responsible for carrying out the shipowners’ stated plans and keeping proper records to provide evidence of compliance with the Convention. The flag state will review the shipowners’ plans and verify and certify that they are in place and being implemented. This will put pressure on shipowners that disregard the law, but will remove pressure from those that comply. Other innovative features of the Convention include: „ Accelerated amendment procedures to update its technical provisions to address changes in the sector; „ Onboard and onshore complaint procedures to encourage rapid resolution of problems, if possible; „ A complaint and inspection system linked with the wellestablished ILO supervisory system; and, „ A modernized managementbased approach to occupational safety and health. The new Convention consolidates and updates 68 existing ILO maritime Conventions and Recommendations adopted since 1920. Countries that do not ratify the new Convention will remain bound by the previous Conventions that they have ratified, although those instruments will be closed to further ratification. The Convention received strong support from representatives of the ILO’s tripartite social partners. Brian Orrell, the seafarer vice president of the Conference from the United Kingdom, said, “We believe that the agreement we have concluded will make a significant contribution to ensuring decent work at sea and making a real difference to the lives and life chances of many of the world’s seafarers.” Dierk Lindemann of Germany, the conference vice president for the shipowners, said, “It may have seemed a long road, but we have got to the end of it and we have made history. We now have a single maritime labor standards Convention embracing virtually ITF Secures Back Pay for Crew Continued from page 5 crew who had nothing to eat aboard the vessel except potatoes and rice for a month.” Argosy Ship Management and the Taxiarchis Sierra are no strangers to the port of Houston, the ITF or to Aung. As reported earlier in the LOG, Aung in a January 2004 incident secured more than $64,960 in back pay for three crew members (electrician, bosun and AB) who were aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra. Their circumstances were virtual- ly identical to those faced by the 17 crew members in this latest incident. In a related development, it has been reported that Argosy Ship Management is again in trouble and facing a fresh round of problems just days after settling the dispute involving the 17 crew members. This time, the Greek-owned company is being scrutinized by a Singapore-based timber company for allegedly failing to deliver cargoes of logs to their designated ports in India. all we need in order to establish a uniform and acceptable regime for the world’s seafarers.” Bruce Carlton of the United States, who chaired a key committee at the meeting, said, “This Convention is unique in that it has teeth. What is fundamentally different about this Convention is that it is about quality shipping. Beyond improving the working conditions of seafarers, it is also about further marginalizing the bad shipowners who end up costing the entire industry. This is a very sound economic benefit for the entire industry.” Somavia in his closing remarks said that the Convention marked a new departure in the pursuit of a fair globalization by making “the rules of the game fair for everybody. At the same time, the market should have the necessary space to perform its key functions for the economy and for society. In the search for solutions it has become more and more evident that there can be no lasting success with purely national solutions to global problems.” The next step will be the ratification of the Convention. According to senior ILO officials, a great deal of care has been taken to make sure the Convention’s provisions are acceptable to all countries with an interest in the maritime sector. The organization hopes it soon becomes the “fourth pillar” of international maritime regulatory regime, at the side of the three key IMO Conventions: the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW); and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The Convention will become effective once it has been ratified by 30 ILO member States which jointly constitute at least 33 percent of world gross tonnage. “What we now need to do is to work together to ensure that the next stages have the same dynamism and the same strength that you have given to the formulation of the Convention,” Somavia concluded. Northern Lights Recognized For ‘Commitment’ in OIF The captain and crew of the SIU-contracted Northern Lights last month was again recognized for the flawless fashion in which it achieved its mission during a February 2003 voyage to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These latest laurels were published in a story in the Defense Transportation Journal titled “SS Northern Nights—A Lesson In Commitment.” Recounting the harrowing events which took place Feb. 20-22, the piece—based on actual verbiage from the captain’s log—affords a vivid account of what the 26-person crew, and 12man U.S. Marine Corps security detachment experienced while in the face of armed conflict. During the course of the two-day period, the vessel and its occupants endured some 10 SCUD/gas alerts. One attack took place while the Northern Lights (recently renamed the El Faro) still was being cleared by Kuwait Customs to enter the port. The remainder was registered when the vessel was tied up in port and while the crew was attempting to discharge its full load of military hardware. As reported earlier in the LOG, Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, in a letter to Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, praised the efforts of mariners aboard the Northern Lights. Citing the “superior support” of U.S. troops by unlicensed and licensed mariners as well the company and its officials, the general’s correspondence in part said, “Since 18 February 2003, six weeks after the start of the deployment of forces to Iraq, SS Northern Lights was under charter to MSC. She continuously operated in support of U.S. forces since that time, never missing a commitment. No other ship, government-owned or commercial, has operated as long in support of these critical operations.” The Northern Lights made 25 voyages and 49 port calls during the charter period. The ship carried 12,220 pieces of military gear totaling 81,000 short tons and covering more than 2 million square feet. More GEDs Earned at Piney Point The high school equivalency program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education had a fairly modest start but has really taken off since the mid-1980s. Since 1984, more than 2,000 students have secured their GEDs through the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. The latest students to join those ranks are pictured at right and below, being congratulated by SIU officials. In the photo at right, at the March membership meeting are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Unlicensed Apprentices Dennis Rivard and Richard Guerra, Jr., SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The other photo, taken at the February membership meeting, shows VP Tellez, SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joseph Soresi, SIU President Michael Sacco, Unlicensed Apprentices Russell Blanks and Adrian Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer Heindel and VP Tricker. Congratulations to the school’s four newest GED holders. SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung (center, wearing guest ID) helped lead the way in securing back pay, repatriation and other benefits for 17 mariners on the runaway-flag Taxiarchis Sierra. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2006 �With the Membership in Ft. Lauderdale Listening to the SIU officials aboard the Perseverance are Seafarers Alfred Polk, Chancie Ransom, Milton Israel, Leonel Lazo, Emily Whitman, Roderick French and Joe Legree. On a recent trip to Florida in mid-February, SIU President Michael Sacco joined SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel in visiting the hall in Ft. Lauderdale. All three got a chance to meet with the SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Executive VP members in that port and Augie Tellez talk to members aboard the Perseverance. inform them of some of the latest news in the maritime industry. They also went on board the Perseverance, which was docked in Port Everglades, and got together with the crew members aboard that Maritrans vessel. Right: AB Sheldon Privin (right) has a little one-on-one time with SIU President Michael Sacco. Above left: SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel answers a question posed to him at the Ft. Lauderdale hall by Rich Williams. Above right: AB Regina Ewing listens to what the officials have to say. Port Agent Powell Appointed To State AFL-CIO Committee Bryan Powell, the SIU’s port agent in Tacoma, Wash., recently was appointed to the Washington State AFL-CIO Economic Development and Transportation Committee. The appointment is for a three-year term that expires Jan. 1, 2009. The committee examines the state’s economy and transportation issues and, in cooperation with state agencies and other organizations, examines how best to maintain a viable and robust infrastructure system that promotes a strong economy based on family-wage jobs. Powell also serves on the executive board of the Wash- Wiper Luchi Watson (left) and QMEDs Van Watler and Wendell Wilmoth (above) take an interest in the discussion led by SIU officials at the union hall in February. S.F. Port Agent Coss Retires Vince Coss, the union’s port agent in San Francisco, has retired due to health reasons. Coss joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1976, two years before that union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. He later transferred to the deck department and sailed until coming ashore to work for the SIU in 1987. Since then he served in various jobs within the union. Most recently, he was elected San Francisco port agent for the term beginning in 2005. “Vince was totally dedicated to serving the membership,” said SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” “He was well-liked and very committed to his job,” stated SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona. “It was a April 2006 Vince Coss, pictured recently at the San Francisco hall, came ashore in 1987. pleasure working with Vince.” Coss, 58, said he was especially proud to have been elected port agent by the membership. He has retired to Daly City, Calif. SIU, UIW to Participate In Annual Union Show The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) once again will participate in the annual Union Industries Show, conducted by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department. This year’s event is scheduled to take place May 5-7 in Cleveland. Seafarers-contracted NCL America and several UIW-contracted shops already have agreed to donate goods or services for the event, which normally draws hundreds of thousands of guests. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also will be represented at the show, hosted at the Cleveland I-X Center. This is the 68th Union Industries Show, and the SIU has participated in the vast majority of them. This year’s event is being promoted under the name America@Work, followed by the tag-line “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs.” Admission is free. “This show is living proof that great career opportunities are still available in North America, and here in Cleveland. We invite people to see all the fine products and services that are still made in the U.S. by men and women earning excellent wages and benefits, with their rights and dignity protected by good union contracts,” said Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label and Services Department. “America at Work showcases hundreds Port Agent Bryan Powell ington State AFL-CIO Maritime Section. of successful corporations where management and labor cooperate to provide value to consumers and vital services to our communities. This show is all about the wonderful things that are possible when people work together.” Hundreds of exhibits covering more than 400,000 square feet of floor space will provide a close-up look at the wide range of union occupations and the skills and training required to perform those jobs. Show-goers can chat with skilled workers in many different crafts and trades along with the men and women who serve as instructors in dozens of union apprenticeship and training programs. This year’s show also features airline pilots and travel professionals, air traffic controllers, makeup artists, cake decorators, heavy equipment operators and more. Show producers expect more than 250,000 visitors. Crowds also will be drawn by the promise of more than $1 million in giveaways, including a topof-the-line Harley Davidson motorcycle, new cars from Ford and DaimlerChrysler, groceries, tools, household goods and refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. Members of the American Federation of Musicians will provide live entertainment for visitors as they participate in interactive displays and demonstrations, learning the secrets of theatrical makeup, glass engraving, sheet metal fabrication, “high iron” construction, electrical installations and other fascinating pursuits. Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Members: At Sea and Ashore Christmas Aboard the Matej Kocak The Sgt. Matej Kocak was in Diego Garcia over the Christmas holidays where crew members were treated to a festive party. The Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel is part of the Military Sealift Command fleet. These photos were sent to the LOG by Steward/Baker Evelina Barnes. AB Lorenzo Allen and AB Micheal Allain QMED/Electrician Matthew DeWitt and DEU Miguel Castro Bosun Donald Hood and AB Lorenzo Allen Left: QMED Levy Calzado and QMED Dan Amesbury Everyone Must Have a Hobby AB Fritz McDuffie Thomas Larkin shipped out for many years as a QMED with the NMU. He has been retired in Florida since 1994 and plays the bagpipes with the Sarasota Highlanders of Sarasota, Fla. Larkin, who was born in Rosscommon, Ireland, and has been playing the pipes since he was 16, served as pipe sergeant of the Kevin Barry Pipe Band in Boston for many years when he was shipping out of that port. He notes, “Everyone must have a hobby.” (In the photo below, Larkin is second from the left.) Left: The crew of the Sgt. Matej Kocak poses in front of the vessel’s Christmas tree. Around the Port of San Juan This photo was taken during a recent visit to Puerto Rico by the SIU-crewed Horizon Hawaii. From the left are AB Patrick Lavin, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AB Isaac Vega. Remembering Brother Rivera Funeral services were held Jan. 12 aboard the stern container deck of the El Yunque for SIU pensioner Pedro Juan Perez Rivera, whose ashes were scattered at sea by Bosun George Perry. At the SIU hall in San Juan are (above photo, from left) AB Victor Velez, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AB Jorge de Santiago. At left are (from left) AB Juan Ayala, AB Joseph Dupre and Bosun Anibal Matos. Aboard the Westward Venture With a tank serving as the background aboard the Westward Venture are (from left) GUDE Flavio Castillo, the chief mate, and AB Mark Smith (who sent this photo to the LOG). The SIU-crewed vessel, which is chartered by the Military Sealift Command, was in the Indian Ocean at the time this picture was taken. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2006 �AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT – EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MTD Speakers Underscore Jones Act’s Value to America OSG May Invest in 17 Additional Vessels Speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego were especially strong in backing the Jones Act. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, RWash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. The cross-section of guest speakers—from labor, manage- ment and government—offered remarks highlighting numerous benefits stemming from the Jones Act. Those plusses include jobs for U.S. mariners and a boost to America’s national and economic security. Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, noted that the Jones Act “generates jobs, to be sure, but what it does fundamentally is it maintains the national defense maritime industrial base.” Perhaps the biggest surprise from the meetings occurred when Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), told the audience that his company is exploring the possibility of investing in 17 new U.S.flag ships that would sail in the Jones Act trades—in addition to the 10 domestic tankers already being built at the unionized Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston stated. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” But Johnston also pointed out that his company at one point nearly gave up its U.S.-flag fleet. In this case, political action saved the day—Johnston said the SIU and other pro-U.S.-flag interests helped secure fair changes in tax laws that partly enabled OSG and others to keep an American-flag presence. Now, “We’ve bet $750 million on the Jones Act” in the form of the new tankers, he said. “The Jones Act is here to stay. The other thing we’re betting on is well-trained seafarers. The environment that we’re dealing with today is becoming more and more difficult. The quality of the seafarers has to continually improve. We are very happy with what we see.” Johnston was far from alone in noting the importance of the Jones Act. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (DContinued on page 12 ‘We Could Not Have Fought this War Without You’ General Schwartz, Vice Admiral Brewer Credit Mariners for Troop Support The head of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the outgoing commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) emphatically and enthusiastically credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its ongoing role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom during remarks given at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. Gen. Norton Schwartz, com- mander, TRANSCOM, and Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, MSC described not only U.S. mariners but the overall American maritime industry as indispensable partners in protecting national security, wherever the mission occurs. Schwartz said that MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco is someone “who has excelled as a partner in matters of national defense with us.” He noted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s centuries of service to the nation and declared that mariners remain vital. “The United States Transportation Command and the defense family depend on your labor. And just as it was true in Roosevelt’s generation, you’re indispensable,” Schwartz said. Additionally, he provided a basic explanation of TRANSCOM’s mission, noting that the agency oversees distribution in the defense supply chain. Through excellent cooperation between the military, other com- ponents of government and private industry, Schwartz said, the distribution process is improving in many ways—not just fiscally, but most importantly in terms of providing materiel where and when needed. “Working together really is the way ahead for each of us,” he observed. “It’s the Defense Logistics Agency, it’s the Department of Defense, it’s the Joint Chiefs, it’s the combatant commands—one of nine of which we have—and of course it includes you in the commercial enterprises that your labor sustains. “Fundamentally, it’s bringing everybody’s best thinking together on one goal, and that is a synchronized, totally visible, simplified end-to-end defense supply chain. This may sound like campaign language, but it’s not. It’s real because people depend on bombs, beans, bullets, medical supplies and so on. People in fact that are in harm’s way.” Continued on page 12 New Course for Health Reform Is State by State America’s health insurance crisis, something that affects every working family, proved a prime topic during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. With health care costs easily rising much faster than incomes each year, it’s a crisis that in the long run threatens to cripple the U.S. economy. Among other efforts related to curbing health care costs and securing coverage for the tens of millions of Americans currently with no health insurance at all, the AFL-CIO is fighting back through a recently launched stateby-state grassroots campaign. The federation also is offering resistance through its support of the newly formed coalition America’s Agenda, headed by retired UFCW President Doug Dority. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco described the health care crisis as one “that’s not going away. In fact, it’s getting worse. If you’ve negotiated a contract lately—or for that matter, if you’ve gone to the doctor— you know exactly what I mean.” Dority echoed and expanded upon those sentiments. “Every (union) president that I’ve talked to since we set up this foundation has told me that their number one domestic issue is health care— how to pay for the health care when it’s increasing at double digit inflation every year,” Dority said. “It’s something that the employers also have to address, and these are not bad employers that just want to put extra money in their pockets.” He pointed out that America’s Agenda, which includes prominent individuals and organizations from the medical community, is pushing for what is called “universal coverage” throughout the country. “You can’t solve the health and welfare problem at the bargaining table,” Dority insisted. “So we’ve developed a strategy to go out and [campaign in] some more progressive sates. They include Illinois and Massachusetts, and now we’ve reached into Maine and Vermont—all of which are moving to have universal health care in their state. “If we can get it in the state, then the federal government at some point will reach out and wrap their arms around this (by adopting a similar program). It can be done.” For instance, he reminded the audience that Medicare originally was a state-level program eventually duplicated by the federal government. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney noted that the federation last year launched grassroots campaigns at the state level ultimately aimed at securing good, affordable coverage for all. “We need a simple national health care plan that covers everybody,” he said. “If they won’t give us a fair health plan covering all families in all 50 states, we’ll give them hell in all 50 states.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie Continued on page 12 U.S. Maritime Industry Praised for Hurricane Relief Efforts Gulf Coast Experience Suggests Value in Separate Fleet for FEMA The American-flag maritime industry’s quick and efficient response to last year’s hurricanes that tore through the Gulf Coast drew appreciative words from several speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. As part of the industry-wide effort, SIU members sailed aboard at least 14 vessels that were involved in relief operations following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. More than 500 Seafarers sailed in those missions, including inland members. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said he was “proud of the way the maritime community responded to the tragedies.” April 2006 He pointed out that this marked the first time the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) “has been called to action in response to a domestic emergency. In all we sent 11 (Maritime Administration) ships to our Gulf Coast states to help with relief and recovery operations. On board were hard-working crew members from the Seafarers International Union, MEBA and AMO. In essence they became an instant hospitality industry, hosting operation centers, hosting headquarters offices, providing housing, food and other support for over 1,000 police officers, relief workers, port workers, stevedores and others.” Turning with a smile to MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, Mineta added, “Mike, I have to applaud your foresight in supporting steward classes for SIU members. The training certainly came in handy as they served up well over a quarter of a million meals, 3,500 meals a day (to relief workers and others on the ships). I had an opportunity to see these tireless crews in action when I toured the port of New Orleans right after landfall and the storm put our fifth-busiest port, the gateway to the nation’s interior out of commission. “But because of the work of all of you, it was only temporary. I’m happy to report that the port is back to 100 percent of preKatrina levels. That is quite a turnaround and our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women who played such a critical role in making it happen. So on behalf of President Bush and Vice President Cheney and a very grateful American people: Thank you all. Thank you very, very much for your response to the hurricane relief effort and thanks to all of you for your continued contributions to the prosperity and the wellbeing of this great nation.” Eugene Magee, chief of the Maritime Administration’s Reserve Fleet Division, said that the maritime industry’s response to the hurricanes suggests the need for a reserve fleet specifically designated for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “We are looking to create a new program very similar to the Ready Reserve Force,” he stated. “That means jobs for workers and more ships.” Magee noted that a basic tenet of the new program would see ships arriving at “ground zero” within 12 to 24 hours after a disaster. In some cases—as occurred in New Orleans with two of the Cape ships as well as the USNS Pollux—it also may be possible and even preferable for vessels “to stay and ride out the storm in port. We have a heavy-weather mooring plan that the ship managers use.” Magee indicated that FEMA officials “are very enthusiastic. They are going to take this proContinued on page 12 Seafarers LOG 11 �AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT – EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MTD Speakers Underscore Jones Act’s Value Continued from page 11 U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra S.C.) got straight to the point when he said, “Thank goodness the Jones Act is still in place to protect domestic shipping interests—otherwise our economic and national security would be in direct threat. I will always stand to protect the Jones Act and our domestic shipping industry. It may be time to expand the Jones Act.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie pointed to the Jones Act as a potential foundation for an expanded national maritime policy. He said he is carrying the message in Congress that “maritime has to be the number one security interest of this nation. Not just port security, but shipbuilding and a merchant marine owned and operated Capt. Robert Johnston, Senior VP, OSG under the Jones Act must become a fundamental premise of American policy.” U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (DCalif.) offered a word of thanks to mariners and others in the industry “for keeping it strong despite all the adversity that’s out there. Those of us that believe it’s the people that make our country and our industry strong pledge to you that the Jones Act will be preserved and that we will fight any waivers that are unnecessary.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney credited U.S. maritime labor for being “so vigilant about keeping the Jones Act strong and enforced. It just makes common sense to make sure that critical ship- U.S. Rep. James Clyb ‘We Could Not Have Fought This War Without You’ Continued from page 11 Vice Adm. David Brewer, Commander, MSC Turning specifically to sealift, Schwartz lauded the value of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and also left no doubt that a strong U.S.-flag fleet is a must. “For the hundred or so ships that we have under way in a typical week, 40 percent or so and increasingly more are commercial for multiple carriers,” he stated. “Sealift is essential to victory. America’s capacity to engage its enemies at a distance, to provide humanitarian assistance at home and abroad, depends very, very much on your capabilities and know-how. The vast majority of how we get things done is through sealift. My commitment to you today and to Mike Sacco is that we will continue to work with you and with the Maritime Administration, our nation’s shipbuilders and owners to ensure that the nation’s commercial seapower is there for sustained and surge military operations.” Schwartz was a keynote speaker last year when the Alliance New York reflagged under the Stars and Stripes and enrolled in the MSP. He described the program as “brilliant” and indicated his hope that it may expand “in the not-too-distant future.” He also said that the reflagging ceremony “was truly symbolic of what I think is a rising tide of commitment to further strengthen the American Merchant Marine.” He concluded, “We’re better Gen. Norton Schwartz, Commander, TRANSCOM working as partners than we individuals. America’s capac engage our enemies at a dis depends on a strong and v merchant marine. We need counsel, your continued com ment and, of course, the able tance that you all bring with conviction to the na defense.” Vice Admiral Brewer equally passionate in desc the merchant marine’s impor “I’ve come to love this indu Brewer said. “We could not fought this war without this i try. I tell the American peopl all the time. The Transpor Command has moved the eq lent of the state of Utah durin war. That’s every man, wo New Course for Health Reform Is State by State Continued from page 11 U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) reminded everyone that health insurance was a big factor as U.S. auto manufacturers recently announced the layoffs of “not hundreds, not thousands but tens of thousands” of unionized workers. That’s despite the fact that labor, management and government alike all agree that today’s workers are more productive than ever. “If you’re more productive, you’re supposed to be sharing in the fruit of that production, but we’re not,” Abercrombie said. “We’ve got to band together. And if the American labor movement cannot do it, who is going to do it?” Doug Dority, President, America’s Agenda AFL-CIO President John Sweeney U.S. Maritime Industry Praised for Hurricane Relief Efforts Continued from page 11 gram forward.” James McGregor, president of SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., related some of the behind-the-scenes efforts that occurred during the 2005 Labor Day weekend to mobilize vessels for the relief mission. He credited the SIU and other maritime unions for helping crew up the ships right away. “You can’t run the business we’re in if you don’t have the trained and qualified (shipboard) personnel and you don’t have them ready quickly,” he said. McGregor also provided a detailed look at each of the ships used in the relief effort—from the type of vessel to the crew complement. James McGregor, President, Ocean Shipholdings 12 Seafarers LOG U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta Eugene Magee, Chief of MarA Reserve Fleet Division April 2006 �burn are as city to stance viable d your mmitassish your ational was ribing rtance. ustry,” t have indusle that rtation quivang this oman, CWA Official Provides Cingular Update ping is done by U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-crewed vessels. I wish we had similar laws when it comes to our defense industry, our oil industry, airlines and airports and our sea ports. They are simply too vital and too critical for any of them to be turned over to foreign nations, even friendly ones.” An estimated 70 percent of the oceangoing self-propelled vessels in the Jones Act fleet are militarily useful. This is crucial because when American forces defend our interests on foreign soil, 95 percent of the materiel they require moves in ships. child, all their household goods, all their vehicles, and enough fuel for them to survive for 1,000 years. That’s what you all have been doing. And that’s what the American people need to hear.” Brewer cited a recent trip to Korea and noted the extensive port construction and modernization taking place in that country. “They get it,” he said. “They understand that no nation can be a powerful nation unless you are a powerful maritime nation.” Like Schwartz, Brewer also indicated that a bigger MSP may be on the horizon. He said the current program—calling for 60 militarily useful, U.S.-flag commercial ships—“is not enough, period. I need more than that.” Communications Workers of America Vice President Ralph Maly updated the MTD executive board on the stark differences between union-contracted Cingular Wireless and its non-union competitor Verizon Wireless. Maly observed that because Verizon Communications is a union-represented company, some people are under the mistaken impression that Verizon Wireless is, too. In a resolution adopted by the executive board, the MTD noted, “Not only is Verizon Wireless a non-union company, but it also has a long record of attacking workers’ rights and blocking workers who only want to make a fair choice about union representation.” By contrast, Cingular Wireless—the nation’s biggest wireless company—respects the collective bargaining process. UMWA’s Kane Emphasizes Safety During the MTD meeting in San Diego, United Mine Workers of America Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Kane discussed the recent mine tragedies in West Virginia and the need for improved workplace safety in all industries. “There’s much that needs to be done and this union is determined that whether the accident happens in a union or non-union mine we’re going be there, because we truly speak for all miners,” Kane said. “We will not rest until all accidents are eliminated, all deaths come to an end and every miner in North America has a voice in the workplace.” MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco Brewer also said, “I have gone to the chief of naval operations and convinced him that civil service and commercial mariners are the answer to creating a stronger and better Navy.” He noted that as MSC gains vessels—including rescue ships, submarine tenders and additional prepositioning ships—it will mean more employment opportunities for civilian mariners (including those on the commercial side). With up to 14 new ships joining MSC’s fleet in the near future, “We’re talking about another 2,000 or 3,000 jobs,” he said. Finally, Brewer offered perhaps the highest measure of respect that a military officer can extend. He said that when discussing the U.S. military, “I’m not talking about just the Army or the Navy or the Marine Corps or the Air Force or the Coast Guard. I’m also talking about merchant mariners because merchant mariners are the ones who are carrying the freight. This country does not win wars without merchant mariners. They may take you for granted, but they can’t fight without you…. The maritime industry and the sailors who sail on my ships are just as powerful and just as important to the security of this nation as anybody else.” LEFT: Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (fourth from left) gladly posed for this photo with members of the SIU’s Government Services Division along with SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (third from right) and SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler (second from left). The CIVMARS were among a number of rank-and-file members who attended the MTD executive board meeting in San Diego. RIGHT: MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (sixth from right) greets SIU members and fellow officials from Southern California following the executive board meeting. Pictured from left to right (beginning second from left) are Jason Stutes, Andrew Linares, Christina Mateer, Angelo Mateer, Robin Ballard, Emilio Palafox, Judy Chester, Warren Lombard, Carlos Solinap, Mike Sacco, Bill Stephens, John Cox, Jesselo Unabia, Sean Leeson and Vern Wallen. Ad April 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �With Crowley Boatmen in San Diego Left: AB Craig Melwing These photos were taken aboard the Sea Cloud in late February in San Diego, where SIU boatmen employed by Crowley were regrouping after one of many days spent assisting on the much-publicized APL Panama project. The foreign-flag containership has been grounded in Ensenada, Mexico since Christmas and has become something of a tourist attraction while salvage crews and other workers attempt to move it back to sea. The Sea Cloud normally operates in Los Angeles as a general-purpose ship-assist tug but recently has provided much help with the Panama. The Sea Cloud (right) and Spartan are docked in San Diego as crew members prepare for the next assignment. Right: Capt. Ed Brady AB Herman Moningka, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Capt. Ed Brady Left: Boatman Jim Tank NMU PENSION, ANNUITY & 401(K) PLANS AND NMU VACATION PLAN IMPORTANT NOTICE: Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2005 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 14 Seafarers LOG THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Co-Chairmen EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers International Union of N.A AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2005, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Changed the cash-out provision effective March 28, 2005 to stipulate that in the event of a mandatory distribution greater than $1,000 the plan will rollover the funds into a qualified retirement account. 2. Provided for a 2 percent increase at December 31, 2005 for participants active in 2006. 3. Provided a thirteenth check for every retiree or beneficiary who is eligible to receive a pension benefit with an effective pension date of August 1, 2005 or earlier. 4. Provided a special election of additional pension benefits for Hurricane Katrina victims. NMU Vacation Plan: There were no changes in plan benefits in 2005. ADMINISTRATOR Miriam Bove NMU Benefit Plans 360 West 31st Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001-2727 A LOS QUE HABLAN ESPANOL Esta noticia contiene informacion importante sobre sus derechos como marinero bajo los planes del Plan NMU Pension, Mantenimiento, y Vacacion. Si tuviera usted dificultades para comprender alguna parte de esta noticia se la explicara la misma en espanol. Esta ayuda podra recibirla en persona en la oficina principal del Plan, ubicada en el numero 360 Calle 31 Oeste Piso 3, Nueva York, NY 10001. O bien, puede comunicarse con el Representante del Plan en cualquier sucursal de la NMU . Las horas de oficina en todas estas sucursales son de 9:00 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. de Lunes a Viernes. Tambien podra escribir o llamar por telefono, si le resultara mas conveniente. No obstante, las cartas en espanol deberan ser dirigidas a la oficina del Plan de Nueva York. Las llamadas telefonicas para solicitar ayuda en espanol deberan tambien ser hechas a la oficina del Plan en Nueva York, cuyo numero de telefono es: 1-212-337-4900, o el numero de llamadas gratis: 1-888-424-4949. April 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May & June 2006 Membership Meetings FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 0 0 3 14 2 9 43 27 0 7 25 39 13 5 2 3 18 2 31 23 1 5 8 12 6 14 26 20 1 12 3 29 12 1 18 11 10 2 31 19 0 4 2 4 1 1 15 9 0 3 7 10 9 1 1 0 3 1 11 8 1 0 8 5 0 5 23 18 0 11 6 19 14 5 2 3 18 2 29 20 0 4 5 5 6 8 10 8 1 8 4 15 10 2 6 2 4 5 15 12 0 2 2 2 1 0 6 3 0 2 4 6 5 2 1 0 2 1 7 0 0 2 2 3 1 1 8 9 0 4 6 17 5 3 0 3 11 2 11 7 2 0 7 21 5 19 63 47 1 14 33 77 17 7 1 11 28 1 59 42 5 11 8 33 7 14 49 41 3 13 12 44 28 7 17 17 18 8 58 42 4 4 3 6 1 4 31 18 1 5 8 21 12 1 1 2 5 2 26 17 266 241 90 189 130 46 95 455 435 172 0 0 3 3 1 5 6 12 0 4 4 15 7 1 3 3 9 0 13 12 2 1 5 6 2 3 12 16 0 4 3 10 5 5 1 2 11 3 17 6 0 0 0 4 0 4 13 4 0 3 0 7 6 0 0 0 1 1 5 7 0 0 5 1 0 8 8 11 0 7 5 3 2 1 2 4 8 0 10 8 1 3 4 2 1 5 9 10 0 5 5 3 6 2 0 2 5 1 14 4 1 0 0 4 1 2 7 2 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 3 3 5 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 7 1 0 2 2 9 3 2 1 1 4 1 11 3 1 0 4 7 1 12 22 30 1 9 7 26 13 4 4 4 14 1 21 20 1 0 6 16 4 5 17 29 1 8 7 19 17 8 2 3 16 6 24 10 3 0 1 7 0 5 11 10 0 4 1 13 9 1 1 0 4 0 6 14 101 114 55 83 82 35 53 201 199 90 0 0 1 4 0 15 18 18 1 6 6 14 5 0 4 2 21 2 16 15 0 0 1 9 6 5 6 11 0 4 3 7 16 0 5 2 4 1 9 7 0 0 2 4 0 0 3 6 1 3 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 1 2 0 5 10 17 1 3 3 13 5 0 1 0 8 1 10 22 0 0 0 5 2 6 2 4 0 1 2 4 12 0 2 1 1 0 4 6 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 2 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 5 0 5 6 1 0 1 4 1 21 37 27 1 9 14 33 13 4 4 2 46 3 28 41 0 0 2 12 5 8 9 21 0 10 4 14 20 1 5 2 7 1 15 13 0 0 1 4 0 1 5 12 1 2 4 4 6 0 0 0 0 2 3 4 148 96 30 102 52 16 41 290 149 49 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 1 0 0 5 5 1 0 0 0 3 0 4 1 2 4 2 7 2 7 23 12 0 3 5 34 9 0 26 2 15 0 19 10 5 3 2 10 1 10 12 11 1 2 5 18 17 0 18 3 6 0 16 9 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 2 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 5 0 4 1 1 2 1 5 0 5 9 9 0 4 3 17 3 0 5 0 7 0 11 7 2 3 1 2 0 2 6 7 0 1 2 8 4 0 16 1 3 0 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 1 4 8 0 0 0 0 7 0 8 1 1 5 3 12 2 12 41 25 0 8 10 61 18 0 23 3 20 1 31 10 5 9 3 22 3 13 33 24 1 5 6 41 28 0 17 2 12 3 21 21 29 182 149 26 89 67 0 41 286 269 544 633 324 400 353 164 189 987 1,069 580 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: May 12, June 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Boston.....................Friday: May 12, June 9 Guam ......................Thursday: May 25, June 22 Honolulu .................Friday: May 19, June 16 Houston ..................Monday: May 15, June 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 11, June 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: May 17, June 14 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 16, June 13 New York................Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: May 10, June 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Juan..................Thursday: May 11, June 8 St. Louis..................Friday: May 19, June 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 26, June 23 Wilmington ...........Monday: May 22, June 19 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SUZANNE CASTONGUAY Please contact Tom Christie. You may e-mail him at gizorp1@hotmail.com. LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES Elton “Whitey” Wilde is looking to hear from any of his old shipmates who sailed with him aboard Delta, Waterman and Isthmian vessels, among others. You may write him at 813 Old Highway 11, Countryview Dr., Carriere, MS 39426. ANYONE WHO SAILED ON GLOMAR SHIPS Anyone who said aboard the Glomar Navigator or Glomar Explorer in 1973 is asked to contact John Swain at (616) 776-9920. ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. April 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: May 8, June 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs SDRF Contributions The last few editions of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals: Hezam Reyme Jason Brown Scott Bowmer Anthony Bartley Robert Stone Pablito Dagsa Mark Scardino Manuel Basas James Buckowski John Walsh Mark Paterson Nekeisha Patrick Otto Kurtz Delores Brown Rubin Mitchell Terrance Bing Arnolfo Bada Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 1 6 2 10 14 1 0 1 35 1 1 2 3 4 0 2 0 13 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 9 3 4 9 1 0 1 29 0 1 3 1 5 0 2 0 12 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 3 1 14 0 2 0 23 17 31 4 17 45 2 1 2 119 10 9 2 9 14 0 1 2 47 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 6 9 16 2 3 16 0 0 5 51 1 7 1 4 8 0 1 0 22 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 5 1 0 3 0 0 2 15 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 Port 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 2 10 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 1 0 1 5 0 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 4 1 0 6 0 0 1 12 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 9 11 4 3 9 1 0 0 37 2 5 1 1 8 1 0 0 18 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 8 Totals All Departments 60 19 11 51 18 11 35 207 87 20 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Russ Barrack of Jacksonville, N.C. They were taken in the spring of 1975 aboard a Hudson Waterways Corp. T-2 tanker—the first ship on which Barrack sailed. Those were the days of three men to a room and no air conditioning—“but they were great days,” he said in a note accompanying the photos. Above, in the ship’s mess hall, are (seated from left) “Recertified Bosun Gus Magoulas, Bosun Frank Swartz, OS Russ Barrack and OS Danny. Standing are ‘Whitey’ and Bosun Mario Zepeda.” Barrack, who said he hasn’t seen his fellow shipmates since that voyage in 1975, graduated from class 168 at the Paul Hall Center in 1974 and continually upgraded his skills, first to AB and finally to recertified bosun in 1993. He retired in 2002 and moved from Virginia to North Carolina. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. April 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA WERNER BECHER, 71, became a Seafarer in 1966. Brother Becher, who was born in Germany, worked in the deck department. His first ship was the Connecticut. Brother Becher enhanced his seafaring abilities on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Navigator. Brother Becher calls Waveland, Miss. home. CHARLES BROWN, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1962 in New Orleans. Brother Brown initially shipped on the Del Alba in the steward department. In 1962, the Louisiana-born mariner upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Brown’s most recent voyage was aboard the Inger. He makes his home in St. Louis. OLIVER DOTSON, 65, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966. Brother Dotson is a Texas native. He first worked on a Delta Steamship Line vessel as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dotson last sailed aboard the El Faro. He is a resident of Texas City, Texas. AMERICO GARAYUA, 60, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Garayua first shipped on the Robin Kirk. Born in Guanica, P.R., Brother Garayua upgraded a number of times at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on board the Horizon Crusader. Brother Garayua resides in Puerto Rico. HANS GOTTSCHLICH, 66, began his seafaring career in 1980. Brother Gottschlich first shipped from New Orleans on the Oceanic Independence. The deck department member was born in Germany. Brother Gottschlich upgraded in 2000 at the training school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the USNS Brittin. Brother Gottschlich lives in Florida. April 2006 WILBERT HAYWOOD, 67, joined the union in 1998. Brother Haywood’s first voyage was on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He is a native of Hampton, Va. Brother Haywood attended the Piney Point school in 2000 and 2001 to upgrade his seafaring skills. His last ship was the USNS Effective. Brother Haywood calls Portsmouth, Va. home. WINSTON MARCHMAN, 70, hails from San Jose, Calif. Brother Marchman became an SIU member in 1991, first sailing aboard the USNS Harkness. Brother Marchman sailed in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school. Brother Marchman makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Prior to retiring from the union, he worked on the SL Pride. JOSE ORTIZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Ortiz, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel. He enhanced his skills numerous times at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ortiz most recently worked on the Maersk Carolina. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. MOSE PEACOCK JR., 60, began his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Peacock worked as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the Santa Maria. Brother Peacock attended classes on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed on the SL Lighting. Brother Peacock resides in Bradenton, Fla. ALEX RELOJO, 66, was born in the Philippines. Brother Relojo joined the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded his skills in 1991 and 2000 at the Piney Point school. Before retiring he worked on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Relojo makes his home in San Jose, Calif. LOUIS SANTIAGO, 68, launched his SIU career in 1956. Brother Santiago first sailed aboard the Del Sud, where he was a member of the engine department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner attended classes in 1976 at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Santiago continues to call Puerto Rico home. BENIGNO SANTOS, 62, joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of New York. Brother Santos’ first vessel was the San Juan. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Santos lives in Oviedo, Fla. VINCENT SIGUENZA JR., 61, became an SIU member in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Hawaii, Brother Siguenza shipped in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Santa Maria; his most recent was on the Grand Canyon State. Brother Siguenza resides in Las Vegas. VAINUU SILI, 62, joined the union in 1974 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Sili’s first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Horizon Navigator. He was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Brother Sili, who upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center, worked in the steward department. He is a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. INLAND JAMES RICE, 56, embarked on his SIU career in 1974. Boatman Rice first shipped on a vessel operated by CG Willis Inc. The North Carolina native upgraded his seafaring skills several times at the training facility in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Rice, who last worked aboard a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel, makes his home in Lowland, N.C. PAUL ROACH, 73, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1988 from the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Roach’s first SIU voyage was aboard the Energy Ammonia; his most recent was on the Crescent Mobile. The deck department member, who was born in Mobile, Ala., continues to reside in Alabama. GREAT LAKES DENNIS PRIDDLE, 62, joined the union in 1972. Brother Priddle sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Luedtke Engineering Company. He was born in Hazel Park, Mich. and now lives in Frankfort, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. CARSIE FAIRMAN, 67, began shipping with the NMU in 1965 from San Pedro, Calif. Brother Fairman, who is a native of Mississippi, first sailed on the Pasadena. His last ship was the Kittanning. JAMES DeCLARK, 58, joined the union in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Brother DeClark Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 Voting on the ships of the Isthmian Steamship Company in the National Labor Relations Board election commenced on March 29. The first ship to be voted was the SS Mobile City in New Orleans, on Saturday, March 29. Within a few days, ballots were cast on the Wm. N. Byers in Galveston, the Nicaragua Victory and the Mandan Victory in Baltimore, the Thomas Cresap in New York and the Marine Fox in Seattle. All reports indicate a favorable SIU vote. (Editor’s note: The NLRB later certified the SIU as the bargaining representative of the company’s unlicensed mariners.) was born in Middletown, Pa. He most recently went to sea on the Lykes Navigator. WILLIE POMPY, 67, joined the NMU in 1968 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Pompy’s first voyage was on the Dick Lykes, where he worked as a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Delaware Trader. TOM REAY, 56, was born in Lynn, Mass. Brother Reay became a union member in 1973. His first trip to sea, aboard the African Moon, originated from Boston, Mass. Brother Reay worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Keystone Georgia. GUS WEBSTER, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1966, first sailing from New Orleans. Brother Webster was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement, he shipped on the Atigun Pass. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Floyd, Anthony Hernandez, Pilar 65 66 March 1 Feb. 1 ing will be automatically given their lifeboat tickets after they have sailed for the required 90 days to gain certification. 1979 The LNG Libra, the sixth LNG vessel built by Energy Transport Company, set sail on its maiden voyage to Indonesia on April 18. The 986-foot ship becomes the eighth LNG vessel to fly the U.S. flag. Like all previous U.S.-flag LNG ships, the Libra is manned by SIU seamen. Most of the Libra’s crew has had prior experience on LNG ships. This Month In SIU History 1967 The United States Coast Guard recently granted approval of the lifeboat certification training at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. In the future, examinations for lifeboat certification will be given to seamen who attend the school after their lifeboat training without a wait to allow them to build up 90 days’ sea time. Under the arrangement with the Coast Guard, seafarers who pass the examination at the end of their lifeboat train- 1995 The SIU urged Congress to enact maritime revitalization legislation this year when the House Merchant Marine Oversight Panel held its first hearing on the Maritime Security Act of 1995 (H.R. 1350) on April 6. SIU President Michael Sacco, testifying on behalf of all U.S. maritime unions, told the panel, “Enactment of maritime reform legislation is essential to our nation. Our country’s security, the survival of our industry and thousands of American jobs are at stake.” H.R. 1350 was presented to Congress on March 10 by Transportation Secretary Federico Pena. The legislation calls for a 10-year, $1 billion program that would provide annual funding for approximately 50 U.S.-flag ships. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JIM BARBACCIA Pensioner Jim Barbaccia, 83, passed away Dec. 7. Brother Barbaccia launched his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Burbank Victory, on which he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Barbaccia was born in New York. Prior to retiring in 1986, he sailed on the San Juan. Brother Barbaccia called Riverhead, N.Y. home. AARON FIELDS Pensioner Aaron Fields, 76, died Sept. 16. Brother Fields joined the union in 1956. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed on the Monarch of the Sea. Brother Fields retired in 1987 and made his home in Metairie, La. His last ship was the Venture. PETE HOPELAND Pensioner Pete Hopeland, 77, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Hopeland became a Seafarer in 1961 in New York. His first SIU voyage was aboard the Hurricane. Brother Hopeland, who was born in Poland, shipped in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Patriot. Brother Hopeland went on pension in 1988. He lived in Arizona. AVELINO MENDOZA Pensioner Avelino Mendoza, 67, died Sept. 20. Brother Mendoza joined the SIU in 1979, first sailing aboard a vessel operated by Anchorage Tankship Corp. Brother Mendoza, who was born in the Philippines, worked in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Florida. Brother Mendoza settled in Jersey City, N.J., and began receiving his retirement compensation in 2002. RAY MILLER Pensioner Ray Miller, 85, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Miller, a native of Hagerstown, Md., joined the SIU in 1961. He first sailed from New Orleans on board the Lafayette. He most recently worked on the Sealift Caribbean. Brother Miller was a resident of Rockport, Texas. The steward department member started collecting his retirement stipends in 1985. JOHN MOSS Pensioner John Moss, 77, died Sept. 29. Brother Moss began shipping with the SIU in 1966. His first vessel was the Bangor; his last was the Overseas Chicago. Brother Moss, who was born in Wisconsin, worked in the deck department. He became a 18 Seafarers LOG pensioner in 1994. Brother Moss resided in New Orleans. JAMES PRAYTOR Pensioner James Praytor, 80, passed away Sept. 17. Brother Praytor embarked on his seafaring career in 1956 in New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Madaket. A native of Florida, Brother Praytor shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Praytor retired in 1990 and called Harvey, La. home. ALBERTO ROCHA Pensioner Alberto Rocha, 87, died Aug. 29 in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Brother Rocha, who was born in Brazil, joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Ocean Star. Brother Rocha last sailed on the John Penn. He started receiving his pension in 1973. Brother Rocha made his home in New Orleans. REYNALDO ROSETE Pensioner Reynaldo Rosete, 69, passed away Sept. 30. Brother Rosete began his SIU career in 1970 in Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Steel Executive. Brother Rosete, who was born in the Philippines, made his last SIU voyage on the Mariner. He went on pension in 2002 and continued to live in the Philippines. JAMES SHORTELL Pensioner James Shortell, 83, died Nov. 27. Brother Shortell became a Seafarer in 1952. He first worked aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Shortell was born in New York and worked in the deck department. He retired in 1987 and lived in San Francisco. INLAND DAVID JONES Pensioner David Jones, 74, passed away June 30. Boatman Jones joined the ranks of the SIU in 1951. The Virginia-born mariner last went to sea aboard a McAllister Towing Company vessel. Boatman Jones began collecting his pension in 1994. He was a resident of Chesapeake, Va. LLOYD ORR Pensioner Lloyd Orr, 80, died Aug. 11. Boatman Orr began his seafaring career in 1951, first working aboard American Bridge Company vessels. Boatman Orr was a native of Lecompte, La. His last voyage was on a G&H Towing Company vessel. Boatman Orr became a pensioner in 1987. He lived in Arkansas. GREAT LAKES MARVIN SCHMITZ Pensioner Marvin Schmitz, 71, passed away Oct. 31. Brother Schmitz joined the union in 1973. He first worked on Columbia Shipping Company vessels. Brother Schmitz, who was born in Wisconsin, sailed as a member of the deck department. Many of the vessels on which he shippped were operated by American Steamship Company. Brother Schmitz resided in his native state and went on pension in 1999. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. RAYMOND ADDISON Pensioner Raymond Addison, 74, passed away Oct. 11. Brother Addison became an NMU member in 1951, first sailing from the port of New Orleans aboard the Brinton Lykes. He sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Addison, who was born in Louisiana, last worked on the Letitia Lykes. He retired in 1973. the NMU colors in 1941. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a member of the steward department. Brother Floyd’s first voyage was on the Dorchester. The Florida native last worked aboard the Independence. In 1966, Brother Floyd began collecting his pension. KEMRON EBANKS Pensioner Kemron Ebanks, 74, passed away Oct. 1. Brother Ebanks joined the NMU in 1957, initially sailing from the port of New Orleans aboard the Gatun. He was born in Honduras. Brother Ebanks’ last sea voyage was on the James Lykes. He went on pension in 1993. DANIEL FEATHER Pensioner Daniel Feather, 82, died Oct. 16. Brother Feather commenced his seafaring career in 1943 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Eastern Crown as a member of the steward department. During his NMU career, Brother Feather also sailed in the engine department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. HENRY FLOYD Pensioner Henry Floyd, 84, passed away Oct. 25. Brother Floyd donned Pensioner Jearline Porter, 76, died Sept. 25. Brother Porter became an NMU member in 1946, initially sailing from the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Black Jack; his last was the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Porter went on pension in 1993. PEDRO GIMENEZ Pensioner Pedro Gimenez, 81, died Sept. 18. Brother Gimenez joined the union in 1951 in the port of New York. He was born in San Juan, P.R. and shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1968, Brother Gimenez sailed on the United States. CARLOS VIRELLA Pensioner Carlos Virella, 86, passed away Oct. 16. Born in Guayama, P.R., Brother Virella began his NMU career in 1952. His first voyage was aboard the Washington. Brother Virella sailed as a member of the steward department. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1972. ROBERT MITCHELTREE Pensioner Robert Mitcheltree, 70, passed away Nov. 20. Brother Mitcheltree began sailing with the NMU in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Army. The deck department member was born in Iowa City, Iowa. Brother Mitcheltree retired in 1999 and resided in Houston. MELVIN DAVIS Pensioner Melvin Davis, 77, died Oct. 24. Brother Davis started his NMU career in 1944. He was a native of Virginia. Before retiring in 1983, Brother Davis shipped on the American Lynx. JEARLINE PORTER JOSE MUNDO Pensioner Jose Mundo, 83, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Mundo began his career with the NMU in 1949. He first shipped from the port of Baltimore, Md. aboard the Texas Trader. Born in Panama, Brother Mundo was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on the Adventure. Brother Mundo became a pensioner in 1987. ARTHUR NETTLES Pensioner Arthur Nettles, 79, died Sept. 27. Brother Nettles embarked on his seafaring career in 1949 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The steward department member, who was born in Alabama, most recently worked aboard the Texaco Mississippi. He started receiving his retirement stipends in 1988. WALTER PIERCE Pensioner Walter Pierce, 84, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Pierce started sailing with the NMU in 1970 from San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Buffalo Wallow. During his seafaring career, Brother Pierce shipped in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Kittanning before retiring in 1983. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Andrew, Charles Aviles, Ricardo Boswell, Lawrence Burns, James Calicchio, Vincent Calvente, Victor Chamorro, Hector Coates, James Crombie, James Cruz, Bernardino Geleta, Zigmund Giraudo, Emma Grucko, Michael Guterrez, Frank Harmacey, Constantine Hazen, Charles Higgins, Haman Johnson, Lawrence Kanazawa, Ken Lawless, Joseph Leon, Pedro Lopez, Ramona Martenez, Victor Martin, Freddy McDonough, Alberto Medina, Arturo Merrill, Edwin Montanez, Francisco Morales, Alberto Nelson, Chapman Padilla, Joseph Pintor, Juan Polete, Thomas Richmond, James Rodriguez, Samuel Scott, Anthony Seifried, John Shackelford, Russell Simon, Joseph Singleton, Joseph Strom, Kenneth Taville, Harley Tenreiro, Julio Valdez, Larry Vigo, Pedro Vilbar, Sofronio Webster, Andrew Williams, Arthur Age DOD 86 90 79 82 81 87 66 94 79 84 85 94 78 83 Feb. 16 Feb. 23 Feb. 27 Dec. 9 Feb. 5 Feb. 2 Jan. 11 Jan. 11 Feb. 1 Feb. 13 Jan. 26 Feb. 26 Nov. 18 Jan. 3 78 71 88 79 82 89 95 82 81 81 78 79 71 84 84 87 85 81 88 78 84 70 92 90 78 55 80 80 86 79 86 97 80 84 Jan. 30 Jan. 16 Nov. 10 Feb. 23 Feb. 2 Jan. 29 Dec. 29 Jan. 13 Feb. 5 Jan. 21 Dec. 23 Feb. 22 Jan. 17 Jan. 8 Jan. 21 Feb. 1 Dec. 30 Jan. 31 Dec. 3 Jan. 8 Dec. 22 Dec. 18 Jan. 10 Feb. 19 Dec. 21 Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Dec. 23 Jan 21 Jan. 28 Jan. 21 Jan. 26 Feb. 7 Nov. 12 April 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion. 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 30—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Gregory N. Williams, Educational Director Joseph B. Callaghan, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Couture. Chairman announced arrival of ship in Guam on Feb. 1 and advised crew to be ready for heavy work schedule, including bunkers, stores and military security training. He also discussed new launch time table for Guam and Saipan. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. List of upcoming courses is in each issue of Seafarers LOG. Treasurer stated $617 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked fellow crew members for their support over last four months. Printer to be installed on crew’s computer and, hopefully, receipt of new copy machine. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel), Jan. 29—Chairman Michael D. Wittenberg, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Providence, R.I. He also spoke about changes made to health care and prescription benefits. He noted that crew members had lots of questions and requested more information and contact person. Secretary reminded Seafarers of importance to contributing to SPAD. Educational director encouraged everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $2,414 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made to increase wages in next contract and lower age required to retire. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals every day. CP LIBERATOR (Marine Transport Lines), Jan. 27— Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Alvin E. Major, Educational Director Ronnie L. Day Jr. Deck Delegate Terrell Alston, Engine Delegate Manuel A. Uy Jr., Steward Delegate Alan J. Wolansky. Chairman announced Jan. 28 payoff in Houston. He led discussion of president’s report from latest LOG, and spoke about crucial role SPAD contributions play in livelihood of Seafarers. Educational director advised mariners to check document expiration dates and start renewal process early, if necessary. Treasurer stated $10,241 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made that transportation be provided from gangway to gate since taxis are not allowed on docks in Charleston. Thanks given to April 2006 steward department for job well done. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 30—Chairman Frank P. Sena, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Erik Nappier. Chairman reported that new washer and dryer had been received aboard ship. Educational director urged members to upgrade seafaring skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded them to check expiration dates on all documents and keep them current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request submitted for two reclining chairs as well as weight machines for crew and officer lounges. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work and food. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 27—Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director LeBarron West. Chairman notified crew that vessel would anchor Jan. 29 on arrival in Lakes Charles, La. Payoff would take place at the dock with patrolman present. Educational director informed mariners of pullout section of January LOG devoted to Piney Point classes and descriptions of each course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested washing machine be replaced. Members were asked to help environmental efforts by continuing to separate plastics from trash. Everyone was thanked for assisting in keeping house clean. USNS BOB HOPE (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 27— Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Pedro R. Castillo, Educational Director Samuel Deason, Engine Delegate David M. Dunklin. Chairman stated payoff to take place Jan. 31 in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary reported smooth sailing during recent voyage. Treasurer stated $919.12 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were asked to bring garbage to trash room on A deck before getting off ship and clean room for next person. USNS FISHER (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 22— Chairman William D. Leachman, Secretary Leslie Davis, Deck Delegate Luis A. Valerio, Steward Delegate Tamara A. Houston. Chairman reported good crew. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Seafarers-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on transportation, which appears to be changing each trip. Thanks given to all three departments for great work. Next port and port of pay- off: Charleston, S.C. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Feb.5—Chairman William Henderson, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Craig A. Pare, Engine Delegate Gary J. Timmons, Steward Delegate Bernadette R. Yancy. Chairman thanked crew for a safe trip. Secretary stated stores were replenished in Houston and expressed gratitude to all aboard for a great trip. Educational director advised members to keep documents current and attend Piney Point training facility to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested installation of satellite TV and radios in all rooms. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Feb. 6— Chairman William R. Britten, Secretary Julio J. Marcone, Deck Delegate William D. Dukes, Engine Delegates Arthur L. Guy, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman thanked steward department for great food during trip. He advised those leaving ship that yearly pay raise is still due and if they do not receive a check within a month, contact their hiring hall. Educational director informed crew they should take advantage of the many courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like internet access. Fans for rooms also would be appreciated since air conditioning is strained when in Persian Gulf. Clarification requested on OT for sanitary done outside normal working hours. Next port and port of payoff: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON CRUSADER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 25— Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Steward Delegate Richard A. Gegenheimer. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 27 in Oakland, Calif. and thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendations made regarding pension and medical plans, and suggestions given for new work rules in next contract. Crew members were advised to bring up all safety issues at safety meetings. Next port and port of payoff: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 7—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Milan Dzurek. Chairman reported SIU apprentice to leave early due to father’s illness. Crew members pitched in to help offset cost of airline ticket to East Coast. He asked that crew keep him and his father in their prayers and hoped the apprentice will return to vessel, “as he will make a good shipmate one day.” Educational director urged members to keep track of expiration dates of shipping documents and upgrade at Piney Point facility as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary reminded departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Crew thanked steward department for barbecue and bosun for good trip. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 12— Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director David S. Fricker, Deck Delegate Gerald Freeman, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 16. Secretary thanked crew members for being good shipmates and helping keep house clean. Educational director recommended everyone keep upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held con- to utilize resources available at Piney Point school and stay on top of MMDs and passport renewal. Treasurer stated $8,172.08 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made pertaining to health care plan. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), Feb. 4—Chairman Raymond J. Novak Jr., Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Michael E. Valdez, Deck Delegate James L. Davis, Engine Delegate Sonny Kongmany, Steward Delegate USNS Yano Stops in Baltimore During a December stopover in the port of Baltimore, these photos of the USNS Yano’s galley gang were taken. The crew members shown are (clockwise, from top left) SA Jouan Jackson, Chief Steward Brandon Maeda, SA Daniel Miller and Chief Cook Tommy Smith. cerning upcoming contract negotiations in 2006. Before voting, Seafarers should make sure to read proposed contract and understand it. Next port: Oakland, Calif. MAERSK ALABAMA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 14— Chairman Timothy D. Girard, Secretary Osvaldo Ramos, Educational Director Alfredo O. Cuevas, Deck Delegate William P. Foley, Engine Delegate Seller T. Brooks. Chairman encouraged members to renew MMDs before they expire and contribute to SPAD as it is our voice in Washington. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower retirement age. Entire crew was commended for good voyage and safe work. Next port: Dubai. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 4— Chairman Jose F. Cahallero, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Philip R. Ayotte, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Delegate Alexander P. Cordero. Chairman announced Feb. 11 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary gave a special thanks to all departments for help in maintaining safe, clean ship. Educational director urged crew Lamberto O. Palamos. Chairman announced Feb. 5 payoff in New Orleans. The next voyage will be to the Far East. He reviewed new requirements needed to maintain health care benefits. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of resources available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested direct deposit for allotment checks. Discussion held about purchase of DVDs, movie locker hours, watchstanding and pension benefits. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), Feb. 26—Chairman Henry J. Gable Sr., Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate Rocel C. Alvarez. Chairman read and led discussion of president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Educational director encouraged all mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase wages and pension amounts. Clarification requested on working dues and what it is used for. Crew members thanked steward department for hard work and great food. Seafarers LOG 19 �Know Your Rights Letter to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Remembering the John W. Brown I would like to inform all SIU members about a book in print that would be of much interest to Seafarers. The title is “Shipmates: The Restoration of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown.” The book is being published in two volumes. The first volume is now available; Volume II will be on sale sometime near the end of 2006. It can be purchased on the ship (located in Baltimore at Pier 1 on Clinton Street) or at a bookstore near you. The author, Ernest Imhoff, was managing editor of the Baltimore Evening Sun and is now a crew member on the ship. Many SIU members have toured the ship while in training at Piney Point, Md. And old timers who are retired and have sailed the Liberty ships certainly would have an interest in reading about the John W. Brown. This vessel was built in Baltimore in 1942 and saw war service, duty as a school ship in New York City and now has been restored to full operating status. The book is interesting and an easy read. Ted Vargas, Oiler SS John W. Brown Seafarer Publishes Memoir As a child of the Great Depression, Cornelius “Buzz” Sawyer was born in Darlington County, S.C. in 1930, the second youngest of 10 children. By the time he finished high school in 1947, he knew he would one day fulfill his dreams of traveling the world. It all started when he dropped out of college at Kentucky State in Frankfort in 1951 and signed on with the Navy. He later joined the NMU and made his first voyage to Australia and New Zealand, stopping briefly in Tahiti and Pago Pago in the late 1960s. Over the years, after a number of voyages to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and the Caribbean, he came ashore briefly between shipping to study history in San Francisco and serve as a substitute teacher in the Norfolk public school system. He also earned a B.A. in 1972 at San Francisco State University. Even while pursuing his education, Sawyer’s first love was the sea. He retired in 1996 and continued substitute teaching for several years before returning to California and Oregon. This book is about two voyages Sawyer made early in his NMU career—in 1966 and 1967—while serving as a messman aboard the Marine Charger. He had a talent for meeting people and learning as much as he could about the places he visited, including Australia, New Zealand and Japan and then into the heart of the Vietnam War Zone. Sawyer writes about not only the crew members and daily life aboard ship, but also about all the sights and sounds of the locations he visited and the life-long friends he made along the way. At every port, he encountered various perspectives when it came to addressing Civil Rights and other relevant issues of the day. He particularly enjoyed Australia and New Zealand, and when asked to come back and stay awhile, Sawyer said, “Thanks, but America is my home. That’s where I was born and I have no intention of living any place else; not even Africa where my roots are. I may visit other parts of the world as part of my job, but America will always be home to me through the best and worst of times.” The book, which sells for $14.95, is available through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † Other ____________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 4/06 20 Seafarers LOG TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. April 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for March through June of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 17 May 12 May 29 June 23 April 17 April 21 April 3 April 14 May 15 June 2 Radar April 3 April 14 Radar Renewal (one day) April 24 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 22 July 14 FOWT May 22 July 22 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding May 8 May 26 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB April 10 April 14 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 May 15 May 19 June 26 June 30 April 3 April 14 June 5 June 16 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (*must have basic fire fighting) (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning March 20, 2006. Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 UPGRADE AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ April 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 671 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 671. They are (in alphabetical order) James Alaniz, Wayne Altoonian, Anthony Berry, Steven Blair, Reid Bland, Dominique Calvy, Lewis Coleman, Eutiquio Flores, Ricardo Former, Dallon Garnett, Michael Iverson, Jesse James, Demarius Jones, Ronald King, Derek King, Benjamin Mullis, Casey O’Brien, Dathennile Parker, Algernon Reed, Michael Sedita, Taufiq Wasel and Pavis Whitley. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Feb. 17 are (in no specific order) Ricky Myers, Timothy Heil, Elliott Del Aguila, Nur Holis, James Roy, Vincent Deguzman, Cory Gardner, Carlo Blaajadia, Timothy Watson, Carlos Gibbons, Sergio Gonzalez, Adam Ramey, Teresa Ward, Karberto Ramos, Joselier Itaralde, Leon Curtis III, Carlos Lucas, Vincent Hamm and Geoffrey Hall. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Chief Cook— Graduates of a recent chief cook class are (from left, front row) Elba Alfaro, Arlene Thomas, Chef John Dobson (instructor), and (back row) Paul Gelrud (galley staff), James Dewy, John Farreaux, Lisa Farreaux, Larry Bachelor and Syed Mortanza. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — One group of unlicensed apprentices who graduated from the tanker assistant class ending Jan. 20 are (in no specific order) Christina Earhart, Ryan Tompkins, Joseph Wiegand, José Rodriguez, Gustavo Brown-Costas, Cornell Harris, Martin Hamilton, Dorthea Roxas, David Moses, Conan Leegard, Clifford Cronan, Brian Finney, Francis Miller, Jesse Tornabene, Vadym Gutara, Jimmie Lee Williams Jr., Robert Hayes, Isaac Jackson, Luke Short and Amber Short. Specially Trained OS — The 15 Alaska fishermen who completed the STOS course Feb. 10, as well as the Lifeboat and STCW courses, are (in no specific order) Thomas Bruckman, Edward Chalmers, Holli O’Neal, Stanley Ness, Donald Dix, Theodore Jenks, Paul Hannan, George Slattery, Kevin Stehlik, Glenn Van Dyck, Mitchell Martin, Daniel Coffey, Michael Wolf, Norman Degner and Francisca Guillen. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far right. Computer Lab Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — A second group of Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever graduates of the tanker assistant class ending Jan. 20 are (in no specific order) Perry Anglin, Marvin Porter, Jeffrey Tyson, Russell Blanks, Natalie Tremblay, Robert Light, Richard Pérez, Ryan Wall, Tyson Sherman, David Vandecar, Enrique Defendini, Micheal Williams, LeGarrius Jones, Adrian Taylor, Brian Elam, Ben Hulsey, Michael Callahan, Juan Gonzalez, Terrence Sawyer and Marcus Campbell. reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may Holding his certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab is Scott Paxton with his instructor, Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center) are students who completed the welding course Feb. 10. They are Scott Paxton (left) and Greg Abalos Jr. take that place. April 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Completing this course Feb. 17 under the instruction of Mitch Oakley (second from left) are (in alphabetical order) John Andrade, James Fekany, Kenneth Graybill, John Lee, Robert Lutz Jr., Frank Monteiro and Jeff Obney Sr. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Jan. 20 was graduation day for the 12 students in the water survival course. They are (in no specific order) Paul Gross, James Roy, Nur Holis, Budiman Chandra, Timothy Heil, Nagi Musaid, Kevin Stehlik, Rafael Irizarry, Victor Stewart, George Slattery, Ricky Myers and Yjohnzail Mack. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. STCW — NCL, Feb. 2: Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the tanker assistant course Feb. 17 are (in no specific order) David Grasso, Ali Ali, Yjohnzail Mack, Tracy Hill, James Pierce, Steve Kastel, Terrance Bing, Miguel Abad, Tawrence Abrams, Christopher Vincenzo, Robert Taylor, David Merida, Arthur Kately III, Eugene Edwards Jr., Joseph Williams IV, Arnold Jackson, Todd Peden, Antonio Arizala, Korron Richardson and Justin VanPelt. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far right. Eric Aguilar-Mendelson, Eric Aoyagi, Cris Arsenio, Rita Avila, Daniel Bamba, Michael Barr, Nicholas Beasley, Judith Benjudah, Michael Betancourt, Rolando Cadungon, Keitha Carriere, Richard Charles, Yvonda Chatman, Edgar Cortez, Andy Cosgrove, Edward Cromaz, Christina Davis, Donald Dischler, Mark Dyer, Nicholas Fairbanks and Mari Suzuki. STCW — NCL, Feb. 2: Ashley Goguen, Jason Goldman, Ellyn Groves, Carlos Gutierrez, Darwin Harris, Sehala Headley, Joshua Hefton, Michelle Helms, Desiree Jackson, Marcus Jackson, Oscar Jaime, Angela Jerde, Steven Joseph, Hakki Kavsit, Richard Kier, Mathew Kline, Lloyd Knight, Doreen Latimer, Mike Leccese, Paul Lentini and Tayler Lindsey. Specially Trained OS — Unlicensed apprentices in Phase III of the program completed the STOS course Feb. 24. They are (in no specific order) Robert Hayes, Perry Anglin, Cliff Cronan, Brian Finney, Francis Miller, Juan Gonzalez, Justin Sleaton, David Vandecar, Conan Leegard, Micheal Williams, Jeffrey Tyson, Ben Julsey, Robert Light, Richard Perez and Vadym Gutara. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Stan Beck, is second from right. April 2006 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Feb. 24 are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Ryan Tompkins, Joseph Wiegand, Cornell Harris, Christina Earhart, Isaac Jackson, José Rodriguez, LeGarrius Jones, Jimmie Williams, Jesse Tornabene, Brian Elam, Russell Blanks, Michael Callahan, Gustavo Costas, Ryan Wall, Adrian Taylor, Tyson Sherman, Martin Hamilton and Wanda Davis. (Note: not all are pictured.) Specially Trained OS — Under the instuction of Stacey Harris (far left) are students who completed the STOS course Feb. 24. They are (in no specific order) unlicensed apprentices Brian Finey, Perry Anglin, Enrique Defendini, Natalie Tremblay and Clifford Cronan and SIU upgraders Nagi Musaid, Robert Godwin, Dionce Bright, Brian Jackson and Wilbur Williams. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 4 April 2006 NMU Pension, Annuity & 401(k) Plans and NMU Vacation Plan Summary of 2005 Material Modifications — page 14 USNS Mercy Readies for Next Mission CIVMARS Prep Hospital Ship for Western Pacific Deployment A recent visit to the USNS Mercy in San Diego found members of the SIU’s Government Services Division expertly readying the hospital ship for a humanitarian mission to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia this spring. SIU CIVMARS sail in all three shipboard departments aboard the Mercy. The vessel’s deployment is expected to last five months and is being coordinated with several nations. Specific locations for the ship’s upcoming operations haven’t been announced, but the mission will be carried out in conjunction with non-governmental relief organizations, according to the U.S. Navy. For this deployment, the Mercy is being configured with special medical equipment and a robust multi-specialized medical team of uniformed and civilian health care providers to offer a range of services ashore as well as aboard the ship. Like its sister ship, the Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort, the Mercy supports medical and humanitarian assistance needs and can rapidly respond to a various situations on short notice. For instance, the hospital ship last year mobilized to help victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in late 2004. That deployment resulted in the treatment of more than 9,500 patients and 19,512 medical procedures being performed in Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. The Mercy normally is based in San Diego. It can support various services such as casualty reception, optometry, physical therapy, burn care, and radiological, laboratory and dental treatments. The Mercy is 894 feet long and has a beam of 105 feet, 7 inches. The ship’s draft is listed at 32 feet, 10 inches; its displacement is 69,360 long tons. The vessel’s top speed is 17.5 knots. AB Oliver Jones blasts the ship’s deck. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mercy has 12 fully equipped operating rooms, 1,000 hospital beds and a medical laboratory, among other equipment. SIU Asst. VP Government Services Chet Wheeler (right), 3rd Officer (and NMU hawsepiper) Richard Paramore AB Ovido Barongdan sands on deck. Yeoman Storekeeper Benjamin Guinto Jr. Jr. Supply Officer Reynaldo Sansano AB Dale Witham � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES HORIZON LINES CHARTERS NEW SHIPS ILO ADOPTS INNOVATIVE MARITIME CONVENTION FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS RECORDS U.S. FLEET’S PROGRESS, VALUE EMPHASIZED SIU MEMBERS CREW UP 3RD NCL AMERICA SHIP STEVE JUDD: REMEMBERING ONE OF THE BEST CREWS EARN MORE KUDOS FOR RELIEF MISSIONS FEDERAL COURT SAYS NO TO NSPS ITF GETS $240,000IN BACK PAY FOR CREW LAKES BOSUNS ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING MSC WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER CAR CARRIER JEAN ANNE IS NAMED MAGAZINES ‘SHIP OF THE YEAR’ APPRECIATIVE SIU RECERTIFIED STEWARDS SHARE HOW AND WHY UNION, SCHOOL WORK FOR THEM NORTHERN LIGHTS RECOGNIZED FOR ‘COMMITMENT’ IN OIF PORT AGENT POWELL APPOINTED TO STATE AFL-CIO COMMITTEE SIU, UIW TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL UNION SHOW S.F. PORT AGENT COSS RETIRES MTD SPEAKERS UNDERSCORE JONES ACT’S VALUE TO AMERICA ‘WE COULD NOT HAVE FOUGHT THIS WAR WITHOUT YOU’ NEW COURSE FOR HEALTH REFORM IS STATE BY STATE U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS USNS MERCY READIES FOR NEXT MISSION CIVMARS PREP HOSPITAL SHIP FOR WESTERN PACIFIC DEPLOYMENT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 4 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/b3048482ebffd0e9c4d228130e6522fd.pdf f8a8e72f96fba873118d3fbd0781c6bb PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 Seafarers Are Thanked For Gulf Relief Efforts SIU members recently were recognized during a ceremony for their key roles in hurricane relief efforts in New Orleans. More than 500 Seafarers sailed in the relief mission following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among those honored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Port of New Orleans were (left photo) Chief Steward Eddie Taylor, pictured aboard the Cape Kennedy enthusiastically serving a hot breakfast to Mary Sandolph and Chico Morales of MarAd’s Central Region; and steward department members from the Empire State (below left, from left) Chief Cook Rodwell Thompson, Steward/Baker Habib Boualem, SA Wanda Kelly, SA Edward Dorsey, Steward/Baker Christopher Amigable and Assistant Cook M. Zawkari. Page 3. As they have done throughout Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Seafarers continue delivering the goods for U.S. troops. At least 11 SIU-crewed ships remain mobilized for OIF, not including vessels from the SIU’s Government Services Division, which also are involved in the mission. Others are sailing in support of Enduring Freedom. Below, the combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls delivers stores to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan Feb. 5 in the South China Sea. The carrier was on its maiden deployment for the war on terror. SIU Members (Still) Deliver For U.S. Troops A U.S. Marine in Kuwait waits for a truck to roll off the ramp of the SIU-crewed USNS Bellatrix during troop rotations in Iraq. Pages 10-11. 9th T-AKE Ship Ordered Page 3 Lykes Motivator Honored Page 4 Memorial Funds Established Page 4 Questions Surround Ferry Disaster Page 5 �President’s Report Ferry Disaster’s Lessons Reading some of the first news reports about the sinking of the Panamanian-flag ferry Al Salam Boccaccio 98 last month in the Red Sea, I kept hoping that the articles were wrong. The disaster itself, which looks to have claimed more than 1,000 lives, is bad enough. But the circumstances, which include unofficial allegations of incompetence by crew members and abandonment by the captain, make it even worse. Investigations on this scale typically take a long time, and that’s to be expected when you consider Michael Sacco not only the scope of the disaster but also the potential liability. It will take time before all the facts are known. Still, the earliest media coverage of the Feb. 3 sinking near Egypt included some very disturbing points. Passengers said they not only weren’t assisted by the crew, in some cases they actually were told either to remove their life jackets or not to bother putting them on in the first place. This was despite the fact that the ferry was on fire and taking on water. Survivors also said that the captain didn’t attempt to return the ferry to shore even after the fire started. They claimed that the captain and crew “just went off in the lifeboats and left us.” We may never know about this, as the captain is among the missing. However, one of the ship’s officers said that the crew’s inability to handle firefighting operations caused the sinking. Again because of the nature of the investigation, it still isn’t clear whether any of the crew members had undergone safety training. But it seems safe to say that no matter their backgrounds, they couldn’t have handled the shipboard emergency any worse. Can you imagine an American crew reacting like that? Can you imagine U.S. mariners not knowing how to handle a fire and then running away while innocent passengers were left on their own? The SIU doesn’t work that way. The U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole doesn’t operate that way. I often describe our membership as the best-trained mariners in the world. That’s not just a catch-phrase, it’s the truth. We’re held to a higher standard when it comes to shipboard safety. We exceed a lot of the government’s requirements anyway, through many of the safety courses offered at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Accidents happen. They can happen to anyone. But in this business there’s simply no excuse for not being prepared. That’s especially true on a passenger vessel of any kind. On that note, I remain proud of the mandatory safety training offered at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point for all of the crew members heading to the SIU-contracted NCL America ships. The school provides U.S. Coast Guard-certified safety training that includes lifeboat, crowd control, fire fighting, first aid, CPR and much more. And if you don’t pass the course, you don’t set foot on those ships. The rest of our membership also is committed to safety. Thousands upon thousands of Seafarers have completed STCW Basic Safety Training at the Paul Hall Center. They and others routinely execute shipboard fire and boat drills and other safety exercises designed to help ensure that if an emergency arises, they’ll react with speed and efficiency. If all foreign-flag crews consistently were held to the same high standards as we are in the U.S., our industry would be a lot safer. In part, that’s why our union always has been active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation—an organization dedicated to protecting transportation employees all over the world. At its core, the ITF is about doing the right thing. It’s about treating people fairly and promoting safety and productivity for the benefit of all concerned. The SIU remains fully on board with the ITF’s goals, and that’s why it was so sickening to read about the Al Salam Boccaccio 98. In this day and age, with the safety training that’s available and the sophisticated shipboard equipment that can help save lives, a disaster like this one shouldn’t occur. Through our unwavering commitment to safety for all mariners around the globe, we’ll do everything possible to help make sure it never happens again. Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG ITF Inspectors Team Up, Secure Back Pay for Crew The multinational crew of the Panamanian-flag gambling ship Island Casino recently received more than $81,000 in back pay, thanks to the work of inspectors from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). SIU ITF Inspector Tony Sacco and fellow inspector Enrique Lozano (based in Mexico) late last year answered a call for assistance from mariners aboard the gaming vessel, which normally sails around the Caribbean Islands. The crew hadn’t been paid since mid-October and was concerned that they wouldn’t be paid at all. After initial attempts failed to secure the back wages, Sacco prepared to have the ship arrested in early January. The Island Casino’s Jacksonville, Fla.-based owner then paid the total amount due to the mariners (a crew that included Filipinos, Mexicans and Americans). “The crew was very happy that the ITF delivered,” Sacco noted. “We also assisted in rectifying a shortage of food and water on the ship.” The SIU is an ITF affiliate and actively has supported the federation’s efforts for decades—most prominently the ITF campaign against so-called flags of convenience (FOCs), but also including global outreach for crews facing any unfair treatment. In 2004 (the most recent year for which complete data is available), ITF inspectors worldwide recovered $25.1 million in back pay for mariners. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. He recently participated in the successful meetings of the international shipowners’ Joint Negotiation Group, which bargained for a contract covering 55,000 mariners on more than 3,200 vessels. The ITF itself was founded in 1896 and now consists of more than 600 transport trade unions in 137 countries. ITF member unions represent more than five million workers. A flag of convenience ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. According to the ITF, cheap registration fees, low or no taxes and freedom to employ cheap labor are the motivating factors behind a shipowner’s decision to “flag out.” On its web site, the federation notes, “The ITF takes into account the degree to which foreign-owned vessels are registered and fly the country flag, as well as the following additional criteria, when declaring a register an FOC: The ability and willingness of the flag state to enforce international minimum social standards on its vessels, including respect for basic human and trade union rights, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining with bona fide trade unions; the social record as determined by the degree of ratification and enforcement of ILO Conventions and Recommenda- tions; and the safety and environmental record as revealed by the ratification and enforcement of IMO Conventions and revealed by port state control inspections, deficiencies and detentions.” The ITF believes there should be a genuine link between the real owner of a vessel and the flag the vessel flies, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). There is no genuine link in the case of FOC registries. Some of these registers have poor safety and training standards and place no restriction on the nationality of the crew. Sometimes, because of language differences, seafarers can’t communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. “Once a ship is registered under an FOC, many shipowners then recruit the cheapest labor they can find, pay minimal wages and cut costs by lowering standards of living and working conditions for the crew,” the ITF notes. “Globalization has helped to fuel this rush to the bottom. In an increasingly fierce competitive shipping market, each new FOC is forced to promote itself by offering the lowest possible fees and the minimum of regulation. In the same way, ship owners are forced to look for the cheapest and least regulated ways of running their vessels in order to compete, and FOCs provide the solution.” In the long run, the federation aims to eliminate the FOC system and establish “a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.” Meanwhile, the ITF will continue to “attack sub-standard shipping and seek ITF acceptable standards on all ships irrespective of flag, using all the political, industrial and legal means at the ITF’s disposal; protect and enhance the conditions of employment of maritime workers and to ensure that all maritime workers, regardless of color, nationality, sex, race or creed, are protected from exploitation by their employers and those acting on their behalf; (and) individually strengthen affiliated unions, in all aspects, so as to ensure the provision and delivery of a greater degree of solidarity in the campaign.” ITF’s Seafarers’ Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Helping Mariners The Seafarers’ Trust, the ITF’s non-political charity arm which exists solely to improve seafarers’ welfare, reached its 25th anniversary on Jan. 18. Since its founding in 1981, the Seafarers’ Trust has donated $120 million to good causes, according to the federation. In a news release, the ITF noted that the 2,250 projects sponsored by the Trust in that time include 144 grants for new seafarers’ centers and mission facilities, 482 grants for the refurbishment and rebuilding of existing facilities for seafarers, and helping to supply more than 1,000 minibuses that take mariners from remote docksides to missions, accommodation, health centers and visitor attractions. The Trust also sponsors the World Maritime University in Malmo, the Seafarers’ International Research Centre in Cardiff, the International Seafarers’ Assistance Network, and the Seafarers’ Health Information Programme. It has funded groundbreaking work in ship-to-shore communications and mariners’ health. Tom Holmer, administrative officer of the Seafarers’ Trust, explained, “We’re delighted to reach our silver jubilee, proud of what has been achieved—often alongside outstanding partners such as the Mission to Seafarers, the Apostleship of the Sea and others— and mindful of the continuing struggle to improve seafarers’ lot.” Chris York, national director of the Apostleship of the Sea, commented, “The Apostleship of the Sea worldwide offers many congratulations and sincere thanks to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust for their work for seafarers’ welfare over the last 25 years. The generosity and farsightedness of the Trust has helped maintain many small endeavors in maritime welfare whilst promoting more and more cooperative and ecumenical ventures, thus making the outreach of the Apostleship of the Sea and our colleagues in the International Christian Maritime Association more and more effective over time. We look forward to the continued and vital support of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust in future years.” Natalie Wiseman, International Shipping Federation secretary, said, “The Trust has been an active partner over the last 10 years in the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare, alongside government bodies, religious organizations, the ISF and the ILO. In this capacity it has helped to provide sport, health and welfare provision for seafarers.” Holmer concluded, “There can be no better time than now to set our priorities for the coming years. This will include a new emphasis on taking welfare services closer to seafarers on board ship. As turnaround times have reduced we have seen the need for the accommodation we used to fund shrunk. We need to be getting out there, meeting seafarers and finding out what they need.” The Seafarers’ Trust is funded by the profits from the investments of the ITF Welfare Fund, as well as the profits from its own Trust fund. It is dedicated to the support of seafarers’ spiritual, moral and physical wellbeing, irrespective of nationality or religion. March 2006 �Seafarers Honored for Relief Efforts MarAd Approves Medals for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Members of the SIU’s deep sea and inland divisions were among those honored Jan. 30 during a ceremony jointly sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the Port of New Orleans. The event, which took place in New Orleans, recognized individuals and organizations for their relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina last summer. Approximately 100 people, including a half-dozen Seafarers and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, participated in the ceremony. “It was a good turnout and good recognition, for sure,” said Seafarer Raymond Schwartz, who sails as a captain with Crescent Towing, one of the companies commended at the event. “A lot has been done to get the port back up and running.” A spokesperson for the port of New Orleans said that as of early February, the port was operating at about 80 percent of capacity. “The ceremony was fantastic,” said Chief Steward Eddie Taylor, who has worked aboard the Cape Kennedy throughout the relief operations. “It was a good feeling, recognizing everybody that had a part in the recovery, no matter how big or small. Give the port and everyone else who had a hand in the ceremony praise for doing it.” “What struck me during the ceremony was the appreciation for so much cooperation and productivity under very difficult and unique circumstances,” Judd said. “After the hurricane, things could have fallen apart very easily, but it didn’t happen. Everybody found a way to make it work.” Seafarers sailed aboard at least 14 vessels that were involved in Katrina relief operations, whether the ships already were in the area when the hurricane struck or were activated later. SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing played crucial and immediate roles throughout the port, particularly during the storm’s immediate aftermath. Those mariners and others were recognized at the ceremony by featured speakers including John Jamian, acting administrator of MarAd; Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans; and Rear Admiral Robert Duncan, commander of the Eighth U.S. Coast Guard District and commander of the agency’s Maritime Defense Command Eight, which is based in New Orleans. Seafarers received certificates of appreciation, and MarAd also announced that it has approved the awarding of the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement to the crews and operating companies of the agency’s ships that supported recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement was established in 2002, and is awarded to members of the maritime industry who have “given extraordinarily valuable contributions to the merchant marine,” according to the agency. “The men and women who crewed and operated these ships provided relief and care to the Gulf Coast at a critical time, and they have brought great honor and distinction to the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said Jamian. “They moved quickly into the stricken area and provided food and shelter for thousands of rescue and recovery workers, and demonstrated the extraordinary capability of the U.S. Merchant Marine 9th T-AKE Ship Ordered Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division received good news when General Dynamics NASSCO announced it has received a $317 million Navy contract to build a ninth T-AKE dry cargo/ammunition ship. The San Diego-based shipyard made the announcement Jan. 31. The Seafarers-contracted T-AKE vessels are a new class of combat logistics force ships also known as the Lewis and Clark class. Nine of the ships have been ordered through NASSCO and there are options for three additional vessels. According to the shipyard, the first T-AKE, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was launched in May 2005. The second T-AKE, the USNS Sacagawea, is in full-rate production and will be launched on May 23, 2006. Construction on the third T-AKE, to be named the USNS Alan Shepard in honor of the first American in space, began last September. The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length and 105.6 feet in beam, with a design draft of 29.9 feet. The ships can carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of marine diesel fuel. The vessels will provide logistic support in port and at sea. They will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts, and expendable supplies and other materiel—to station ships and other naval forces at sea. The first ship in the T-AKE class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was christened in May 2005. March 2006 and industry to respond in a crisis.” Designated recipients are crews and officers of six Seafarers-contracted ships from MarAd’s Ready Reserve Force: Cape Kennedy, Cape Knox, Cape Vincent, Diamond State, Equality State and Wright; three training ships from state maritime academies: State of Maine, Empire State and Sirius; and one other ship from MarAd’s National Defense Reserve Fleet, Texas Clipper II. The management companies are Keystone Shipping, Pacific Gulf Marine, Inter- ocean American Shipping, Ocean Shipholdings, and Crowley Liner Services. Schwartz was among the first on the scene even before the storm hit. After reassuring his family that he was determined to work through the hurricane along with his fellow SIU boatmen, he noted an odd feeling while driving from a New Orleans suburb into the city. “People were evacuating by the thousands. I felt weird—I was basically the only one on the road heading south.” Nevertheless, although Schwartz and his wife now joke about it, his commitment (and, undoubtedly, those of his fellow members) caused some concern among family members before the storm. “Like I told them, it’s what we do. Otherwise the maritime industry —the maritime family—will suffer more losses. We’re in the business to prevent problems from happening. A lot of people don’t understand that.” Schwartz helped secure the SIU-crewed RRF ships Cape Kennedy and Cape Knox throughout the hurricane. Those vessels later served as bases for hundreds of relief workers. Chief Cook Credits Fellow Members On Empire State Chief Cook Sal Ahmed recently wrote to the Seafarers LOG to commend his fellow steward department members aboard the Empire State. That vessel played a very active role during Hurricane Katrina relief operations in New Orleans, beginning shortly after the storm through late January. “I believe the entire crew are heroes for their response to the call, and for their effort in helping feed thousands of the victims in New Orleans,” Ahmed said. “They deserve two thumbs up. The U.S. Maritime Administration also recognized our help by giving a certificate of appreciation to every crew member aboard our vessel.” Ahmed particularly offered congratulations and appreciation to the entire steward department for putting together special meals throughout the holidays. Among the SIU members sailing in the galley gang during that time were Steward/Bakers Lovie Perez, Habib Boualem and Christopher Amigable; Chief Cooks Frederick Saffo, Clarence Mack, Adele Williams, Lashanda Brown, Archie Gerald and Rodwell Thompson; Cook/Bakers Mike Watts and Theodore Smith; Assistant Cooks Florentino Caballero, German Oliva, Julia Williams, M. Alzawkari and Abdulla Quaraish; and Steward Assistants Edward Dorsey, Angel Bernardez, Wanda Kelly, Simeon Eligio, Mohammed Yahya, Majed Alsharif, and Wadeea Alnasafi. Chief Cook Archie Gerald Right: Assistant Cook Julia Williams, SA Wanda Kelly Pictured from left to right on the Empire State are SA Majed Alsharif, SA Simeon Eligio, Assistant Cook Abdulla Quaraish, SA Mohammed Yahya, and Assistant Cooks German Oliva and Florentino Caballero. SAs Angel Bernardez and Edward Dorsey Cook/Bakers Theodore Smith and Mike Watts Seafarers LOG 3 �Lykes Motivator Honored for Rescue The crew and captain of the Seafarers-contracted Lykes Motivator on Feb. 4 were the recipients of the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy for their role in rescuing three mariners from stormy seas. Capt. Richard Johnson and the Motivator’s crew displayed superior seamanship last year when they saved the lives of three Swedish sailors whose sailboat had foundered in the stormy Atlantic seas. Seafarers aboard the Motivator during the rescue were: Bosun James McRevy; ABs Michael Weber, John Saturday, Jerome Williams, Richard O’Brien and Brett Sunderland; Electrician Chavalier Maycock; MEMAC Alcido Lopes; Wiper Willie Clemmons; Chief Steward Walter Darensbourg; Chief Cook Francisco Da Cruz and GSU Clifton Washington. The Seamanship Trophy, which recognizes extraordinary seafaring skills by American mariners, was presented during a luncheon at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Brooklyn Patrolman Joseph Baselice accepted the award on behalf of the union. Vice Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, Merchant Marine Academy superintendent, and Capt. Warren Leback, chairman, American Merchant Marine Museum and a former U.S. Maritime Administrator, presented the award to Soresi and Baselice. On March 29, 2005, the Lykes Motivator was returning from its regular run to Europe when it received a message from the U.S. Coast Guard to change course and come to the assistance of a sailing vessel that was reportedly sinking. The sailboat needing assistance was the 37-foot Aurora, which had set out from Bermuda bound for the Azores Maritrans Establishes 3 Memorial Funds Article Recognizes Co.’s Quick Response SIU-contracted Maritrans on Jan. 24 announced that the company has established memorial funds in honor of each of the three crew members who lost their lives at sea when the tug Valour sank off the coast of North Carolina. The memorial funds are as follows: Ron Emory Memorial Fund c/o Citizens Bank 652 North DuPont Highway Milford, DE 19963 Fred Brenner Memorial Fund c/o Wachovia Bank Martin Plaza Financial Center 1442 Martin Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21220 Richard Smoot Memorial Fund c/o Fifth Third Bank 1008 Oak Street Kenova, WV 25530 For those interested in contributing to these memorial funds, checks may be mailed directly to the accounts listed above. Alternatively, any donations that are received by Maritrans at 302 Knights Run Ave, Suite 1200, Tampa, FL 33602, will be sent to the specified memorial fund account. In the absence of a specific designation, funds will be equally distributed to the three memorial accounts. (Please contact Jennifer Waldman of Maritrans at (813) 209-0686 with any questions regarding the memorial funds.) The SIU in late January made contributions to each of the three funds. The Valour sank on Jan. 18 in severe weather. Longtime Seafarer Emory (sailing as an AB/tankerman), former SIU member Brenner (chief mate) and Smoot (chief engineer) perished, while six others survived. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the tragedy, which 4 Seafarers LOG struck during the pre-dawn hours off the coast of Cape Fear, N.C. Meanwhile, a detailed article in the Feb. 5 edition of the newspaper St. Petersburg Times credited Maritrans both for its response to the accident and for its overall safety record. Writer Steve Huettel pointed out that the accident “marked the company’s first deaths since 1988 and the only loss of a tug in its 78-year history.” He further noted that the same day of the sinking, the company flew survivors’ relatives to Wilmington, N.C. so they could meet with the crew members. The SIU also quickly dispatched an official to Wilmington who helped console the survivors. Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Cape Fear towing brought the survivors to shore and also assisted in the successful recovery of the Valour’s barge, which had separated from the tug during the storm. “When rescued crew members reached shore, each was handed a cell phone and $750 cash to replace clothes and belongings lost on the Valour,” Huettel wrote. “Maritrans dispatched grief counselors not only for families and survivors but to crews of its 16 vessels and workers at offices in Tampa and Philadelphia. The company flew executives, survivors and their spouses to all three funerals.” The writer also observed that Maritrans Chief Executive Jonathan Whitworth—whose own father died in a marine accident when Whitworth was 14— “ached to tell families the fate of their loved ones. But he insisted on waiting to talk with the captain of the Valour aboard a tug that rescued most of the crew,” because of lessons learned from the West Virginia mine tragedy earlier that same month when family members mistakenly were told that most of the trapped workers survived. with three Swedish sailors aboard. Bad weather damaged the Aurora’s mast and gravely limited the boat’s ability to maneuver. The Aurora began to take on water, and its crew sent out a distress signal. About five hours later, lookouts aboard the Lykes Motivator spotted the foundering sailboat some 218 miles northwest of Bermuda. The sailboat was listing badly on its starboard side, still taking on water. When the endangered sailors spotted the Motivator, they managed to lower a small rubber dinghy into the stormy seas, which were reportedly running at 12-15 feet with winds squalling in excess of 30 knots. They first began to shuttle some of their personal gear to the Lykes Motivator, which Captain Johnson had maneuvered into position to provide leeward protection for the dinghy. The gear was winched aboard the cargo ship by its crew. After the last run between vessels, however, the dinghy nearly capsized, tossing one of the Swedish sailors into the rough waters. He soon drifted aft of the Motivator, whose crew swiftly responded to the peril and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joe Soresi (second from left) and SIU Brooklyn Patrolman Joe Baselice (third from left) accept the 2005 American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy on behalf of the captain and crew of the Seafarers-contracted Lykes Motivator. The award was presented Feb. 4 during a luncheon at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Making the presentation were former U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Warren Leback (left) and Vice Adm. Joseph Stewart (right), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy superintendent. retrieved him using the ship’s crane with a rescue basket attached to its line. The other two mariners, who managed to stay in their dinghy, subsequently were retrieved without further incident. After the three sailors safely CIVMAR Notice: Retiring Abroad The union’s Government Services Division understands that as CIVMARS consider retirement, some may be interested in retiring and living abroad. For those CIVMARS who are eligible for Social Security benefits during retirement, it is important to plan carefully. While there are many locations to which the Social Security Administration will send your check, there are some countries where Social Security will not provide this benefit to Americans living abroad. This is a complicated topic and should be considered watchfully. Details are contained in a booklet titled “Your payments while you are outside the United States,” which may be obtained from your local Social Security office or by visiting www.SocialSecurity.gov. That web site also contains details about this issue. were aboard, examined and attended to, the Lykes Motivator resumed its course for the U.S. As it departed the area, the Aurora’s mast was seen being ripped completely off, and the sailboat soon succumbed to the sea. The swift and professional actions of the captain and crew of Lykes Motivator undoubtedly prevented the likely loss of human life. The Academy administers the selection process for awarding the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. The trophy, an ornate sterling silver cup, is on permanent display at the American Merchant Marine Museum on the Academy’s Long Island campus. Winners receive a plaque representing the trophy. SIU/UIW Official Robert O’Keefe Dies at 76 With 26 years of service as a union official, Robert L. O’Keefe of River Vale N.J., passed away Jan. 23 of respiratory failure. He was 76. O’Keefe began working in the SIU claims department at the Brooklyn hall in 1960, where he was the supervisor of former SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma. “He was a good boss, a really great guy to work for,” said Delma, who then reminisced that he was sometimes playfully fearful of O’Keefe, who would come into the office following a weekend and show Delma some of the wrestling moves his young sons had taught him. Later on, in the late ’70s, when O’Keefe was working as a representative of the United Industrial Workers (UIW), an affiliate of the SIU, Delma and he used to travel to some of the contracted shops including Paulsen Wire and Rope or one of the other shops in Pennsylvania. “It was 4 a.m. when we started driving,” Delma said, “in the middle of an ice storm. But Bob kept going.” UIW National Director John Spadaro, who worked closely with O’Keefe on medical claims issues as well as contract negoti- ations for the Atlantic region, remembers O’Keefe’s good outlook on life. “If you were feeling down, he knew how to raise your spirits,” Spadaro said. “He’d start his day with ‘top o’ the morning to you.’ He was always so positive.” O’Keefe played an important role in negotiating the contracts for the old Hussman Refrigeration Co. (now Victory), where Spadaro was working at the time. When Spadaro later came on as a UIW rep in 1985, he and O’Keefe sat side by side at many negotiation sessions. “It was always a pleasure working with him,” Spadaro continued. “He will be sadly missed by me and all those who knew him.” O’Keefe, who was an assistant vice president of the UIW, retired in 1986. “He lived and breathed union business,” said one of his sons, Dennis O’Keefe, “and loved telling stories of the people he worked with and the beefs he participated in.” His wife, Evangeline, predeceased him. Surviving are his children Brian R. O’Keefe of Denver, Col.; Michael P. O’Keefe of Westwood, N.J.; Patrice M. Archambault (and her This photo of Asst. VP Robert O’Keefe was taken at the UIW 7th quadrennial convention in Piney Point, Md. in 1985. husband, Roy) of Wilmington, N.C.; Dennis P. O’Keefe (and his wife, Karen) of Boiling Springs, S.C.; Karen E. Hilla (and her husband, Daniel) of Wilmington, D.C.; Timothy P. O’Keefe of Arlington, Va; and eight grandchildren. Following a funeral liturgy at the Church of St. Andrew in Westwood, N.J. on Jan. 27, interment took place at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J. Contributions in his memory may be sent to St. Andrews Human Concerns, 120 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. March 2006 �Ferry Passengers Were ‘Abandoned’ More than 1,000 Dead or Missing in Red Sea Disaster More than 1,000 people are dead or missing following the Feb. 3 sinking of the Panamanian-flagged Egyptian ferry Al Salam Boccaccio 98 in the Red Sea. Although the official cause of the disaster had not been determined as of press time for the Seafarers LOG, more than a few sources have reported that a fire in the vessel’s hold coupled with the crew’s inability to extinguish it were the likely culprits. News reports indicated that passengers accused the captain and crew of negligence, saying the captain abandoned ship before ensuring the passengers had left. They also asserted that crew members prevented them from donning life jackets and didn’t assist them into lifeboats. (The captain is among the missing.) One survivor told the Gold Coast Bulletin, “We were wearing life jackets but the crew told us there was nothing wrong and ordered us to take them off. They took the life jackets away. When the boat started to sink, the captain took a lifeboat and left.” Another survivor said the captain was the first to leave the sinking vessel, and the crew of roughly 100 “just went off in the lifeboats and left us.” Built in 1970, the 11,800-gt vessel on Feb. 2 departed Dhuba, Saudi Arabia and was steaming to a port in Safaga, Egypt when the tragedy occurred. It was carrying 1,450 people, most of whom were Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia. The remaining passengers were said to be pilgrims returning from Mecca. Coastal stations last had con- tact with the ship at around 10 p.m. the same evening and did not receive any SOS from the crew. Al Salam Boccaccio 98 later disappeared off radar screens near the Saudi coast and never made its 3 a.m. docking time at Safaga. Survivors of the incident have alleged that the disaster was caused by a fire breaking out below decks. According to Lloyds List, witnesses reported that fire erupted about 90 minutes into the vessel’s overnight journey. It is not clear where the fire started or its size. Some say it began in the car deck, while others claim it ignited in the engine room. Some survivors have suggested that the ship was engulfed in smoke and passengers were running onto the decks wearing life jackets and begging the crew to turn the vessel around and return to Saudi Arabia. The captain, survivors said, made no attempt to return to shore, opting instead to continue on to Egypt while the crew tackled the flames. The surviving third officer on the ship, Rani Kamal, told the Arabic news channel Al-Arabiya that “…the ferry sank because of firefighting operations. Water flooded the garage [car deck] ... and it pooled on one side. Then the water increased and increased until the ship listed sharply,” he said. The ferry apparently was owned and operated by Cairobased Al-Salam Maritime Transport, although at least one news source claims that Panama-based Pacific Sunlight Marine Inc. is the official owner. According a British expert on fighting ship fires who spoke on condition of anonymity, in the kind of rough weather the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 experienced before it went down, it would only take two or three inches of water on the deck to set off what is called a Free Surface Effect. A Free Surface Effect is a phenomenon whereby a small amount of water inside the vessel starts slopping from side to side, making the ship rock. Even a small amount of water sloshing back and forth below decks can seriously affect a ship’s stability. As the vessel rolls, the water pours to one side, which moves the ship’s center of gravity. If this moves beyond a critical point, the ship cannot right itself and will overturn. Returning to the issue of the fire, the expert said that although methods for fighting ship fires could vary according to the sophistication of the vessel— ranging from the use of inert gas to douse flames to hoses and hand-held extinguishers—ships nonetheless obviously should be equipped with the means to put out a fire. This is especially important on ships such as the Al Salam Boccaccio 98, a rollon/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel with a large open space for cars, where fires can easily spread. Another expert said that the ferry’s chances of surviving were reduced by modifications made in the 1980s, when two more passenger decks were added. The vast majority of the ship was standing out of the water, with little below the surface to keep it stable. Compounding the problem were the high winds, Health Care Costs Affect Everyone The AFL-CIO and other groups that fight to protect workers’ rights continue calling attention to the nation’s health care crisis. Among other efforts, the federation recently launched a state-level campaign to promote good, affordable health care for all Americans. As part of the campaign, the AFL-CIO pointed out the fact that the United States spends almost twice as large a share of its economy on health as other rich countries do, yet 46 million Americans —one in six— go without health insurance. This is one issue that will continue to be watched closely by all sectors of business, whether public or private, including those in the automotive sector. General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. indicate that soaring health care costs have contributed to the financial crises that are forcing them to close plants and lay off thousands of workers. Ford spent $3.1 billion in 2004 on health care, and the company expects that expense to have reached $3.5 billion in 2005. GM is expected to have spent $5.6 billion on health care in 2005, which covers slightly more than 1 million people. The United Auto Workers and Ford have reached a tentative March 2006 agreement to reduce Ford’s health care costs—similar to the deal they struck last October with GM—by shifting more of the health care expenses to workers and retirees. Under GM’s pact, active workers will forgo future pay raises and retirees will pay higher out-of-pocket costs to help GM reduce health costs that the company says represent $1,500 for every vehicle it builds. Ford’s health care deal with the UAW is expected to be much the same. The UAW now will move to DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group, which also has requested relief from rising health care costs for its workers and retirees. The UAW’s Chrysler Council decided to move forward with negotiations once talks with Ford were concluded. Other unions all across the country are in similar circumstances as they prepare to negotiate labor contracts. In Passaic County, N.J., for example, the county is entering into negotiations with 11 of its 22 employee unions, representing more than half the county’s workers. “Negotiating with the unions on health costs is going to be one of the big savings,” said the chairman of the county budget committee. No one seems to be immune from these escalating expenditures. Some of the 9.2 million beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS)—which includes active duty and retired military employees—may face an increase in out-of-pocket expenses for health care based on proposals being considered by the administration. Details were expected to announced at a later date. Whatever the specific situation, health care—as the public has known it in the past—is basically gone. The days of having full benefits, medical and dental, with no worry of co-pays or prescription drug costs, are no longer. Polls now indicate that health care is consistently a top issue of concern for U.S. citizens. A 2005 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed nearly 40 percent of Americans were “very worried” about paying more for medical care and health insurance. Six out of 10 worry about going bankrupt because of a major illness. And between the years 2000 and 2005, health insurance premiums rose 73 percent while workers’ income increased only 15 percent. which may have further tipped the vessel. Officials from the protection and indemnity club that will pay compensation claims on those who lost their lives say the vessel had more than enough lifesaving equipment on board. According to news reports, the Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association said it ordered a full condition survey on the vessel early last year and found the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 fully complied with all safety equipment requirements; that management and training was satisfactory; and that the owners had properly carried out and completed all necessary maintenance. However, according to further reports, the Italian firm that certified the ship’s seaworthiness is facing prosecution in France for allegedly failing to carry out proper checks on the Maltese-flagged tanker Erika which broke up off the coast of France six years ago. One of the Al Salam Boccaccio 98’s sister ships sank in the Red Sea last October after a collision with a Cypriot tanker. In a related development, a ferry captain several days following the tragedy said he refused to help the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 in order to protect his own passengers. Salah Jomaa told Egypt’s Al- Ahram daily that the crew of the stricken ship asked for help, but he steered clear to avoid a “second catastrophe.” “I [made] the decision not to turn around to protect the lives of the 1,800 passengers on board,” he said. Jomaa said that the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 had radioed his vessel, the Saint Catherine, asking him to turn around and mount a rescue effort. However, he said he was afraid that doing so would result in the sinking of his own vessel, “especially as the weather conditions were bad and the waves high.” Jomaa said he warned all other ships in the area of the impending disaster and requested that they come to help. Help, however never came. According to several sources, the rescue effort was not launched until seven hours after the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 sank. Angry relatives of passengers killed during the ocean tragedy on Feb. 3—frustrated by the lack of information about their loved ones—attacked the offices of the vessel’s owners. A mob broke into Al-Salam Maritime’s offices in Safaga and began throwing the facility’s contents onto the street. They destroyed furniture and attacked a fire engine before riot police used tear gas to restore order. ILO Weighs Maritime Standards The International Labor Organization last month examined a draft convention on maritime labor standards which, if adopted, would “represent the most sweeping and comprehensive global legal instrument ever forged regarding the world’s shipowners, seafarers and maritime nations,” the ILO said in a news release. The 10th maritime session of the ILO’s International Labor Conference was scheduled for Feb. 7-23 in Geneva (ending after the deadline for this issue of the Seafarers LOG). Such maritime sessions are conducted every 10 years, while the ILO’s annual labor conference meets every year. Delegates elected Jean-Marc Schindler, director-general for Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Tourism and the Sea, France, as president of the Conference. Dierk Lindemann (on behalf of employers) of Germany, Brian Orrell (representing workers) of the United Kingdom and Tatsuya Teranishi (governments) of Japan were elected vice presidents of the conference. Delegates were to consider a new, single “framework convention” on maritime labor standards that consolidates and updates more than 65 international maritime labor standards adopted since the ILO was founded in 1919. In his speech to the assembly, Schindler characterized the meeting as “a new and unique event in the history of this organization” and said the convention marked “the first attempt to create the global instrument for a specific sector of industry.” He also referred to the two major principles of the convention: allowing signatory governments discretion as to the way in which they implement the seafarers’ rights, but setting out firm obligations on governments to respect those rights—backed up by a detailed enforcement system. ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said the convention “would be an effective, modern and global response for a truly global industry. This is a major step forward in assuring better protection of workers, a level playing field for shipowners and an effective instrument for governments in providing decent conditions to seafarers. In sum, greater clarity, productivity, safety and security for all.” According to Somavia, the maritime session “seeks to ensure the relevance of ILO standards in this era of the globalization of production and work” and “may provide the impetus and support for similar innovative and balanced approaches in other areas.” Some 1,000 participants representing governments, workers and employers from 100 of the ILO’s 178 member states were set to discuss the draft convention, with voting expected on the closing day. Each member country has the right to send four delegates to the conference: two from government and one each representing workers and employers, each of whom may speak and vote independently. Seafarers LOG 5 �Survivor AB Gerard Costello (pictured last year during a safety exercise in Baltimore) battled through four-plus years of cancer treatments. AB Costello Credits Health Plan For Helping Him Beat Cancer Seafarer Gerard Costello had more than enough to worry about beginning in 2002 when he was diagnosed with a rare and most serious form of cancer. Through that struggle, he not only appreciated the treatment afforded him through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), he drew strength and comfort from it. Lately, the news couldn’t be much better for Costello, who sails as an AB. During the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., he announced that his cancer is in remission— and also showed that he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “Initially I was given three months to live,” Costello, 44, said at the meeting. “My wife and children are grateful now, to some degree.” Following the meeting, and also in a recent letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, Costello recalled that he has suffered through treatments for eight tumors. “I only have one At the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Seafarer Gerard Costello (center) shared the good news that his cancer is in remission. With him after the meeting are (from left) SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. left, but this time they’re calling it stable,” he said. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve grown another tumor. They had been coming every three months, like clockwork.” While not minimizing his struggle, Costello was liberal with his praise for the SHBP and the union. “The mental and physical hardships that accompany such treatments for cancer have put a strain on my family for over four years,” he said. “The benefits and support I have received from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and the unwavering support from the Baltimore hall have been immeasurable in their level of professionalism in any and all situations and areas of concern. “As for the medical plan, the SIU alone has provided the absolute highest level of medical expertise in the field of cancer,” continued Costello, who joined the union in 1997 after previously sailing as a CIVMAR with the U.S. Military Sealift Command. “I have survived in large part by taking comfort in the fact that the medical plan provided the best of a knowledgeable and skilled team of doctors. For the services and support afforded me by the outstanding staff of our medical plan, and by my Port Agent Dennis Metz and the staff Union Membership Grows For the first time in six years, the number of people belonging to unions increased in 2005. The quantity of American workers holding membership in labor unions last year rose by 213,000 to 15.7 million, according to figures released Jan. 20 by the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in its annual report. It was the first hike in the organized labor work force numbers since 1999. The bureau also said the median weekly earnings of full-time union members was about 29 percent more than nonunion workers’ pay and that union members’ pay rose by 2.6 percent last year, compared with only 1.6 percent for nonunion workers. The news of the membership increase was welcomed by the 53-union, 9 million-member AFLCIO, the country’s largest labor federation. Reacting to the BLS report, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in a prepared statement said, “The AFL-CIO is pleased that the 2005 union membership numbers, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, show a significant increase of 213,000 union members in the last year … reversing a trend of decline in recent years as good union jobs disappeared. In a political climate that’s hostile to workers’ rights, these numbers illustrate the extraordinary will of workers to gain a voice on the job despite enormous obstacles.... “But despite glimmers of hope, conditions for America’s workers are still bleak,” he continued. “As growth in the ‘McJobs’ economy and downsized pensions make unions even more important to workers, too few workers can exercise their choice to have a voice at work. Nearly five times as many workers—57 percent—say they would join a union tomorrow as the percentage that actually has union representation. The AFL-CIO renews its call for Congress to recognize the will of America’s workers to gain a voice on the job, and restore workers’ freedom to form unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act without delay.” 6 Seafarers LOG Despite the increase in overall membership numbers last year, labor’s share of the total workforce in 2005 was unchanged at 12.5 percent. The number of union members grew at the same rate as the number of all wage and salary workers, including managers and executives who under federal labor law are not eligible for union membership. The majority of last year’s increase was in the government arena, especially at the state and local level, where union worker membership rolls grew by 163,000 to 7.4 million workers. The union share of public sector workers edged up to 36.5 percent from 36.4 percent, the BLS said. In the private sector, the percentage of union members slipped to 7.8 percent in 2005 from 7.9 percent, even though the number of union members grew by 50,000 to 8.3 million. The most union-dense states were New York (26.1 percent), Hawaii (25.8 percent), Alaska (22.8 percent), Michigan and New Jersey (20.5 percent each). States with the thinnest union presence in their workforces were South Carolina (2.3 percent), North Carolina (2.9 percent), Arkansas and Virginia (3.3 percent each) and Utah (3.9 percent). Also reflected in the report was the changing face of the American labor movement, which has become more female and minority and less male and white in the last 20 years. Last year’s growth was entirely among women union members, whose numbers grew by 222,000. The percentage of female union members rose to 11.3 percent in 2005 from 11.1 percent, while male union membership declined to 13.5 percent of workers from 13.8 percent. In 1983, the bureau said the percentage of male union members was 10 percentage points higher than female union members. Although white workers made up the bulk of union members with 12.5 million, the union membership rate among black workers was highest at 15.1 percent, compared with 12.2 percent for white workers and 10.4 percent for Hispanic workers. of the Baltimore hall whose care and assistance to both myself and my family have been invaluable throughout this extreme time of distress, I cannot thank them enough.” Costello concluded with a word of credit for SIU President Sacco: “Your tireless efforts to secure the best possible medical care for the membership of our great union—in a time of health insurance crisis in America—is indeed a testament to your leadership and care for this organization and its members. As I write you this letter, I am continually improving…. I will forever be indebted and grateful…. this organization saved my life.” This isn’t the first time Costello faced a life-and-death struggle. During the mid-1980s, while working as a CIVMAR, he was washed overboard approximately 500 miles north of the Azores. He survived even though it was mid-December and the water “was kind of chilly,” Costello recalled. “He is an inspiration,” Metz said. “When he walks into the union hall, he always has a smile on his face. Even when he was given three months to live, you wouldn’t have known it.” Articles Expose Tactics Of FOC Cruise Line Miami-based Carnival Corp. is the world’s largest cruise vacation company. The travel giant commands more than half the world’s cruise business through 12 subsidiaries, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise, Holland American and Cunard Line. The lion’s share of this business is conducted from North American points of embarkation, including Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Tampa in Florida; Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.; New York; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Seattle and others. In 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 8.12 million passengers boarded cruise vessels in the United States for international destinations. Carnival’s 2004 profits were a cool $1.85 billion. And while much of the company’s success directly can be attributed to management and marketing, recent news articles suggest that an equal if not greater portion must be credited to other factors—relaxed U.S. tax laws and the recruitment of inexpensive labor from poor world nations are among the most prominent. Because Carnival’s vessels are registered under the flags of a foreign nation (Panama), it is exempt from American labor laws. Additionally, it is free of some environmental regulations and can avoid paying corporate income taxes in the U.S. In 2004, Carnival reportedly paid taxes only on revenues from Princess and Holland America’s sales of U.S. hotel and tour packages. This payment amounted to $47 million or a mere 2 percent of Carnival’s net income. Deep sea SIU member Kevin W. Conklin recently brought a series of articles to the attention of the Seafarers LOG that addressed these issues. Published by Brevard County, Fla.’s Florida Today, the pieces among other things provided many behind-the-scenes insights on how the runaway-flag cruise ship business operates. Especially noteworthy were points made relative to the plight of Carnival’s shipboard employees. Through their words and photos, Florida Today journalist John A. Torres and photographer Craig Rubadoux told the uncompromising human story about how sacrifice and hope go handin-hand with exploitation and despair. When vacationers board any of Carnival’s 21 cruise vessels, they encounter accommodations comparable to those one might expect to find in a high-class hotel. Behind the scenes of these plush settings and red carpet treatment, however, is an overworked and vastly underpaid crew. Although extremely diversified, no American mariners can be found among their ranks. The crew is completely international and hails mainly from developing countries—upwards of 100 different nationalities round out a typical Carnival vessel crew. Many among those who comprise the company’s workforce (33,000 shipboard employees across its 21-ship fleet and another 3,500 employees at shore side offices in Miami and Miramar in Florida, and Flay and Colorado Springs, Colo.) spend long stretches of time away from their loved ones. The crew members’ objective is a simple one: attempting to care for their families and preventing them from experiencing the sting which accompanies poverty. Ross A. Klein, a university professor and author of “Death by Chocolate: What You Must Know Before Taking a Cruise,” last year published “High Seas, Low Pay Working on Cruise Ships,” an article which closely scrutinizes the cruise industry. Klein has taken 30 cruises since 1992 and is keenly aware of the Continued on page 7 March 2006 �Federal Funds Allocated for Port Security More than $2 billion has been allocated for port security across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the White House’s fiscal year 2007 budget request. Overall, the request calls for $58.3 billion for the DHS, a 6 percent or $3.4 billon increase over FY 2006. The $2 billionplus portion that was earmarked for port security primarily is for Coast Guard port security activities such as Maritime Safety and Security Teams and harbor patrols. In addition, ports are among the infrastructure assets protected through DHS Targeted Infrastructure Protection (TIP) grants. Taken as a whole, the budget How FOC Cruise Ships Operate Continued from page 6 plight of cruise crew members. “The reality for many cruise-ship workers is certainly not carefree, nor fun,” he wrote. “While the working conditions for officers, cruise staff, and those working in the shops and casinos are adequate, if not good, the experience of those working in the dining room, cleaning rooms, in the galley, and below deck is quite different. “These workers are often paid substandard wages, have marginal accommodations, survive on inadequate food, and live under a system that is rife with abuse and uncertainty,” he said. Carnival crew members— who may be, for example, cooks, stewards, electricians or laundry workers—work up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week for 10 months at a time for salaries as low as $75 a month. That’s why many of them depend on tips from passengers for the lion’s share of their income. The company provides medical care for employees on board ship, but often it’s minimal. Workers who are injured or become sick can find themselves out of a job with little money and no further medical benefits. Aside from the foregoing conditions, other practices also are rampant aboard Carnival vessels. According to Klein, “Carnival Cruise Line requires workers who interact with passengers to pay a $50 deposit for their uniforms. According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, some companies charge employees a ‘security bond’ of up to $750, supposedly to stop desertion or to cover the consequent U.S. immigrationservice fine a company gets charged. The bond can extend the amount of work time a worker spends just covering expenses to six out of the eight or 10 months on board.” Klein also says, “Cruise lines have typically restricted the ability of workers to engage in collective action by hiring staff from multiple countries, and from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In those few cases where workers have joined together, they have met with harsh resistance from the companies.” March 2006 provides $2.7 billion for the Coast Guard’s homeland security programs, a 16 percent increase over the 2006 level. This request includes $1.8 billion for ports, waterways, and coastal security. The FY ’07 request of $668 million in homeland security grants to states is less than the FY ’06 enacted level, but, according to the Office of Management and Budget, “these programs’ effectiveness will be sustained by continuing to allocate funds based on risk and threat, and ensuring that states and localities are targeting their funds to the priorities identified in the National Preparedness Goal.” Two officials representing America’s public seaports weighed in on the FY ’07 budget request. Kurt Nagle, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and Bernard Groseclose, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, appeared at the National Press Club Feb. 7. They suggested that similar to last year, the president’s 2007 budget proposal recommends lumping the security infrastructure needs of seaports with those of trains, trucks, buses and other public transit into a new and consolidated Targeted Infrastructure Protection program. “The federal share of the seaport facility security funding partnership needs to be increased, not reprogrammed and diluted,” said Nagle. “Another top federal priority should be to adequately fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep the nation’s deep-draft channel maintenance projects on schedule. Simply put, we believe all authorized channel projects with positive benefit-cost ratios should be maintained at their authorized project depths.” Nagle noted that the economy, safety and national defense of the United States depend largely on how well the country can protect its seaports and ensure deep- draft shipping access to them. He said that although airports, first responders and research and development centers receive most of the federal attention and funding for security and terrorism prevention, seaports—which support 5 million jobs and annually handle $2 trillion worth of cargo and more than 8 million cruise ship passengers—remain largely under-funded at the federal level. As a result, they must divert limited port resources to pay for enhanced security, often at the cost of improving their facilities to handle fast-growing trade volumes. Elsewhere, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in late January conducted a field hearing on the National Strategy for Maritime Security. The purpose of the hearing, held in Camden, N.J., was to continue oversight of federal programs intended to enhance security in the maritime domain. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Craig Bone and Mark O. Hatfield Jr. of the Transportation Security Administration testified that maritime security encompasses threats from all criminal or hostile acts and involves collection of information relating to all aspects of maritime activities. William Boles, director of security at the Port of Wilmington, Del., testified regarding the challenges and successes of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Lisa Himber, vice president, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, testified regarding disconnects in development of the National Strategy and in the port security grant program, among other things. Dr. Scott Glenn, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, testified about the possible use of compact high frequency radar to enhance maritime domain awareness. Ford Announces Massive Job Cuts Management’s Failure Leads to ‘Disappointing and Devastating News’ Ford Motor Co. in late January announced what it described as a sweeping restructuring plan that would shut down 14 factories, eliminate as many as 30,000 jobs and hopefully tackle its declining market share and rising costs that led to robust losses in its North American operations. The restructuring—which officials say will restore profitability by 2008—is Ford’s second in four years and comes in the wake of a major overhaul by General Motors Corp., which plans to cut 30,000 workers by 2008 and close all or part of 12 plants. Under Ford’s first plan, the company closed five plants and cut 35,000 jobs, but its North American operations failed to turn around. Overall, the U.S. auto industry in the past five years has shed 200,000 jobs, or 15 percent of its workforce. “The restructuring plan announced by Ford is extremely disappointing and devastating news for the many thousands of hard-working men and women who have devoted their working lives to Ford,” Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), said in a statement released shortly after Ford went public with its restructuring plans. “The impacted hourly and salaried workers find themselves facing uncertain futures because of senior management’s failure to halt Ford’s sliding market share. “The announcement has further left a cloud hanging over the entire workforce because of pending future announcements of additional facilities to be closed at some point in the future,” said the union president. He said the job cuts and future announcements of plant closures still are being discussed with the second-biggest U.S. auto maker and warned, “Certainly, today’s announcement will only make the 2007 negotiations all the more difficult and all the more important.” The union said it would seek to strictly enforce job security agreements that exist with Ford. Gettelfinger said that Ford’s latest plan, like its predecessor in 2002, concentrated on cutting capacity when “the focus should instead be on striving to gain market share in this competitive market by offering consumers innovative and appealing products.” Under the company’s existing contract with the UAW, workers at the idled plants will continue to get most of their pay and benefits until a new contract is negotiated next year. The UAW already has granted historic concessions to Ford and GM that would allow the automakers to cut their multibillion-dollar health care costs. The most recent agreement, which raises drug co-payments for active workers and establishes monthly premiums for retirees, was ratified by a slim 51 percent majority at Ford and 61 percent at GM. “Today’s announcement by Ford Motor Company is tragic for the employees who have invested their lives in Ford and devastating for all working people,” observed AFLCIO President John Sweeney. “For decades, autoworkers have defined what it means to have a middle class job in America. The evisceration of good, middle class jobs is the single biggest crisis facing our nation today. “That’s why we are organizing as never before to demand the attention and action it will take to restore respect for work and workers in this country,” he continued. “Thank goodness the Ford employees have a strong union to give them a voice and a place at the table to ensure their needs are addressed in this difficult situation.” The federation president added, “Workers cannot and should not be expected to bear the burden of the competitive pressures on the auto industry. Instead of trying to shrink its way to profitability, Ford should innovate— developing new products and technologies to regain market dominance. “Our elected officials also have a role to play,” Sweeney concluded. “Now is the time to enact a national health plan that will provide the affordable, quality health care working families need, while helping companies compete in the global marketplace.” Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove described the cuts as “a shocking, painful blow.” One plant in Canada is on the closure list. The Canadian union already has negotiated 1,100 job cuts at Ford, including the closure of a Windsor casting plant in 2007, during a collective bargaining session earlier this year. The agreement also discussed the possibility that Ford’s Essex engine facility in Windsor would end production of an older V6 engine, along with efforts to replace it with a new-generation model by 2008. Analysts warn that the Ford and GM cuts will ripple through the economy because the auto industry supports so many other jobs— those producing steel, rubber, glass, electron- ics and other auto parts, for example. The relatively high wages of auto workers, combined with good health and pension benefits, also fuel local spending, which supports retail jobs. As a result, economists estimate that every 100 U.S. auto industry jobs support 460 other jobs, a relatively high “multiplier effect” compared with other industries. “These cuts are a painful last resort, and I’m deeply mindful of their impact,” Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford said in announcing Ford’s new job cuts. According to Ford Americas President Mark Fields, the architect of the plan, the following facilities initially have been targeted for closure: „ The Ford assembly factory St. Louis, where approximately 1,900 union members are employed. This facility, which builds the Ford Explorer and a similar Mercury SUV, will cease operations during the first quarter of this year. This plant was on the chopping block four years ago, in a previous Ford restructuring announcement. „ An assembly plant near Atlanta will close at the end of this year. The facility builds large sedans and employs more than 1,800 hourly workers. „ The Wixom, Mich. assembly plant is slated for closure during the second quarter of 2007. It employs 2,600 workers who build the Lincoln LS, the Lincoln Town Car and the Ford Thunderbird. „ Other plants to be idled and eventually closed through 2008 are Batavia Transmission in Ohio and Windsor Casting in Ontario. Ford later this year will choose two more plants to be idled. The company also will reduce production to one shift at its St. Thomas assembly plant in Ontario. All of the plant closings and job cuts are scheduled to be completed by 2012. Besides the facilities named during January’s restructuring announcement, analysts also have predicted that assembly plants in St. Paul, Minn. and Cuautitlan, Mexico could be at risk for closure because of the products they make. Ford said that in addition to the job cuts and plant closures, it plans to achieve $6 billion in material cost savings by 2010 as part of its restructuring. Seafarers LOG 7 �Meeting recently at the SIU hall in Houston are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Capt. Rodney Nix of G&H Towing Co. and SIU VP Dean Corgey. The Industrial Challenger shifted from the Bahamian flag to the U.S. flag in 2002 and last year was renamed the Ocean Atlas. Still crewed by Seafarers, the 393-foot heavy lift vessel is operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine and is enrolled in the new Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP ships contribute to the operation of a commercial U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed fleet engaged in the international trade, thus ensuring the government’s access to these critical assets during times of war or national emergency. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU Left: The heavy lift vessel Blue Marlin enters Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with the Sea Based X-Band Radar (SBX) aboard after completing a 15,000-mile journey from Corpus Christi, Texas. The SBX, which will undergo maintenance in Pearl Harbor, is one-of-a-kind within the SIU-contracted fleet. Part of a U.S. operation called ground-based midcourse defense (GMD), the radar it carries is designed to intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles aimed at the United States. The SBX will eventually make its home port in Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) chats with Robert Redford at a mid-November fundraising event in San Francisco for Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Redford spoke to the group about the importance of participating in and maintaining special interest coalitions to protect workers’ rights in California. Left: Ceremonies for the Alaskan Legend took place Nov. 12 at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The fourth Alaska-class tanker will transport cargo from Alaska to the West Coast and is set to debut mid-year. Santa (Recertified Bosun Tim Burke) made the rounds aboard the Adam E. Cornelius over the Christmas holiday. Above, he visits with OS Mohamed Ali; below, he shares a chuckle with AB/Wheelsman Dan Bryant; and below right, he charts a course with Capt. Steve Draper. The smaller photo shows him without his red suit. Special thanks from the bosun and crew of the SS Cleveland were given to Chief Steward Christina Mateer (center) and her galley gang. At left is GSU Justin Burgess; at right is GSU Terry Lane. Over the busy holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving and going through Christmas and New Year’s, she kept the holiday spirits high, decorating both the officers’ and crew mess halls with her personal touches—followed by some delicious meals—all with a big smile. Even the menus (see inset) were prepared with care. 8 Seafarers LOG March 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April & May 2006 Membership Meetings JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 13, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 7 9 3 8 31 23 0 11 11 35 9 2 2 5 20 1 36 28 4 10 4 21 6 3 25 21 2 7 13 19 14 5 4 3 12 8 31 27 1 2 1 7 1 2 19 8 0 4 3 16 9 0 1 2 3 2 15 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 4 4 0 5 27 17 0 14 7 17 5 3 0 6 19 2 21 25 241 239 101 177 1 0 4 5 1 9 10 15 1 5 5 13 9 1 1 3 11 1 15 11 0 1 4 7 4 5 8 18 1 4 4 6 12 5 2 3 5 3 11 4 4 1 1 5 0 2 6 5 0 0 0 11 3 0 2 2 3 2 5 10 1 0 6 3 1 8 13 5 0 5 4 11 5 1 1 4 6 0 13 8 121 107 62 0 0 2 3 2 7 13 11 0 5 7 19 7 4 2 0 21 1 16 27 1 0 0 2 1 8 6 12 0 7 2 8 14 0 2 2 4 0 6 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 1 5 5 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 6 5 13 3 5 16 22 0 5 3 8 9 2 10 6 9 3 20 17 164 2 2 0 4 0 1 3 1 2 4 2 11 6 0 0 1 4 2 5 8 58 1 0 4 5 0 0 25 14 0 2 6 12 2 0 0 3 9 2 11 8 104 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 95 0 1 3 3 2 3 4 9 0 0 2 4 7 1 1 2 4 0 7 8 61 1 0 0 3 0 3 8 5 0 1 0 8 2 0 1 2 3 0 2 6 45 0 0 2 2 0 1 7 1 0 1 6 7 1 1 2 3 6 0 18 5 63 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 3 1 8 14 8 0 6 5 8 5 1 5 2 17 0 15 10 147 80 30 111 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 0 4 0 7 0 0 2 2 8 0 7 13 16 0 4 4 22 8 0 7 0 9 1 15 4 3 3 1 10 2 2 16 12 0 4 4 18 9 0 31 0 9 1 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 0 4 0 4 4 4 1 2 1 2 5 0 1 1 4 0 4 6 45 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 1 4 3 22 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 1 2 5 0 5 7 6 0 3 1 11 1 0 11 1 3 0 6 3 1 3 1 2 0 1 1 6 0 0 6 5 2 1 21 0 2 0 7 4 0 0 1 2 0 2 5 4 1 2 2 9 5 0 1 0 7 0 10 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 0 12 17 4 15 59 45 1 21 20 74 23 8 2 14 33 1 62 42 4 3 3 8 1 3 38 12 2 4 10 20 13 2 1 2 5 3 24 12 457 398 170 1 0 6 7 0 13 25 35 1 14 11 23 8 6 4 5 17 2 17 17 0 4 7 14 4 7 16 31 1 10 12 15 20 7 1 3 12 4 22 14 4 1 2 8 1 2 9 11 0 1 1 14 7 1 1 0 6 2 9 14 212 204 94 0 0 3 4 1 16 27 30 1 12 13 44 13 5 3 0 40 2 26 52 0 0 2 11 1 13 9 14 0 7 7 12 17 1 2 1 6 0 13 12 0 0 1 2 1 1 7 9 0 1 4 5 7 0 0 0 1 2 6 4 58 292 128 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 6 4 0 1 4 8 0 0 0 2 11 0 12 1 0 3 3 12 1 9 33 27 0 13 10 56 16 0 3 5 18 1 29 12 5 9 3 16 3 11 39 31 0 5 4 58 21 0 22 0 17 3 22 18 22 122 140 22 66 63 0 52 251 287 531 548 333 405 336 188 225 1,013 981 602 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. March 2006 5 10 8 30 7 6 45 37 3 14 18 38 27 8 5 10 15 11 52 49 Piney Point .............Monday: April 3, May 8 Algonac ..................Friday: April 7, May 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Boston.....................Friday: April 7, May 12 Guam ......................Thursday: April 20, May 25 Honolulu .................Friday: April 14, May 19 Houston ..................Monday: April 10, May 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 6, May 11 Joliet .......................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Mobile ....................Wednesday: April 12, May 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 11, May 16 New York................Tuesday: April 4, May 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: April 5, May 10 Port Everglades.......Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan..................Thursday: April 6, May 11 St. Louis..................Friday: April 14, May 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: April 21, May 26 Wilmington ...........Monday: April 17, May 22 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SANFORD “CHUCK” KLAVANO Please contact Larry Helfrich at (206) 440-0470. Help Locate Pensioners The Seafarers Plans office is attempting to locate nine SIU pensioners who were affected by the hurricanes in the Gulf region last year. They are: Silverio Arana, Rosemary Davis, Jorge Giraud, Herbert Hebert, Mandred Herman, Rodolfo Lopez, Hildebrando Mendoza, Charles Stanford and Robert Thomas. Anyone who can reach any of these individuals is asked to request that they contact the Plans office toll-free at 800-252-4674, option 4. Inland Career Opportunities: Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. Congratulations to the Casugays This month AB Josefino (Jerry) Almoro Casugay and his wife, Erlinda, are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Casugay, who has been an SIU member since 1968, currently is working aboard the Intrepid; Erlinda is a pre-K teacher in the Vallejo (Calif.) school district. The couple have five children and six grandchildren. Seafarers LOG 9 �U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are unloaded from the USNS Bellatrix in Kuwait. The USNS Soderman is one of more than 100 SIU-crewed ships that have supported U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The R vesse rolling for t Infant the glo At Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, the USNS Red Cloud off-loads coalition combat equipment and supplies after returning from deployment in Iraq early last year. The vessel is still sailing in support of OIF. Pictured from left to right are the Seafarers-crewed USNS Fisher, USNS Benavidez and USNS Bob Hope, each of which has been a part of OIF. Seafarers Proudly Serve as Part of America A heavy-duty bulldozer rolls off the Northern Lights during an offload of U.S. Army military vehicles while pier-side in Karachi, Pakistan. The combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls and the fast combat support ship USNS Rainer (out of view) conduct replenishments with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan last month. Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk monitor refueling hoses from the underway replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl. 10 Seafarers LOG As U.S. troops continue carrying out Seafarers remain on the job wherever and women in America’s armed forces. As of early February, SIU members w OIF. Those ships included the USNS Ben USNS Mendonca (operated by AMSEA); (Maersk Line, Limited); the Westward Ven and the Cape Douglas (Crowley). Seafarers unfailingly have answered th the present. At the height of OIF’s sealift on the move, carrying materiel and military 2,000 SIU members sailed aboard those ve That type of support for U.S. troops not earliest days. In fact, it was during Wo Eisenhower first referred to the U.S. Merc Whether serving in OIF, Operation En needed, today’s Seafarers uphold that lega Editor’s note: Most of the photos accom Navy’s U.S. Military Sealift Command. So during earlier phases of OIF. Boxes are moved during a replenishment at sea involving the USNS Niagara Falls and the USS Ronald Reagan. March 2006 �Ready Reserve Force el Cape Taylor loads g stock in late January he U.S. Army’s 4th ry Division in support of obal war on terrorism. The USNS Pomeroy takes part in cargo operations for OIF. Pictured in the Republic of Korea, the USNS Watson is ready to load an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle—along with lots of other materiel. A U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) bound for Iraq is off-loaded from the USNS Altair in Ash-Shu’aibah, Kuwait. a’s Civilian mariners aboard the combat stores ship USNS Concord prepare pallets to be transferred to the fast combat stores ship USNS Rainier during a replenishment at sea. their assignments in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), d whenever needed, steadfastly supporting the men and ere sailing aboard no fewer than 11 vessels involved in avidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay and the USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud and USNS Sisler nture and Independence (Interocean American Shipping); e call for OIF from the first activations in 2003 through component, more than 100 Seafarers-crewed ships were y personnel to key locations. During that time, more than essels. t only isn’t new for the SIU, but dates back to the union’s rld War II that both President Roosevelt and General chant Marine as America’s “fourth arm of defense.” nduring Freedom or any other mission in which they’re acy. mpanying this story are courtesy of the U.S. Navy or the ome were taken earlier this year, while others were taken March 2006 A Seahawk helicopter picks up cargo pendants from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan during a vertical replenishment with the MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 13, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Port Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 11 12 2 5 9 1 0 4 44 1 4 3 4 10 0 0 0 22 2 1 3 2 0 1 2 0 11 3 12 2 2 10 0 0 4 33 Port 0 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 2 3 2 0 1 2 0 10 0 3 1 1 6 1 1 1 14 19 36 5 15 42 2 1 3 123 10 11 2 7 17 0 1 2 50 3 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 10 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 7 6 12 3 5 20 0 0 5 51 1 7 3 6 11 0 1 0 29 1 2 3 7 0 0 0 0 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 5 2 2 8 0 0 2 21 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 6 Port 1 7 5 0 1 0 0 1 15 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 14 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 6 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 6 3 3 3 2 8 0 0 1 20 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 6 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 6 7 15 4 2 9 1 0 0 38 4 2 1 1 12 1 0 0 21 0 1 3 5 0 1 0 0 10 Totals All Departments 79 38 23 68 16 21 27 212 100 33 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Mack D. Brendle of Bastrop, La. It is a picture from the early ’50s of “Babe” Torrey and Mack Brendle aboard the Irene Star (one of the U.S. merchant ships that sailed into the war zone during the Korean conflict). The vessel was at anchorage in Instanbul, Turkey at the time. In a note accompany the photo, Brendle notes that Torrey was the deck engineer aboard ship; Brendle was the bosun. Torrey later passed away. Brother Brendle, who is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II, joined the SIU in the port of Lake Charles, LA in 1955. He attended the Piney Point (Md.) Crews Conference in 1972 and graduated from the bosun recertification program at the unionaffiliated school in September 1974. Born in Bastrop, Brendle, now 78, retired from the union in 1979. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. March 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA RONALD DEWITT, 60, joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Dewitt was a member of the steward department, initially sailing aboard the Afoundria. The New Jersey native upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1995, 1998 and again in 2001. Prior to retiring, he shipped on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Dewitt makes his home in Seattle. PETER FRIED, 55, was born in New York. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1972, working in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Fried, who shipped in the engine department, was a frequent upgrader at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fried calls Howell, N.J. home. JERRY GANT, 51, became a Seafarer in 1975 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gant first shipped on the USNS Maumee. The steward department member, who hails from Jacksonville, Fla., upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He last went to sea aboard the Guayama. Brother Gant is a resident of his native state. ROBERT HAGOOD JR., 56, joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Hagood was born in Columbus, Miss. and worked as a member of the deck department. His first ship was the Van Horizon. Brother Hagood upgraded his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun recertification course there in 1980. He now lives in Kingman, Ariz. Brother Hagood last sailed aboad the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. LESTER HOFFMAN, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967. Brother Hoffman’s first voyage was aboard Hudson Waterway’s TransChamp. Born in Louisiana, he shipped as a member of the deck department, most recently on board the USNS Algol. Brother Hoffman makes his home in Bay City, Mich. CARL MERRITT JR., 70, embarked on his seafaring career March 2006 in 1967 in Baltimore, Md. Brother Merritt was born in North Carolina and worked in the engine department. His initial voyage was on the Bradford Island. Brother Merritt attended classes at the Paul Hall Center on four separate occasions. He calls Baltimore, Md. home. ROBERT MUNROE, 65, hails from Ludlow, Mass. Brother Munroe became an SIU member in 1961. His first ship was the Cantigny; his last was the LNG Taurus. Brother Munroe sailed in the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 1979 and 1980 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Munroe lives in Springfield, Mass. JOSEPH SMITH, 66, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1962, initially shipping aboard Waterman Steamship Corporation vessels. Brother Smith was born in North Carolina. The steward department member upgraded his skills twice at the Piney Point training center. Prior to his retirement, Brother Smith worked on the Ascension. He is a resident of Stockton, Calif. RAY WILKES, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1991. Brother Wilkes first sailed aboard the USNS Tenacious. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills frequently at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wilkes last worked on the USNS Stalwart. He makes his home in Pensacola, Fla. INLAND ROBERT ALBURTUS, 68, was born in New Jersey. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Port Imperial Ferry Corp. Boatman Alburtus shipped in the deck department. He currently resides in Toms River, N.J. MICHAEL DOWNEY, 62, began sailing with the union in 1979. Boatman Downey first worked aboard Mariner Towing Company vessels. He upgraded his seafaring skills on three occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Ontario, Canada, Boatman Downey now calls Madeira Beach, Fla. home. BILLY PEPPERS, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1977. Boatman Peppers’ first ship was the Seabulk Tanker; he most recently sailed aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. A native of Tennessee, Boatman Peppers is a resident of Beaumont, Texas. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. RAFAEL AVILES, 59, joined the NMU in 1979. Born in Las Piedras, P.R., Brother Aviles began sailing from the port of San Pedro, Calif. His most recent trip was aboard the Cape Hudson. CONSTANTIN BACZU, 68, hails from Romania. Brother Baczu became an NMU member in 1963 in Tampa, Fla. The steward department mariner first shipped on the Canterbury Leader. Prior to retiring, Brother Baczu worked aboard the Amoco Virginia. KERRY BUSH, 64, began his seafaring career in 1969, first sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala. on board the Texaco North Carolina. He is a native of Honduras. Brother Bush most recently worked aboard the Lykes Navigator. DAVIS CHISHOLM, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1969 in Houston. Brother Chisholm was born in Grand Cayman. His first voyage was on the Gulf Spray. Brother Chisholm was a member of the engine department. ESTELLA CRAWFORD, 65, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sister Crawford joined the union in 1981. Her first ship was Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 The Seafarers International Union forged ahead in gains for seamen recently by signing a pact with seven steamship companies providing for a 6 percent wage increase for all hands. The new agreements supplement those signed on October 23, 1946. The new contracts were overwhelmingly ratified by the membership in regular meetings held on Wednesday, March 12. They include Alcoa, South Atlantic, Eastern, Seas Shipping, Bull, Baltimore Insular and Smith and Johnson lines. The 6 percent wage increase is retroactive to January 1, 1947. the Texaco Wisconsin. In 2001, Sister Crawford attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Her most recent trip to sea was aboard the Kenai. JAMES VON HAESLER, 60, started shipping with the NMU in 1980 from the port of San Francisco, Calif. Brother Von Haesler’s earliest journey was on the Mallory Lykes. The engine department member was born in California. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Clark, Lester 70 Feb. 1 Robinson, Verna 65 Jan. 1 Rogers, Herbert 69 Jan. 1 by members of the SIU. The eight former Sea-Land ships are stationed around the country and are designed to move heavy military equipment such as tanks and other supplies in rapid deployment. The ships have a top speed of 33 knots and are powered by steam turbine engines…. The conversion included installation of several decks for vehicle and cargo storage, a flight deck with helicopter landing platform, two side ports with hinged platforms and a portable ramp, and twin cranes fore and aft. This Month In SIU History 1962 Preliminary planning for a brand new union hall and shipping center for Seafarers in the vast Hampton Roads area has begun. The new construction would further the SIU’s continuing building program in all ports. A Norfolk facility would add another important link to the network of new halls developed on the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf during recent years. Announcement of the planned construction follows the formal opening of a new building in Houston this month. 1986 The eighth and final former SL-7, the USNS Pollux, converted for the Navy’s TAK-R Fast Sealift Ship program, was dedicated at Avondale Shipyard in March. These fastest cargo ships in the nation’s fleet are all manned 1991 The SIU-crewed integrated tug-barge Frances Hammer received a commendation from the U.S. Navy for being the first merchant vessel to enter liberated Kuwait City despite the fact the harbor area was not free of mines and other potential hazards. U.S. Navy Captain R.A. Crooks of the Military Sealift Command commended the crew for its efforts. “Your support to the Military Sealift Command and other military personnel assigned to the port area was outstanding,” Crooks wrote the vessel on March 20 after its one-week stay from March 11 to March 17. “By allowing these personnel to utilize your facilities, they were able to keep their equipment fully operational despite the hazardous environmental conditions that threatened to curtail harbor clearance operations.” The Ocean Shipholding vessel was sent to Kuwait’s capital city to deliver 120,000 barrels of water for the citizens and allied forces there. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA KASMOIN AMAT Pensioner Kasmoin Amat, 84, passed away Aug. 4. Brother Amat became an SIU member in 1957 in New York. He was born in the Philippines and sailed in the deck department. Brother Amat’s first ship was the Steel Age; his last was the LNG Aries. He retired in 1970 and made his home in New York. WILLIAM BOLLING Brother William Bolling, 51, died July 12. Brother Bolling began working with the Seafarers in 1976 in New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessel. Brother Bolling shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The deck department member was born in Louisiana. Brother Bolling’s last ship was the Liberty Wave. WILLIAM CASSEL Pensioner William Cassel, 67, passed away July 15. Brother Cassel joined the union in 1987 in New York. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Dutton in the engine department. Brother Cassel was born in Indiana and lived in Edwards, Miss. He most recently shipped on the Green Mountain State. Brother Cassel began collecting his pension in 2003. HWO CHEN Pensioner Hwo Chen, 86, died July 27. Brother Chen was born in China. He started sailing with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. Prior to retiring in 1979, Brother Chen worked aboard the Santa Mariana in the steward department. He was a resident of San Francisco. CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Christian Christensen, 89, passed away May 6. Brother Christensen joined the SIU in 1947, first sailing in the deck department of a Terminal Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Christensen went on pension in 1999 after sailing on the Endurance. He resided in Fremont, Calif. BURTON CHURCHILL Pensioner Burton Churchill, 79, died June 18. Brother Churchill began his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing aboard the Henry. A native of Illinois, Brother Churchill was a member of the deck department. His last voyage was on the Pride of Texas. Brother Churchill started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He lived in Slidell, La. LORENZO FORGERON Pensioner Lorenzo Forgeron, 78, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Forgeron became an SIU member in 14 Seafarers LOG 1952 after serving in the U.S. Navy. The Canadian-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Brother Forgeron’s first vessel was operated by Pocahontas Steamship Co. He began his retirement in 1994 and called Seattle home. BENNY FRATELLO Pensioner Benny Fratello, 89, died July 13. Brother Fratello began shipping with the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Los Angeles and worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Fratello started collecting his pension in 1969. He made his home in Jonesboro, Ark. ROBERT HUNTER Pensioner Robert Hunter, 76, passed away May 21. Brother Hunter launched his seafaring career in 1972, sailing from the port of San Francisco. He worked primarily aboard ships operated by American President Lines such as the President Truman and the President Adams. Brother Hunter retired in 1995. He was a resident of New Waverly, Texas. ROBERT HYER Pensioner Robert Hyer, 82, died June 16. Brother Hyer joined the SIU ranks in 1942 in New York. The Pennsylvania native first shipped aboard a Terminal Steamship Co. vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Hyer’s last voyage was on the Newark. He went on pension in 1985. Mill Creek, Wash. was his home. WILLIAM JONES Pensioner William Jones, 86, passed away July 13. Brother Jones was a native of Kentucky who began shipping with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Houston. His first vessel was the Kyska. Brother Jones worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Westward Venture. Brother Jones began receiving his retirement stipends in 1990. He resided in Seattle. CURTIS KLAFERT Brother Curtis Klafert, 46, died July 12. Born in Illinois, he joined the SIU in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. A member of the deck department, Brother Klafert first shipped aboard the Overseas Natalie. He last sailed on the Kopaa. DAVID MESSICK Brother David Messick, 63, passed away May 26. He became a Seafarer in 1978 in New Orleans. Brother Messick was a Texas native. He first worked aboard the Overseas Natalie in the deck department. Brother Messick’s last ship was the Sandy Bay. ERNEST MONEYMAKER Pensioner Ernest Moneymaker, 81, died June 24. Brother Moneymaker joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by Sea-Land Services, including the Los Angeles and the Galveston. Brother Moneymaker was born in Tennessee. He made his home in Thailand and started collecting his pension in 1989. SALVADOR O’NEILL Pensioner Salvador O’Neill, 79, passed away June 20. Brother O’Neill joined the ranks of the SIU in 1978 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped in the steward department. Brother O’Neill first sailed aboard the Santa Mariana. Before retiring in 1987, he worked on the Borinquen. Brother O’Neill resided in Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES SMITH JR. Brother Charles Smith Jr., 58, passed away July 14. He launched his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Smith first shipped aboard the Santa Magdalena. The steward department member was born in California and last worked aboard a vessel operated by Matson Navigation. STANFORD SMITH SR. Pensioner Ricardo Pacheco, 68, died July 7. Brother Pacheco became a Seafarer in 1960. He began sailing aboard vessels operated by Tankers and Tramps Corporation as a member of the engine department. Brother Pacheco was born in Puerto Rico. He last shipped on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Pacheco retired in 1990 and lived in Ponce, P.R. Pensioner Stanford Smith Sr., 91, died Aug. 13. Born in Louisiana, Brother Smith was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1938 in New Orleans. He first sailed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel, working in the steward department; his last voyage was on the Carolina. In 1979, he retired and settled in his native state. STANLEY PALFREY JOSEPH SNYDER RICARDO PACHECO Pensioner Stanley Palfrey, 80, passed away May 15. Brother Palfrey embarked on his SIU career in 1951. His first vessel was the Steel Flyer. Brother Palfrey was born in Louisiana and worked as a member of the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Sam Houston. In 1991, Brother Palfrey retired and settled in Amite, La. HENRY PERKINSON Pensioner Henry Perkinson, 75, died April 12. Brother Perkinson began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 on the Abibua. The Houston native worked in the deck department. Before retiring in 1988, Brother Perkinson sailed aboard the Senator. He called Crosby, Texas home. OLIVER PITFIELD Pensioner Oliver Pitfield, 80, passed away May 21. Brother Pitfield was born in Biloxi, Miss. He joined the SIU in 1965, initially sailing on the OMI Missouri. Brother Pitfield shipped in the deck department. His last ship was the Seabulk Power. The U.S. Navy veteran went on pension in 1990 and made his home in Houston. LLOYD RICHARDSON Pensioner Lloyd Richardson, 84, died Oct. 27. Brother Richardson donned the SIU colors in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va., first sailing on the Golden City. Brother Richardson worked as a member of the deck department. His last ship was the Eric G. Gibson. Brother Richardson, who was born in Richmond, Va., called Sea Level, N.C. home. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. Pensioner Joseph Snyder, 93, passed away June 26. Brother Snyder joined the union in 1946. His first ship was the Steel Vendor. Brother Snyder, who was born in Pennsylvania, was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on board a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Snyder began collecting his retirement pay in 1978. He lived in Oceanside, Calif. JOSEF STEPHAN Pensioner Josef Stephan, 74, died July 4. Brother Stephan became a member of the MC&S in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. He shipped in the steward department aboard such ships as the Santa Maria and the Independence. Brother Stephan was born in Germany. He retired in 1990 and made his home in Walnut Grove, Calif. FELIX VALENTIN Pensioner Felix Valentin, 73, passed away July 11. Brother Valentin started sailing with the SIU in 1969. The deck department member was born in New York. Brother Valentin last sailed on the Santa Juan. He went on pension in 1997 and resided in Magna, Utah. LAMBERT WALDROP Pensioner Lambert Waldrop, 70, died May 29. Brother Waldrop joined the SIU in 1953, first shipping as a member of the steward department aboard the Alcoa Polaris. Brother Waldrop was born in Florida. Prior to retiring in 1989, he worked on the President Taylor. Brother Waldrop lived in his native state. JAMES WELCH Pensioner James Welch, 89, passed away July 5. Brother Welch joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. His first voyage was aboard the Steel Rover. Born in Maine, Brother Welch was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on the Borinquen. Brother Welch, who was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., started receiving his pension in 1990. INLAND SIBI LeBLANC Pensioner Sibi LeBlanc, 80, died Oct. 7. Boatman LeBlanc was born in Abbeville, La. He sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing Co. vessels in the deck department. Boatman LeBlanc retired in 1987. He called Port Arthur, Texas home. OLAF ROSE Pensioner Olaf Rose, 85, passed away April 2. Boatman Rose, who was born in Kentucky, embarked on his career with the union in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked primarily aboard C.G. Willis Inc. vessels. Boatman Rose settled in Bayboro, N.C. and went on pension in 1983. GREAT LAKES RAYMOND BUZWAH Pensioner Raymond Buzwah, 77, died July 7. Brother Buzwah began sailing with the SIU in 1962, joining in Detroit, Mich. The steward department member first worked on board the Overseas Joyce. Before retiring in 1992, Brother Buzwah shipped aboard the William Roesch. He made his home in Ontario, Canada. PAUL WERYNSKI Pensioner Paul Werynski, 77, passed away April 2. Brother Werynski began his seafaring career in 1960 after serving in the U.S. Army. He worked primarily aboard American Steamship Company vessels, sailing as a member of the steward department. Brother Werynski was born in Toledo, Ohio and retired in 1982. He still called Ohio home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. NAME AGE DOD Abraham, Willie 91 Dec. 25 Archbold, Alfredo 75 Nov. 29 Barahona, Alberto 94 Dec. 29 Barron, James 78 Jan. 1 Brown, George 78 Jan. 28 Cases, Antonio 67 Dec. 22 Castro, Maximo 86 Jan. 14 Chavez, Frank 92 Dec. 22 Cheknas, Gus 93 Nov. 21 Cisneros, Rudolpho 52 Dec. 13 Davidson, Ralph 82 Dec. 7 Davis, James 85 Dec. 31 Fanchi, Amerigo 90 Dec. 14 Gani, Mohamed 86 Jan. 2 Gonzalez, Herminio 90 Jan. 20 March 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USS Transport), Dec. 1—Chairman Elkanah B. Ladia, Secretary Hazel Johnson Jr., Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Carl T. Motley, Engine Delegate Antonio F. Simon, Steward Delegate Erik Marlowe. Chairman posted President Sacco’s report from Seafarers LOG for everyone to read. Educational director led discussion on options for obtaining prescription medication and studied contract issues. Treasurer stated $550 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman spoke to crew concerning conduct to and from vessel and about need to set time for each watch to go ashore and return. Seafarers requested increase in food budget for 28-man crew. Special thanks given to Chief Steward Johnson, Chief Cook Marlowe, and SA John Damphier. Crew also thanked Capt. Timothy Delong for job well done. Next port: Bayonne, N.J. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 26—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Christina A. Mateer, Educational Director Terry Lane, Deck Delegate Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Steward Delegate Terry Love. Bosun noted that he and captain were very pleased with Seafarers in all departments. Secretary reported excellent trip and expressed gratitude to crew members for working hard. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new chairs in crew lounge and repair of ice machine and washing machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great barbecue, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Next ports: Houston and Galveston, Texas. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Dec. 28 —Chairman Michael E. Brown, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman discussed communications sent to headquarters and Houston hall pertaining to draws. Secretary thanked all hands for helping maintain cleanliness of ship. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Suggestions were made regarding new contract, particularly with respect to wages, pensions, vacation, e-mail, slop chest and postal service. JEAN ANNE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 18— Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Samuel P. Sinclair, Deck Delegate Robert W. Knowlton, Engine Delegate Louis A. Punch, Steward Delegate Ingra L. Maddox. Chairman asked all members to pass along questions, comments or beefs directly to delegates, so they can be addressed properly. Crew thanked Steward Sinclair for providing gourmet entrees and extraordinary baked breads and pastries. Secretary requested clarification March 2006 about grandfather clause pertaining to initiation dues. Steward delegate reported morale is excellent with arrival of new steward. “Quite simply, he’s the best.” Next port: Hawaii. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 24— Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Obencio M. Espinoza, Deck Delegate Donald R. Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members looking into possibility of getting satellite dish for TV. Two bikes were purchased for crew use. All mariners were encouraged to upgrade seafaring skills at Piney Point school. Next port: Galveston, Texas. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaskan Tankers), Jan. 8—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Donnell Lewis, Educational Director Leland O. Peterson, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Steward Delegate Randy Proctor. Chairman notified crew members of last chance to submit suggestions for upcoming contract negotiations. He announced new satellite dish expected in Long Beach, Calif. and updated them on status of computer to be installed in crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from LOG read at meeting regarding passing of John Fay. Crew dis- cational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Information requested about cost of living increases in pension benefits. Next port: Oakland, Calif. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 15—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Pablo C. Alvarez, Educational Director Ronald A. Garber. Chairman announced Jan. 23 payoff following meeting with patrolman. Secretary discussed the importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director urged crew members to renew seamen’s documents in timely manner and take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point facility. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Letter from headquarters read and posted for everyone to read. Recommendations made regarding medical and pension benefits as PETERSBURG (Interocean American Shipping), Jan. 12— Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, Educational Director Jeffry P. Stuart, Deck Delegate Noel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Michael C. Munoz. Educational director suggested members check their college credits while upgrading at Piney Point school. AB Chris Dionio voted in as new ship’s treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew warned to be careful in laundry room during painting process. During a recent stopover in Puerto Rico, Seafarers aboard the El Yunque include (clockwise from top left) ABs Adrian Surrillo-Diaz and Ruben Gonzales; Chief Cook Juan Vallejo-Hernandez; the crew following payoff meeting; and UMM Argelio Perez-Borroto. WILSON (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 23— Chairman Andrew Jones, Secretary Robyn A. Anderson, Deck Delegate James M. Wray, Engine Delegate Nicholas K. Doffoh, Steward Delegate Edward J. Aguigui. Chairman read president’s report from the cussed negotiations of 2001 contract, which was partly was dedicated to attaining enhanced health benefits. They expressed thoughts on negotiating new contract. Bosun asked shipmates to close house doors softly, particularly during working hours and at night. Steward department was thanked for fine cuisine. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Jan. 8— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Roger D. Linasan, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Khaled Munassar, Steward Delegate Reynaldo Recarte. Chairman announced Jan. 17 payoff in Oakland, Calif. Next foreign trip will possibly take them to China shipyard for three weeks. Secretary thanked crew for good trip and for helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of edu- OCEAN ATLAS (Pacific Gulf Marine), Jan. 27—Chairman Maurice D. Hetrick, Secretary André Zene, Educational Director Allen D. Parker, Deck Delegate Donald A. Stickens, Steward Delegate Leroy Jenkins. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance skills at seafarers-affiliated training facility in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All departments expressed gratitude to union for helping bring ships on South American run under U.S. flag. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), Jan. 29—Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Secretary Ronald P. Drew, Educational Director Norman A. Arquillano, Steward Delegate Jack A. Hart Jr. Chairman announced Feb. 4 payoff in Newark, N.J. Educational director advised everyone to attend Piney Point school to upgrade skills necessary to remain competitive. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new washer and dryer along with new stereo for crew lounge. Crew members complimented steward department for job well done, especially chief cook for his extra efforts. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Aboard the SIU-Crewed El Yunque Ackerman, Steward Delegate Cirilo S. Centeno. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 3 upon arrival in Houston. He reported good trip with great food, thanks to hard work by steward department. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from other trash. Secretary thanked mariners for helping keep lounge and mess hall clean and asked them to tidy up rooms and leave fresh linen for next person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun talked about president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meals. for safe trip and for helping keep ship clean. Secretary reminded crew members to straighten up rooms and leave new linen for next person. Educational director advised members to start renewal process early on z-cards. He also talked about upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Captain now in charge of video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions for new contract made regarding expanded medical coverage. well as purchase of computer for crew. Vote of thanks give to ship’s crew for smooth trip to and from Djibouti. Next port: Galveston, Texas. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 15—Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary James Tucker. Chairman announced Jan. 22 payoff upon arrival in Long View, Wash. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. All mariners departing vessel were asked to clean rooms for next person. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 2—Secretary Franklyn D. Cordero, Educational Director Michael A. Scinto, Steward Delegate Melvin W. Hite. Chairman thanked all departments QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 22—Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Steward Delegate Eddy D. Rustandi. Chairman announced Jan. 30 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. and was happy to report safe trip with no accidents or injuries. Educational director reminded everyone to take advantage of educational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and thanked steward department for “truly remarkable meals.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician requested spare parts for vacuum cleaner. Recommendations made regarding medical, dental and pension benefits. Next port: Norfolk, Va. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Horizon Lines), Jan. 29— Chairman Franz C. Eder, Secretary Edgardo H. Ong, Educational Director Robert P. Rosa. Secretary led discussion on safety procedures aboard vessels. Educational director talked about training courses available at Paul Hall center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun clarified questions pertaining to prescription benefits and pension plan. Seafarers LOG 15 �Aboard the Steel Rover in 1948 Know Your Rights Editor’s note: Brother Bart Misuraca of Brooklyn, N.Y. contributed an article in the Sept. 3, 1948 of the Seafarers LOG and thought current readers of the paper might enjoy reading it, too, and seeing how shipboard life has changed. Originally titled “Girls and Gripes Highlight Steel Rover’s Far East Run,” it is reprinted here. You have asked for stories and photos for the LOG, so I’m going to give you as much detail as I can to go with this picture of our trip to India aboard the Steel Rover. We left New York with a swell bunch of SIU men. Nearly the entire crew had full-books with plenty of experience, so when we secured ship, everything went along smoothly—even got a compliment from the chief mate on a job well done. It sure looked like a good start for a trip. When we got to Port Said, there was martial law ashore, and everyone was required to remain aboard. But as usual, the bumboats came along side with their watered whiskey Our next stop was Karachi, India, where those of us who were looking forward to going ashore for a nice cool drink were badly disappointed. We found stench and filth and unpleasant conditions all around. I might add a warning to SIU men hitting this port—stay away from the native Indian town. We have one crew member in bad shape now because he wandered in there. Changes Came We dropped anchor in Bombay next, and the mate changed his attitude. Things were run bell to bell, so we changed the name of the ship to the SS Steel Slavery. When we finally tied up after a week, all hell broke loose. Our famous captain, “Schooner Guy” Barnhard, started throwing logs at us till it got as hot as the Chicago fire. But the crew kept up the SIU spirit by seeing to it that the ship remained in good shape. Bombay had its pleasant side for us, too—let’s talk about that. There were wine, women and song. And I mean good wine. An Italian ship tied up alongside, so I and a wiper, who understands the lingo, went aboard and traded cigarettes [for wine]. All went smoothly until the utility man got gassed up until he felt like superman—someone then laid him out on the deck for a nice long sleep. Then we have a character whom we call Flash Gordon— you’ll hear more about him when the ship hits New York. This phony claims he has been going to sea for 20 years, but he still doesn’t know the bow from the stern. To top it off, he is the mate’s boy and a great reporter —if you know what I mean. He plays pirate on lookout and imagines he sees submarines. He would swear on a stack of bibles that the Rock of Gibraltar is in the Indian Ocean, and he thinks there is a rabbit aboard ship. So stand by with a straight jacket when we get back. The DM fell in love with a sweet looking Anglo-Indian gal, who stood on the pier crying her eyes out as we pulled out. We had a tough time holding Don from jumping overboard after her. Love leaves sweet sorrows. The crew’s pantryman from the Bronx probably rates the title of the ship’s great lover. He can’t resist the temptation of beautiful women. He caught a nice cold. Well I guess I have covered most everything, but you will hear from me with more news from Calcutta, for I hear all the girls are moving from Bombay to Calcutta to meet the boys of the Steel Rover. I’m going to rig a lantern at the gangway later on. — Bart Misuraca FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † Other ____________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 3/06 16 Seafarers LOG CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. March 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for March through June of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 6 April 17 May 29 March 31 May 12 June 23 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 3 May 15 April 14 June 2 Radar April 3 April 14 Radar Renewal (one day) April 24 Course Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding March 20 May 8 April 7 May 26 Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB March 13 April 10 March 17 April 14 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 May 15 June 26 April 7 May 19 June 30 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 3 June 5 April 14 June 16 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning March 6, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Basic Auxiliary Planning Ops FOWT Start Date Date of Completion March 27 May 22 June 16 July 14 March 27 May 22 May 19 July 22 UPGRADE AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ March 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 3/06 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 670 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 670. They are (in alphabetical order) AlexStephen Amarra, Jayson Cottrille, Abner Diaz-Torres, Eddie Flood, Ernest Frank III, Sean Fox, Timothy Hetz, Maxine Howard, Michael Lais, Gil Lawrence, Ceresa Moreno, Shawn Orr, Dennis Rivard, Reylan Tendido, Stephon Thompson, Joseph Daniel and Akia Wilcox. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Dec. 9 are (in alphabetical order) Chris Bryan, Richard Cannady, Gordon Grant, Steven Hurden, Ramsey Ingram, Mark Keblis, Perry King, Louis Kramm, Kenny Potts, Anthony Roca, Patrick Ryan, Perry Schroff and Kenneth Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands at far right. Bridge Resource Management— The six MTLX boatmen who recently completed this course are (in no specific order) John Emmel, Patrick O’Brien, Joshua Ellis, Glen McCann, Michael Tarbox and Scott Murdock. Not pictured are MTLX staff member Igor Loch Jr. and instructor Herb Walling. FOWT — Graduating from this course Nov. 11 are (in alphabetical order) Troy Davis, Elvin Ellis Jr., Herman Fleischman, Brandon Granger, Cynthia Harris, Michael Hill, Davis Kelch, Joshua Lampke, John McIntosh, Jonathan Miller, Robert Ott, James Perkins, Stephen Riccobene, Jonathan Scurry, Scott Spilman, Steben Torres, Bon Vannaxay, Ron Westerfield and Matthew Wright. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are students who completed the welding course Nov. 11. They are (in no specific order) Geoffrey James, Kenneth Lockhart and Romel Reyes. HAZWOPER — MTLX boatmen who completed the HAZWOPER course Nov. 11 are (in no specific order) John Emmel, John Leslie, Michael Maibaum, Jerry Bishop, Michael Tarbox, Scott Murdock, Mike Wiley, Scott Libby, Jeff Maszk, Marc Aikin, Vincent Whitehair, Patrick O’Brien, Joshua Ellis, David DeBruler, Robert Reeder, Jay O’Crotty, Edwin Schlink, Ken Stanton, James Suomela, Glen McCann and Kevin O’Leary. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (from left) Christopher Mosley, Geoffrey James and Musid Musleh. With them (at right) is their instructor, Rick Prucha. 18 Seafarers LOG another student may take that place. Fast Rescue Boat — Nov. 4 was graduation day for MTLX boatmen in the fast rescue boat course. They are (in alphabetical order) John Lesie, Scott Libby, Michael Maibaum, Jay O’Crotty, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Reeder, Edwin Schlink and Mike Wiley. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is seated at left. March 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The MTLX boatmen who took this course ending Nov. 18 are (in no specific order) Edwin Schlink, John Emmel, James Suomela, Robert Bouron, Ken Stanton, Michael Tarbox, Joshua Ellis, Kevin O’Leary, Scott Libby, Igor Loch Jr., Jason Loch, Vincent Whitehair, Glen McCann, Mike Wiley Patrick O’Brien, Scott Murdock, John Leslie, Robert Reeder, Jay O’Crotty and Michael Maibaum. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far left. Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher — John Bonifas (right) worked with instructor Jay Henderson to complete the marine electrical maintenance refresher course Nov. 11. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Nov. 11 graduates of this class include (in alphabetical order) Daniel Anderson, Rafael Borja, Christopher Bryan, Richard Cannady, David Grasso, Regie Ignacio, Michael Jarvi, Michael Morita, Christopher Mosley and Musid Musleh. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Safety — Boatmen from Express Marine completed the damage control portion of the safety class Nov. 4. They are (in no specific order) Frederick Register, Billy Sawyer Sr., Ronnie Fulcher, Wiliam Edwards, Roland Mason Jr., James Dixon Sr., James Dixon Jr., Donald Stutzbach, Pierre Daigle, Dennis Gaskill Jr., Gil Pruitt, Ernest Ross, Christopher Blake Jr., Foster Watts, Robert Perosse, Leslie Anderson and Oswald Smithwick. Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher — Working their way through this refresher course, which ended Dec. 9, are (in alphabetical order) Greg Alvarez, Sergio Ayala, Edward Fore, Wayne Gonsalves, Kenneth Lockhart, Randolph Patterson and Pedro Santiago. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at left, back row. Specially Trained OS — Tony Sevilla Specially Trained OS — Graduates of the STOS course ending Oct. 7 include (in no specific order) De’Aris Henry, William Clifton, John Burns, Glenard Chaney Jr., Robert Hardesty, Nicole Geideman, Robert James, Daryl Alvin, David Anderson, Mark Bickham, Terrance Dunn, Sylvan Harris and Fermin Baltazar. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, stands fourth from right. Specially Trained OS — Graduates of the STOS course ending Dec. 16 include (in no specific order) Norman Lucas II, Fausto Aranda, Mohamed Mosed, Dominic Gilmartin, Isaac Garrido, Richard Kight, Daniel Manning, George Marshall, Agustin Manzo, Anthony Anderson, Christopher Bean, Ken Ada, Chris Cain and Alex Banky. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor was Stacey Harris (not pictured). March 2006 (far left) was the instructor for the STOS class ending Dec. 16. The students are (in no specific order) Dean Bettis, Philip Smith, Carlos Ramirez, Gabe Williamson, Jacob Kamp, Ivan Zapata, Ryan Scott and Garrett Phillips. Specially Trained OS — Alaskan fishermen who received their STOS certificates of completion Dec. 16 are (in no specific order) Bruce Dunbar, Jorel Zellweger, Patrick Langdon, Douglas Sams, Stephen Snapp, James Brigherti, Carolina Crenna, Brett Lange, Mark Nugent, William Richmond, Kevin Anderson and SIU member Edgar Elegino. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is standing at far left. Seafarers LOG 19 �Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 Upgrading at the Paul Hall Center Take advantage of the upgrading courses available at the Paul Hall Center. See page 17 for a schedulee of upcoming classes. Sh h ip p boo arr d T raa in n in n g FFocuses occ uss ess on n Sa a fee tyy Shipboard Training Safety Using the wheelhouse aboard the SIUcrewed Cape Washington as their classroom, Seafarers from the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath (docked side-by-side in the port of Baltimore) met for several days earlier this year for a safety training session conducted by representatives from Crowley Maritime Corporation. Noting that all accidents can be prevented and that everyone is responsible for safety, Charles F. Nalen, vice president, environmental, safety, quality assurance at Crowley, and Capt. Margaret M. Reasoner, senior port captain at Crowley, led the job safety seminar. A number of well designed handouts guided the lectures, starting with Crowley’s safety policy and then going through various hazards, controls, concerns and requirements for those working on deck, in the galley, handling dry cargo or performing engineering or petroleum Seafarers from the SIU-crewed Cape Washington and Cape Wrath join union and company officials for a shipboard safety training session conducted by Crowley personnel. operations. Information also was presented on operations in extreme heat and cold conditions and the necessary personal protective equipment required in each case. McKinley Jones, recertified steward aboard the Cape Washington, said “I found the training to be very educational—with some good safety tips. I didn’t know about different ways to step across objects, and I plan to carry what I learned back to my family—beyond shipboard life—and into everyday life.” Bosun Rick James agreed. “The course was very effective in learning about safety operations at sea and was very beneficial to the crew in general.” One of the handouts pertained to incident investigation—to determine the real root causes of an undesired event that results in injury to people, damage to property or the environment, or loss of service. Another was a job safety analysis handbook, which is designed to improve the safety of all personnel and provide Crowley employees with guidance on how to apply job safety analysis in the day-to-day conduct of assigned jobs. Effective communication also was stressed as a way to promote the health, safety and security of all employees. Training such as this, in addition to the safety courses available at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., help make SIU members the besttrained mariners in the world. If we think accidents will happen— they will happen. Safety training can help prevent accidents in all activities aboard ship like the ones shown at left and below. Everyone is responsible for safety. Gathering for a group shot following the training program are Seafarers from the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, along with SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (third from right) and Crowley VP Charles Nalen. The shipboard safety training session was conducted by Capt. Margaret M. Reasoner (left) and Crowley VP Charles F. Nalen (above) aboard the Cape Washington. All accidents can be prevented. The training seminar was conducted aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Washington (right), which is docked in Baltimore alongside the Cape Wrath. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF INSPECTORS TEAM UP, SECURE BACK PAY FOR CREW ITF’S SEAFARERS’ TRUST CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HELPING MARINERS SEAFARERS HONORED FOR RELIEF EFFORTS MARAD APPROVES MEDALS FOR ‘OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT’ CHIEF COOK CREDITS FELLOW MEMBERS ON EMPIRE STATE 9TH T-AKE SHIP ORDERED LYKES MOTIVATOR HONORED FOR RESCUE MARITRANS ESTABLISHES 3 MEMORIAL FUNDS SIU/UIW OFFICIAL ROBERT O’KEEFE DIES AT 76 FERRY PASSENGERS WERE ‘ABANDONED’ MORE THAN 1, 000 DEAD OR MISSING IN RED SEA DISASTER ILO WEIGHS MARITIME STANDARDS HEALTH CARE COSTS AFFECT EVERYONE AB COSTELLO CREDITS HEALTH PLAN FOR HELPING HIM BEAT CANCER ARTICLES EXPOSE TACTICS OF FOC CRUISE LINE UNION MEMBERSHIP GROWS FEDERAL FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR PORT SECURITY FORD ANNOUNCES MASSIVE JOB CUTS MANAGEMENT’S FAILURE LEADS TO ‘DISSAPOINTING AND DEVASTATING NEWS’ SEAFARERS PROUDLY SERVE AS AMERICA’S FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE ABOARD THE STEEL ROVER IN 1948 SHIPBOARD TRAINING FOCUSES ON SAFETY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 3 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ccc6d76b56acf86c04bde60045feaa83.pdf 1fdfaa14ec652c23860e749b2e2d7de1 PDF Text Text 34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:50 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 2 February 2006 More New New Ships Ships More On the the Way! Way! On SIU-Contracted Cruise Ship, Tankers And More Under Construction At least five new Seafarers-contracted vessels plus an ATB are scheduled to launch in 2006. They include (clockwise, from upper left) the tanker Alaskan Legend, the military support ship USNS Sacagawea, the first of 10 tankers being built for OSG in Philadelphia, and NCL America’s cruise ship Pride of Hawaii. Page 3. Photo courtesy NASSCO Photo courtesy NASSCO Photo courtesy Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Tug Tragedy Claims 3 Page 4 Tax Tips for Mariners Pages 12-13 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:33 PM Page 2 President’s Report Remembering Our Fallen Brothers From time to time we are reminded that shipboard life, for all its appeal and rewards, carries a certain inevitable amount of risk. That’s true in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland divisions, and it’s also the case in other transportation-related industries. Some of the risk simply comes with the territory. It’s the nature of the work, particularly where heavy equipment is involved. That’s one reason why our union always has emphasized shipboard safety and especially the need for each Michael Sacco member to stay up-to-date with the latest safety training. In particular we have gone to great lengths with our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, to make sure that Seafarers can and do receive the absolute “latest and greatest” courses which help them do their jobs safely and effectively. In the merchant marine, we also constantly face the threat of an uncontrollable and often seemingly unpredictable companion in Mother Nature. There may be times when severe weather is a flat overwhelming foe, no matter how many precautions are taken. That appears to have been the case in the fatal sinking of the SIU-crewed tug Valour last month off the coast of North Carolina. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident, but even before all the details are reported, it’s apparent that extremely rough seas played a big part in the sinking. There are no words that can compensate for the three lives that were lost—those of SIU member Ron Emory, Chief Engineer Richard Smoot and Chief Mate Fred Brenner, who began his career with our union many years ago. But I would say to their families and friends and shipmates that everyone in the SIU genuinely feels the loss. We’re a closely knit organization—a community of Seafarers—and I think that to some extent we all share in each other’s experiences. When one of our crews helps earn a safety award or some other positive recognition, we have every reason to feel good about it throughout the entire SIU. When one of our brothers or sisters suffers a tragic loss, we all share in the pain. No matter what facts emerge in the final report on the Valour, the incident itself is a grim reminder that safety training and documentation are about far more than just fulfilling obligations on some checklist. Some accidents truly are unavoidable and blameless. But we owe it to every Seafarer and their families to continue fully preparing our membership to face the challenges in all three shipboard departments and in every division. We most certainly will continue fulfilling that mission—working with our affiliated school, with our contracted companies, with the appropriate government agencies and international maritime bodies and with anyone and everyone else who gives us a better chance to help ensure the safe return of every SIU member. On behalf of our officials and members, I extend the SIU’s deepest sympathies to the families and shipmates of the Valour victims. New Ships on the Way There is no completely comfortable way to go from such a serious subject to looking at the year that lies ahead, but we of course must continue and move forward. And on that note, I believe we have plenty to look forward to in 2006. For example, on our cover and on page 3 you can read about some of the new SIU-contracted ships that are due to begin sailing this year. Those vessels represent the continued job security of Seafarers and continued success in our efforts to help revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. As usual, we won’t let up in those efforts. Volume 68, Number 2 Navy League President Urges Policy for Stronger U.S. Fleet The national president of the Navy League of the United States recently called for presidential action to further strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine and stated that a vibrant U.S.-flag fleet is vital to America. Writing in the Navy League’s latest annual Seapower Almanac, John A. Panneton, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, said that a “strong U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is essential to support the defense of our nation and our economic security in the 21st century.” Speaking of all U.S. sea services, Panneton likened current conditions to the pre-Katrina days in New Orleans. “The primary lesson arising from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and other recent disasters is that we must not wait until tragedy strikes to refurbish and maintain the nation’s critical infrastructures,” he observed, adding that the federal government must avoid similar pitfalls when it comes to maintaining sufficient U.S. tonnage. Panneton continued, “During a conflict, 95 percent of the equipment and supplies required to deploy the U.S. armed forces overseas are delivered by ship. U.S.-flag commercial and government-owned vessels, manned by U.S. citizen mariners, played an indispensable role in providing strategic sealift for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in the continuing Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sea Power 21, the Navy’s strategic vision of the future, underscores the need for a robust logistics force and commercial sealift capability to support and sustain Special Operations Forces, maritime coalition forces and additional expeditionary strike groups. A variety of commercial maritime vessels, in-stream cargo handling systems and high-speed connector vessels also will be needed.” Underscoring the organization’s belief in U.S. mariners, Panneton wrote, “Our call for White House intervention to bolster the Merchant Marine is a central element of the Navy League’s Maritime Policy for 2006-07. The underlying purpose of our policy is to establish the basis for Navy League support of the sea services’ mission success. The Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine are beset by rising expectations of performance and diminishing resources. Personnel and equipment are being driven to extremes as the sea services continue to prosecute the global war on terrorism in the Middle East and Southeast Asia while vastly increasing their humanitarian operations around the globe, from tsunami relief in Southeast Asia to hurricane relief on the U.S. Gulf Coast and earthquake relief in Pakistan. John Panneton, president of the Navy League of the United States, notes that U.S. mariners have “played an indispensable role” supporting our troops. “Accordingly, the Navy League Maritime Policy for 200607 concludes that the sea services are stretched to the point where they can no longer do more with less. The nation must provide the funding for the reconstitution and modernization of its forces, and avoid the specter of failure that lies on our horizon.” He concluded, “Providing for the future is not easy or cheap, but it is essential. Each day, the people of our nation ask sailors, Marines, Coast Guard personnel and merchant mariners to go into harm’s way to protect their interests. We are obliged to hold ourselves accountable, and provide them with the resources to survive and prevail.” SIU of Canada Protects Jobs Company Tried to Use Cyprus-Flag Tonnage The SIU of Canada, an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America, started the New Year by protecting members’ jobs when a company attempted to use Cyprus-flag tonnage in the Canadian domestic trades. SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz confirmed a report in the newspaper Trade Winds indicating that bulk shipper Canada Salt Co. had applied to the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) for work involving cargo shipments from the Magdalen Islands to ports along the St. Lawrence River. However, Canada Salt wanted to give the work to the Greek company Navarone SA, which apparently would have utilized its Cyprus-flag vessels Mandarin and Pintail. “The SIU objected on the basis that SIU-contracted vessels would be available,” SIU of Canada Executive Vice President Michel Desjardins noted. “We also objected to any issuance of temporary work visas, as Canadian seafarers were available to do the work, in accordance with our immigration laws. We were helpful in safeguarding approximately four weeks’ work for our members.” The SIU of Canada had allies in this fight: Domestic owners Canada Steamship Lines, Transport Desgagnes Inc. and Seaway Marine Transport also protested the application. All three of those companies have contracts with the SIU of Canada. Canada’s cabotage rules stipulate that foreign-flag vessels may be used in the domestic trades only if no appropriate Canadian-flag tonnage is available. According to Trade Winds, when the CTA denied Canadian Salt’s application, “The authorities explained that the burden of proof was on the shipper to ‘prove that the vessel capacity offered by Canadian vessel operators, that have previously always met its transportation needs, is insufficient.’” Port Council Honors McLaughlin, Johnston, Bishop February 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity presented its annual awards Oct. 15, 2005 in New York City. Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) Brian McLaughlin, president of the 1.5 million member New York City Labor Council and recipient of the port council’s Paul Hall Labor Man of the Year Award; SIU and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco; U.S. Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y.), the port council’s Government Man of the Year; SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, who also serves as president of the port council; Captain Robert E. Johnston, senior VP at Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) and recipient of the council’s Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award; Port Council Secretary-Treasurer Peter Busaca; and MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:33 PM Page 3 More New Ships Due this Year When it comes to new SIUcontracted vessels, Seafarers should have plenty to look forward to this year. Based on the latest projections from the respective shipyards, at least five new Seafarers-contracted vessels plus an ATB are scheduled to launch in 2006. Those ships include NCL America’s cruise ship Pride of Hawaii, slated for a mid-April debut; Crowley’s ATB Pacific Reliance, scheduled for late March; the Matson containership Maunalei, due in June; BP Oil Shipping Company USA’s fourth Alaskaclass tanker, the Alaskan Legend, set to debut mid-year; the second ship in the Lewis and Clark class, the USNS Sacagawea; and the first of 10 tankers to be built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard for Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Delivery dates haven’t been specified for the latter two vessels but both are expected sometime this year. “This type of great news should never be taken for granted,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “So many things play a role in the SIU’s success—political action, doing an outstanding job aboard ship and staying on top of the latest training techniques and requirements. As always, we won’t rest on our laurels.” The 920-foot Pride of Hawaii undoubtedly will garner the most headlines in the commercial media. It is the third ship in NCL America’s fleet and is undergoing finishing touches in a German shipyard. The Pride of Hawaii will have a passenger capacity greater than 2,100 and will be capable of a top speed of 25 knots. It will join the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha and Pride of America on Hawaiian Island itineraries (see related story, page 24). Crowley’s Pacific Reliance and accompanying barge 650-1 are being built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. The tug will have 10,000 h.p. while the 580foot barge will have a capacity of 185,000 barrels. The unit will have 14 cargo tanks, two more than the earlier generation of ATBs. Each of those tanks will have its own electronically driven cargo pump. Members of the union’s Government Services Division will crew up the 689-foot USNS Sacagawea, part of a new class of combat logistics force vessels. The new T-AKE ships are dry cargo/ammunition vessels designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing underway replenishment services. The first such ship, the USNS Lewis and Clark, began sailing last year. The Alaskan Legend will join three double-hulled sister ships in its class operated by Alaska Tanker Company. The other ships are the Alaskan Explorer, Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Navigator. Each is 941 feet long; they have a combined capacity of 1.3 million barrels of crude oil. The vessels already in operation have been delivering cargo from Alaska to BP’s refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. OSG’s first new tanker, unnamed for now, will be 600 feet long and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Construction also has begun on the second ship in the Veteran class; it is due to launch in 2007. Matson’s Maunalei is its fourth containership being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. It is approximately 700 feet long and will join sister ships Manulani, Maunawili and Manukai along with the R.J. Pfeiffer in what the company describes as an integrated weekly West Coast-HawaiiGuam-China service. Photo courtesy Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Above: In the foreground is the first of 10 tankers being built for SIU-contracted OSG at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard; right behind it is the final in a series of four Seafarerscontracted Matson ships under construction. Left: The fourth Alaskaclass tanker, the Alaskan Legend, will transport cargo from Alaska to the West Coast. Photo courtesy NASSCO Additional North Slope Acreage Opened for Safe Oil Exploration Photo courtesy NASSCO The USNS Sacagawea is the second in the new T-AKE class, being built at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has begun production on the second of 10 vessels in the product tanker program announced last spring. President to Nominate Sanborn for MarAd Post The White House last month announced that president Bush “intends to nominate David C. Sanborn, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation. Mr. Sanborn currently serves as Director of Operations for Europe and Latin America at DP World. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President for North America Service Delivery at CMACGM (America) LLC. Mr. Sanborn also served as Vice President for Network-Operations for American President Lines, Pte. Ltd. Earlier in his career, he served as Director for Operations for Sea-Land Service, Inc. Mr. Sanborn is a retired Lieutenant Junior Grade for the United States Naval Reserve. He received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.” February 2006 The U.S. Department of Interior may well have paved the way for future oil exploration in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and potentially more SIU jobs, as a result of its Jan. 11 approval to open thousands of acres on Alaska’s North Slope for oil exploration. According to several sources, including Reuters, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, the Interior Department gave its okay for oil and gas exploration in the Teshekpuk Lake Region, an area that previously was considered off-limits because of concerns about the impact on wildlife. The department’s action came just weeks after Congress blocked legislation that would have permitted energy development in the nearby ANWR. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed opening the area—used by migrating caribou and birds and situated west of the 19.9 million acre wildlife refuge on Alaska’s North Slope—one year ago, but it was not until Jan. 11 that Deputy Assistant Secretary Chad Calvert approved a modified version of the original arrangement. The area and adjacent land is not part of a wildlife refuge and does not require Congressional approval for oil development. The latest plan will open up more than 500,000 acres in and around Teshekpuk Lake on Alaska’s oil rich North Slope. Government officials said the area has significant potential for oil development and estimate it contains about 2 billion barrels of oil that economically is recoverable, along with 3.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The area—especially portions near Teshekpuk Lake—has been a focal point of concern among environmentalists for some time. They say oil operations would disrupt an area where thousands of geese molt. Caribou and tundra swans also would be harmed, they predicted. BLM officials acknowledged that the area is important for wildlife and subsistence hunting, and said their plan was very meticulous in requiring environmental protection and mitigation. They also pointed out that technological advances in oil drilling allow drilling to occur safely, without the impact previously feared. No surface drilling will be allowed on 242,000 acres considered vital for molting geese, or on another 244,000 acres used by caribou. Slant drilling will be allowed under those surfaces from adjoining land. Pipelines must be seven feet high, at least initially, to allow caribou and hunters to pass beneath. Finally, a maximum of 2,100 acres total in seven different zones can be permanently disturbed on the surface, and a three-year study will be conducted of molting geese, BLM officials said. The leasing of lands could begin as early as September, following reviews by Alaskan coastal and regional planning agencies, but drilling on the lake will be deferred for 10 years. “We have done a very good job balancing the subsistence resources while allowing some areas to be opened to oil and gas drilling,” said Susan Childs, energy and mineral planning coordinator for the BLM’s Alaska office, which will oversee implementation of the plan. BLM Alaska Spokeswoman Jody Weil echoed Childs’ comment, noting “Our mission is to provide for multiple uses. A part of our mission is to protect wildlife, but also part of our mission is to allow for the development of resources. Our job is to find that balance on oil and gas mining.” Actual oil drilling in the area could start as soon as the winter of 2007-08 by some estimates. And with the ANWR closed to exploration, the oil industry likely will be attracted and keenly interested in this new opportunity. “We believe there will be a lot of interest,” said Henri Bisson BLM director of Alaska. “It’s the most significant prospect on the North Slope, absent ANWR.” Seafarers LOG 3 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:51 AM Page 4 SIU-Crewed Cape Trinity Recognized For Active Role in Enduring Freedom The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity late last year was recognized for its performance during Operation Enduring Freedom. As was reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in December awarded its Professional Ship Award to the Cape Trinity crew for services in the war on terror. Specifically, the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel’s crew and officers were cited for voluntarily serving on the high seas for 341 continuous days. During this period, they repeatedly transported assorted provisions to American military personnel in the Middle East and returned home. A formal awards ceremony to commemorate the service of the crew and officers on Nov. 29, 2005 took place at Brady’s Landing in Houston. SIU Asst. Vice President Southern Region Jim McGee represented the Seafarers during the event. On behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco and the union as a whole, McGee congratulated crew members on their accomplishment. He also thanked them for their hard work and the professional fashion in which they collectively represented the union throughout the time for which they were recognized. SIU members aboard the vessel during the period for which accolades were bestowed included Bosun Charles Jackson, ABs Frank Thompson, Robert Taylor, Vincent Lao, Richard Molina-Blackman and Dan Carman; Electrician Carlos Perez; GVAs Timoteo Nunez, Abdo Ahmed and Ali Hussein; Oilers Zaid Shaif, Filiberto Moreira and Rodolfo Menchaca; Chief Cook Amilcar Bermudez, Assistant Cook Jamie Cayonte and SAs Ramon Hernandez and Rolando Batiz. In addition to McGee, several other officials from the maritime industry attended the event. Deepak Varshney, acting director, Central Region, MarAd, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Also in attendance were Erny Otterspoor, president, Mormac Marine, Inc., and other officials from MarAd. MarAd’s Professional Ship Award is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of safety, readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability and productivity, according to the agency. The crew and officers of the Cape Trinity also received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, given to mariners who serve in war zones. Ready Reserve Force ships, crewed by U.S. Merchant Mariners, have carried much of the supplies to and from the Middle East since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Cape Trinity, in its 341 days of activation, carried 19,603 metric tons of cargo between various ports including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Shauiba and Ash Shuaybah in Kuwait, and Messaieed in Qatar. Ports in Europe included Bremerhaven, Szczecin and Antwerp. U.S. load ports included Charleston and Corpus Christi. The Cape Trinity originally was constructed in Germany’s HDW shipyard in 1977 for commercial roll-on/roll-off service. In 1994, it was converted to the U.S. flag and became part of the RRF. Tug Sinking Claims Lives of 3 Mariners Tragedy struck during the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 18, as a Seafarer and two officers from the Maritrans tugboat Valour lost their lives when the boat sank in high seas and gale-force winds off the coast of Cape Fear, N.C. Six other men aboard the Valour survived the ordeal. Three are SIU members and three are members of the American Maritime Officers. Longtime SIU member Ron Emory, age 56, sailing as an AB/tankerman, died in the acci- Contract Briefs The following items were reported at the January membership meetings: Sagamore Shipping – Ascension and Sagamore In accordance with their agreement, members of the unlicensed crew aboard the Ascension and Sagamore will receive a 3 percent increase to all wage-related items effective Jan. 1, 2006. Osprey Ship Management, Inc. – American Tern Last month (December 2005) with the re-award of the Military Sealift Command contract for the operation of an ice-strengthened vessel to Osprey Ship Management, Inc., the American Tern moved onto the new contract. The new agreement will include a 3 percent increase to all wage-related items along with a vacation benefit of 15 for 30 and 5 percent into the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan Benefit. Members also will continue to receive health benefits in accordance with the Core Plus Plan level. 2006. All fringe benefits remain unchanged. Also effective Jan. 1, 2006 unlicensed personnel employed aboard the E-Ships-operated Endurance, Endeavor and Enterprise received a 3.5 percent increase to wages and wage-related items. This contract is due to expire June 15, 2006. Interocean American Shipping Corp. – Car Carriers Interocean American Shipping Corp. (IAM) has extended their agreements covering unlicensed personnel aboard company-operated car carrier vessels to expire June 15, 2006 to coincide with the expiration of the Standard Freightship Agreement. With the extension of the agreement, there was also a 3 percent increase negotiated for wages and wagerelated items. The vessels included are the F reedom, Independence, Courage, Honor, Integrity, CF Liberty, CP Patriot and CR Resolve. Fringe benefit levels will remain the same through the duration of the agreement. Central Gulf Lines – Energy Enterprise Effective retroactively to July 1, 2005, there will be a 3 percent increase to wages and wage-related items for unlicensed personnel employed aboard the SS Energy Enterprise. The existing agreement has been extended to expire June 15, 2006. Maersk Line, Ltd. – Page and Carter SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) announced that it has been awarded a one-year agreement to charter two vessels under the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning program. The contract covers sister ships, the Seafarers-crewed military support carriers Lt. Col. John U.D. Page and Sgt. Edward A. Carter, Jr. The company noted that the agreement follows MLL’s “successful completion of an existing fiveyear contract and has options that could extend the performance period to a total of 59 months.” Company officials acknowledged the good work of Seafarers aboard those ships during the past five years. Waterman Steamship Corp. – Buenos Aires, Vera Cruz Effective January 1, 2006, the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires and the P&O Ned Lloyd Vera Cruz received a 3 percent increase in wages and wagerelated items. The agreement has also been extended to expire June 15, 2006. E-Ships – Argonaut, Endurance, Endeavor and Enterprise Effective Jan. 1, 2006, unlicensed personnel employed aboard the E-Ships-operated vessel the SS Argonaut received a 4.5 percent increase in wages and wage-related items. Additionally, the contract for this vessel has been extended to expire Dec. 31, Marine Personnel and Provisioning, Inc. – Motivator Effective Jan. 1, 2006, unlicensed personnel employed aboard the Americana-Class vessel Motivator received a 3 percent increase in wages and wage-related items. The agreement has been extended to expire June 15, 2006. 4 Seafarers LOG Seafarers recently were honored for their service aboard the Cape Trinity in Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of those SIU members are pictured at a MarAd awards ceremony last November in Houston, joined by SIU Asst. VP Southern Region Jim McGee (seated at far left). dent along with Chief Mate Fred Brenner, 53, and Chief Engineer Richard Smoot, 50. Brenner sailed with the SIU from 19711985. The survivors are AB/Tankerman Earl Shepard, AB/Tankerman James Hamilton, Cook Jay Templett, Captain Michael Lynch, Second Mate Jim Garnett and Assistant Engineer Lou Gatto. “On behalf of everyone in the SIU, I extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and to the surviving shipmates,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “Words always seem inadequate at times like this, but we are all part of the ‘Brotherhood of the Sea,’ and we all share in this terrible loss.” “We are deeply saddened by this incident and the related loss of life. Our primary concern is with the crew and their families,” said Jonathan Whitworth, president of Maritrans Operating Company L.P. According to company and newspaper reports, the 135-foot Valour was towing the Maritrans tank barge M-192 (carrying 135,000 barrels of No. 6 oil, a thick oil used as fuel) when the tug began taking on water in heavy seas late in the evening of Jan. 17. The tug separated from the barge and sank at approximately 2:30 a.m. Before the tug went down, Shepard was washed overboard while trying to secure an emergency door. His fellow mariners attempted to rescue him but were thwarted by the heavy seas. Shepard eventually was saved by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. Another seagoing tug, the Justine Foss, reportedly was in the area after completing a longdistance assignment and answered a Coast Guard call for assistance as the Valour was sinking. The Justine Foss arrived in time to pick up the remaining survivors as the Valour went down. Emory, wearing a survival suit, was lost at sea. According to unconfirmed reports, he likely was injured before the boat sank, possibly fatally. The Coast Guard dispatched a search team but later called off the search on Jan. 19. Similarly, and also according to unconfirmed reports, one of the officers was badly injured and may already have perished before going down with the Valour. Maritrans reported that the Coast Guard later in the day helped secure its drifting fuel barge and arranged for its tow to Wilmington, N.C. The barge apparently was undamaged and lost no cargo. The Coast Guard is investigating the sinking. As this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press, there had been no official report indicating whether the sinking strictly was due to the severe weather or if other factors contributed. Shepard, who has sailed with the SIU for more than 30 years, was understandably distraught following the accident but quietly described Emory as “a great guy. I worked with him for 28 years. He was retired from the Navy—a great seaman and a loving family man…. The whole thing seems like a bad dream. It happened so fast.” MSC Buys 3 SIU-Contracted Ships The U.S. Military Sealift Command last month announced that it has purchased three Seafarers-contracted prepositioning vessels: the PFC Dewayne T. Williams, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) will continue operating the vessels. In a news release, the agency reported a purchase date of Jan. 17 and indicated that the vessels “had previously been under long-term charter to the command from Braintree II, III and IV Maritime Corps. of Quincy, Mass…. The options to purchase these ships were part of the original contracts, which were delivered to MSC in 1985 and 1986.” MSC further stated that AMSEA will remain as the vessels’ operator. The Williams is prepositioned in the Mediterranean; the Lopez in the Indian Ocean; and the Lummus in the western Pacific. They carry U.S. Marine Corps cargo. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:34 PM Page 5 Report Underlines U.S. Health Care Woes Costs Consume 16 Percent of Nation’s Economic Output A government report released Jan. 10 brought to center stage what consumers and many companies have known for a long time: Health-care costs have soared out of control—they now consume 16 percent of the nation’s economic output. Issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Office of the Actuary, the report conceded that this level represented the highest amount ever recorded. It further stated that the nation’s health-care bill also continued to grow at a significantly greater rate than inflation and wages, increasing by almost 8 percent in 2004. Spending for physicians and hospitals shot up considerably faster than in recent years, while drug costs grew at a slower rate than over the past decade. Even as health care costs continue to escalate, however, many Americans— especially minorities and the poor—don’t get high-quality care, according to two other federal reports released the same day. Health care quality is improving slowly and some racial disparities are narrowing, the reports found, but gaps persist and Hispanics appear to be falling even further behind. “We can do better,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt at a Washington conference on racial and ethnic disparities in health. “Disparities and inequities still exist. Outcomes vary. Treatments are not received equally.” Experts from the political, medical and economic arenas have long warned that health care cost trends gradually will overwhelm the economy, and many companies now complain that employee and retiree health costs are making them less competitive. This latest report without doubt has added fresh fuel to a blaze that already is raging out of control. The overall cost of health care—everything from hospital and doctor bills to the cost of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, insurance and nursing home and home-health care—doubled from 1993 to 2004, said the CMS report. In 2004, the nation spent almost $140 billion more for health care than the year before. In 1997, health care accounted for 13.6 percent of the gross domestic product. “Americans rejected the tougher restrictions of managed care in the late 1990s, and yet they want all the latest advances in medical technology,” said Drew Altman, president of the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation, which researches health issues. “Since government regulation of prices and services is not in the cards, the inevitable result is higher costs.” The health care increase of 7.9 percent in 2004 was almost three times greater than the overall national inflation rate, which was 2.7 percent. The average hourly wage for workers in private companies was essentially unchanged that year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The best news in the report involved spending on pharmaceutical drugs, which of 9 percent over 2003 and an increase in hospital costs of 8.6 percent. The report’s authors said the jumps appeared to be associated with higher Medicare reimbursement rates for some doctors and, anecdotally, to an upswing in the construction of new hospitals. “This is an alarming situation, but it’s more like a creeping infection than a broken bone, and so people get used to it,” said Edward Howard, executive vice president of the Alliance for Health Reform, a non-profit education group chaired by The rise in health care costs “is an alarming situation, but it’s more like a creeping infection than a broken bone, and so people get used to it. Frankly, I don’t see major change until people who have some sort of organized political influence start hurting a little more.” —Edward Howard, VP Alliance for Health Reform increased by less than 10 percent for the first time in more than a decade. Cynthia Smith of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, lead author of the health spending report, attributed the slower increase in drug spending to greater use of generic drugs and mail order pharmacies, a slowdown in the introduction of costly new medications, and the impact of higher drug co-pays. Mark Merritt, president of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents drug benefit managers, said the trend was also a result of their “work over the past decade to change the way consumers, clinicians, and purchasers think about prescription drugs.” While the fast rise in drug spending in the past decade attracted great attention from officials and health policy experts, it remains a relatively small part of the health care bill—about 10 percent. Defenders of increased drug spending have often argued that those added costs would keep people healthier and reduce the amount spent on hospitals and doctors. The 2004 statistics told a different story, however, with an increase in doctor costs Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), and Bill Frist, (R-Tenn.).“Frankly, I don’t see major change until people who have some sort of organized political influence start hurting a little more.” In a related development, working families, their unions and community allies are joining with the AFL-CIO in launching a major health care campaign to ensure the largest corporations, such as Wal-Mart, stop shifting health care insurance costs onto workers, taxpayers and other businesses. As part of the AFL-CIO “Fair Share Health Care” campaign, activists will work with legislators in 31 states to win legislation to require companies to pay their fair share for health care. Fair Share Health Care legislation will reduce the bill taxpayers pay to cover profitable employer’s expenses, ease the financial strain states face in growing Medicaid costs and help level the playing field between companies that provide good jobs and benefits and those that don’t. “I’m pleased to launch the AFL-CIO’s breakthrough Fair Share Health Care campaign,” said AFL-CIO President John Report Reveals Problems Aplenty On Doomed Runaway-Flag Ship USCG Concludes Capt. Violated Safety Practices The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded that the captain of the runaway-flag chemical tanker Bow Mariner—which during the early evening hours of Feb. 28, 2004 exploded and sank off the Virginia Coast—violated safety practices by ordering crew members to open empty cargo tanks for cleaning. Nearly two years after the 570-foot vessel exploded and claimed the lives of 21 crew members, the Coast Guard on Jan. 3 released its final incident report on the catastrophe. Investigators blamed gross negligence on the part of the vessel’s captain for the massive loss of life and said that opening the tanks’ hatches caused highly flammable vapors to escape onto February 2006 the deck, where the crew of the Bow Mariner was working. A spark ignited the mixture of air and vapors from a gasoline additive, the investigators said. The investigation also found that Greek Capt. Efstratios Kavouras abandoned ship without sending a distress call or trying to save his crew, contributing to the high death toll. Investigators blamed the Greek company that managed the ship and the senior officers on board for the disaster. The report said there was a failure to comply with the company’s and ship’s safety, quality and environmental system that likely exposed crew members to toxic vapors. Investigators also noted there was poor communication between the ship’s Greek officers and its Filipino crew. The Singapore-flagged chemical tanker was built in 1982 and was managed by a Greek company, Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises Ltd. Its owners, Odfjell USA, are headquartered in Houston. According to the Virginian Pilot newspaper, the Bow Mariner—which picked up its cargo of methyl tert butyl ether (a flammable liquid used as an additive in unleaded gasoline) in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 24, 2004, and unloaded part of it in New York on Feb. 25, 2004—prior to the catastrophe had been carrying 3.1 million gallons of the ethyl alcohol, along with 192,904 gallons of heavy fuel oil and 48,266 gallons of diesel fuel. While the Sweeney on Jan. 5. “Beginning this month, the AFL-CIO and its unions, together with progressive state legislators and other allies, will be introducing and pushing legislation in more than 30 states to stop large, profitable corporations—like Wal-Mart— from freeloading off their communities and shifting their employees’ health care insurance costs onto workers, taxpayers and smaller businesses. “Health care is a basic need of every family,” he continued. “It’s nothing short of immoral that big, rich companies are shirking their responsibilities to their employees—we’re talking about mothers and fathers who are pushed to tears because they can’t take their children to the doctor. And it’s happening every day.” Forty-six million Americans—most of them in working families—live without health insurance, according to Sweeney. And literally thousands more lose their insurance each day, as good-paying jobs with benefits continue to be destroyed. To make matters worse, the AFL-CIO president said, those companies that do provide insurance are increasingly shifting the cost onto workers and cutting back on the benefits they provide, pushing hundreds of thousands of workers and their children into Medicaid programs all over the country. Between 2001 and 2004, the number of uninsured people in the U.S. rose by a staggering 5 million, with nearly the entire increase accounted for by a decline in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. Today, more than one-quarter of workers in companies with 500 or more employees do not receive employer-based coverage, according to a study by the Commonwealth Fund. “As a result, around the country, workers, taxpayers and other businesses are forced to pick up a staggering $113 billion when profitable companies refuse to shoulder their employees’ health care costs,” Sweeney said. “Workers who have family coverage are forced to pay more and more each year, and at every bargaining table, those workers lucky enough to have a union are fighting to hold on to their health care coverage. The bottom line is that our health care system is broken—but it didn’t just split open. Big companies like Wal-Mart are pulling it apart and profiting at taxpayers’ expense.” ignition source could not be determined, investigators said it probably came from one of the following: electrostatic discharge, mechanical sparks caused by metal-on-metal contact, faulty electrical equipment, hot soot or particles from the ship’s smoke stack or funnel, or even sparks from changing batteries in a flashlight. Because the tanks had not been washed or mechanically ventilated, the concentration of vapor was well above the “upper explosive limit” for methyl tert butyl ether, the report said. Opening all the cargo tank hatches permitted vapors to escape at deck level, exposing crew members to a greater risk of an explosion from an accidental spark. The ignition produced two major explosions less than two minutes apart that began at 6:06 p.m. Feb. 28, 2004. The blasts resulted in catastrophic structural damage to the vessel and caused immediate flooding that sent crew members who had survived a series of explosions into the icy water. The explosions were heard on shore, more than 50 miles away, and witnesses from a passing tanker that arrived first on the scene described a ring of fire extending for hundreds of yards from the stricken ship. At around 6:30 p.m., the Coast Guard received its first and only distress call from one of the Bow Mariner’s Filipino crewmen and quickly launched a search and rescue mission. The ship sank in one hour and 32 minutes. The flight crew of Coast Guard divers who responded to the scene quickly plucked six survivors out of the sea. They immediately were transported to a makeshift triage center set up at the Ocean City, Md. Municipal Airport and later to area hospitals. Eighteen other crew members on the Bow Mariner weren’t as lucky. Searchers recovered only one other body following the explosion. Three crewmen who were recovered died from expoContinued on page 6 Seafarers LOG 5 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:34 PM Page 6 Seafarers Credited by Gen. Schwartz TOTE’s Northern Lights Sailed in OIF for 2 Years The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) praised the efforts of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Northern Lights in a letter to Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Norton A. Schwartz wrote to TOTE Chairman and CEO Robert P. Magee concerning the crew’s excellent performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Northern Lights, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that normally operates in the Jones Act trade, supported U.S. troops for more than two years while under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. General Schwartz cited the “superior support” of the unlicensed and licensed mariners as well as that of the company and its officials. “Early in the Iraq deployment, the Military Sealift Command sought commercial support and your company answered the call,” General Schwartz wrote on Oct. 26, 2005. “Since 18 February 2003, six weeks after the start TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Norton A. Schwartz has been quick to credit the U.S. Merchant Marine for its support of U.S. troops. of the deployment of forces to Iraq, SS Northern Lights was under charter to MSC. She continuously operated in support of U.S. forces since that time, never missing a commitment. No other ship, government-owned or commercial, has operated as long in support of these critical operations. Special Guest aboard Manulani Seafarers recently welcomed U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian (second from right) aboard the Manulani. Jamian said he sailed on the Matson ship for a few days and that the SIU members aboard “took great care of me and fed me very well.” Pictured in the crew mess are (from left) Assistant Cook Ruben Siclot, Chief Steward Stephen Valencia, Jamian and Chief Cook Jose Guzman. Runaway-Flag Ship Captain Violated Safety Practices Continued from page 5 sure and other injuries. Kavouras, 51, whose body was among those missing after the explosion 50 miles east of Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, was one of three Greek officers aboard ship and drew much of the criticism from investigators. However, also contributing to the disaster “was the failure of the operator, Ceres … and senior officers of the Bow Mariner to properly implement the company’s and vessel’s Safety, Quality and Environmental System,” investigators said. For example: Cargo tanks were not fixed in stationary positions or neutralized of their chemical activity as required; procedures for cleaning tanks were not followed; procedures for entering confined spaces were not followed; the failure of one of two required 6 Seafarers LOG blowers used to disburse vapors was not reported; monthly fire drills were not conducted; training was scheduled and recorded in the minutes of a safety committee meeting but not actually held. “Opening of all of the hatches for the empty cargo tanks, as was done on the Bow Mariner, fails to conform to any known customary marine practice,” investigators wrote. “Because the tanks had not been washed or mechanically ventilated, the concentration of vapor was very high and certainly above the upper explosive limit for the MTBE. Opening all of the cargo tank hatches permitted vapors to escape at deck level, where the crew was actively working. This exposed them to toxic vapors and increased the likelihood of an explosion to initiate from an accidental spark.” Investigators also cited significant culture problems between “During the charter period SS Northern Lights made 25 voyages and 49 port calls,” he continued. “She carried 12,220 pieces of military gear totaling 81,000 short tons and covering over 2 million square feet. “Those statistics clearly demonstrate the value that the U.S.-flag shipping industry brings to the Defense Transportation System. At 200,000 square feet of cargo space, this ship has nearly the capacity of the Fast Sealift Ships, has speeds approaching those of the Navy’s Large, Medium Speed RoRo ships, and had a perfect record of reliability. Having this asset enabled us to improve readiness by keeping ships of the Ready Reserve Fleet available for other contingencies as needed. “You and your team of professionals showcased the U.S.-flag industry at its best,” General Schwartz concluded. After one of the vessel’s first deployments in 2003, Recertified Steward Steve Dickson, proving that humor remained even as the Northern Lights endured numerous alerts in Kuwait, noted that the U.S. Marines on board “are well-trained and polite. They have been learning shipboard lingo, such as the floor is called the deck, and the wall is a bulkhead, left is the port side and right is the starboard. They already know the salty language.” As of early January 2006 no fewer than a dozen SIU-crewed ships remained activated in support of U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seafarers on the Northern Lights fulfilled their duty as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Notice: Mariner Credentials Extended in Gulf The U.S. Coast Guard on Jan. 17 announced that the agency is extending the expiration dates of credentials held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina until Feb. 28, 2006. The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-141). Details are contained in the notice published in the Federal Register on Jan. 17, 2006 (available on the internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/f edreg/frcont06.html). This measure applies to certain mariners whose credentials expired on or after March 1, 2005, or will expire before Feb. 28, 2006. The requirements are as follows: „ Credentials are automatically extended for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina should contact any Regional Examination Center to establish their eligibility for an extension. If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any Regional Examination Center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one. Mariners whose home of record is Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana may receive a waiver of the fees for issuance of duplicate credentials. All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible. Mariners may contact any Regional Examination Center with questions regarding these temporary measures, for a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance. The Regional Examination Center locations and phone numbers are: the officers and crew. The Filipinos said they were treated with disrespect by the officers and were constantly threatened with being fired. The report goes on to state that the vessel’s senior officers, all Greek, were abusive to the junior officers and crew, all Filipino. “The survivors clearly feared the Greek officers, and each stated that they would obey any order from them, even if they knew the order to be unsafe,” the investigators said. The chief cook and his assistant said the fear of the Greeks extended to the galley. Reynaldo A. Tagle, 51, a messman, said the officers were verbally abusive and constantly threatened to send him home if he did not work harder or faster. Chief Cook Dominator M. Marentes, 57, likewise feared losing his job, the report said. “While these may have been the usual complaints of the lowest ranking crewmen aboard ship, there can be no question that such fear can lead to a shipboard culture where safety takes a backseat to preserving one’s livelihood,” the report said. “Filipino officers did not take their meals in the officer’s mess, were given almost no responsibility and were closely supervised in every task,” according to the report. The second assistant engineer, identified in the report as Edimar L. Aguilar, 48, working aboard a Ceres ship for the first time, was upset that he was chastised on his first day aboard because he inquired about his management and administrative duties. The attitude toward Filipino officers and crew was not limited to the Bow Mariner, the Coast Guard said. As part of the investigation, Jerry R. Crooks Jr., senior investigator for the Marine Safety Office in Norfolk and the investigating officer for the Bow Mariner, wrote that he visited a sister ship, the Bow Transporter, in Singapore, and observed many of the same attitudes. “The Filipinos were only permitted to speak to the investigating officer and Singapore offi- cials in the presence of the senior officers, leading to obvious nervousness,” Crooks wrote in the report. “Nevertheless, several crew members made statements confirming the same cultural divide existed aboard the Bow Transporter.” The Coast Guard recommended that its report be sent to the governments of Greece, the Philippines and Singapore, as well as to the owners and operators of the ship and international and American shipping interests. The U.S. attorney’s office in Norfolk issued subpoenas to get them to speak before a grand jury, but only after promising immunity from prosecution. The Coast Guard cited Ceres for pollution and has recommended a fine of $11,000, said Crooks, the senior investigator. That case is pending. The Bow Mariner explosion was the worst of four tank ship explosions that occurred worldwide between December 2003 and June 2004, resulting in a total of 27 deaths. Anchorage, Alaska - (907) 271-6736 Baltimore - (410) 962-5132/5147 Boston - (617) 223-3040/41/42 Charleston, S. C. - (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511 Guam - (671) 339-2001 Honolulu - (808) 522-8264 Houston - (713) 948-3350/51 Juneau, Alaska - (907) 463-2458 San Pedro, Calif. - (310) 732-2080 Memphis, Tenn. - (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784 Miami - (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374 New Orleans (temporarily operating in Memphis, Tenn.) (901) 544-3941 New York - (212) 668-7492/7864/ 4970/6395 Portland, Ore. - (503) 240-9346 Oakland, Calif. - (510) 637-1124 San Juan, Puerto Rico (787) 729-2376 Seattle - (206) 220-7327 St. Louis - (314) 539-3091 Toledo, Ohio - (419) 418-6010 February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:51 AM Page 7 SIU-Crewed Lummus Supports U.S. Troops The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jack Lummus is the flag ship for the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three. The vessel, home-ported in the Guam/Saipan area of the Western Pacific, is one of MSC’s 17 container and roll-on/roll-off ships and is one of the 36 ships in the prepositioning program. The Lummus and its sister prepositioning vessels are configured to transport supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps. They were built or modified beginning in the mid1980s and are forward-deployed to the western Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Collectively, the ships contain nearly everything the Marines need for initial military operations— from tanks and ammunition to food and water and from fuel to spare parts and engine oil. Following a recent voyage, the vessel tied up in Guam. While the Lummus was in port, SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus met with crew members, discussed their concerns and conducted a union meeting. The photos which appear on this page were taken while the vessel was docked. Taking in the proceedings during the meeting are, front, left to right, ABM Steve Wilson Jr. and Chief Steward Greg Williams. In the back row are AB Pankiatou Oleg and Chief Cook Gennady Dragunov. Below: ABs Denny Manns, left, and Ray Fanning prepare to power wash the deck of the Lummus. Pumpman Dan Kresconko maintains radio contact during fueling operations. Fleet Support Command Established The U.S. Military Sealift Command reported that a “significant benchmark” in MSC’s transformation was reached Nov. 13, 2005 when Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., was officially established. MSFSC’s mission is to staff, train, equip and maintain MSC government-owned and -operated ships worldwide and to support other MSC assets as directed by MSC’s commander. Some of the functions previously performed by MSC’s area commands are being combined and transferred to MSFSC. The new command will manage the repair and maintenance processes aboard MSC’s 38 government-owned and -operated ships, including the repair and maintenance of all shipboard installed communication systems. Engineering, comptroller and contracting functions will also be executed by MSFSC. In addition, personnel administration aboard government-owned and-operated ships—for both the active duty military and the civilian mariners—is an MSFSC responsibility. MSC’s Afloat Personnel Management Center, located in Virginia Beach, Va., has been realigned under the command of MSFSC and is now the Human Resources and Manpower Directorate for the organization. MSFSC headquarters is expected to be fully staffed with about 500 employees by April 2006. SA Mac Brown prepares to launch an all out cleaning assault in the galley. ing the SIU formed a coalition to ensure that employees would have effective representation as this process continued. The unions through many discussions and legislative efforts have tried to persuade DOD that these changes and regulations would substantially harm employees. The SIU and the licensed maritime unions fought hard to convince DOD that CIVMARS are a unique group of employees and should remain exempt from the NSPS. That exemption was granted for all but “Part I”—the labor relations portion of these regulations. The regulations implementing the program severely limit collective bargaining rights for bargaining unit employees and their representatives. Despite the arguments made by NSPS staffers, the regulations provide very little protection for employees who may come up against disciplinary and other employment issues. Much of the current collective bargaining agreements will be eradicated if the regulations are implemented as DOD expects. Once DOD published the final regulations and indicated their intent to implement this program, the unions had no other choice but to file a lawsuit to try and stop the regulations. A judge was scheduled to hear an oral argument on January 24, 2006. The unions understand that a decision may be made as soon as February 15, 2006. The union will continue to provide information to CIVMARS about the NSPS. In addition, up-tothe-minute information is available on the coalition’s web site at http://www.uniteddodworkerscoalition.org/. NSPS Update Wage Update Throughout 2005, the union kept CIVMARS advised about the Department of Defense’s NSPS (national security personnel system) program. DOD introduced this program in February 2004. It was proposed to substantially change how pay, performance and labor relations issues were carried out throughout all of DOD’s agencies. Approximately 30 federal sector unions includ- Federal law requires that each year the union must provide MSC with private sector maritime wages. To do this, the union gives MSC letters containing the wages and collective bargaining agreements. MSC uses this information and other types of information to develop the wage scales that apply to CIVMARS. Generally CIVMARS receive increases in July. February 2006 Electrician Bruce Callaghan monitors the gauges in the engine room. Steward Assistants Minnie Thomas, left, and Ray Baluyot talk about their latest culinary creations. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag, left, and SA Ryan Anderson are busy baking cookies for the next meal. CIVMAR News SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus, second from right, conducts a meeting with the crew of the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Guam. In October 2005, the union provided MSFSC with the wage information for its review and action. The union has been requesting information as to when there will be an announcement regarding 2005-2006 wages. The agency representative recently stated MSFSC had met with the Department of Defense but would not release any information to the union about those discussions. As soon as the union secures an update regarding the status of CIVMAR wages it will disseminate that information. Union Files Health and Safety Grievances The union has filed two health and safety grievances on behalf of SIU East Coast CIVMARS. The first grievance was filed on behalf of CIVMARS sailing on board USNS Spica. The union received a communication advising that the ship had a severe infestation of cockroaches. The infestation was one of the worst that shipboard personnel had encountered. The insects created health hazards in the galley when they were found in the food, cooking and eating utensils. Because it remained untreated, the infestation then spread from the galley to the rest of the vessel. Some shipboard supervisors appeared unconcerned when this issue was raised by several unlicensed CIVMARS. On the same day the union learned of this problem it contacted the APMC and requested an immediate investigation and treatment of the infestation. The union was advised that environmental health personnel had boarded the vessel and done an inspection along with the report. Extermination treatments, the union was told, started immediately. The union is still waiting for a formal response to its grievance. It has an information request pending regarding the report that was produced and other questions about the amount and type of chemicals used to treat the infestation. Thanks to the efforts of the CIVMARS who reported this issue, the union took very quick action to assist in ensuring that this important health and safety issue Chief Cook Gennady Dragunov readies the main course for the lunch meal. is addressed. The CIVMARS who reported this issue to the union made it clear that they did so to protect their own health as well as that of their shipmates, and to prevent illnesses and other health concerns aboard the Spica. If CIVMARS have concerns about a specific health or safety issue aboard a vessel, do not hesitate to contact your union official or send an e-mail to civmarsupport@seafarers.org. The second health and safety grievance was filed on behalf of CIVMARS reporting to the CSU East. MSFSC uses several hotels in the area but selected as the main hotel housing CIVMARS one located at Military Circle. Along with complaints made by East Coast unlicensed CIVMARS, an inspection by SIU Government Services Representative Maurice Cokes revealed that this hotel was in a dangerous neighborhood. Many crimes have been reported in this area and the union learned that someone was robbed at the hotel. Additionally the rooms were dirty and the furniture was in bad shape. Linens were not clean, drug paraphernalia was found in a room and one CIVMAR reported seeing roaches. The union believes that this hotel provides substandard accommodation to CIVMARS. It filed this health and safety grievance and requested a report that had been produced by an environmental protection officer to evaluate the conditions. The union is now waiting for a response to its grievance. It will continue to monitor the conditions at the hotel. While normally there are not many health and safety grievances that come to the union’s attention, monitoring such issues is one of the most important services that the union can provide to its membership. Those efforts will be most successful if CIVMARS take the time to make SIU Government Services Division representatives aware of shipboard and shore-side habitability conditions. Finally, do not be afraid to make such reports. The union in most cases can keep the mariner’s name confidential while notifying the Command of a problem in working towards its resolution. Seafarers LOG 7 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 2:25 PM Page 8 2005 Great Lakes Sailing Season Comes to an End A s most of the lakers began laying up in January for the icy winter months, the Seafarers who ply these vessels on the Great Lakes were able to look back on a good year, noted SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. In addition to the busy Lakes season, the union in June welcomed new shipboard jobs when SIUcontracted American Steamship Company added a twelfth vessel—the Burns Harbor—to its fleet. The 1,000-foot self-unloading vessel primarily sails between Duluth, Minn. and Burns Harbor, Ind., carrying steel and steel byproducts. According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, which represents 12 American corporations that operate 54 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes, shipments of coal totaled 42.7 million tons in 2005, an increase of 7 percent compared to the previous year. SIU members crew many of the cargo vessels represented by the Lake Carriers’ Association, carrying the raw materials that help drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the construction industry, and coal for power generation. Furthermore, the lakers sail under the Jones Act, a law which mandates that cargoes carried from one U.S. port to another must be carried on U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.crewed vessels. The winter lay-up period will allow time for maintaining the vessels—a key factor in the long lifespan and exemplary safety record of the Great Lakes fleet. Sporting the Stars and Stripes on his hardhat is Bosun Charles Neigebauer, working on the deck of the St. Clair in Superior, Wis. Conveyorman Terry Pyrlik inspects the conveyor belt underneath the boom aboard the St. Clair in Superior, Wis. Bill McAndrews is a deckhand aboard a Great Lakes Towing tug in Buffalo, N.Y. First Mate Leo Bonser proudly displays the new soda machine recently installed aboard the dinner cruise vessel Detroit Princess, docked in downtown Detroit, Mich. From the left aboard the tug Sandusky and barge Cleveland Flats are Deckhand Clarence Brazzell, First Mate Leo J. Bonser and SIU Algonac Patrolman Ken Horner. Tim Burke is a recertified bosun, pictured working aboard the Adam E. Cornelius in Detroit, Mich. The American Spirit called on the port of Detroit on Dec. 1. Above: DEU Amin Quraish (left) observes DEU Mousa Ali being lowered in the bosun’s chair to the pier as the St. Clair prepares to dock in Superior, Wis. At right: AB Robert Mason retrieves the chair aboard the vessel. 8 Seafarers LOG Leonel Gutierrez catches up on the latest news in the Seafarers LOG while on the tug Sandusky and barge Cleveland Flats. Gutierrez is a deckhand aboard the vessel, which was docked in Detroit, Mich. February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:59 AM Page 9 More SIU Snapshots from The Great Lakes SIU Representative Don Thornton (seated) and 2nd Cook Maccine Bell review some paperwork aboard the Adam E. Cornelius in Wyandotte, Mich. Engineer Edd Carlson works aboard a Luetdke Engineering Co. vessel in Cleveland, Ohio. You can tell it’s getting near lay-up time by the frozen eye in the line. The American Spirit glides under the Ambassador Bridge on the Detroit River in early December. Paul Paton is the 2nd cook on the J.A.W. Iglehart in Toledo, Ohio. Tug/Barge Combo Transports Windmill Parts The most recent addition to the Laken Shipping Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio fleet is the tug Sandusky and its barge, the Cleveland Flats. Managed by SMT (USA), the tug and barge combo moved out of the port of Milwaukee in late September, powered by new twin diesel engines. The Cleveland Flats was loaded with tower sections for wind turbines, to be delivered to upstate New York. The tug Sandusky pushes the barge Cleveland Flats through the Welland Canal. Jamie Long is the captain of the tug Sandusky. The tug and barge combo is ready to depart the dock. Cargo is firmly secured on the deck of the Cleveland Flats. The newly re-powered tug (3,000 hp) Sandusky and its barge, the Cleveland Flats, are the most recent addition to the Laken Shipping Corp.fleet. Right: The unit passes under the Garden City Skyway Bridge in St. Catharines, Ontario. February 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 5:43 AM Page 10 Remembering a War Hero Katrina Claims Life of SIU Retiree Alberto Rocha For many who witnessed Hurricane Katrina from the comfort of their living rooms while watching the tragic events unfold on television, it was the unimaginable. For many residents of the area who lived through it, it was a nightmare. And for countless others, the flooding that took place in the Gulf Coast region marked the end of their lives. And so it was for SIU Pensioner Alberto Rocha who, at 87, lost his life in his New Orleans home during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was a somewhat ironic end for Rocha, who served on a submarine during World War II. The sub was torpedoed, and Rocha rescued at least a dozen of his fellow mariners, yet no one was there for him when he was left, presumably to drown in the flood waters of New Orleans. Born in São Paolo, Brazil in 1918, Rocha was one of 21 siblings (each one beginning with the letter “A.”) He joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York and later moved to New Orleans, where he lived with his wife, Maria. He sailed in the deck and engine departments, retiring from the union in 1973. He last sailed as an FOWT aboard Waterman Steamship Corp’s John Penn. Much of the information about Rocha in this article was given to the Seafarers LOG by Julia Ewens, a good friend who, with her husband, Ralph Ewens (a former NMU bosun), befriended Rocha and considered him their adopted grandfather for the past 21 years. Ralph and his first wife were neighbors of the Rochas in New Orleans’ 9th ward. When Ralph’s wife died suddenly at 41 years of age, he became quite distraught, Giving Thanks with Fellow Seafarers and Alberto and Maria Rocha were very kind to him and helped him through this difficult time. When Julia married Ralph in 1985, she, too, got to know the Rochas well and helped repay the kindness that they had shown her husband in his time of need. But, as Julia said to the LOG, “kindness like his can never be repaid in anything but kindness.” And so the Ewens helped the Rochas in whatever ways they could. “Alberto was very loyal,” Julia said. “His word was his bond.” Alberto Rocha retired from the SIU in 1973. He did some maintenance work for a local hospital and helped people in the neighborhood. “He could tell some of the funniest stories of things he did as a seaman,” Julia Ewens reminisced. Rocha’s wife later was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and Julia was always there to help take her to her doctors’ appointments and whatever else she could do to ease the pain. Maria died in 2000, and the Ewens continued to look after Rocha, making sure his accounts were in order and he had been to the grocery store. In February, Julia’s husband, Ralph, died as well, and Rocha insisted that it was too much for Julia to continue being his caretaker and that he should go to an old-age home. But Julia remained as loyal to Alberto Rocha as he had been to her, often driving 25-30 minutes from her home in eastern New Orleans to make sure all his affairs were in order. With Hurricane Katrina forecast to hit New Orleans in late August 2005 and an evacuation called for, Julia did not hesitate to leave, as she had done in past evacuations. Rocha, however, who had lived through Hurricane Alberto Rocha Betsy in 1965, wasn’t about to leave his home. And he did survive the hurricane, which did little damage to the area. Even when the levee finally broke and water began rising in his home, he still thought he was going to be OK, he told neighbors. Julia is still trying to adjust to the loss. She identified and claimed his body (by tattoos on his right arm and chest), and he was given a full military burial. She will mail the flag that covered his coffin to his sister Albertina in Brazil. SIU members, pensioners and their families gathered at the union hall in Houston Nov. 22 and at the hall in San Juan, P.R. Nov. 23 to share in pre-Thanksgiving festivities. Members at both halls donated their time and talents to help conduct the events, which featured traditional holiday menus. Approximately 130 people attended the feast in Houston, while an estimated 50 participated in San Juan. Photos from the respective events are shown below. HOUSTON SAN JUAN Pictured from left to right are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Father Sinclair Oubre and SIU Representative Robert Troy. Father Oubre, an active SIU member who also serves as president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, gave the blessing before the meal. Retiree Luis Roman (right) and his nephew Ezequiel Ocasio Members, officials and their families are ready for the buffet. Odalys Vallejo (wife of SIU Chief Cook Juan Vallejo), Wildalis Rivera (secretary at the San Juan hall) and Maria Crespo (wife of Port Agent Amancio Crespo) Seafarers, officials and guests QMED José Quiñones and Port Agent Amancio Crespo Retiree Ralph Moore helps set up for the dinner. 10 Seafarers LOG Chief Stewards Henry Manning and Grant Bazile, Retiree Joe Clark and Chief Steward Saundra Leonard (inset) were among those who volunteered to help ensure the gathering’s success. AB Kevin Farrell and Port Agent Amancio Crespo Seafarers and their families enjoy the feast at the San Juan hall. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 3:07 PM Page 11 Celebrating With the SIU The port of Wilmington continued its yearly tradition of visiting SIU members aboard various vessels on Christmas Day. This past Dec. 25, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox stopped off at four Crowley tugs in Long Beach: the Leader, Master, Scout and Admiral. From the left are Engineer George Cox, Capt. Rick Cavalier, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Mate Roger Stewart, Mate Dave Verschoor and Mate Chad MacAuley. It was a small but nevertheless cheerful group that celebrated the holidays at the New Orleans hall this year. And while they enjoyed in the festivities, their hearts, prayers and thoughts went out to those who were unable to join them in welcoming the new year. These photos were sent to the LOG by AB Arthur Machado. SIU VP West Coast Nicholas Marrone (left) conducts the swearing-in ceremony for Tony Marino (holding his new book) at the SIU hall in San Francisco. Looking on are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Jesse Solis Retires After 44 Years in Maritime Jesse Solis (right) enjoys his retirement party and reminiscing with the good friends he’s made over the years, like QMED David Hamilton. The wording on the cake says it all: “We will miss you Jesse!” Solis is joined by his son and two daughters. February 2006 After 44 years working in the maritime industry, Jesse Solis was treated to a couple retirement parties by his friends and fellow Seafarers. One was held at the Dispatcher Jesse Solis Wilmington union hall in September. He officially retired Nov. 1. Solis, 70, began working as a steward aboard ships like the Monterey and some of the early Delta Lines vessels as a member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards union. He came ashore in 1978 with the merger of the MC&S and the SIU, and worked behind the counter as a dispatcher for the next 28 years. With all that experience and knowledge of the workings of the union, his absence will be duly noted. “He will be greatly missed,” said Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Solis, who was born in Texas, is considering a return to the Lone Star State to enjoy his retirement years. Lots of well-wishers came to give Solis a big send-off for his well-deserved retirement. Some of the deck crew from the Pride of Aloha get together for a golf outing on the island of Kauai. From the left are AB Lonnie Evans, OS Christopher Vincenzo, AB Warren Asp (who sent this photo to the LOG) and AB Slade Matthews. SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from right) meet SIU members aboard the Horizon Reliance during a recent servicing call. From the left are Celona, Chief Electrician James McParland, Marrone and AB Rick Grubbs. The Horizon Line vessel is on a West Coast to Far East run. Seafarers LOG 11 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 4:49 AM Page 12 TAX TIPS HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. ‹ Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. ‹ Itemized deductions and tax credits. ‹ Medical and dental payment records. ‹ Real estate and personal property tax receipts. ‹ Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. ‹ Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled “Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals” is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2005 and 2006 from the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, and other tax law changes: Uniform Definition of Qualifying Child – To simplify the tax law beginning in 2005, the definition of “qualified child” changes for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elects Head of Household status, or takes the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendant of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student; or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year. Foster Child – New rules apply to determine who is a foster child and when a foster child can be used to claim certain benefits. To claim a foster child as a qualifying child for any tax benefits, the child must be placed with a taxpayer by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction. A foster child no longer qualifies a taxpayer to use qualifying widow(er) filing status. Combat Pay – Some military personnel receiving combat pay get larger tax credits because of two law changes. The new law counts excludable combat pay as income when figuring the Child Tax Credit and gives the taxpayer the option of counting or ignoring combat pay as income when figuring the Earned Income Tax Credit. Counting combat pay as income when calculating these credits does not change the exclusion of combat pay from taxable income. Sales Tax Deduction – Taxpayers who itemize deductions will have a choice of claiming a state and local tax deduction for either sales or income taxes on their 2005 return. The IRS will provide optional tables for use in determining the deduction amount, relieving taxpayers of the need to save receipts throughout the year. Sales taxes paid on motor vehicles and boats may be added to the table amount, but only up to the amount paid at the general sales tax rate. Taxpayers will check a box on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, to indicate whether their deduction is for sales or income taxes. Tuition and Fee Deduction – Individuals may be able to deduct up to $4,000 if Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is not more than $65,000 ($130,000 if married filing jointly), or deduct up to $2,000 if AGI is higher than that limit but not more than $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing jointly). The following highlights some of the most important provisions of the Hurricane Katrina Act and Gulf Opportunity Zone Act affecting individual taxpayers: In general, non-business casualty losses are deductible as itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income plus $100. However, these limitations are suspended for losses resulting from the hurricane and incurred in the disaster area. The 10 percent penalty imposed on premature withdrawals from IRA and other qualified retirement plans is waived for victims of a hurricane. Such individuals may withdraw up to $100,000 from those plans without penalty for distributions made after August 25, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. Also, the threshold limitations for loans from qualified employer plans for hurricane victims are increased to $100,000 or 100 percent of the account balance effective for loans made on or after September 23, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. The standard business mileage rate for charity work related to Hurricane Katrina is increased to 29 cents per mile during the period of August 25, 2005 through August 31, 2005, and 34 cents per mile for September 1 through December 31, 2005. Individuals who use their principal residence to provide housing free of charge to hurricane evacuees for at least 60 consecutive days may claim a $500 exemption for each evacuee (up to $2,000 total). 12 Seafarers LOG Presented on these two pages of the Seafarers LOG are han mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts for 2 name, address, phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-272-9829 or 1-729-1040 or visit web sites www.officialpayments.com or www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. line 73d is the taxpayer’s account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 73b, 73c and 73d on their Form 1040. Line 73b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 73c indicates the type of account, and Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,200 per person. In 2005, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an exemption on his or her return or qualify for a higher education credit if the child’s parents claim a dependency exemption for their child. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual’s benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2005, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax deficiencies. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Club Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2 Percent of Adjusted Gross Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee’s administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, unreimbursed employee expenses, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman’s work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union’s designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses—either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 40.5 cents per mile (48.5 cents after August 31, 2005). Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2005? CAUTION As of the writing, Congress is working on other tax law changes which may impact your 2005 income taxes. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. FOR SEA The charitable contribution deduction limitation for individuals of up to 50 percent of the contribution base is temporarily suspended for cash contributions made after August 27, 2005, and before January 1, 2006. Individuals who lived in the disaster area and were displaced as a result of the hurricane may elect to use their 2004 income instead of 2005 to calculate the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC). The new law doubles the HOPE Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit for individuals who attend an eligible educational institution in the disaster zones for any tax year beginning in 2005 or 2006. The Hope Credit for qualifying students will be $3,000, and the Lifetime Learning Credit increases to a $4,000 maximum. In addition, certain room and board expenses qualify. These credits are for both returning and new students. Tax credit for the installation of non-business energy property – Starting in 2006, a tax credit is available to individuals for the installation of non-business energy property, such as residential exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. The credit is limited to a lifetime maximum of $500. The credit breaks down as follows: $200 of the credit can be based on expenditures for windows; $50 of the credit on any advanced main air circulating fans; $150 on any qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler; and $300 of the credit on any item of energy-efficient building property. Tax credit for residential alternative energy equipment – A tax credit is available to help individuals pay for residential alternative energy equipment. The credit is 30 percent of the cost of eligible solar water heaters, solar electricity equipment and fuel cell plants placed in service in 2006 and 2007. The maximum credit is $2,000 per tax year for each category of solar equipment, and $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity of fuel cell plants installed per tax year. Clean fuel vehicle deduction – For 2005, Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to claim a $2,000 deduction for purchasing (not leasing) a qualifying new (not used) hybrid vehicle. The following vehicles qualify: Ford Escape Hybrid (2005 and 2006 model year), the Honda Accord Hybrid (2005), the Honda Civic Hybrid (2005), the Honda Insight (2005), the Lexus RX 400h (2006), the Mercury Mariner Hybrid (2006), the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2006), the Toyota Prius (2006). This deduction expires in 2005. Six-month Automatic Extensions – Beginning with 2005 returns due in 2006, individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Previously, only corporations could request an automatic six-month extension, and other taxpayers were required to file for two extensions. Also, almost all states have indicated that they are following the IRS’s lead. Standard mileage rates – The 2005 rate for business use of your vehicle is 40.5 cents a mile (48.5 cents after August 31, 2005). The 2005 rate for use of your vehicle for medical care or to move is 15 cents a mile (22 cents a mile after August 31, 2005). Donations of Automobiles – Starting in 2005, there is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. Exemption – The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,100 in 2004 to $3,200 in 2005. You lose all or part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the phaseout begins depends on your filing status. For 2005, the phaseout begins at: „ $218,950 for married people filing jointly and qualifying widow(er) with dependent children, „ $182,450 for a head of household, „ $145,950 for single taxpayers, and „ $109,475 for married persons filing separately. The exemption phaseout threshold for 2006 and 2007 is reduced by one-third, and for tax years beginning in 2008 and 2009 by two-thirds. For the tax years beginning after 2009, the exemption phaseout is repealed completely. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS This is the standard ded there are additional sta $1,250 for an unmarried Filing Status Single. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Married filing joint retu with dependent childr Married filing separate Head of household . . . The IRS recommends ke diary listing all expense Only work-related expen by an employer can be c Deducting Work-Rela Traveling: Workers in allowed a special rate on of $41 per day in the co $46 per day outside th Otherwise the IRS standa is generally $31. In some and in Hawaii and Alaska ferently. Travel expense can only be deducted if one’s work and if they h bursed from any other so There has been a tax cou Comm. 115 TC210[200 chant seaman was denie for the full M & IE rate that in situations where at no cost, the incidental able as an itemized dedu $3 (in the continental U ing from $1 to $53 in oth these rates, to the extent a higher deduction amou Limit on Itemized Ded itemized deductions may viduals earning more tha eral adjusted gross inco married and filing separa Earned Income Cred earned income credit (E certain individuals who h and meet certain adjus thresholds. For tax year 2 does not have to have a be eligible for this cred tions are met. Different and phase-out percenta based on the taxpayer’s the number of qualifyin if any. The maximum c follows: Taxpayers with $11,450 and no qualifyi maximum credit; taxpa less than $30,338 and child—$2,604 maximum with income less than $3 more qualifying childr mum credit. If the ear reduces the income tax li a refund will be gran Taxpayers should use fo EIC to see if they are eli Dependent’s Social S Each dependent must hav number (SSN). Individua for their dependent by with their local Social istration office or calling at 1-800-772-1213. It u two weeks to receive an General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may answer questions 24 ho Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 instructions and publica Walk-In Help: IRS representatives country to help with tax q telephone. To find the lo book under “United Stat Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared agency’s taxpayer info aspects of tax-filing can The federal Tele-Tax ing about 150 topics. February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:53 AM Page 13 AFARERS e handy tax tips—some of which are intended specifically for for 2005 as well as where to get additional information. STANDARD DEDUCTION d deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, al standard deductions ($1,000 for a married person or “spouse” or married person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard Deduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 nt return or qualifying widow(er) children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 arate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,300 ds keeping a log book or penses related to travel. expenses not reimbursed n be claimed. Related Meals When rs in transportation are te on the meal allowance the continental U.S. and de the continental U.S. standard meal allowance some locations it is $42, Alaska it is computed difpenses, including meals, ted if directly related to hey have not been reimher source. ax court case (Johnson v. 0[2000]) where a merdenied a full deduction E rates. The court ruled here meals are provided ental expense rate allowd deduction is limited to tal U.S.) and rates rangin other areas. In lieu of extent you have receipts, amount may be allowed. d Deductions: In 2005, s may be limited for indire than $145,950 of fedincome (or $72,975 if separately). Credit: A refundable dit (EIC) is available to who have earned income adjusted gross income year 2005, an individual ave a qualifying child to credit if certain condiferent credit percentages rcentages are provided ayer’s income level and lifying children eligible, um credit allowed is as with income less than alifying children—$390 taxpayers with income and with 1 qualifying ximum credit; taxpayers an $34,450 and with 2 or children—$4,300 maxie earned income credit tax liability below zero, granted by the IRS. use form 1040, schedule re eligible for the credit. ial Security Number: st have a Social Security ividuals may get an SSN nt by filing Form SS-5 Social Security Adminalling the Administration . It usually takes about ve an SSN. Child Child Credit: In 2005, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the “HOPE” credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 2005, taxpayers can take the “Lifetime Learning Credit,” that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student’s expenses. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phaseout of the credits begins for single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $43,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $53,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $87,000 to $107,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2005, the Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: ‹ Education IRAs – Taxpayers can contribute up to $2,000 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary’s postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit is claimed. ‹ Traditional IRAs – The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2005 was increased to $4,000. If taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2006, the most that can be contributed will be $4,500. Modified TAX TIPS Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phaseout range increased to $50,000-$60,000 for single, head of household, and $70,000$80,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2005 are excluded from modified AGI. ‹ Roth IRAs – The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $4,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. ‹ Penalty-Free IRA Distributions – The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check or money order. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2005, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A WHERE TO GET INFORMATION ion: 0 may be called for general information. IRS staff 24 hours a day. 9-3676 to order current and prior year forms, ublications. tives are available in many IRS offices around the h tax questions that cannot be answered easily by the location of an IRS office, look in the phone d States Government, Internal Revenue Service.” pared to answer questions by phone. Through the r information service, publications covering all g can be ordered. e-Tax system has recorded tax information coveropics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated February 2006 Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2005 refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by e-mail. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: ‹ Jones Act settlements for lost wages. ‹ Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. ‹ Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. ‹ Canceled debts ‹ State income tax refunds ‹ Rents ‹ Repayments ‹ Royalties ‹ Unemployment benefits ‹ Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. ‹ Endowments. ‹ Original Issue Discount. ‹ Distributions from self-employed plans. ‹ Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). ‹ Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. ‹ Lump-sum distributions. ‹ Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). ‹ Accumulation distributions from trusts. ‹ Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). ‹ Earned income from sources outside the United States. ‹ Director’s fees. ‹ Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. ‹ Embezzled or other illegal income. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: ‹ Benefits from government welfare programs. ‹ Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. ‹ Maintenance and Cure. ‹ Workers’ compensation benefits, insur- OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ Administration. Child support. Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death. Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 17, 2006, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayer(s) have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)) and the Refund amount (It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return). WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that “no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year—was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Seafarers LOG 13 �2006-February.qxp 1/30/2006 1:58 AM Page 14 Seafarers Win ‘Food in a Bowl’ Cook-off Three prizes were awarded to chief stewards at the first annual cook-off for ships stationed in Diego Garcia, and all three were won by members of the SIU! The Seaman’s Club in Diego Garcia played host to the event, which was sponsored by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Diego Garcia and Capt. Tuck Hord, USN, Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Squadron. The purpose of the cook-off was twofold. First, it was a chance to get mariners together for an enjoyable event; second, it served to introduce the new Food Service Officer for Naval Support Facility (NAF) Diego Garcia, Chief Warrant Officer Arnie Limon, to the ships’ masters and stewards, who are his primary customers. The rules of participation for this event were that the recipe had to be (1) original, (2) eaten out of a bowl and (3) of a semiliquid consistency (e.g., chili, gumbo)—hence the term “Food in a Bowl.” Only one entry per ship was permitted, and enough of the recipe had to be prepared to feed 10 to 12 people. Yeoman First Class Linda Varnell at the Military Sealift Command Office spearheaded the event, going the extra mile to ensure that the first “Food in a Bowl” was a top-notch affair. The enviable job of judging was left to CWO Limon along with Left: Chili peppers marinate in a garlic dip from Chief Steward Leo Dela Cruz. Below: The cook-off taste-testing gets under way. the NSF stock control officer, Ensign Scott Schwemin, and Culinary Specialist Third Class Matthew Melius. They had an extremely difficult task, but with years of eating experience, they were able to narrow the field to three. The “Best in Show and Presentation” award went to Leo Dela Cruz, chief steward aboard the SIU-crewed William H. Pitsenbarger. His “Hawaiian Seafood Creole” (a combination of shrimp, scallops, oysters and lobster) was accompanied by some incredibly intricate food decorations. USNS Pomeroy Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes received the “Best Taste” award for his “Slammin’ Jammin’ Clammin’ Chowder,” and Chief Steward Tony E. Spain of the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips took home the envied prize of “Hottest” with his “Voodoo Stew,” which was made with 16 chili peppers! Robert Greenwood, steward on the USNS Soderman, noted that the “Food in a Bowl” contest was enjoyed by everyone. He said he solicited his ship’s chief engineer, John Fleming, to enter his famous chicken gumbo in the competition. “Even though we did not walk away with a plaque,” Greenwood noted, “we were pleased that the gumbo was the only dish to be completely eaten up. So we know it was outstanding.” The galley gang from the Soderman also provided fresh chocolate chip cookies to “keep the energy flowing.” The “Food in a Bowl” event was a huge success with stuffed bellies and good camaraderie all around, stated Executive Officer Union Industries Show Comes to Cleveland For the first time in more than 50 years, the Union Industries Show will be held in Cleveland May 5-7. The show, now promoted under the name “America@Work,” and followed by the tag-line “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs,” will continue as it has for nearly 70 years in educating the public abut America’s best products and services, created by the best workers in the world—the men and women of organized labor. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers union regularly participate in the show, and this year will be no exception. Cleveland’s I-X Center will be the venue for the 2006 event. It has the advantage of being conveniently located near several large highways connecting dozens of towns and cities, like Columbus, Akron, Canton and Toledo. The America@Work show attracts between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors each and every year. While the crowds are pretty evenly divided between union members and people who do not belong to a union, many of the attendees are “conscientious consumers,” those looking to purchase products and services made by employers who care about people and the community and who provide good jobs. It also attracts an audience of all ages—high school and college students as well as young workers seeking information about employers and career opportunities, as well as more established men and women looking at the exhibits for quality appliances, automobiles, boats and luxury goods. Many of the hands-on exhibits display skills and craft work in construction, transportation, high-tech, electronics, engineering and white-collar occupations. Live music, fashion shows, frequent raffles and product giveaways are always very popular attention-getters. 14 Seafarers LOG As always, admission to the show is free. This year the hours will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. “Cleveland could be our biggest show ever,” said Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer. “We are excited to be working closely with the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of Labor and all the individual unions across Ohio. This region is full of fine unionized companies with great products and services, and the public is going to learn a great deal about them. The public will also learn a lot about the Alliance for Retired Americans, Working America and the important political and organizing work that our unions are doing. That, too, is a very exciting ad promising development,” Mercer concluded. Frequent raffles, like this one held at the SIU/UIW booth during the 2004 show in St. Louis, attract an audience of all ages. Awards are presented to Chief Stewards (from left) Tony Spain (hottest), Javier Delosreyes (best tasting) and Leo Dela Cruz (best presentation). Standing in back is Capt. Tuck Hord, commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, who helped sponsor the event. Ben Metcalf of the MSC. A big vote of thanks went to all the participants who put a lot of hard work into some excellent dishes. Thanks also to Capt. Michael Finnigan, master on the USNS Pomeroy, for providing the Seafarers LOG with the photos accompanying this article. Yeoman First Class Linda Varnell (right) looks over the shoulder of Chief Steward Leo Dela Cruz holding his beautiful centerpiece of roses and tulips, sculpted entirely from fresh vegetables. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. February 2006 �34103p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 10:43 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March & April 2006 Membership Meetings DECEMBER 16, 2005 — JANUARY 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 2 0 8 10 2 9 32 29 1 8 8 29 9 5 0 8 19 1 38 25 3 7 9 14 4 9 25 28 2 5 6 16 26 5 21 12 7 7 28 26 4 1 3 3 1 1 15 6 3 3 4 16 5 2 0 0 5 1 11 8 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 3 7 1 7 29 19 0 6 8 19 10 2 0 6 16 0 17 21 243 260 92 171 1 0 3 2 1 5 17 15 0 6 7 7 6 4 3 4 10 0 10 10 0 1 3 6 1 5 9 13 1 4 10 6 13 0 0 2 8 3 12 11 1 0 0 5 0 1 9 7 0 1 1 8 7 1 1 0 2 2 4 7 0 0 3 1 1 3 11 9 0 5 4 6 11 0 1 1 6 0 10 4 111 108 57 0 0 3 2 0 10 21 16 0 5 10 18 8 3 1 1 22 1 16 28 1 0 4 6 1 4 6 6 1 3 1 5 5 0 2 1 4 1 4 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 6 0 0 2 2 4 0 0 0 1 2 2 3 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 4 6 11 4 9 20 12 1 5 8 11 19 3 12 7 7 6 16 11 175 0 1 1 2 3 0 15 5 0 0 3 9 3 0 1 1 3 0 10 9 66 0 0 3 7 0 8 21 10 0 4 4 11 8 3 1 5 6 2 17 13 123 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 76 0 0 1 4 2 2 4 14 2 3 5 7 8 0 1 3 5 4 15 10 90 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 7 0 0 1 8 9 0 1 0 0 3 2 5 47 0 0 2 0 1 0 5 10 0 3 1 7 7 0 1 1 7 1 6 2 54 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 6 0 9 7 8 0 4 3 10 6 2 1 2 10 0 9 20 165 59 28 100 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 4 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 2 3 0 5 1 0 3 3 7 0 6 20 12 0 10 3 32 7 0 8 1 6 0 14 6 1 8 1 7 1 9 17 22 0 0 6 25 13 0 16 0 7 3 15 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 3 2 0 6 7 0 3 3 6 8 1 0 2 2 1 4 4 56 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 1 3 1 4 8 8 0 4 1 11 5 0 15 0 6 0 9 6 1 1 1 6 1 6 11 9 0 0 3 7 11 0 19 0 5 1 13 5 0 0 1 5 1 5 5 8 0 3 2 7 3 1 0 1 7 0 6 10 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 0 9 14 1 13 62 47 1 26 23 72 24 8 0 18 35 2 59 46 5 9 10 23 4 14 41 42 2 16 13 37 26 5 13 13 12 7 50 47 5 4 2 9 1 4 34 13 5 4 12 22 11 2 0 0 8 3 17 13 465 389 169 1 0 9 8 1 12 28 29 0 12 13 27 4 7 4 7 14 2 16 14 1 4 8 13 1 6 13 23 0 7 11 15 18 6 0 2 11 1 20 22 2 1 1 8 1 4 13 14 0 3 1 12 9 1 0 0 6 0 6 15 208 182 97 0 0 6 5 0 17 33 32 1 14 15 40 14 2 6 2 39 1 29 45 1 0 2 12 0 13 8 9 1 3 6 9 12 1 3 0 6 0 14 14 0 0 1 2 1 1 5 5 1 2 4 7 7 0 0 0 1 2 8 4 65 301 114 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 10 4 0 1 4 13 0 0 0 2 9 0 11 1 1 3 3 15 1 12 33 24 0 13 7 60 11 0 9 6 14 0 28 12 6 9 4 10 2 16 30 34 0 1 9 57 22 1 12 0 14 4 26 18 26 148 162 11 86 100 0 62 252 275 545 575 339 358 407 228 242 1,036 937 592 Piney Point .............Monday: March 6, April 3 Algonac ..................Friday: March 10, April 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Boston.....................Friday: March 10, April 7 Guam ......................Thursday: March 23, April 20 Honolulu .................Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston ..................Monday: March 13, April 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 9, April 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: March 16, April 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: March 14, April 11 New York................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: March 8, April 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan..................Thursday: March 9, April 6 St. Louis..................Friday: March 17, April 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 24, April 21 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 20, April 17 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SHIPMATES OF MARTIN E. HURLSTONE NMU retiree Martin E. Hurlstone recently sent a note to the LOG saying he would like to hear from old shipmates. Brother Hurlstone celebrated his 90th birthday last October and reports that he is in good health. He sailed in the steward department during World War II and then joined the NMU in 1946. He retired in 1981. He may be reached at 1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, SC 29646. More SDRF Contributors The last few editions of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals: David Barber James High *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. February 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �34103p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 10:41 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report DECEMBER 16, 2005 — JANUARY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 10 13 6 2 12 1 0 1 45 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 6 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 1 16 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 8 6 1 5 0 0 1 24 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 1 2 5 0 5 0 3 1 17 0 7 5 0 8 0 1 0 21 15 37 6 14 42 1 1 4 120 9 10 0 3 12 0 1 2 37 1 2 0 7 1 0 1 0 12 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 6 6 15 6 3 16 0 0 4 50 1 3 3 7 9 0 1 0 24 1 2 3 7 0 0 0 0 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 1 10 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 3 1 1 0 1 1 9 Port 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 1 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 3 2 1 3 1 0 0 12 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 6 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 6 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 6 6 13 5 4 16 1 0 2 47 3 2 2 1 14 1 0 0 23 0 1 3 5 0 1 0 0 10 Totals All Departments 67 13 31 33 10 30 33 217 84 35 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William McAlpine of Braintree, Mass. On the right is a photo of the Katrina Luckenbach, taken Oct. 1, 1938 at Commonwealth Pier in South Boston, along with Brother McAlpine’s certificates of discharge from the vessel in 1944. Below is the Liberty ship James Otis. AB McAlpine was aboard the vessel in 1944 when it carried two sea-going tugs to England. Fortunately, he was not on it when it ran aground in Devon, England in February 1945. PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 11:32 AM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA DOMINICO DACUA, 66, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1989 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dacua was born in the Philippines. He first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Dacua worked in the steward department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the R.J. Pfeiffer. Brother Dacua calls Kapole, Hawaii home. WILLIAM MARINO, 65, became an SIU member in 1965. Brother Marino first sailed aboard the Yorkmar in the engine department. The Mississippi native upgraded his seafaring skills in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Marino’s most recent journey was on the USNS Altair. He is a resident of River Ridge, La. he sailed on the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Orlando lives in Virginia Beach, Va. TRINIDAD SANCHEZ, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Sanchez first worked aboard Alcoa Steamship Company vessels. The Puerto Rico-born mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Sanchez’s most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Fisher. He attended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center in 1996, 2000 and again in 2001. Brother Sanchez makes his home in Carolina, P.R. HENRY SCOTT, 58, joined the SIU in 1968 in New Orleans. Brother Scott first sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. He was born in Louisiana and shipped in the deck department. Brother Scott last worked aboard the John A. Chapman. He settled in Grambling, La. LOUIS McBRIDE, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother McBride first shipped aboard the Amerigo. In 1990, he completed his steward recertification training at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McBride was born in Louisiana. His last ship was the Patriot. Brother McBride resides in Ringgold, La. THOMAS STEPHENS, 65, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Stephens first sailed on the East Point Victory as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on a number of occasions. His last ship was the Cape Knox. Brother Stephens was born in Wisconsin and currently resides in Metairie, La. RODOLFO ORLANDO, 67, began his seafaring career in 1987 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Orlando’s first voyage was on the USNS Stalwart. He attended the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on three occasions to upgrade his skills. Brother Orlando hails from the Philippines. Prior to retiring, JONATHAN STRINGER III, 64, hails from Port Arthur, Texas. Brother Stringer began shipping with the Seafarers in 1968. He upgraded his skills To submit articles, poems, photographs or letters to the editor, please send them to: Seafarers LOG 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 February 2006 often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Stringer first sailed aboard the Minot Victory. He worked in the deck department, last shipping on the Liberty Grove. Brother Stringer is a resident of Dickinson, Texas. GREAT LAKES RAY BLAHNIK, 65, became an SIU member in 1962, sailing aboard the Michigan Interstate Railway-operated Ann Arbor. Brother Blahnik, who was born in Michigan, worked as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 1999 and 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Blahnik’s most recent voyage was aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. He lives in his native state. CHARLES DeVLIEGER, 53, was born in Detroit, Mich. Brother DeVlieger joined the SIU in 1970. In 1978, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother DeVlieger last sailed on the J.A.W. Iglehart. He calls Cheboygan, Mich. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. IGNACIO BLANCO, 67, began his career with the NMU in 1967, initially sailing from New Jersey. Brother Blanco was born in Honduras. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Chesapeake Bay. LEONARD JOHNSON, 65, became an NMU member in 1961. Born in Alabama, Brother Johnson joined the union in Mobile. His first vessel was the Tillamook. Brother Johnson shipped as a member of the engine department, last sailing aboard the Navigator. ANGEL MINDEZ, 64, started his NMU profession in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Mindez originally worked on the Texaco Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 The SIU Tampa port agent ran into a rough one when he, along with the crew of the West Kyska, took some beefs to the local inspector and the U.S. shipping commissioner. Instead of acting on the beefs, they told the men to swear out affidavits, with the commissioner warning them that the beefs better be correct or else they would lose their certificates. “In the face of all this opposition from men who are supposed to represent all the people of the United States, and not a few, we decided to try and get some satisfaction from you,” the agent wrote in a letter to the Commerce Department. Among the beefs listed were: badly equipped slop chest, little heat in the foc’sles, bad drinking water, foc’sles awash in heavy weather, plus a steering engine which throws oil, making it dangerous to oil and clean up when the ship was underway. Mississippi in the engine department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner’s final voyage was aboard the Texaco California. JOHN VANASE, 66, first donned the NMU colors in 1959 in the port of New York. Brother Vanase’s first ship was the Constitution. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Vanase last sailed aboard the African Neptune. GILBERT VASQUEZ, 60, was born in San Pedro, Calif. Brother Vasquez began shipping with the NMU in 1978. The steward department member’s first ship was the Export Buyer; his last was the Cape Horn. PABLO ZALDIVAR, 65, joined the NMU ranks in 1968. Brother Zaldivar is a native of Honduras. He most recently sailed aboard the Golden Gate. 1951 Plans formulated several weeks ago for establishment of a steward department upgrading school in the SIU’s new headquarters New York-branch building are rapidly taking shape. According to Frenchy Michelet, chairman of the committee of steward department personnel, which met recently to discuss means of utilizing the building’s modern galley facilities to increase departmental efficiency and to train new men for shipboard duties, “real progress is being made. The upgrading school will be ready to function when our new building is completed this spring.” The committee chairman said that efforts are being concentrated on achieving a uniform system of steward department operation on all SIU-contracted ships. This Month In SIU History 1941 In an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board on the ships owned and operated by Robin Line (Seas Shipping Company), the SIU was the winner by an overwhelming majority. Of 210 men who were eligible to vote, 201 actually voted, with 199 voting in favor of the SIU. There was one crew member who voted against the union and one whose ballot was declared void. 1961 The newest SIU-manned supertanker to enter service is the Mt. Vernon Victory, currently finishing up its maiden run to the West Indies and Hawaii. The vessel has many features which meet the fancy of the crew, but at the top of the list is air-conditioning—in foc’sles especially. Then there’s a modest sized swimming pool aft near the stack; a large mess hall lounge and plenty of space in each room which is shared by two men who sleep in officer-style bunks. Seafarers LOG 17 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 11:52 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA KEYNON BRAGG SR. Brother Keynon Bragg Sr., 58, passed away Aug. 16. He joined the union in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Bragg was a member of the steward department. He first sailed aboard a States Steamship Company vessel; his most recent voyage was aboard the Thailand. Brother Bragg, who was born in Arkansas, called Wilmington, Calif. home. PHILLIP DESETT Pensioner Phillip Desett, 62, died Aug. 11. Brother Desett became a Seafarer in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member was born in Ohio. Brother Desett first shipped on the Santa Maria. Before retiring in 2004, he worked aboard a Matson Navigation Company vessel. Brother Desett lived in Pahrump, Nev. INLAND was a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. Boatman Peterson called Valdosta, Ga. home. GREAT LAKES CLINTON BROWN Pensioner Clinton Brown, 83, passed away Aug. 15. Brother Brown was born in Arcadia, Mich. He joined the union in 1954. Brother Brown sailed aboard Michigan Interstate Railway vessels, primarily aboard the Ann Arbor. The deck department member made his home in Traverse City, Mich. Brother Brown started receiving his retirement compensation in 1987. CHARLES GROUT Brother Charles Grout, 32, died Aug. 11. He began sailing as an SIU member in 2004. Brother Grout worked aboard Luedtke Engineering vessels. He was a native of Owosso, Mich. Brother Grout shipped in the deck department and resided in Lansing, Mich. GRAHAM EASON Pensioner Graham Eason, 82, died Aug. 7. Boatman Eason began his seafaring career in 1960. He first shipped aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Company vessel. Boatman Eason was born in New Hanover, N.C. He last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. Boatman Eason began receiving his pension in 1985. He was a resident of Wilmington, N.C. WALTER HANN Boatman Walter Hann, 61, passed away July 30. He joined the union in 1990. Boatman Hann worked primarily aboard Crowley Liner Service vessels. He was born in Fallsington, Pa. and resided in Newton, Pa. MICHAEL KISLAN Pensioner Michael Kislan, 76, died July 12. Boatman Kislan joined the SIU in 1975 in the port of Philadelphia. He first sailed on a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. Boatman Kislan, who was born in Pennsylvania, worked as a member of the deck department. His last trip to sea was on a Moran Towing Company vessel. Boatman Kislan retired in 1990 and lived in Philadelphia. RANDY PETERSON Boatman Randy Peterson, 53, passed away July 12. He became an SIU member in 1979 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Peterson was born in Washington state and worked in the deck department. His first ship was the Del Rio; his last 18 Seafarers LOG ALFRED MARSH EDWIN THOMAS Pensioner Ambrosio Castro, 73, passed away June 28. Brother Castro became an NMU member in 1954. He first sailed out of New Orleans aboard a vessel operated by Gatun Standard Fruit Company as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1988, Brother Castro sailed aboard the Export Patriot. Pensioner Alfred Marsh, 74, passed away July 28. Brother Marsh joined the NMU ranks in 1957, first shipping on the Gulf Maid as a member of the steward department. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he last sailed aboard the Galveston Bay. Brother Marsh retired in 1988. Pensioner Edwin Thomas, 82, died Aug. 12. Born in South Carolina, Brother Thomas launched his NMU career in 1942, first sailing from Charleston. He was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Marine Dow-Chemical. In 1967, Brother Thomas started collecting his pension. WESLEY CHEVANNES Pensioner Wesley Chevannes, 87, died Aug. 16. Brother Chevannes embarked on his seafaring career in 1944, first sailing aboard the Cherry Valley. Born in Panama, he last worked on the Independence. Brother Chevannes began receiving his retirement pay in 1969. JOSEPH De SILVA LOWELL APPLEWHITE Pensioner Lowell Applewhite, 78, passed away Aug. 24. Boatman Applewhite was a native of Sacul, Texas. He started sailing with the SIU in 1968, working primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He retired in 1991 and made his home in Galveston, Texas. AMBROSIO CASTRO RAILROAD MARINE HOWARD HUDGINS Pensioner Howard Hudgins, 76, died July 5. Brother Hudgins joined the SIU in 1965 in Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Army veteran first worked with Pennsylvania Railroad in the port of Norfolk. Brother Hudgins, who was born in Virginia, last sailed on a Penn Central Transportation vessel. In 1988, Brother Hudgins went on pension. He resided in Mathews, Va. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. RODRIGO ALMONTE Pensioner Rodrigo Almonte, 86, passed away Aug. 14. Brother Almonte joined the NMU in 1942, first shipping from Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Senator Bailey. Brother Almonte worked in both the deck and engine departments during his seafaring career. His most recent voyage was aboard the Joseph Lykes. Brother Almonte was born in Mexico. He retired in 1984. DANIEL ARMSTRONG Pensioner Daniel Armstrong, 79, died July 17. Brother Armstrong began sailing with the union in 1952 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first trip was on the Enid Victory. Brother Armstrong shipped as a member of the engine department. The Alabama-born mariner last worked aboard the Bennington. Brother Armstrong went on pension in 1988. Pensioner Joseph De Silva, 83, passed away Aug. 21. Brother De Silva first donned the NMU colors in 1942. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department. Brother De Silva’s first ship was the Jamaica; his last was the Velma Lykes. He went on pension in 1980. RILEY FREEMAN JR. Pensioner Riley Freeman Jr., 75, died Aug. 4. Brother Freeman joined the union in 1946, first sailing on the Gulf of Venezuela. Brother Freeman was a member of the steward department. Born in Marksville, La., he last worked aboard the Gerig. Brother Freeman began collecting his retirement pay in 1971. ROBERT HASELDEN Pensioner Robert Haselden, 77, passed away Aug. 25. Born in Shulerville, S.C., Brother Haselden launched his NMU career in the port of Charleston. He first sailed aboard the Export Defender. Brother Haselden became a pensioner in 1993 after sailing aboard the American Spitfire. SINCLAIR KEITH Pensioner Sinclair Keith, 80, died Sept. 13. Brother Keith became an NMU member in 1945, first sailing from Savannah, Ga. on the Ormondale. Brother Keith was a member of the steward department. He last shipped aboard the David D. Irwin. In 1986, Brother Keith started receiving his retirement stipends. SEGISMUNDO MEJIA Pensioner Segismundo Mejia, 83, died July 25. Brother Mejia began his employment with the NMU in 1943, sailing first from the port of San Francisco. Born in Honduras, Brother Mejia initially shipped on the Vernon L. Parrington. Prior to retiring in 1985, he worked aboard the Dolly Truman. ANTONIO MENENDEZ Pensioner Antonio Menendez, 80, passed away July 20. Brother Menendez was born in Florida. He joined the NMU in 1946, first shipping out of Tampa, Fla. The steward department member retired in 1972. PRIMITIVO ORTIZ Pensioner Primitivo Ortiz, 80, died Aug. 14. Brother Ortiz began sailing with the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner last went to sea on the Allison Lykes. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 1991. RUFEL RAMOS Pensioner Rufel Ramos, 83, passed away Aug. 20. Brother Ramos joined the NMU in 1948. His first ship was the Ernie Pyle. Brother Ramos, who worked in the steward department, was a native of Puerto Rico. His final voyage was on the United States. Brother Ramos began receiving his retirement pay in 1969. MICHAEL STAMOU Pensioner Michael Stamou, 78, died Aug. 2. Brother Stamou began his seafaring career in 1951, first sailing from the port of Philadelphia aboard the Simon Benson. Brother Stamou was born in Greece. He retired in 1973. ROLAND STRAIGHT Pensioner Roland Straight, 85, passed away June 20. Brother Straight was a native of Bend, Ore. and joined the union in 1946 in Portland. Brother Straight initially shipped on the Marine Robin as a member of the engine department. He went on pension in 1991. ELIGIO TORRES Pensioner Eligio Torres, 83, passed away Aug. 13. Brother Torres began sailing with the NMU in 1945 in San Pedro, Calif. His first vessel was the Appomattox. Brother Torres was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the engine department. His last trip to sea was on the Santa Ines. Brother Torres became a pensioner in 1964. DICK YIN-TING Pensioner Dick Yin-Ting, 84, died Aug. 5. Brother YinTing was born in China. He joined the NMU in 1964. Brother YinTing worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1984, he sailed aboard the Export Champion. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE DOD Alfonzo, Hector Berger, August Burnbage, Robert Butler, Frank Campos, Louis Daire, John Deane, Margaret DiMambro, Roger Fujon, Arthur Inscoe, Robert Ivery, James Jang, Cheng Kleinen, Martin Larsen, Carl Madrid, Carlos McGuire, Allen Pagan, Rafael Parker, Edward Pickett, Edward Quinones, Victor Ramos, Lester Rivera, Wilfred Ruiz, Hector Samet, Abbas Scotlas, Adam Scott, Eddie Showell, Velton Shun, Ho Solano, Emilio Stepien, Felix Tarvin, Eddie Tirado, Lorenzo Valencia, Jorge Welch, Orrie Yamamoto, Harry 88 79 79 74 75 79 87 63 92 85 64 88 90 75 94 86 86 81 81 80 88 77 90 90 83 74 93 102 69 102 85 91 87 76 76 Oct. 3 Oct. 2 Oct. 4 Sept. 1 Sept.10 Sept. 30 Sept. 26 Oct. 1 Aug. 31 Aug. 27 Aug. 24 Oct. 3 Sept. 10 Oct. 1 May 9 Oct. 3 Aug. 28 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Sept. 17 May 9 Sept. 17 Sept. 1 July 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 1 Oct. 11 Aug. 30 Oct. 13 May 3 Oct. 25 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 2 Oct. 22 February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:12 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 31—Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Stephen J. Bradfute, Engine Delegate Nelson Powers. Chairman reported smooth trip and reminded crew members to allow at least six months when renewing MMDs. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding rotary shipping. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. CPL. LOUIS J. HAUGE JR. (Maersk Line Limited), Dec 7— Chairman Wayne K. Green, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director David Castro, Deck Delegate Allen A. Cole, Engine Delegate Andrzej Furmanowski, Steward Delegate Richard Jefferson. Chairman reported no injuries, lost time or safety issues during voyage. He also noted availability of personal protective equipment. Educational director encouraged seafarers to attend upgrading classes at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Captain handling ship’s fund; chairman to find out amount of money in fund. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed overtime noted. Crew thanked Port Agent Jeff Turkus for keeping them informed on union matters. Members requested e-mail access and new mattresses. Next port: Guam. DENALI (Alaska Tanker), Dec. 11 —Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Sean O'Malley, Educational Director John C. Henry, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy, Engine Delegate Corey P. Hann, Steward Delegate Dennis D. Skretta. Chairman discussed importance of SPAD. Crew members were asked to keep volume down on radios, TVs, cell phones and alarm clocks, especially while others are trying to sleep. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding wages for next contract and replacement of air filters aboard ship. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent Thanksgiving meal. Next port: Port Angeles, Wash. FLORIDA (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 17—Chairman Barry M. Carrano, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Educational Director David Vega, Engine Delegate Robert Davis, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 24 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary thanked crew for helping maintain ship cleanliness and encouraged them to keep up good work. Educational director advised everyone to enhance seafaring skills at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship), Dec. 11—Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Allan D. Bright, Engine Delegate Clyde McArn, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman February 2006 thanked crew for good trip. He asked those departing vessel to clean rooms and turn in keys and security badges. Educational director encouraged members to watch safety films and report any items in need of repair to department head. He also urged mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed communication received from headquarters regarding furniture and contract. Vote of thanks given to chief cook for great meals. Next ports: Vancouver; Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif.; Japan. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Dec. 4—Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Engine Delegate Curtis Barnett, Steward Delegate Jessy Sunga. Chairman announced Dec. 8 payoff in Oakland, Calif. He thanked crew for smooth trip. Secretary reported that recent ship audit in Honolulu went well. He reminded everyone to check documents’ expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Dec. 13—Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Gary Lofton. Chairman announced ship to arrive Dec. 15 in Tacoma, Wash. for payoff, followed by blanket relief for entire crew the following day. He mentioned that Tacoma hall was collecting Christmas toys for needy children. He also advised crew to pay dues on time and recommended they contribute to SPAD. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. Satellite radio system is in the process of being upgraded. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns raised about Tacoma clinic and costs of testing. Suggestions made pertaining to Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, especially when medical treatment is needed overseas. Crew expressed gratitude to chief steward and entire steward department for great job. One minute of silence observed in memory of departed brothers and sisters. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 3—Chairman Donald G. Rezendes, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director James T. McParland. Chairman thanked crew members for accident-free voyage and instructed them on process of written resolutions and motions. Crew observed moment of silence in memory of late SIU Executive VP John Fay. Secretary reported payoff to take place Dec. 10 in Tacoma, Wash. Vessel to then sail for Singpore, arriving Jan. 3 for shipyard period. Reliefs can finish tours after that time. Educational director reminded Seafarers not to let documents expire as they would have to retest. Treasurer stated $903.98 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on changes to medical benefits. Suggestions made regarding pension and vacation plans as well as work on bridge rule. Members requested that mattresses be changed every three years. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 18—Chairman Salvadore J. Lagare, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Joemar P. Abagat, Engine Delegate Erik W. Nappier, Steward Delegate Fernando C. Onativia. Chairman urged members to read Seafarers LOG to stay current on union information. He announced ship scheduled to arrive in Oakland, Calif. Dec. 25 and sail for Los Angeles two days later. Educational director reminded mariners to allow plenty of time when renewing documents with Coast Guard. Treasurer stated $1,200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding shipping rules and increase in pension and medical benefits. Crew requested new washing machines. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and good salad bar. Vote of thanks also given to everyone for helping keep ship clean. Crew wished all members at sea and ashore a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. After stops in Oakland and Los Angeles, ship heading to Yokohama and Kobe, Japan. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 17—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Rex E. Bolin, Deck Delegate Othman A. Saleh, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navarro. Chairman wished happy holidays to all SIU members and encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and update necessary shipping documents before they expire. He reported good voyage. Secretary asked departing crew to clean rooms and change linen for next person. He thanked SA Fadel Mohamed for job well done. Educational director suggested crew members write their congressional representatives asking their support for maritime issues. Treasurer stated $230 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited) , Dec. 4—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Howard G. Blanks Jr. Chairman thanked crew for safe, smooth trip. He asked everyone departing vessel to clean rooms and turn in keys. Secretary reported stores for 60-day voyage were ordered and will be loaded in Norfolk, Va. He thanked all departments for their help in keeping ship clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and keep all necessary shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension benefits. Steward department thanked for great Thanksgiving dinner. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk; Newark, N.J. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 18—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Randy D. Clark, Steward Delegate Alex- ander P. Cordero. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 23 in port of Newark, N.J. He reported all departments operating smoothly and working well together. “Keep up the good work.” Secretary told crew he appreciated their help in keeping ship clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring skills at Paul members expressed thanks for new upholstery and drapes and were asked to not turn on TV during meal hours. RED CLOUD (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 30—Chairman Thomas H. DeCarlo, Secretary Christine A. Cassie, Educational Director Dave D. Higdon, Deck On the Job with the SIU Pictured above and below are Seafarers aboard the new Matson ship Manulani, which entered service in 2005. Shown in the top photo are John Harvey (left) and Bob Gale; in the other is Nadia Wright. Seafarers fill the steward department positions aboard Matson vessels, although they provided additional manpower to help get the Manulani ready for its debut last spring. Hall Center and watch safety videos aboard vessel. Treasurer stated $6,280 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on danger pay for current run. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding food and service. PRIDE OF AMERICA (NCL America), Dec. 10—Chairman Daniel S. Marcus, Secretary Michael D. Wiley, Educational Director Mark A. Freeman, Deck Delegate Craig J. Burmeister, Engine Department Brett B. Wilson. Chairman expressed appreciation to deck and engine personnel for “working together in a friendly and safe manner.” He noted “The Brotherhood of the Sea is alive and well on this ship.” Educational director explained process of upgrading at the Piney Point school and encouraged everyone to attend classes there. President’s report from recent LOG pertaining to passing of Executive VP John Fay and progress made during 2005 was read and discussed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate reminded crew that any problems they have should first be taken to department delegate. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND (Alaskan Tankers), Dec. 10—Chairman John T. Mossbarger, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Thomas E. Woerner, Engine Delegate John Miranda. Bosun suggested crew have money ready to pay dues at Dec. 31 payoff in Cherry Point, Wash. Educational director reminded members to renew z-cards early and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew Delegate David G. Knutson, Steward Delegate Samuel Washington. Educational director stressed importance of education and advised members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at SIU-affiliated school. Bosun read letter from headquarters concerning contract for LMSRs— specifically portions regarding ROS and vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun will check with captain on possibility of satellite TV aboard ship as well as phone that works while underway. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), Dec. 2— Chairman Angelo J. Urti Jr., Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Matthew D. Dewitt, Deck Delegate Donald M. Hood, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman asked crew members leaving vessel to clean cabins and supply with fresh linen. Educational director urged crew to use time off wisely by upgrading at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS BRITTIN (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 4—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Lawrence E. Winfield, Deck Delegate Donald L. Kelly, Engine Delegate Lamont Robinson. Chairman asked members departing ship to clean rooms and leave keys. Secretary reported all departments running smoothly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Contract extension notice received and posted. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 19 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 6:34 AM Page 20 Letters to the Editor (Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Thankful Message I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the generous help provided to me and my family by union brothers and sisters during our time of need following our recent loss resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Also, I would like to add a special “Thank You!” to the officers and crew of the Westward Venture for their support and generosity. The emotional and financial support we have received from the SIU (Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund), fellow shipmates and friends has been remarkable and much-appreciated. You all have our undying gratitude and appreciation. Daniel Laitinen Sutherland Springs, Texas Supporting H.R. 23 To all personnel of the SIU, I salute you and wish you a pros- perous New Year. I am very happy about the possibility of enactment of the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act (H.R. 23) to give a little help to those who are still alive, who were valiant crew members and risked their lives. Yes, by luck, some of us are still living. I started sailing in 1943, first aboard SIU ships and later with the NMU, the union through which I retired. I know that today the SIU is as much my union as the NMU was back when I was sailing. Today’s SIU members are just like those of us in the 1940s that were eager to volunteer to help the cause. I hope you will now help those few of us from that era that remain. Thank you all and God bless you. tions of work, workers and workplaces that occurred between the mid-19th and late 20th centuries. This amazing collection of photographs, augmented with audio and video, can be viewed until May 29, 2006. Please consider this letter an open invitation to your union members to tour this exhibit some time in the near future. (Admission is free.) When you visit the National Archives, of course, you can also view the Charters of Freedom—U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill or Rights—and our permanent exhibit “The Public Vaults.” Allen Weinstein Archivist of the United States Washington, D.C. Exhibit Shows How Work Has Changed I am writing to call your attention to a new and exciting exhibit at the National Archives building: “The Way We Worked.” This exhibit illustrates the transforma- Scholarship Deadline Is April 15 P is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. Send for your application booklet now (see coupon below) or pick one up at any SIU hall. If you sent in an application form in 2005 and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again this year. You have nothing to lose—and an education to gain! lease send me the 2006 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name __________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number ____________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________________________ ( ) Telephone Number ________________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2/06 20 Seafarers LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the March 6 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2005 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. Ruperto Lopez Rosado Puerto Rico Two months remain until the deadline—April 15—for receipt of scholarship applications from Seafarers as well as from their spouses and children who wish to continue their education at the college level in the fall of 2006. Eight monetary grants will be awarded this year to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request Know Your Rights SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:51 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the first few months of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 6 March 31 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 20 March 3 Radar April 3 April 14 Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Steward February 6 March 6 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB February 27 March 13 March 3 March 17 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 6 April 3 February 17 April 14 February 13 Febrary 17 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 23, 2006. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT March 27 May 22 May 19 July 22 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding February 20 March 20 March 10 April 7 Course � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ February 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:28 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 669 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 669. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Tyrell Blackburn, Russell Blanks, Karel Cain, Marcus Campbell, Catherine Clark, Joseph Craig, MacGregor Davis, Margery Earhart, Robert Godwin, Richard Guerra Jr., Christopher Hoffpauir, Benjamin Hulsey, Winter Meacham, Abdmutaali Muhammad, Winston Rankin, Philip Rhule, Christopher Sahagon, Gregory Simmons, Wilma-Joy Smith, Natalie Tremblay, Morgan Tury and Damion Vaughn. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA— With instructor Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Oct. 25. They are (in alphabetical order) José Boza, Rafael Clemente, John Daunoras, Robert Lutz Jr., Michael Murner and Neonito Sodusta. Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Oct. 28 are (in no specific order) Duane Frosburg, Gill Sickles, Harold Harper, Ronald Whitlow, Samantha Ortiz, Hector Ortiz, Jeffrey Moore, Jonathan Ives, Felsher Beasley Jr., Christopher Keshlear, Billie Jo Munoz, Carlos Llanos, Richard Avila, Joshua Smith, Samuel Miller, Calvin Andrews Jr., Miles Partridge and William Hunt. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Under the instruction of Jim Shaffer and Herb Walling (not shown), are graduates of the tanker assistant class ending Oct. 7. They are (in no specific order) Christopher Bryant, Arthur Rogers, Carl Taylor Jr., Nathan Elliott, Gilberto Baltazar, Cornelio Bartholome, Jesse Natividad Jr., Michael Lockhart, Patrick Chalmers, Albad Colon, Bryan Vallecillo, Christopher Bean, Gregory Ball and Michael Fields. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Sept. 30 graduates of this class include (in alphabetical order) Duane Frosburg, Harold Harper, Jackie Jones, George Miller, Jeffrey Moore, Gill Sickles and Joseph Thomas. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands aft. HAZWOPER — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels who completed the Confined Space Awareness portion of the HAZWOPER course Oct. 25 are (in no specific order) Sean DeBruler, William Palmer, Robert Bouton, Howard Clark, Robert Hoffman, William Harvell, Joe Kadak, Johnny Nilsen, Robert Mills, Darren Bates, Dale Wilson, Robert Joiner, Chris Valley, Bruce Walsh, Douglas Crawford, Kenneth Graybill III, Charlie Carlson and Bruce Comiskey. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (above left photo) Yolanda Martinez and (above right photo, from the left) James W. Buckowski, Gregory L. White and Stephen M. Berschger. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, is in each of the photos. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Trainees in Phase III of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program completed the Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course Oct. 7. They are (in no specific order) Arthur Sanders, Stravon Jordan, Franklin Rodgers, Kevin Tyson, Mikel Tittsworth, Gregory Holsey Jr., Jo-Vanio Sprauve, Richard Wright, Robert Newcomb II, Brandon Tanton, Clyde McArn, Francisco Ramilo, Howard Vick, Robert Minter, Aaron Dixon, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Hussain Hafid and Jimmy McCall. February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:46 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician Refresher — Fast Rescue Boat — Oct. 28 was graduation day from the fast rescue boat class for Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels. They are (in alphabetical order) Willie Allen, Crispin Carino, William Jackson, Jimmy Saloom and Marc Tomuschat. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. Express Marine Wheelhouse — Pictured are Express Marine boatmen in the wheelhouse course ending Oct. 6. They are (in no specific order) Michael Daniels, Phil Inman, Thomas Crockett, Parran Keane, Tom Shaw, Mark Faust, Keith Kirkeide (management) and instructor Mike Smith (far right). Radar — The six Seafarers completing the radar course Oct. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Rafael Clemente, Romeo Codillero, John Daunoras, Michael Murner, Winston Restauro and Arthur Shaw. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is third from left. Express Marine Engineers/DEUs — Boatmen from Express Marine completed their engineeer/DEU training Oct. 6 from instructor Buzzy Andrews (far right back row). They are (in no specific order) Stan Davis, William Vanzyl, Jackie Pruitt, Albin Henries, Guy Ireland, Richard Hamilton, Stephen Murray, Ed Bishop, David Harris, Mark O’Neal and Larry Tribby. James Tyson and Richard Huffman passed the marine electrician refresher course Oct. 28. With them (at far left) is their instructor, Jay Henderson. Express Marine Culinary — With their instructor, Chef John Dobson (left), are boatmen from Express Marine who completed a culinary course Oct. 6. From the left are Dobson, Timothy Thomas, Colin Bridgman, Jerold Register and Tommy Horton. STOS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Aug. 12 are (in no specific order) James Gano, Jack Gainers, Chris Doucet, Cory Gardner, Patrick Guertin, Robert Hardesty, David Bennett, Graham Jones, Francis Gallagher Jr., James Roy, Richard Crutchfield and Steven Sanderson. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The nine Seafarers who took the Tankerman (PIC) Barge course ending Oct. 21 are (in no specific order) David Kennedy, James Buckowski, Michael Freeman, Carl Taylor Jr., Stephen Berschger, Frank Campos, Linnell Coleman, Doug Lewis and J. Stephen Lewis. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is fifth from right. Electrician — Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Amir Abubakar, Louis Bates, Arin Berthiaume, Mark Bickham, Ana Blankenship, James Brechtbill, Gregory Brown, DeWann Burton, Amber Carver, Rachel Cassell, Alicia Chambers, Justin Chandler, Anthony Chavez, Benjamin Clark, Christopher Colson, Maria-Elena Cordoba, Carrie Courtney, Christopher Crump, Jason Cullers, Rolando Delacruz, Gerren Duncan, Maryann Dymen, Kenneth Fleming and Katherine Flint. February 2006 STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Donnell Foster, Todd Fuller, Charles Gentry, Julie Harrison, Darnell Herbert, Yohko Hiromatsu, Christophe Hudson, Joseph Hudson, Kerrin Johnson, Jamell Jones, Douglas Joseph, Mecia Kaczor, Zachary Kaili-Josue, Jacqueline Latham, Donna Leary, Gina Lee, Kristen Lew, Samuel Lewis, Alba Lopez, Antonia LouisWagner, Daniel Lowy and Kevin Mader. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Three Seafarers completed the electrician course Oct. 14. From the left are Jay Henderson (instructor) with Alton Hickman, Dave Goodpastor and Francis Quebedeaux. STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Forest McClendon, Jeremy McKeever, Emmy Montoya, Meliton Orosco, Sherin Osman, Michelle Potts, Joseph Qumsieh, Justin Rasmusen, Darwin Reyes, Marsha Reyes, Michael Rinaldi, Miriam Rouse, Lorena Sanchez, Kalie Schlewitz, Zina Sigur, Rachel Smith, Nicholas Socket, Clevern Taylor III, Donald Thomas, Phillip Thomas, Michael Wedgley, Albert Weight and Steven West. Seafarers LOG 23 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:54 AM Page 24 February 2006 DUE ON APRIL 15 Applications for SIU Scholarship – page 20 Income Taxes — See Tax Tips for Seafarers on pages 12 and 13 Pride of America Brings New Jobs, Economic Benefits and Good Reviews For Seafarers, the NCL America cruise ship Pride of America signified new jobs even before its formal christening last June in New York. From its first days at sea en route to the ceremony, SIU members ably have filled the unlicensed positions aboard the new vessel, which can carry more than 2,100 passengers. Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus recently submitted the crew photos accompanying this story, and he also reported smooth sailing aboard the 921-foot ship, which cruises the Hawaiian Islands. Seafarers aren’t the only ones seeing the benefits of the Pride of America and its sister ship, the SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha, which also features a Hawaiian Island itinerary. Last July, Hawaii welcomed nearly 23,000 cruise ship passengers—an increase of 57 percent from July 2004, according to newspaper reports. When the Seafarers-contracted Pride of Hawaii joins NCL America’s fleet later this year, the vessels altogether will carry an The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America is estimated 8,000 passengers per week. the second ship in NCL America’s fleet. “Being able to welcome an additional thousands of people on a weekly basis will allow us to continue to grow our economy because we are almost at our capacity where our land-based accommodations are concerned,” Marsha Weinert, the state’s tourism liaison, told the Monterey County (Calif.) Herald. Such projections may have seemed anywhere from overly optimistic to outright impossible back in late 2001, when the deep-sea U.S.-flag cruise industry was halted by the attacks of September 11. But, according to NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, the restoration of this segment of the industry was made possible by the enactment of legislation introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (DHawaii): the Hawaii Cruise Ship Initiative. Speaking at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention last summer, Veitch stated that the U.S.-flag program is off to a great start “because we have a partnership” with maritime labor. “We have approached this partnership knowing that if it doesn’t work for you, it won’t work for us,” he declared. He added that while the NCL America fleet creates a substantial number of shipboard jobs, “The bulk of the new employment from this venture is not on ships. It’s on shore with taxi drivers, hotel workers, tour guides, airport workers, dockworkers—the kinds of jobs- that support the operation of a ship and entertain travelers when they come to take our OS Rogelio Jamora (left) and OS Riesel Pardilla cruises.” Less apparent but potentially of great importance to national security, the maritime jobs undeniably help strengthen U.S. national defense. The NCL America vessels help maintain a pool of welltrained U.S.-citizen mariners who can crew up military support ships in times of crisis. Those U.S. crews are prominently mentioned in promotions by Union Plus, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to secure discounted goods and services for union members and their families. Through Union Plus, union members can receive reduced fares when booking cruises on NCL America ships. (The toll-free number for this benefit is 866 867-0593.) The company faced some initial growing pains in 2004, but since then has successfully refined its product—a fact not lost on professional and amateur critics alike. Both in the media and on internet message boards populated by passengers, the reviews nowadays Wiper Rolan Lagaac (left) and are decidedly favorable. Some of the OS German Nunez Unlicensed Apprentice Winston Rankin Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus is pictured magazine reviews point to the SIU-affiliaboard the Pride of America with ated Paul Hall Center as one reason Honolulu’s Aloha Tower in the background. why things have improved. In 2005, AB Maintenance Robert Marcus was the first bosun aboard the more than 3,000 students successfully Warren helps wash NCL America ship. completed the Paul Hall Center’s threedown the deck. week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of nonmarine positions. Left: Ordinary Seaman Leonard Gregg (left) and AB Maintenance Herbert Oquendo clean windows on the Pride of America. OS Yung Fan Haloski � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT URGES POLICY FOR STRONGER U.S. FLEET SIU OF CANADA PROTECTS JOBS MORE SHIPS DUE THIS YEAR ADDITIONAL NORTH SLOPE ACREAGE OPENED FOR SAFE OIL EXPLORATION PRESIDENT TO NOMINATE SANBORN FOR MARAD POST SIU-CREWED CAPE TRINITY RECOGNIZED FOR ACTIVE ROLE IN ENDURING FREEDOM TUG SINKING CLAIMS LIVES OF 3 MARINERS MSC BUYS 3 SIU-CONTRACTED SHIPS REPORT UNDERLINES U.S. HEALTH CARE WOES COSTS CONSUME 16 PERCENT OF NATION’S ECONOMIC OUTPUT REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS APLENTY ON DOOMED RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP USCG CONCLUDES CAPT. VIOLATED SAFETY PRACTICES SEAFARERS CREDITED BY GEN. SCHWARTZ TOTE’S NORTHERN LIGHTS SAILED IN OIF FOR 2 YEARS SIU-CREWED LUMMUS SUPPORTS U.S. TROOPS MORE SIU SNAPSHOTS FROM THE GREAT LAKES REMEMBERING A WAR HERO KATRINA CLAIMS LIFE OF SIU RETIREE ALBERTO ROCHA SEAFARERS WIN ‘FOOD IN A BOWL’ COOK-OFF UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW COMES TO CLEVELAND PRIDE OF AMERICA BRINGS NEW JOBS, ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND GOOD REVIEWS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 2 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/628cf07c4f4843ce600964f104734f22.pdf 9f0f1f3123c35bebfdac88d64bf42121 PDF Text Text 34103_P01,4,5,20,21X2.qxd 12/27/2005 2:44 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 SIU Members Sail Aboard New Tanker Alaskan Navigator Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest double-hulled tanker built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA following the vessel’s delivery late last year. SIU members in late November crewed up the Alaskan Navigator (left), the third of four Alaska-class tankers constructed for BP at San Diego’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). Like its sister ships Alaskan Frontier (below) and Alaskan Explorer, the Alaskan Navigator is operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company. Page 3. New Tug Christened Paul Hall Center 2006 Course Guide Photo courtesy Al Lindner As reflected in the photos directly above and at left, hands-on training is a key part of most courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. For information about individual classes as well as course dates for early 2006, see pages 9-16. SIU boatmen on the West Coast are sailing aboard the new Brusco Tug & Barge tugboat Lulapin. Page 3. SIU members and officials across the country joined with fellow trade unionists and other supporters around the globe in a number of demonstrations conducted during International Human Rights Week. At left, Seafarers (far right in photo) carry the American flag during a Dec. 8 march in Washington, D.C. At right, SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler (right) greets AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at a Dec. 6 event in Philadelphia. Page 5. Seafarers Rally for Human Rights SHBP Scholarship Info Page 8 SIU’s Year in Review Page 24 �34103p02,18X.qxd 12/27/2005 1:34 PM Page 2 President’s Report Progress and Optimism Looking back on the year 2005, our union has every reason to feel proud. Looking ahead to 2006, we have every reason to be optimistic. Take a moment to consider some of the accomplishments we’ve made during the past 12 months. When it comes to new ships and new jobs, 2005 was nothing short of incredible. The Maritime Security Program fleet added 13 SIU-crewed ships. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Michael Sacco started construction on the first two of 10 SIUcontracted tankers to be operated by OSG. NCL America launched its second Seafarers-crewed cruise ship, the Pride of America. We gained ships in other areas, too, including three new tankers on the West Coast, a new car carrier, a new Great Lakes ship, new tugs and barges, and a new class of vessels crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We also retained jobs on dozens of ships when new contracts were awarded by the government, including all 54 vessels in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force. Brothers and sisters, if that’s not progress, then I don’t know what is. I have no intention of ever letting our union rest on its laurels, but I’m proud of our accomplishments. And I think it’s important to step back every once in a while and appreciate our gains along with the people who make them possible. As I’ve said many times, it all starts with you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. Our union is strong because of the outstanding work you do aboard ship. Our union is strong because you support this administration at every level. Our union is strong because you understand the importance of political action. On that last note, I especially appreciate your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Our industry is so heavily regulated that we simply have no choice but to protect our interests on Capitol Hill and at the state and local levels all across the country. That type of effort takes manpower and it also takes money. That’s simply the reality of politics in the United States. I’m certainly not saying that political contributions guarantee results. But they do help give us a chance to sit down and explain our issues and concerns. Normally, when we have that opportunity we are successful. With 2006 being a Congressional election year, your continued support of SPAD is more vital than ever. Moving forward, I see no reason to expect anything less than continued success for the SIU. We have the best-trained mariners in the world. We have a top-notch affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. By the way, that school constantly brings in new unlicensed apprentices to help ensure a solid future for our industry. No one else in America offers a similar program for unlicensed seamen. We also have dedicated officials who along with the membership understand that the SIU is more than a union. I honestly feel that we’re more like a family. That may sound old-fashioned if you’re not very familiar with our organization, but it’s from the heart and it’s true. Let me tell you why. When you fight alongside someone, you almost can’t help becoming close. You bond under those circumstances. And make no mistake, it is a constant battle to continue revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine. We’ve earned every single SIUcontracted ship and fought for every pro-U.S.-flag program in existence. None of it happened by accident, and none of it is guaranteed to last. That’s why we’re going to keep promoting and protecting our union and our industry. Our country deserves and needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, along with the hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast are just the latest reminders of our value to national and economic security. That’s something worth fighting for, and I know that our union— our family—will continue to win our share of battles in 2006 and beyond. Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Steady Progress Continues In ITF’s FOC Campaign Annual Report Reflects Success, Challenges The year 2004 was one of significant achievement for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in its ongoing battle against owners of vessels that fly the flags of countries other than their own, according to the body’s recently released annual report, “Campaign Against Flags of Convenience and Substandard Shipping.” The ITF’s fight against so-called flags of convenience (FOC)—also known as runaway flags—has two primary components: a political campaign and an industrial crusade. The political element is designed to establish an authentic link between the flag a ship flies and the nationality or residences of its owners, managers and seafarers through international governmental agreements. The industrial campaign is designed to ensure that mariners who work aboard FOC vessels, regardless of their nationality, are protected from exploitation by shipowners. The industrial campaign continues to be an essential component of the fight against FOCs and substandard ships, so that seafarers are protected from exploitation, according to Stephen Cotton, secretary, ITF Special Seafarers’ Department. In the case of FOCs, he said, a fundamental objective of the campaign is the erosion of the competitive advantage that FOC ships have over the higher cost, traditional flag vessels. Cotton pointed out that one noteworthy development during the past two years has been the creation of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) as the primary forum for negotiations between the ITF and shipping companies on issues relating to wages and working conditions of crews aboard FOC ships. A noticeable increase in the IBF’s membership, which includes more of the world’s shipowners and managers, has been particularly encouraging for the ITF. Some of the noteworthy progress outlined in the annual report, and the arenas in which it occurred is as follows: „ The Political Campaign—Negotiations to formulate a single ILO convention to consolidate and replace more than 60 maritime labor conventions took place. ITF officials hope for a final agreement on this issue sometime this year. In addition, the ITF was involved in talks which led to the adoption of the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Among other things, the new code contains instructions on fundamental rights and freedoms of maritime workers, including trade union rights. (See related story, page 4.) „ The Inspectorate—ITF inspectors and coordinators numbered only 131 people in 2004. They were responsible for 43 countries and dependent territories. Despite the size of their ranks, they conducted 9,532 ship inspections. This compares to 9,104 inspections in 2003 and 8,886 in 2002. „ Agreements—ITF officials signed 6,811 collective agreements for crews of FOC vessels in 2004 (most of them for ships previously covered by ITF contracts). In previous years (2003 and 2002), the numbers were 6,633 and 6,577, respectively. Inspectors and coordinators signed 1,285 new agreements in 2004 compared to 1,035 in 2003. The number of seafarers covered by ITF agreements in 2004 was 187,218 (178,466 in 2003) who worked aboard 8,171 vessels (7,886 in 2003). „ Back Pay—A total of $22.9 million was collected by inspectors in back wages for crews. In 2003, that figure was $24 million; the level was $27.6 million in 2002. In addition, $2.2 million was secured by the ITF Actions Unit. The total amount of back pay recovered in 2004 was therefore $25.1 million. In 2003 the figure was $27.8 million. „ Industrial, Legal Action—Industrial action, either by dockers unions or by FOC crews, was taken in 24 different countries in 2004 in order to recover back pay owed to crews or to secure ITF agreements. In 2003, industrial action was taken in 31 countries. The mark was 21 countries in 2002. Between 2002 and 2004, a total of 55 ITF agreements were signed as a result of industrial action. During 2004, 23 ships were arrested following legal action instigated by an ITF inspector. The foregoing facts and figures speak for themselves. There can be no argument that 2004 was a banner year for the ITF and its FOC campaign, but this really is nothing new. For more than 50 years, the ITF—through its affiliated seafarers and dockworkers unions, successfully has waged a campaign not only to end the FOC system, but also to improve the wages and working conditions of seafarers who work aboard runaway-flag ships. The campaign has evolved considerably since those early days and will continue to do so as the shipping industry adapts to changing global circumstances, noted ITF General Secretary David Cockroft in his column in the 2004 annual report, “Campaign Against Flags of Convenience and Substandard Shipping.” “One thing will remain constant,” Cockcroft said. “The ITF’s determination to ensure that the world’s seafarers receive decent wages, enjoy safe working conditions and can exercise their trade union rights.” SIU-Crewed Ships Deliver for U.S. Troops SIU members continue answering their call to duty as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense by sailing aboard military support ships involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the following 15 SIU-crewed vessels were among those on the high seas supporting our troops involved in the ongoing sealift component of OIF: USNS Chesapeake, Northern Lights, Westward Venture, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, Cape Douglas, USNS Watkins, Cape Decision, USNS Pililaau, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay, USNS Benavidez and the USNS Denebola. For Seafarers, the current stage of OIF is the continuation of a mission that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As SIU President Michael Sacco recently noted, Seafarers “are proud to continue serving as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Our members are the best-trained seafarers in the world, and I know for a fact that they are patriotic men and women who are ready, The USNS Pililaau is one of many SIU-crewed ships sailing in support of U.S. troops mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. willing and able to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere.” Numerous military officers have commended the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in OIF— an operation repeatedly described as the most efficient sealift effort in America’s history. For example, addressing mariners at a shipboard ceremony, the commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, stated, “We have prevailed because you answered your nation’s call. You built a steel bridge of democracy from the USA to the Coast of Kuwait.” At another ceremony last November in Baltimore, Brewer along with General Robert Magnus, assistant commandant, United States Marine Corps, and Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) expressed similar appreciation for the performance and reliability of U.S. crews. January 2006 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:01 AM Page 3 3 BP Tanker Delivered rd Seafarers Crew Up Double-Hulled Alaskan Navigator Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest double-hulled tanker built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA following the vessel’s delivery late last year. SIU members in late November crewed up the Alaskan Navigator, the third of four Alaskaclass tankers constructed for BP at San Diego’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). Like its sister ships Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Explorer, the Alaskan Navigator is operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company. The vessels normally sail between Alaska and the West Coast. The fourth and final ship in this class is under construction at NASSCO and is slated for delivery in late 2006. “I know from talking with members and officials on the West Coast that there’s a lot of excitement about the Alaskan Navigator,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s obviously a state-of-the-art ship, and it means continued job security for the membership. There’s an important national security aspect to this delivery, too, because every new U.S.-flag ship helps sustain a pool of welltrained, reliable U.S. mariners who can sail on military support vessels.” The tankers are 941 feet long with a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels of crude oil. The Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Explorer, delivered in August 2004 and March 2005, respectively, have been delivering crude oil from Alaska to BP’s refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. NASSCO touts the Alaskaclass tankers as “the most environmentally friendly oil tankers ever built. Their double hull construction has been designed for a life of 35 years, and their deck structure has a life of 50 years—a robust configuration that will perform at peak efficiency for decades in the rigors of the Gulf of Alaska’s waters.” According to the shipyard, the tankers’ diesel-electric propulsion system, with redundant engines, shafts and screws, significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime. The ships use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, eliminating the possibility of accidental oil leaks. Cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is run inside the cargo tanks to reduce the risk of small spills. Also under construction in San Diego are the Lewis and Clark combat logistics force ships— The Alaskan Navigator is floated out in April 2005 in San Diego. Seafarers crewed up the ship in late November. part of a T-AKE program that means new shipboard job oppor- Maersk Awarded MSC Contract For Ammo Ships Page, Carter SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that it has been awarded a one-year agreement to charter two vessels under the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) prepositioning program. The contract covers sister ships, the Seafarers-crewed ammunition carriers Lt. Col. John U.D. Page and Sgt. Edward A. Carter, Jr. The company noted that the Left: Caroline Shorten Conn, spouse of BP Group Executive Officer Iain Conn, officially names the Alaskan Navigator during a ceremony at NASSCO on Nov. 12, 2005. New Tractor Tug Joins Brusco Fleet SIU boatmen late last year welcomed a new addition at Brusco Tug & Barge: the tractor tug Lulapin. The boat was christened Oct. 6 in Port Hueneme, Calif. Described by the company as “a compact but powerful addition to Brusco’s fleet,” the Lulapin is 78 feet long and 30 feet wide. It is classified as an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tractor tug with 4,000 hp and 100,000 pounds of bollard pull. The tug can sail at 13 knots “light running speed” forward and reverse, according to Brusco. Diversified Marine Inc. of Portland, Ore. built the new tug, which also features state-of-the-art fire fighting capability. An SIU-contracted company since the late 1980s, Brusco Tug & Barge tows and transports cargo along the West Coast. Among other work, Brusco tugs tow log, chip and sand barges as well as target sleds for the United States Navy. Brusco’s current ship assist services include the ports of Stockton, Sacramento, Eureka, and Port Hueneme, Calif. as well as Grays Harbor, Wash. Various other services have been added in the San Francisco Bay area, which include towing dredge scows to sea. Photo courtesy Al Lindner The SIU-crewed tug Lulapin features the most modern equipment. tunities for members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Seafarers will continue sailing aboard the Lt. John Page (above) and sister ship Sgt. Edward Carter under a new MSC contract awarded to Maersk Line, Limited. Cape Trinity Honored For Performance In Enduring Freedom The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity has been recognized for its performance during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced. MarAd last month awarded its Professional Ship Award to the crew of the Cape Trinity for services in the war on terror. “This ship’s officers and crew served voluntarily for 341 continuous days, taking supplies to our soldiers in the Middle East and back home again,” MarAd Deputy Administrator John Jamian stated. “The Ready Reserve Force has proved its capability and efficiency time and time again, and the men and women of the Cape Trinity agreement follows MLL’s “successful completion of an existing five-year contract and has options that could extend the performance period to a total of 59 months.” Company officials acknowledged the good work of Seafarers aboard those ships during the past five years. Built originally as commercial containerships, the ships each carry a total of 2,500 20-foot containers in air-conditioned, humidity-controlled cargo holds. They are 950 feet long, just short of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The vessels have on-board cranes to facilitate unloading of cargo where shoreside support is unavailable. MLL managed the conversions of both vessels, with extensive modifications, after which they were delivered to MSC in 2001. are an example of the fleet’s success.” The Professional Ship Award is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of safety, readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability and productivity, according to the agency. The crew and officers of the Cape Trinity also received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, given to mariners who serve in war zones. Ready Reserve Force ships, crewed by U.S. Merchant Mariners, have carried much of the supplies to and from the Middle East since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Cape Trinity, in its 341 days of activation, carried 19,603 metric tons of cargo between various ports including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Shauiba and Ash Shuayba in Kuwait, and Messaieed in Qatar. Ports in Europe included Bremerhaven, Szczecin, and Antwerp. U.S. load ports included Charleston and Corpus Christi. Right: The Seafarerscrewed Cape Trinity offloaded equipment at the Baltic Sea port of Szczecin, Poland last summer, concluding an MSC cargo operation in support of troops fighting in Iraq. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, 2006 for the observance of Presidents’ Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2006 Seafarers LOG 3 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 7:49 AM Page 4 Seafarers Recognized for Safety An awards recognition ceremony for the SIU-crewed Sea Land Pride took place Nov. 21 in the Portsmouth Marine Terminal in Portsmouth, Va. The Maersk Line-operated Pride, along with more than 50 other SIU-contracted vessels representing 10 other companies, last year in New Orleans was selected to receive the highly prestigious Jones F. Devlin Safe Ship Award, bestowed by the Chamber of Shipping of America. The event in Portsmouth was for the same award and was orchestrated to afford formal recognition to the crew and officers of the vessel which received laurels for having sailed 1,326 consecutive days without a lost time accident. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and SIU Norfolk Safety Director Sam Spain joined more than 50 representatives of the vessel and invited guests on the bridge of the Pride for a light lunch and the official presentation of the Devlin Award. The certificate that accompanied the award, originated by the ISPS Code Gets Mixed Reviews The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) is improving security —but at the expense of mariners who are increasingly overworked and treated with suspicion, according to an International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) survey released in late November. This is happening at a time when disproportionate security measures not related to the code are also having a negative impact on crews, the federation says. In a news release announcing the survey, the ITF stated that the ISPS Code “was widely seen as a successful example of the ‘fast tracking’ of legislation when it was introduced in response to the 9/11 attacks in the USA. However the ITF survey shows that the welcome security gains are being undermined by lack of trust and support for the seafarers tasked with implementing it. “The ITF has been broadly supportive of ISPS and applauded the consultative manner in which it was drawn up. However, there have always been concerns about a possible negative impact on seafarers, as a result of which the federation initiated the survey, which was sent to its 127 inspectors and 230 affiliated maritime unions—which represent around 700,000 seafarers—for them to consult their members and report back.” The results—published as the report Access Denied: Implementing the ISPS Code—can be viewed on the internet at www.itfglobal.org/infocentre/pub s.cfm/detail/1446 According to the ITF, the overwhelming response to the survey was that ISPS Code had significantly increased mariners’ workloads without any boost in staff, pay or training, and was associated with “grave problems experienced with shore leave, especially in the USA. Although the ISPS Code includes provisions to avert problems of access to ports, shore leave and welfare facilities, it is clear from the survey that these are being neglected in the Code’s implementation.” Areas of concern highlighted in the survey responses include increased workload and responsibility with no commensurate increase in pay; inadequate training; restrictions on shore leave; 4 Seafarers LOG problems in obtaining United States visas; and difficulties for mariners’ welfare and union representatives seeking to board vessels to provide services to the crew. Jon Whitlow, Secretary of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, said, “All responsible parties back the aim of the ISPS Code. But there’s a gap between principle and practice. The measures that were supposed to protect seafarers are too often being neglected. Combine that with other excessive security measures being implemented outside the code and you have a grave and counter-productive climate of distrust and suspicion being created out there. “It would seem that the ISPS Code is being implemented selectively. The delicate balance built in to the Code has, in the opinion of seafarers, been undermined in practice.” He concluded, “The survey once again shows that the main problems include overwork, visa difficulties and the denial of shore leave—amounting to virtual discrimination just at a time when seafarers need to be treated as allies in the fight against terrorism and when everyone in the industry is trying to attract newcomers into the profession.” The SIU is an ITF affiliate and remains very active in the fight to protect and boost mariners’ rights, both here and abroad. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section and, as previously reported, a number of other SIU officials serve on local port security bodies run by the government. Maersk management, in part read: “This outstanding achievement exemplifies devotion to duty and principles of maritime safety…. The impact of this recognition will go a long way to promote and encourage the MLL safety culture.” After accepting the award on behalf of his officers and crew, Pride Master J.P. Brennan cited two SIU members—AB Luis Alvarez and DEU Leonides Villamor—for their specific contributions toward the award. Brennan lauded their hard work, dedication and attention to detail. Alvarez worked aboard the Pride without recording any accidents, according to Brennan. On two occasions during recent trips, Alvarez noticed and reported the presence of a leaking substance on deck. Although subsequent investigation revealed that the substances were not hazardous, according to Brennan, Alvarez’s proactive reporting still brought attention to a potentially dangerous situation and is an example of good seamanship as well as concern for the ship and crew. Villamor also has worked without any lost time accidents, Brennan pointed out. At a recent payoff, Villamor marked the completion of his full 180-day assignment injury free. Both the chief and first engineers have described him as a hardworking, conscientious shipmate who always has a smile on his face, Brennan said. His good-natured attitude and dedication to working safely in the engine room were primary factors in affording him acknowledgment. In recognition of their accomplishment, each was awarded SeaLand Pride T-shirts, Maersk Line watches, mugs and tally books. Notice/Reminder Agency Issues Revised STCW Endorsement As previously reported, the U.S. Coast Guard in late September began issuing a newly revised U.S. STCW Endorsement, Form CG5611 (Rev. 01-05), to qualified licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners. According to the agency, more than 59,000 U.S. merchant mariners hold a valid STCW endorsement. Mariners’ existing endorsements will be replaced at the time of their scheduled expiration or when their qualifications are upgraded. The new document contains “significant security and accountability enhancements,” according to the Coast Guard. The design is based on the U.S. Merchant Marine Officer License (Form CG-2849) and advice by senior intelligence officers at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Forensics Document Laboratory for cost-effective, fraud-resistant features; and the Production and Design Team of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The revised U.S. STCW Endorsement “exceeds International Maritime Organization standards on anti-fraud measures and forgery prevention features for seafarers’ certificates,” the agency noted in a news release. Additionally, a revised U.S. STCW Endorsement information sheet was designed and printed by the BEP and has been distributed domestically to Regional Exam Centers (RECs), inspectors, unions and industry; and internationally to the IMO and foreign national maritime administrations. A copy of the Revised U.S. STCW Endorsement Information Sheet can be obtained by registering for a free subscription of the USCG Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/. It is posted on the National Maritime Center’s website, http://www.uscg.mil/stcw. Mariners with additional questions may contact their nearest REC or Mr. Jon Furukawa at (202) 493-1014 or jfurukawa@ballston.uscg.mil. SIU Boatmen Spread Holiday Cheer Six SIU boatmen employed by Crowley in Southern California recently did their part to brighten the holidays for area youngsters. The SIU members pictured at left in San Pedro, Calif. purchased and donated four children’s bikes for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” toy drive the week before Christmas. Pictured from left to right are Mate Benny Guillot, Engineer Craig Perry, Engineer John Tipich, AB Frank Gill, AB John Ivankovich and Mate Ed Brooks. The toy drive is a cooperative effort with other charitable programs. Reminder: STCW Basic Safety Training Is Renewable Via Sea Service As previously reported, the U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed a change in the way mariners may meet the requirements for renewing STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), a key component of the amended STCW convention. According to National Maritime Center Policy Letter No. 12-01, “A mariner who has met the requirements for initial competency in BST and who is actively serving on seagoing ships will be considered as having demonstrated continuing competence in BST provided he or she completes at least one year of sea service within the past five years. (Editor's note: For BST renewal via sea service, you must have gotten your original BST compliance through a Coast Guard-approved BST course that included training and assessment. If your initial certification was acquired through the relaxed assessment period, then your initial renewal must be done via a Coast Guard-approved course. Thereafter, you can renew via sea service.) This five-year period is a running calendar in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the critical date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service. “To determine the critical date,” the letter continues, “review the mariner’s sea service starting with the current date and go backward in time until one year of sea service is counted. The period of validity for continuing competence in BST is then five years from the date where the mariner has completed one year of sea service. For example, if on 1 October 2005, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 2004, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through 31 May 2009. “Using similar dates, if on 1 October 2004, a mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 1999, then the BST would have been valid until 31 May 2004. Because 31 May 2004 has passed (today’s date in this example is 1 October 2004), the mariner has not retained competency in BST.” The policy letter also notes that the “critical date” mentioned above will advance as a mariner continues serving on a seagoing vessel. Additionally, Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs) may accept discharges or sea-service letters “prepared in accordance with current standards” as proof of sea service. January 2006 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 7:49 AM Page 5 Rallies Focus on Workers’ Rights as Human Rights Freedom to Join Unions Highlighted during International Human Rights Week SIU rank-and-file members early last month joined their brothers and sisters from other unions, community activists and religious leaders in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and other cities across the country to participate in events spotlighting International Human Rights Week. Workers around the globe took part in rallies, teach-ins and other events as part of a worldwide effort to support workers’ freedom to form unions. In the United States, thousands of activists in more than 100 cities called lawmakers to restore the freedom of workers to form unions. More than 2,000 union members and allies—including rankand-filers from the SIU and a large contingent of trainees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.— gathered at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8 for a rally and march. The trainees bore the colors and served as marshals during the event. “America used to stand proud before the world as a land where the right of working people to have a union was respected,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson during her address to the masses. “But today, that right has been destroyed…. The corporations trample on workers’ freedom like it’s their personal doormat.” Clyde Rucker, a Maryland Verizon worker fired for seeking to form a union also was among the others to speak as were AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, AFGE President John Gage, Air Line Pilots President Duane Woerth, AFT Executive Vice President Antonia Cortese, and NEA President Reg Weaver. Following all speeches, the workers marched and later delivered a petition signed by 100,000 workers calling for federal workers’ freedom to form a union to be honored and also urging strong collective bargaining rights for the 650,000 civilian Defense Department workers and 160,000 Homeland Security employees. SIU members in Philadelphia on Dec. 6 joined others from the labor sector and community activists to welcome AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at an event sponsored by the Philadelphia Central Labor Council, which focused on the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 1696). “Unions lift up the standards for all workers, and 50 million workers would join a union if given the opportunity,” said Sweeney. U.S. Congressmen Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) prior to the start of the event signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation, which would strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers authorize union representation. In San Francisco, SIU members were among those who attended a Dec. 5 San Francisco Labor Council-sponsored press conference at a City Hall. Tim Paulson, San Francisco Labor Council head, called for citywide actions to uphold workers’ rights on the job, while Peter Olney of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union urged support for more than 600 almond workers facing an aggressive antiunion campaign at Blue Diamond Growers. Elsewhere in the United States: „ Hundreds of Oakland, Calif. workers marched to City Hall Dec. 6 to highlight the struggle Comcast workers face in their efforts to join a union with Communications Workers of America. At a workers’ rights hearing that same day, workers testified about the failure of U.S. labor law to protect workers who try to join unions. „ In St. Louis, more than 1,100 workers and activists marched on the headquarters of Peabody Energy as the Mine Workers launched the largest organizing campaign in the nation’s coalfields in decades on Dec. 9. Peabody miners are seeking to form a union to win safety improvements and better pay and benefits. „ Thousands of unionists and supporters braved bitter cold Dec. 8 in Boston to march from Boston Common to a rally on the State House steps, highlighting what they described as the anti-worker attitudes of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, corporate giants Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless and the Harborside Nursing Home in Wakefield. „ In Tucson, Ariz., Jobs with Justice activists held a picket line Dec. 10 in support of workers allegedly harassed by management at Desert Diamond Casino. The Border SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (fifth from right) demonstrates at City Hall during a Dec. 5 press conference sponsored by the San Francisco Central Labor Council. Action Network led a march and rally of more than 150 demanding immigration reform, an end to persecution and deaths of migrants, a halt to militarization of border communities, respect for workers’ rights, and fair trade. The group also held actions in Douglas and Nogales. In Phoenix, the Arizona AFLCIO held a spirited rally of over 200 at Phoenix College, supporting HR 1696 and a new voter initiative to raise the minimum wage. „ A Dec. 9 rally sponsored by UAW Local 2157 in Wichita Falls, Texas demanded justice for Delphi workers. Delphi seeks to join a growing list of major American companies using bankruptcy to void their contracts with workers, both active and retired, while rewarding the mismanagement of top executives. In another development, 11 recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, including distinguished international leaders such as former President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Former Polish President Lech Walesa on Dec. 6 issued a statement in which they expressed grave concern about the state of workers’ rights around the globe. They urged all nations to vigorously protect and defend workers’ inalienable human right to form unions free of discrimination, threats or harassment. The statement ran as a full-page ad in The New York Times, The Washington Post and the International Herald Tribune. The thousands of U.S. workers who mobilized were supported in their fight to restore the freedom to form unions by workers in the international arena, according to During a rally in Philadelphia on Dec. 6, Seafarers (from left) Chris Nardone, William Kelly and John Wozunk show their support for human rights. the AFL-CIO. On Dec. 9, the Indonesian Prosperity Trade Union Confederation (KSBI) released a report showing at least 45 companies in 12 provinces violated freedom of association laws, including the arrest of two labor activists and the dismissal of more than 1,400 workers over the past year. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dec. 10 marked 10 years of peace by focusing the country’s attention on workers’ rights as human rights. Unions in the Upper Drina region launched a joint organizing program aimed at reaching out to workers of all nationalities within the region. In Bahrain, workers on Dec. 10 draped buildings in the capital city of Manama in white sheets and formed a human chain on a major bridge as part of a national campaign against poverty. Members Receive ‘A’ Books At the December membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) congratulated two Seafarers who received their Aseniority union books: Richard Cannady (left) and Ramsey Ingram. The latter two individuals took the union oath before their fellow members, administered by SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. January 2006 Seafarers LOG 5 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:38 PM Page 6 Letters to the Editor (Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) I have only gratitude toward our officials and their families. To our officials for doing their jobs, and to their families for letting them do it. Three things I would like to say to all SIU officials and members: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Message of Thanks I would like to thank the SIU, all officials past and present, for 35 years of great job security. Also I would like to thank my employer, Crescent Towing, for allowing me to work for the best company and boss, Arthur T. Kulp. If you don’t think the SIU is the best union in the maritime industry, try working for a nonunion company for a while. I did. I thought it would be better (wrong). After six months I ran back to the SIU. The grass is never greener on the other side. Stay where you are and enjoy job security and pay and great benefits. Also, I truly want to thank the late SIU President Paul Hall for seeing that there was a problem in the seafaring industry—alcohol and drugs—and doing something about it when every other business looked down on chemically addicted people. Paul Hall knew that he could help people and he did. When everyone else would just fire you, he had the courage to open the SARC (Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center) for people like me. I have been clean and sober for more than 11 years thanks to the SIU and Paul Hall, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Absolutely no other company or union would do that for their members, and allow the members to still have a job and seniority when they return. Jimmie L. Rosser Diamondhead, Mississippi Political Action Needed The World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veterans want to thank our union brothers and shipmates for all of your phone calls to Congress asking representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 23. To date, we have 232 co-sponsors in the House, more than enough to get this bill passed. Now, we have in the Senate S. 1272, a companion bill also known as the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. So, we ask you to please call your two U.S. senators and ask them to co-sponsor S. 1272. Currently we have 17 senators who have co-sponsored the bill, which is identical to the House version. The toll-free telephone number for the Capitol is (866) 8774455. When you are connected, ask for the senator with whom you want to speak. You will be connected to the appropriate office. Please be persistent. Remember, the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII protected the United States and its people —only to have some of those same people turn their backs on those who helped save them. About 8,000 U.S. mariners gave their lives. Without the U.S. Merchant Marine in WWII, we would not have won the war! Cleveland Hosts Union Industries Show The 2006 Union Industries Show rolls into Cleveland, Ohio’s I-X Center May 5 - 7 with a new name and new, sharper focus. The show will be promoted under the name America@Work, followed by the tag-line: “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs.” Exit surveys from the 2005 show revealed that more than half the attendees are not union members but favored unions. They viewed the show as a chance to demonstrate their support for unions, to investigate job and training opportunities and to and learn about union-made products and services. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers union regularly participate in the Union Industries Show. “America @ Work is a catchy name with a modern feel,” noted Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer. The show will also focus more on educating the public about trade unionism and the role unions play in the economic and political life of the community. It will highlight (and encourage people to join) vital pro-worker organizations, including the Alliance for Retired Americans and Working America. “Cleveland could be our biggest show ever,” Mercer said. “This is a heavily unionized, densely populated area. The I-X Center is conveniently located near several large highways connecting dozens of towns and cities, like Columbus, Akron, Canton and Toledo.” The show will have more convenient hours, too, running 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (clos- The annual Union Industries Show typically attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Above, guests check out the SIU/UIW booth during the 2004 event in St. Louis. ing one hour later than before) and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. (The show will no longer run on Monday, a day that has rarely drawn large crowds.) “We are excited to be working closely with the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of Labor and all the individual unions across Ohio. This region is full of fine unionized companies with great products and services, and the public is going to learn a great deal about them. The public will also learn a lot about the Alliance for Retired Americans, Working America and the important political and organizing work that our unions are doing. That, too, is a very exciting and promising development,” Mercer concluded. Helping Hurricane Victims Among the many Seafarers who have assisted hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast are the three Government Services Division members pictured at left (from left): Dan Petrie, Johann Aquilera and Mike Pretty. Normally based in Caven Point, N.Y., the three union members volunteered to go to the Gulf region to participate in relief and rebuilding efforts. Petrie and Aquilera worked with Army Corps of Engineers projects in conjunction with FEMA in Mississippi, removing debris and taking part in the “Blue Roof Program” providing tarps and canvasses for damaged homes. Pretty was a mission coordinator in New Orleans. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri High Cost of Health Care Continues to Make Headlines More American workers are feeling the pinch of the continuing rise in the costs of medical care. This topic remained a prime subject in union contract negotiations and job actions across the nation. In Pittsburgh, for example, bus and light-rail drivers and other hourly workers planned a vote in November whether to strike over wages and health care costs. More than 2,000 Port Authority of Allegheny County workers had been without a contract for four months. Union officials who approved the strike vote said that the proposed contract had raises that were too small and health insurance contributions that were too large. It was the first time that workers in the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 (ATU) were being asked to contribute to their health insurance costs. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 6 Seafarers LOG Patrick McMahon, president of Local 85, said the union was willing to agree to contributions but that the Port Authority was asking for too much. On Nov. 20, negotiators announced a proposed, three-year contract which would boost wages 3 percent each year but also would require workers to start paying a portion (1 percent of their salaries) for their health care coverage. Health insurance copayments also increased for emergency room visits, doctors’ office appointments and for prescriptions. By signing this contract, a strike was averted. In Philadelphia, also in November, negotiators for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the region’s transit agency, and about 5,300 striking workers reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, ending a weeklong walkout. The strike, the first since 1998, involved about 5,000 Transport Workers members and 300 suburban transit employees represented by the United Transportation Union Local 1594. SEPTA had asked that employees pay 5 percent of the health insurance premiums. The union accused SEPTA of going back on a deal under which workers were supposed to maintain coverage without paying part of the premium. A week after ending their seven-day strike against SEPTA, the local ratified a four-year contact that includes a 3 percent annual raise and a 1 percent-of-salary health-care contribution. In early December, nearly 1,300 Stanford University (Calif.) employees in the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 715 were considering a strike. Union workers criticized the current health care plan as well as the university’s recent cuts to retiree health care. Additionally, one of the union’s demands was that the university revoke a recent change to the contract that would reduce retirement benefits for employees hired after Jan. 1, 2006, which would amount to a 10 percent cut in benefits and create a two-tiered system where one group has one set of benefits and wages, and another group does the same work for fewer benefits. The reduction in retirement benefits would make low-income employees unable to afford health care during retirement, noted Zev Kvitky, president of United Stanford Workers. The union wants Stanford to provide full health care coverage for employee family members. “People who have given 20, 30 and 40 years of service need to be able to depend on the guarantee of a feasible retirement in the future,” Kvitky said. According to the most recent estimates, 45 million Americans have no health insurance whatsoever, while on average, 6,000 more Americans lose their coverage every day. January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:38 AM Page 7 Thanksgiving Spirit Evident At San Francisco Gathering I San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris n an event that seemingly becomes bigger and better each year, hundreds of people visited the SIU hall in San Francisco on Nov. 22 for the 15th annual pre-Thanksgiving feast that, for many, has become a “can’t miss” gathering. Seafarers, SIU retirees, dignitaries and their families were among those who enjoyed the two-hour banquet. “We got lots of good feedback,” noted SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona, who closely worked with the committee that organized the event. “We received great support from the rank-and-file membership and from a number of other unions and local businesses. “We didn’t have a specific theme,” he continued, “but overall the atmosphere was one of patriotism and thankfulness, in the spirit of the holiday.” Seafarers Steve Valencia, Louella Sproul, Peter Ciddio and George Pino were instrumental in planning the festivities, Celona noted. They were assisted by other members during the actual event, which featured a traditional Thanksgiving menu. As in years past, Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf assisted with the get-together. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its role in helping provide relief to hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast, a sentiment repeated by other speakers. Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment, present the colors. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (third from left) welcome San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the union hall. San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and San Francisco Port Commission VP Michael Hardeman Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and Electrician Ian Hindley Bosun Roger Rankin carries the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Above right: Chief Cooks Mohamed Omar, John Stein and John Blasquez donated their time and talents, along with other Seafarers (above left). U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is pictured with SIU officials Nick Marrone and Nick Celona. January 2006 Right: Patrolman Kathy Chester and her mother, Ethel Left: The U.S. Marine Corps was well-represented by (from left) Sgt. Major Harry Rivera, Col. Hank Morris and Major Michael Samarov, among others. SIU VP Nick Marrone and Assistant VP Nick Celona present a donation to retired NFL star Jack Tatum, founder of the Jack Tatum Fund for Youthful Diabetes. The retired Oakland Raider himself is a victim of the disease—his left leg is amputated below the knee. Seafarers LOG 7 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:38 AM Page 8 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN Know Your Rights This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15,731,956 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $15,257,627 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $474,329. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $50,501,640. This income included employer contributions of $49,183,111, realized losses of $53,331 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,371,860. Plan expenses were $50,027,311. These expenses included $5,496,475 in administrative expenses and $44,530,836 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3 Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.60 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-5638, Washington, DC 20210. 2006: The Year to Fulfill Your Dreams! I t’s the start of a brand new year, and one of the best ways to celebrate is to fulfill your dreams of a college education. Completing the coupon below is the first step toward realizing that dream. Filling out the application and mailing it to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan by April 15, 2006 is the last step in the process. That leaves three months in which to complete the other steps necessary to apply for one of the eight scholarships being given out this year. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 2006 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls.) Eight monetary grants will be awarded in 2006 to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After P checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. If you sent in an application form in 2005 and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again this year. Make 2006 your special year! lease send me the 2006 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name __________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number ____________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________________________ ( ) Telephone Number ________________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1/06 8 Seafarers LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:40 PM Page 9 Paul Hall Center School Supplement This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. NOTE: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS catalog include being 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency. T he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education enters 2006 well equipped to continue fulfilling its mission of delivering the world’s best-trained mariners. Located in Piney Point, Md., the school offers approximately 50 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes—the most such courses provided by any maritime school in the nation. With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, the school offers everything from entrylevel programs to upgrading classes to license preparation to academic support and more. Students also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. In recent years, the center has answered America’s heightened security needs by implementing comprehensive maritime safety and anti-terrorism training for every student who passes through the front gate. For example, the school added a small-arms range approved by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (along with accompanying curriculums) and then in early 2005 became the first facility to offer a vessel security officer course approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Those are just two examples among many that illustrate the Paul Hall Center’s commitment to offering the most useful, important, up-to-date training anywhere in the industry. The school also has been a leader in providing STCW-mandated training, and was the first to publish a Coast Guard training record book to meet international shipping regulations. Similarly, the school was among the first maritime facilities to provide shiphandling simulators for training, and it was the first to offer an oil-spill prevention and containment class. Additionally, the Paul Hall Center was the first to institute an EPA-certified refrigerant handling class both on and off campus. It also was the first to establish a culinary institute dedicated to food preparation aboard ship. With the rebirth of the American-flag deep sea cruise ship industry, the school has developed new courses and built additional facilities specifically to help meet the manpower needs of this important component of the U.S. fleet. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is contained in this eightpage section and also appears on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days’ sea time in the previous year, one day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 994-0010. January 2006 DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, seagoing service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The course consists of hands-on training and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring, and mooring, and aids to navigation. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational watch, or qualified ratings (STCW) Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings. Unlimited: 3 years’ deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or OIC Bridge Resource Management Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. Bridge Resource Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This course fulfills the training requirements of effective bridge teamwork as set forth in STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and B-VIII/2 and 46 CFR 10.25 and 10.209. Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR seeking an original third mate or limited license Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons or less) Students who successfully complete this course will have the knowledge and experience needed to continually reassess the allocation and use of bridge resources using bridge management principles. Applicants completing our 26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN 1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC). Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 gross tons or greater OR in the process of getting license Celestial Navigation Applicants completing our 126-hour Celestial Navigation course with a passing grade of at least 80% satisfy the Celestial Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to sign-off for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-11C; OICNW-1-1D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F. The course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars, and planets, compass error by amplitude and azimuth, star identification, and care and use of the sextant. Prerequisites: ARPA, Radar Observer, Scientific calculator skill, time/speed/distance formula Crisis Management & Human Behavior Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis Management & Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management & Human Behavior training requirements of Table A-V/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;—AND—(2) the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships. This course is designed for any person responsible for the safety of passengers in an emergency on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies, controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and the establishing and maintaining effective communications. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Crowd Management Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd Management course satisfy: (1) the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels;—AND— (2) the Safety Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels. This course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, complying with ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating the use of personal life-saving devices. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Applicants completing our 35-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS” of Table AII/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:39 AM Page 10 G Continued from page 9 Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS With Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, Detection of Misrepresentation of information and Methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. The course provides training in the basic theory and use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) for those who will be in charge of a navigational watch on vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn to use, update, and verify electronic chart information. The training comprises all safety-relevant aspects and aims beyond the use of operational controls. All theoretical aspects and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in depth. Prerequisites: General Admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate; Terrestrial Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats course satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. The Paul Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during or after launch in adverse weather and sea conditions. Students learn how to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all locating devices, including communication and signaling equipment between the rescue boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to carry out search patterns. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Fundamental Concepts of Navigation Applicants completing our 70-hour Fundamental Concepts of Navigation course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 5 YEARS of the completion of training, receive 20 days’ sea service credit that may be used—ONLY—for the following: (1) Any license restricted to service upon vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (domestic); OR (2) Any license restricted to service upon inland or Great Lakes waters; OR (3) Any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that the applicant has at least 6 months of actual sea service that can be credited toward an Able Seaman endorsement. Topics covered in this c1ass include the use of nautical charts, calculating time, speed, and distance problems, the use of plotting instruments and compasses, dead reckoning, bearings, fixes, current sailing, piloting, and an introduction to collision regulations and rules of the road. Prerequisites: 120 days of sea time as an AB Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) Applicants completing our 70-hour Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) course with a passing grade of at least 75% satisfy the GMDSS training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour course must hold a 200-ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. The class is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. Prerequisites: 1 year experience as a member of navigational watch on the bridge of an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer Government Vessels This 3-week class is open to mariners sailing in any department. The course is structured as three 1-week, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer (Unlimited) Applicants completing our 5-day Radar Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) and the radar training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-31E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-31J; and OICNW-3-1K. This course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modern audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. Prerequisites: Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation Radar Observer Recertification Applicants completing our 1-Day Radar Observer Recertification course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer Refresher Applicants completing our 3-Day Radar Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: Radar Observer ARPA Applicants completing our 32-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-3-2A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-32E; OICNW-3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-32J; OICNW-3-2K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3- 2M. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) This course of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe, and use the radar plotting aids. Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target acquisition. Prerequisites: Radar Observer Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and rescued persons. Also included are obtaining radio medical advice, administering medication, and sterilization techniques. Prerequisite: Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) Applicants completing our entire 16week Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program, INCLUDING the 360 days of seagoing service: (1) receive 720 days’ sea service credit toward a license as Third Mate of Ocean or Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons. Applicants must present evidence of not less than 1 year of qualifying seagoing service obtained AFTER enrollment in the OICNW program, including at least six months performing bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer. Applicants must have previously completed our entire Unlicensed Apprentice Program, and sea service awarded for completion of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program may NOT be used to meet the service requirements for OICNW and Third Mate;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training and assessment Continued on next page Medical Care Provider Applicants completing our 21-hour Medical Care Provider course satisfy the Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course is designed for mariners who are employed or may be employed on U.S.flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within 5 years or provide information to the U.S. 10 Seafarers LOG January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:39 AM G Continued from page 10 requirements of 46 CFR 10.910 and Section AII/ 1 and Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More, PROVIDED that they have also completed the following Coast Guard approved courses within five years of completion of the OICNW program: a) Basic Safety Training; b) Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting; c) Medical Care Provider; d) Proficiency in Survival Craft; e) Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids); f) Celestial Navigation (STCW); g) Radar Observer (Unlimited); h) Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); i) Bridge Resource Management; j) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and k) Visual Communications. Prerequisites: ARPA, Basic/Adv. Fire Fighting, BRM, Celestial Navigation, First Aid, GMDSS, Medical First Aid Provider, Proficiency in Survival Craft or Water Survival, Radar Observer, Tanker Familiarization, Visual Communication, BST, sea time for 3rd Mate and OICNW Page 11 Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman) Applicants completing our 37-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code;—AND—(2) the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout watch. Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1 and 2 Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tankerman-PIC (Barge). Prerequisites: Present evidence of service in accordance with 46 CFR 13.303. Fire Fighting may be taken simultaneously with the course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This 1-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics include oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention; absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and their proper use; and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations, and anchoring operations. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Applicants completing our 4-hour Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4) and Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. This course provides the unlicensed apprentice candidate with a general understanding and basic knowledge of human relationships, social skills necessary for living and working aboard operational merchant ships, and a working knowledge of issues impacting preparedness for international travel. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Personal Survival Techniques Applicants completing our 12-hour Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites January 2006 Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as TankermanAssistant DL. This course meets the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, Ship Design and Operation, Cargo Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution Prevention, and Emergency Operations and Response. Prerequisites: Fire Fighting Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) HAZMAT Recertification This 1-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection, and monitoring equipment and new technology. Prerequisite: 24- or 40-hour Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) courses ters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course 10.205(l)(1). This course helps mariners develop the required knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, students learn the procedures necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel while on board. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Applicants completing our 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements for service as a Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR 12.053(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 6 months’ sea-going service performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. If the applicant does not present evidence of 6 months of this service, he or she satisfies the training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout duties only. This certification is valid for 1 year and may not be renewed. This course is designed for deck trainees who need a fast track to Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements of 46 CFR 12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4. Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knot-tying, gyro and magnetic compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis (1) (ii) (A), 13.115 (b) (1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement. This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as Tankerman- Assistant (LG); —AND— (2) the tanker familiarization training requirements of paragraphs 17 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code. This course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG fire fighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. Prerequisites: Advanced Fire Fighting Continued on next page Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115 (b)(1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND— receive credit for: (1) two loadings and two discharges which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of 46 CFR 13.203(b)(1);—AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of loading which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(2);—AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). This course provides training for mas- Seafarers LOG 11 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:41 PM Page 12 G Continued from page 11 Vessel Security Officer This 12-hour course provides knowledge to those wishing to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) as defined in section A/2.1.6 (and section A/12.1) of the ISPS Code with respect to the security of a ship, for implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan, and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). Successful students will be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities as Vessel Security Officer as defined in section A/12.2 of the ISPS Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Applicants completing our 1-day Visual Communications course with a minimum score of 80% will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—AND—(2) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence “Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signaling” of Table AII/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers;—OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passen- gers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Master 100 Tons The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i)f or reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial Navigation (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 68-hour Terrestrial Navigation at the Operational Level course meets the mandatory minimum requirements for knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Table A-II/1 of STCW 1995, for the function of Navigation at the Operational Level. This course is a stand-alone course in the Paul Hall Center Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program. The functional elements of this course provide the detailed knowledge to support the training outcomes related to Navigation at the Operational Level in planning and conducting a passage and for determining position in terrestrial navigation. Successful students earn a Paul Hall Center course completion certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the follow- 12 Seafarers LOG ing entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license or equivalent military experience; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Coastal Navigation (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 60-hour Coastal Navigation at the Operational Level course meets the mandatory minimum requirements for knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Table A-II/1 of STCW 1995, for the function of Coastal Navigation at the Operational Level. This course is a stand-alone course in the Paul Hall Center Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program. The functional elements of this course provide the detailed knowledge to support the training outcomes related to Navigation at the Operational Level in planning and conducting a passage and for determining position in coastal navigation. Successful students earn a Paul Hall Center course completion certificate. This course specifically addresses Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.1: Plan and conduct a passage and determine position; and Knowledge and Understanding (KUP) 1.1.2 Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation from IMO Model course OICNW 7.03 and STCW Code Table A-II-1. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license or equivalent military experience; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S. flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 66-hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Continued on next page January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:40 AM G Page 13 Basic Stability (Operational Level) Continued from page 12 Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table AII/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD); provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, Ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW Code Table AII/1: Function: controlling the operation of ENGINE DEPT. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students must have successfully completed Basic Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. COAST GUARD STCW CERTIFICATION COURSES Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program Fireman, Oiler & Watertender (FOWT) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and both Basic Motor Plant Operations and Basic Steam Plant Operations will meet the requirements for endorsement as FOWT. (These classes are Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency January 2006 in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:40 AM Page 14 G Continued from page 13 described below as stand-alone courses.) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and either Basic Motor Plant Operations or Basic Steam Plant Operations will be eligible for an FOWT (Restricted) endorsement. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer OR 6 months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least 6 months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Machinist examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating endorsement prior to commencing the above training. This course provides mariners cognitive and practical mechanical skills in the area of general metalworking and machine tool operations. Prerequisites: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, USCG physical standards for QMED OR hold the USCG Oiler Rating endorsement, STCW certificate as a RFPEW, completed QMED Junior Engineer training program, and USCG Junior Engineer rating Marine Electrician Applicants completing our 280-hour Marine Electrician course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Electrician examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED–Junior Engineer prior to commencing the above training. This course provides Engine Department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators, and controllers on board ship. Prerequisites: 6 months QMED JUNIOR ENGINEER PROGRAM Pumpman Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMED-Oiler/Motor, Total USCGapproved sea or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate. Each student must meet the following entrance requirements: Paul Hall Center Apprentice Program Phases I, II, and III, including Tanker Familiarization Dangerous Liquids (DL) training, Paul Hall Center FOWT Program, QMED Any Rating, Paul Hall Center QMED Junior Engineer Program Students taking training prior to April 4, 1997 or who did not have access to the Paul Hall Center UA program must satisfy the following requirements: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Tanker Familiarization DL course, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center FOWT program (non-rated applicants), USCG-approved sea time and equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least 6 months, meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department Students entering the industry before August 1, 1998 must hold either the USCG Fireman/WT or Oiler rating endorsements (rated applicants) Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak and understand verbal orders in English; six months at sea as a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Junior Engineer and possess the Electrician’s endorsement or the Refrigerating Engineer’s endorsement; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 ENGINEERING SPECIALTY COURSES Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries including intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience Automated Cargo Ops This 6-week course of instruction in the pumpman career track includes classroom and simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo loading and discharge. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Class 3 or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3. Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math and Computer Basic Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to QMED Class 2 Refrigeration System Maintenance & Operations Now an elective, this 6-week class blends practical and classroom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Standard service techniques are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of ships’ stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, and pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units is also presented. Students must be certified as QMEDAny Rating or have equivalent inland experience or hold Coast Guard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for this course. Prerequisites: QMED-Any rating, OR Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician OR equivalent inland experience Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance This 4-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers.a Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration, and electrical systems. Continued on next page Marine Refrigeration Technician The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be 14 Seafarers LOG January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:42 PM Page 15 G Continued from page 14 The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures. Prerequisites: 6-months’ sea time as Wiper, 6 additional months’ sea time in any Engineering Department rating. Must hold a QMED-any rating endorsement, or endorsements as Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician, or possess equivalent inland experience Hydraulics The curriculum in the 4-week hydraulics course blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols, and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships’ steering systems, ramps, fire doors, and a variety of other shipboard systems. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Welding Classroom instruction and hands-on training compose this 4-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. Galley Operations The course consists of two 2-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). Each module is 35 hours with additional time participating in the school’s galley operations. This course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six 2-week stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook (FSM 203) is to provide Steward Department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time Advanced Galley Operations This course consists of four 1-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). The course provides students with a thorough grasp of the advanced baking knowledge and skills required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time Certified Chief Steward The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12-week course for members of the Steward Department. The course is presented in eight modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in 1 week increments with breaks between. This course trains stewards to take charge of production galley, plan and prepare meals, and supervise employees in galley operations for a period of not less than 28 days. January 2006 On meeting the minimum requirements for Certified Chief Steward, culinary students will be competent to take charge of a production galley. The Certified Chief Steward course stresses the competencies related to the supervision of the galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation. Prerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time SAFETY CLASSES Basic Safety Training Applicants completing our 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1);—AND— (2) the Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(3) the Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND— (4) the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) Applicants completing our 21-hour First Aid & CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND— (2)—IF—presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the date of training, the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1- 3 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites (d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 30-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the chemical process of fire, its behavior and the various methods and equipment used to combat it. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Applicants completing our 37-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113 Basic Fire Fighting (30-Hour) Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 32-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of shipboard and tank barge fire fighting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid (8-Hour) Applicants completing our 8-hour Elementary First Aid course and presenting our Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) for original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the Basic SafetyElementary First Aid training requirements Seafarers LOG 15 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:42 PM Page 16 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the first few months of 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 23 March 6 February 17 March 31 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 9 February 20 January 20 March 3 Radar April 3 April 14 Course Steward Upgrading Courses Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Steward February 6 March 6 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB February 27 March 13 March 3 March 17 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 6 February 17 February 13 Febrary 17 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning December 26, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT January 30 March 24 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Marine Electrician January 16 March 10 Marine Refrigeration January 30 March 10 Welding January 23 February 20 February 10 March 10 � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ 16 Seafarers LOG SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1/06 January 2006 �34103p17.qxd 12/20/2005 3:10 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KARL BENES, 79, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the engine department member’s first ship was the Overseas Juneau. Brother Benes attended classes in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the Prince William Sound. Brother Benes makes his home in LaCrescenta, Calif. JULIUS COPELAND, 67, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Copeland first worked aboard the President Fillmore. In 1982, he completed his steward recertification training at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Copeland last sailed on the Achiever. He calls Chesapeake, Va. home. ANGEL PASSAPERA, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1970. A native of Yabucoa, P.R., he first sailed aboard the Clair Borne. Brother Passapera worked in the deck department. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Passapera most recently shipped on the Horizon Discovery. He resides in Puerto Rico. 2005: The Year in Review Continued from page 24 Rescues, Safety Awards At least four Seafarers-crewed ships executed rescues at sea, while numerous SIU-contracted companies were recognized for various safety achievements. The ships involved in the rescues were the Lykes Motivator, USNS Seay, Oscar Sette and USNS San Jose. Companies reaching safety milestones and/or receiving awards included Alaska Tanker Company; AMSEA; Maersk Line, Limited; Crowley Marine Services, and many others. Paul Hall Center The union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. continued offering comprehensive training for mariners, from entry-level curriculums to license preparation. More than 5,300 students successfully completed classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The American Council on Education approved 24 Paul Hall Center courses for college credits (meaning students who complete certain classes at the school may receive credits toward a college degree). The Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer (VSO) course became the first such curriculum approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The school added a new two-week Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher course. Health Care Crisis Adjustments to benefits administered through the SHBP reflected a nationwide crisis. There are at least 45 million uninsured Americans, and premium costs rise by double digits every year. On average, 6,000 people lose their coverage every day—an unacceptably high figure that includes too many retirees. Thousands of Seafarers, pensioners and their families attended benefits conferences at 10 SIU halls around the country. Among other facets of this crisis, they touched on the fact that since the turn of the century, the overall expense of job-based health insurance has increased by 60 percent, while the percentage of covered workers has dropped from 65 percent to around 60 percent. Among those who still have coverage, only 24 percent don’t have to pay to carry single coverage. And only eight percent work for employers who pay the full cost of family coverage (meaning there’s no out-of-pocket cost to the worker simply to maintain the insurance benefit). Health insurance remained the dominant component in all contract negotiations. Final Departures Mourning their loss but celebrating their lives, the union said goodbye to a number of individuals whose efforts lifted not only the union but the industry as a whole. Those people included SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, who died Nov. 8 at age 73; SIUNA Vice President Jim Martin (age 70); Joseph Cecire, longtime chair of the SIU’s Board of Trustees (81); Retired ARC Clinical Director Bill Eckles (62); Romeo Lupinacci, former executive chef at the Paul Hall Center (82); Pat Marinelli, retired SIU port agent (age 82); Jack Parcel, retired Paul Hall Center instructor (77); Tom Gilliland, commandant of trainees at the school (57); and Sal Aquia, age 25, son of retired SIU employee Sal Aquia. January 2006 INLAND SAMUEL ESELY, 65, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Esely first sailed aboard McAllister Towing of Virginia vessels. Born in Ohio, Boatman Esely most recently worked aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. He now calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. THOMAS PATTERSON, 62, became an SIU member in 1969, first sailing with Moran Towing of Virginia. Boatman Patterson was born in Indianapolis, Ind. He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Boatman Patterson last sailed on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. He is a resident of Burlington, N.C JIMMIE ROSSER, 58, began his seafaring career in 1970, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Rosser enhanced his skills in 1984 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and last sailed aboard a Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessel. Boatman Rosser lives in Diamondhead, Miss. FREDERICK SHIFERDEK, 62, was born in Jacksonville, Fla. and began sailing with the SIU in 1966 in New York. He worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville vessels. Boatman Shiferdek makes his home in Yulee, Fla. BRUCE SNYDER, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. Boatman Snyder shipped primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. He was born in Montana and now lives in Nogal, N.M. JOHN TATTERSON, 62, began his seafaring career in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Tatterson initially worked aboard vessels operated by Northeast Towing. The Virginia-born mariner last sailed on an Interstate Oil Transportation vessel. Boatman Tatterson resides in Hudgins, Va. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 Ten crew members, seven of them members of the SIU, lost their lives last month when the SS Francis Asbury went down in the English Channel. The Asbury was en route from Dover to Antwerp through the normally safe Channel when she became the latest victim of the Nazi undersea war. The ship was in convoy and experiencing clear weather and a moderate sea when the attacker struck. There was an underwater explosion directly beneath the engine. The explosion broke the back of the ship and she began to settle immediately. As water reached the boilers they exploded, filling the engine room and the entire midship with live steam. Most of the casualties were among the black gang on watch. Within a few minutes the ship had settled with two feet of water above the boat deck, and the skipper gave orders to abandon ship. Several of the rafts and life boats had been smashed by the explosion, and many of the crew had to jump overboard with their life belts. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. FRANCISCO MIRANDA, 65, joined the NMU in 1979. Brother Miranda was born in the Dominican Republic. His first ship was the Gulf Solar. Prior to retiring, Brother Miranda worked aboard the Lykes Navigator. HENRY RESTO JR., 60, became an NMU member in 1980, initially sailing from the port of New York. Brother Resto is a New York native and worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Dan Meritt 65 John Sakariassen 62 EDP Dec. 1 Dec. 1 maritime industry. In a telegram sent to President Johnson, the joint committee asked for a meeting to discuss formulation of a progressive policy for maritime. The telegram was sent following a meeting in New York of 10 maritime unions including the SIU. AFLCIO President George Meany was represented at the meeting by his executive assistant, Lane Kirkland. The telegram to the White House asked that the president send no message to Congress on the subject of maritime policy without discussing it with the unions vitally involved. This Month In SIU History 1965 A joint maritime labor committee composed of the SIU and other maritime unions has rapped the wavering federal policy toward U.S. maritime which the committee said was threatening the “annihilation” of the U.S. 1985 Frank Mongelli, one of this union’s most trusted and dedicated officials, died at his home in Valley Lee, Md. January 11. He was 72 years old. At the time of his death, he was vice president of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. One of the founders of the school, Mongelli was instrumental in helping thousands of young men and women develop a new direction and skills to lead richer and more rewarding lives. A member of this union for more than 40 years, Frank participated in nearly all of its major beefs and organizing drives. He was known for his physical courage, his loyalty and the leadership qualities that he displayed when asked to take charge of a situation. Seafarers LOG 17 �34103p02,18.qxd 12/20/2005 3:12 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE BRYANT JR. Pensioner George Bryant Jr., 66, passed away Aug. 18. Brother Bryant joined the SIU in 1960, first sailing on the Gallaway in the steward department. He was born in Alabama. Prior to retiring in 1997, Brother Bryant shipped on the Tacoma. He made his home in Las Vegas. RAMADAN ELMOBDY Brother Ramadan Elmobdy, 57, died Aug. 14. He was a native of Egypt. Brother Elmobdy became a Seafarer in 1978. He worked in the deck department, last sailing on the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires. Brother Elmobdy called Trenton, N.J. home. EDWARD HANEY Brother Edward Haney, 65, passed away July 30. He joined the SIU in 1987 after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Haney’s first ship was the American Cormorant. The deck department member, who was born in Stayton, Ore., most recently sailed on the Overseas Vivian. He resided in Lakeside, Ore. MICHAEL HINTON Brother Michael Hinton, 53, died Aug. 20. He began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Seattle. Brother Hinton first shipped aboard Victory Carrier’s North West. The engine department member last worked on the USNS Bowditch. He was born in Wisconsin and lived in Olympia, Wash. STEVE KARLAK Pensioner Steve Karlak, 80, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Karlak, who was born in Poland, joined the Seafarers in 1946. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel in the engine department. His last ship was the Adventurer. Brother Karlak retired in 1987 and settled in Florida. DANNY LABOGIN Pensioner Danny Labogin, 105, died Aug. 12. Brother Labogin started his MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) career in San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. Brother Labogin was a resident of San Francisco. ANTONIO MELENDEZ Pensioner Antonio Melendez, 84, died Sept. 25. Brother Melendez 18 Seafarers LOG became a member of the SIU in 1944 in New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the steward department. Brother Melendez first shipped on the Elizabeth. He was last employed on the Borinquen. Brother Melendez began receiving his pension in 1983. He made his home in San Juan, P.R. DAVID NEWMAN Pensioner David Newman, 73, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Newman joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Illinois, the deck department member initially sailed aboard the Sampan Hitch. Before retiring in 1998, Brother Newman sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. He called Jacksonville home. SHIRLEY NICHOLSON Pensioner Shirley Nicholson, 84, died July 29. Brother Nicholson commenced his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the William Black Yates. Brother Nicholson, who was a member of the deck department, last worked aboard the Overseas Natalie. Born in Portsmouth, Va., he lived in Pensacola, Fla. and began his retirement in 1985. GUILLERMO ORTIZ Pensioner Guillermo Ortiz, 81, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Ortiz joined the union in 1949 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on N.P.R.’s San Juan. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 1986 and settled in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM OSBORN Pensioner William Osborn, 76, died Sept. 8. Brother Osborn began shipping with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Seattle. He was born in Florida and worked in the deck department. Brother Osborn most recently sailed aboard the Economy. He started collecting his retirement stipends in 1988. He resided in his native state. CHESTER OWEN Pensioner Chester Owen, 92, passed away Sept. 5. A native of Georgia, Brother Owen joined the SIU in 1953 in New York. He first shipped on the Alcoa Planter in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Manhattan. Brother Owen started receiving his pension in 1983. He called Sacramento, Calif. home. ANTHONY PERRY Brother Anthony Perry, 50, died Aug. 9. He became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Perry’s first ship was the Steven L. Bennett. Born in Pensacola, Fla. Brother Perry most recently sailed on the USNS Fisher. He made his home in Washington state. ERNEST RUAUD Pensioner Ernest Ruaud, 84, passed away Aug. 19. Brother Ruaud began his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. He worked aboard the President Van Buren and President Jefferson, among other vessels operated by American President Lines. Brother Ruaud retired in 1983 and lived in San Francisco. CARLOS TRAVIEZO Pensioner Carlos Traviezo, 88, died July 26. Brother Traviezo joined the SIU in 1960 in New York. The steward department member, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed on the Yorkmar. Prior to retiring in 1983, he worked aboard the Santa Clara. Brother Traviezo lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. INLAND DENIS ABSHIRE Boatman Denis Abshire, 56, passed away Aug. 24. He was born in Louisiana. Boatman Abshire became a Seafarer in 1973, shipping primarily on vessels operated by Seabulk Towing. Boatman Abshire was a resident of Starks, La. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. CROSBY MILLS Pensioner Crosby Mills, 97, died June 16. Brother Mills joined the union in 1964, first sailing on the Norwalk. The Texas-born mariner worked in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Mills’ last voyage was aboard the Lykes Explorer. He went on pension in 1999. ZOLTON NEMETH Pensioner Zolton Nemeth, 77, passed away July 4. Brother Nemeth became an NMU member in 1945, first sailing on the James Ellwood Jones. He was born in Alpha, N.J. and shipped in the engine department. Before retiring in 1973, Brother Nemeth worked aboard the Gulf Trader. NORMAN NORTH Shepherd’s most recent voyage was aboard the African Meteor. The steward department member went on pension in 1972. JORGE SIGUENZA Pensioner Norman North, 82, died July 5. Brother North started sailing with the NMU in 1970 aboard the Penobscot. Brother North was born in Boston, Mass. His last voyage was on the Massachusetts. Brother North began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. Pensioner Jorge Siguenza, 75, died July 2. Brother Siguenza began sailing with the NMU in 1954 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Granada. Brother Siguenza was born in Guatemala. He was a member of the steward department, last sailing on the Gulf Trader. Brother Siguenza started collecting his pension in 1984. JOSE PEREIRA HILDRED SMITH Pensioner Jose Pereira, 79, passed away May 27. Brother Pereira embarked on his seafaring career in 1946, first sailing on the James L. Richards. A native of Portugal, he retired in 1966. His last ship was the American Puritan. MANUEL PEREZ Pensioner Hildred Smith, 80, passed away June 13. Brother Smith embarked on his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of San Francisco. The Louisiana-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Smith’s first ship was the Antigua; his last was the Tonsina. He began his retirement in 1990. Pensioner Manuel Perez, 84, died June 30. Brother Perez joined the NMU in 1947, first sailing on the John A. Quitman. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Perez was a member of the engine department. He started collecting his pension in 1972. Brother Perez last worked on the American Apollo. Pensioner Charles Spenner, 88, died May 2. Brother Spenner joined the NMU ranks in 1942 in Baltimore. He first sailed aboard the Zacapa; his last ship was the Pioneer Commander. Brother Spenner went on pension in 1972. ANNELISES SABO FERDINAND STANCHI Pensioner Annelises Sabo, 77, passed away May 3. Sister Sabo joined the NMU in 1977 in Norfolk, Va. Her first ship was the Amoco Delaware. Sister Sabo was born in Germany and shipped in the steward department. She most recently sailed aboard the Marine Princess. Sister Sabo began receiving compensation for her retirement. in 1993. JOSEPH SEMBLY Pensioner Joseph Sembly, 76, died May 12. Brother Sembly began his seafaring career in 1946. He initially sailed from the port of Baltimore on the Louisa M. Alcott. Brother Sembly was a member of the steward department. He started receiving his retirement stipends in 1971. VINCENT SHEPHERD Pensioner Vincent Shepherd, 86, passed away May 4. Brother Shepherd was born in Panama. He joined the union in 1946. Brother CHARLES SPENNER Pensioner Ferdinand Stanchi, 84, passed away May 15. Brother Stanchi joined the NMU in 1942, initially shipping from New Orleans. The engine department member was born in Argentina. Brother Stanchi most recently sailed on the Mormac Lynx. He retired in 1972. WILLIAM WINBERRY Pensioner William Winberry, 85, died June 13. Brother Winberry, who was a native of Hebert, N.C., joined the NMU in 1937 in Norfolk, Va. He sailed aboard the Liberty Glo and the Trojan. Brother Winberry began receiving his pension in 1969. RODERICK YOUNG Pensioner Roderick Young, 78, passed away June 24. Brother Young joined the NMU in 1946 in Seattle. His first ship was the James D. Trask. Brother Young worked in both the engine and steward departments. Prior to retiring in 1971, he shipped on the Ashley Lykes. January 2006 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:02 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 26—Chairman Robert B. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Charles Collins, Steward Delegate William Bless Jr. Chairman announced payoff prior to arrival in Charleston, S.C. Secretary reported that Maersk has officially taken over from USSM, therefore ordering procedures and company polices are in transitional phase and OT allowances may vary. Educational director urged crew members to check out upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for next contract. After Charleston, ship heading to Houston, Texas. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), Oct. 11— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Leland O. Peterson. Chairman asked crew to keep volume down on TV during meal hours. He also reminded them of BP’s policy on remodeling staterooms: it is not to be done. All members are to give secretary suggestions for next contract in writing so they can be documented and forwarded to headquarters. Secretary announced that more than $16,000 was raised by crew and company for Hurricane Katrina victims. Money was sent to American Red Cross. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Piney Point school and advised them to renew documents early so as not to miss any job opportunities. He told them passports can be received in about a week. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers talked about extra bonus vacation and were assured that as long as they are in the ATC hiring pool, they will be eligible for the benefit. Discussion held about communications issues between ship and headquarters. Suggestions made regarding items for new contract, including pay increases for everyone. ATC’s policy of not selling tobacco products in Slop Chest was reiterated. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Oct. 31—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Claudia N. Mauricio Brice, Deck Delegate Andrew D. Esteban, Engine Delegate Oliver L. Celestial. Chairman reported smooth sailing with great crew. Secretary asked departing crew members to clean rooms for next person. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities for seafarers at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding prescription plan. Collection fund for Katrina victims netted $330. Engineer informed that dishwasher and ice machine are not working properly. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for excellent food. Next port: Lake Charles, La. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Oct. 31—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Deck Delegate Mario Batiz. Chairman urged all mariners to read Seafarers LOG for current information about union and maritime industry concerns. Secretary reported approximately $500 per month spent on satellite TV and DVDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate requested clarification on company’s policy regarding speaking English only in work areas and that policy be posted. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), Oct. 30—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Earl A. Olson, Deck Delegate James F. Harris, Engine Delegate Ahmed Salim. Bosun informed crew he has contacted headquarters regarding new contract and requested copies. He also stated he is a firm believer in SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and that money is used to fight forces on Capitol Hill that could take away seafarers’ way of making a living. Crew members were reminded to wear proper safety gear while on deck. Educational With Seafarers on the Lakes Seafarers aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger recently submitted these two photos which were snapped aboard the Hannah Marine vessel. The ship is a self-unloading cement carrier. During a recent shipboard meeting, crew members discussed their contract and also the importance of safety. January 2006 director advised members to upgrade often at Paul Hall Center No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Cherry Point and Richmond, Calif. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct.9—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Howard G. Blanks Jr., Steward Delegate Isabel R. Sabio. Chairman announced Oct. 18 payoff in Charleston, S.C. He thanked everyone for safe trip and reminded them to report any safety issues to department heads. Secretary reported 60-day stores to be taken aboard in Charleston and expressed gratitude for everyone’s help keeping ship clean. Educational director led discussion about recent health plan changes and reminded all hands to check documents’ expiration dates. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew members made suggestions for next contract, including strong wage increases to help offset some of the added medical expenses. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 20— Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director William Pough, Deck Delegate Ronald Poole, Engine Delegate Grady Lamontaje, Steward Delegate Alba Ayala. Chairman emphasized importance of working together safely and requested vessel master set up ship’s fund. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents in order so as not be turned down for employment. He also raised member awareness of SMPPP (Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan) and advised crew to review individual accounts when they receive them in April. Beef reported in deck department. No disputed OT. Professional exterminator requested aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department and OMUs. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 30—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced Nov. 5 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD, saying “because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters.” Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $40 in ship’s fund and $800 in satellite fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Clarification requested on how SIU-NMU merger affects members’ seniority. Crew would like cost of living increases in pension benefits along with health insurance for spouses. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston, Texas. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 15—Chairman Michael Phy, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Owen A. Gallagher, Deck Delegate Edward Martinez, Engine Delegate Alfred Norris, Steward Delegate Michael Harris. Chairman announced Nov. 16 payoff in Bayonne, N.J. He asked crew for cooperation in sorting plastic items from regular trash. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep common areas clean and thanked deck gang for being quiet in passageways so others can sleep. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade their skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents up to date. Beef reported in engine department pertaining to tankcleaning procedures; no disputed OT noted. Recommendation made to lower age and seatime requirements for pension benefits. Request made for new mattresses, fountain machine for cold drinks as well as transformer (220v to 110c) for each fo’c’sle. Next ports: Bayonne; Newark, N.J.; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship), Nov. 4—Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Allen D. Bright, Steward Delegate Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseve, Deck Delegate Derrick W. Hurt, Steward Delegate Marie Mitchell. Chairman announced Nov. 21 payoff in Beaumont, Texas and thanked crew for all their support over the long voyage, especially the offloading of equipment in various ports of call. He encouraged members to attend local union meetings—whether at sea or on shore. Secretary educated members as to why union meetings are so important. He also asked those departing vessel to clean rooms. Educational director spoke to crew about upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and stressed need to keep all docu- Thanksgiving on Empire State Seafarers recently crewed up the Empire State when the vessel was mobilized for hurricane relief operations in the New Orleans area. Some of the crew members are pictured here enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner aboard the ship, which remained in the Gulf Coast region as of mid-December. Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller sent the photos to the LOG. Hamin Sialana. Chairman thanked crew for smooth trip and requested status of contract negotiations. Educational director urged Seafarers to watch safety videos and report any damaged equipment to department head. He also talked about opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food “and plenty of it.” Suggestion made to lower age requirements for pension benefits. Next ports: Vancouver, Wash.; Long Beach, Calif.; Japan. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Nov. 20—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Charles F. Welch, Deck Delegate Isaac Vega-Mercado, Engine Delegate Eliesar Montalvo, Steward Delegate Rafael A. Cardenas Jr. Chairman announced Nov. 20 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He recommended all members keep z-cards and passports current or chance losing a job. Crew members were asked to have union books and dues payments ready for patrolman at payoff. Secretary thanked everyone for great voyage and wished them all a happy holiday season. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. NORTHERN LIGHTS (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 6—Chairman Eric A. Berry, ments current. He further advised everyone to read monthly Seafarers LOG for information about union and maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read President Sacco’s report in latest LOG and thanked him for his support and continued efforts in getting more jobs for SIU members. Clarification requested on cash limit at draw and payoff. Thanks given to everyone, especially steward department, for jobs well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Beaumont, Texas; Mobile, Ala. USNS MENDONCA (American Overseas Marine), Nov. 10— Chairman John A. Mendez, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Engine Delegate Benjamin A. Stanley, Steward Delegate Nina M. McFall. Chairman urged everyone to read Seafarers LOG, especially president’s report. Secretary asked crew members to do their share in helping keep ship clean. Educational director spoke about benefits of upgrading at Piney Point school. It was noted that the company has initiated a ship’s fund. Report will be given to membership once specifics have been determined. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman will try to get copies of all contracts (Amsea, MSC, etc.) as well as Memoranda of Understanding for crew reference. Question raised whether company would supply movies and gym equipment. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 19 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/20/2005 3:29 PM Page 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February & March 2006 Membership Meetings NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 2 0 2 8 0 9 38 21 1 21 14 40 20 7 0 10 18 0 26 25 262 0 0 9 5 0 9 15 17 1 10 4 16 7 1 1 4 8 3 11 9 4 3 8 12 2 6 32 24 3 8 12 18 18 3 6 5 8 5 36 26 239 0 3 7 8 1 4 10 21 4 7 6 15 12 4 2 2 8 4 21 15 1 2 0 7 1 1 25 6 1 2 9 10 7 0 2 0 6 1 15 12 108 0 0 1 4 1 4 10 14 0 1 3 14 10 0 0 0 4 1 4 10 130 154 81 0 0 3 8 0 13 14 20 1 9 4 25 9 0 7 2 17 0 16 21 0 0 0 11 2 7 6 6 0 2 5 5 12 2 2 1 5 0 9 12 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 7 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 2 1 4 29 22 1 6 9 21 19 3 1 4 13 1 27 15 179 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 3 4 5 20 21 2 7 6 8 9 3 10 6 8 4 29 19 172 0 2 0 3 1 0 10 4 1 3 2 7 4 0 1 1 4 0 14 9 66 0 1 0 2 1 1 17 23 0 8 7 21 10 2 1 11 13 2 25 18 163 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 2 1 8 9 12 1 6 4 6 7 0 0 2 5 2 11 7 87 1 0 3 3 3 6 10 12 3 5 3 10 6 3 1 2 5 2 16 10 104 0 0 1 3 1 2 4 3 0 1 2 5 5 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 36 0 0 5 2 0 3 7 16 0 5 3 8 3 2 0 6 5 1 11 6 83 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 2 0 6 12 13 0 2 4 11 10 1 2 0 13 1 15 16 169 87 26 111 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 3 0 0 4 9 1 0 0 1 9 0 5 1 1 4 1 4 0 3 14 13 0 6 5 20 6 0 8 5 16 0 17 16 4 1 4 4 2 6 28 14 0 1 6 29 22 1 23 0 8 2 23 12 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 3 3 3 4 0 6 2 2 10 0 2 1 3 2 6 6 60 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 3 2 5 0 4 7 7 0 4 1 8 4 0 7 3 9 1 8 9 0 2 0 2 2 1 17 4 0 0 3 3 11 0 12 0 2 0 11 7 0 0 3 7 0 3 13 9 0 2 2 13 10 2 3 1 8 0 13 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 0 5 14 0 11 63 44 0 26 26 67 26 5 0 19 36 1 49 44 1 5 1 13 3 4 42 14 2 5 16 21 12 0 1 0 10 2 21 19 439 371 192 0 0 8 7 2 9 23 26 0 14 11 31 8 3 2 4 13 2 15 9 1 5 7 12 3 3 13 27 1 9 7 20 17 6 2 4 11 2 24 20 1 1 2 5 1 4 14 18 0 2 2 15 12 1 0 0 4 1 7 17 187 194 107 0 0 6 11 1 17 29 28 1 13 11 38 14 3 8 3 30 0 28 37 0 0 3 10 1 13 12 11 0 4 8 11 17 2 1 2 7 0 14 17 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 5 1 2 2 7 7 0 1 0 3 0 10 2 96 278 133 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 9 3 0 0 4 14 0 0 0 1 10 0 7 1 1 4 1 12 5 15 27 25 0 9 7 55 14 0 9 6 17 0 31 14 6 4 4 10 3 17 34 29 0 1 7 54 24 1 19 1 15 3 33 19 43 139 190 20 85 77 0 52 252 284 604 619 405 397 421 197 342 956 950 632 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 20 5 11 9 28 7 17 44 24 2 18 16 35 24 5 6 10 13 7 50 40 Seafarers LOG Piney Point .............Monday: February 6, March 6 Algonac ..................Friday: February 10, March 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Boston.....................Friday: February 10, March 10 Guam ......................Thursday: February 23, March 23 Honolulu .................Friday: February 17, March 17 Houston ..................Monday: February 13, March 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 9, March 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: February 15, March 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: February 14, March 14 New York................Tuesday: February 7, March 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: February 8, March 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Juan..................Thursday: February 9, March 9 St. Louis..................Friday: February 17, March 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: February 24, March 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 21* .................................Monday: March 20 ............................................(*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Additional Thanks – More SDRF Contributors The November and December issues of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since those lists were compiled, additional contributions were received from people whose names are listed below. Timothy Burke Anthony Maben Lavern McDowell Sr. Donald Melonson Mohsin Nasser Christopher Schneider Ellen Silver Jerome Smith John Walsh SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 January 2006 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 8:12 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 21 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, 422, Suite 101B West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 January 2006 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 15 2 6 11 0 1 1 39 2 3 1 2 3 0 0 0 11 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 16 0 3 14 3 0 1 40 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 13 1 1 12 1 2 0 31 12 32 5 16 32 0 1 7 105 9 11 1 5 12 0 1 3 42 0 3 1 11 1 0 1 0 17 0 4 3 0 6 1 0 3 17 6 20 6 1 16 1 0 5 55 1 3 7 5 10 0 1 0 27 0 2 3 7 0 1 0 0 13 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 5 6 14 3 4 14 1 0 2 44 3 4 4 1 16 1 0 1 30 0 2 3 6 0 0 0 0 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 7 0 0 6 0 0 1 16 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 4 0 0 6 0 0 2 16 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 3 0 3 5 1 0 0 13 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 5 Port 1 0 3 0 5 2 0 0 11 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 68 26 13 67 13 14 53 204 99 41 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Jesus V. Garcia of Fort Lee, N.J. It was taken on an SIU-contracted ship “a few years ago,” he wrote in a letter to the LOG that accompanied the photo. “As you can see,” he wrote, “it shows some of my shipmates having coffee at 10:00 a.m.” Brother Garcia, who was born in Fort Worth, Texas, joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York sailing as an FOWT. He retired in 1980, last sailing on the Borinquen. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. Seafarers LOG 21 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:43 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 668 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 668. They are (in alphabetical order) Michael Callahan, Marcus Campbell, Enrique Defendini, Brian Elam, Juan Gonzalez, Legarrius Jones, Benita Long, David Moses, Lee Patrick, Richard Perez, Marvin Porter, Christopher Sahagon, Terrance Sawyer, Gregory Simmons, Jeffrey Tyson, Ryan Wall and Michael Williams. ARPA— With instructor Mike Smith (far right) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Aug. 25. They are (in alphabetical order) Andrew Brzezinski, Nikunj Christian, Jeffrey Coble, Alexander Kepchar, Felix Nunez and Michael Presser. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 16 are (from left, kneeling) Norman Rodriguez, John Maynor Sr., (first row) Jerome Prince, Paul Brown, Ty Varnadoe, Romulo Racoma Jr., Thia-Curon Banks, (last row) Chris Malbas, James Nickerson, Stacy Murphy and Daniel McFarland. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Damage Control — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels who completed the Damage Control course Sept. 23 are (in no specific order) Robet Yates, Terry Popperwill, Keith Kirkeide, Harry Livingston Jr., Robert Taylor, Guy Pruitt, Garnett Leary, Melvin Pendleton, Greg Cherry, Eddie Garner, Riley Johnson, James Hunley, Brian Cherry, Miles Ireland Jr., Bradley Thomas Jr. and Art Schwendeman. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far left. Chief Cook — Graduates of the chief cook class in November are (from the left) Charles Davis, Elba Alfaro, Larry Bachelor, Chef John Dobson (instructor), Reynaldo Ricarte, Lisa Favreaux and Mary Whatley. Jr. Engineer — Completing the junior engineer program, which lasted from June 20 through Sept. 9 are (in no specific order) Aaron Matuszny, Kenneth Green, Christopher Eason, Ronald Embody, Darrell Riggins, Demond Williams, Terrance Maxwell, Charles Bennett, Anthony Neathery, Michael Voda, Joseph Krajnik, Jeffrey Hawkins, Eric Mentzer and Bryan Fletcher. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (from left in the above left photo) Christopher M. Eason, George A. Miller and Joseph Krajnik, with instructor Rick Prucha in the back. In the above right photo, Lon Maduro is awarded a number of certificates of achievement in computer courses from Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers graduating Aug. 26 from the government vessels course are (in no specific order) Florencio Marfa Jr., Anthony Lieto, Dana Paradise, Rene Rosario, Sylvan Harris, Philip Forman, Wilfred Colon, Radford Rainey, Arnell George and Alexander Rodriguez. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:43 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Sept. 23 graduates of this class include (in no specific order) George Miller, Gill Sickles, Harold Harper, Joseph Thomas, Joseph Barnes, Jeffrey Moore, Duane Frosburg and Jackie Jones Jr. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back) are students who completed the welding course Sept. 9. They are (in no specific order) Michael Murner, Michael Wiley, Paul Voisin, James Watson, Lon Maduro and Hector Solis (Note: Not all are pictured.) Lifeboatman/Water Survival — The following students completed the lifeboatman/water survival course ending Aug. 19. Included in the class, which was taught by Bernabe Pelington (standing aft in both photos), are (in no specific order) Mark Jones, Paul Conway, Radford Rainey, Lawrence Jackcroft, Kenneth Young, Alexander Rodriguez, Chris Malbas, Brian Goodman, Gary Walker, Morris Coronel, Robert Guilmette, Julio Rivas, Glenn Taan and Donaldo Valencia. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Aug. 12 from instructor Tony Sevilla (far right) are (in no specific order) Steven Lonas, Wilfred Colon, Saleh Mothana, Edwin Rivera, Cortney Sacks, Abebe Reda, William Little, Jennifer Souci and Jarret Leask. Radar — The seven Seafarers completing the radar course Aug. 19 are (in alphabetical order) Nikunj Christian, Rafael Clemente, Patricia Hausner, Alexander Kepchar, Michael McCourt, Felix Nuñez and Michael Presser. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, Aug. 12: Nina Holder, Mark Howland, Shala Hunt, Rufus Johnson, Roy Kamehiro, Tin Kyaw, Rokki Lewis, Brandon Lincoln, Michael Lingsch, Amy Linke-Mikles, Elizabeth Lopez, Alejandra Marquez, Nicole Matthews, Sheila McClain, Donald McDavis, Thomas McIntosh, Venecia Meno, Whitney Mitchell and William Tinney. STCW — NCL, Aug. 12: Zinnia Montenegro, Daisy Anne Nalicat, Pablito Pellosis, Diana Peterson, Michael Rudkosky II, Stephen Schwartz, Jeffrey Shedrick, Brian Sheeks, Danielle Siegrist, Jodi Smith, Sheena Smith, Thomas Sover, Jerrald Taylor, Joseph Thiele, Robert Tracy, Magdalena Wiklund, Daniel Wilcox, YuQuan Wu and Nancy Zeoli-Bohanan. STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Mark Abrincia, Elray Adams, Michael Barton, Kevin Bertelmann, Christine Brown, Monica Brown, Robert Budrick Jr., Jason Carlucci, Lillian Chatwin, Sandra Clyde, Fedd Coleman, Debra Croft, Jarrod Cutchins, Samuel Day III, Jennifer Dunn, Kesha Evans, Tiffany Glenn, Anthony Guzman and SIU members Zedrick Alcantara and Bryan Benak. STCW — NCL, Aug 19: Helen Legaux, James Lundy, Jay Macy, Matthew Martin, Talon McKinney, Laura Mertes, Emily Miller, Karsten Murray, Ivana Norgah, Danilo Pacia, Joseph Padden, Shawn Pajeaud, Angeline Palisoc, Rebecca Patrick, Vanessa Patterson and SIU members Lawrence Lewis and Benjamin Medrano. STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Rachel Piceno, STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Carolyn Hathorn, Gregory Hayes, Sharon Henderson, Andrew Hinds, Carole Horn, Heather Hughes, Michelle Ireland, Talita Jefferson, Janice Johnson, Megan Johnson, Douglas Jones, Corey Keigler, Nicole Kilmer, Shelley Kimball, Chetan Kumar, Rebecca Lee and SIU members Albert Haarmann, Leslie Hewett Jr., and Robert Lerma. (Note: Not all are pictured.) January 2006 Bon Phoaphai Pornchai, Ronald Reed, Jamilynn Rosario, Larry Ross, Mitchell Ross, Leonard Rugante, Erika Schoenknecht, Kendra Stivers, Clint Stubblebine, Michael Tracy, Erika Vanderzon, Grant Van Ulbrich, John Vertin, Aldrin Villaluz, Mike Wabst, David West, Christa Wichert, James Young and SIU members Ethan Mims and Rene Rosario. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:02 AM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 A R V P 8 2005 in Review Seafarers Answered Calls for Disaster Relief, Ongoing Troop Support In a year bracketed by bittersweet stories of disaster relief, the SIU enjoyed exceptionally good news throughout 2005 concerning its contracted fleet. Whether gaining new tonnage, maintaining jobs aboard ships previously under contract or learning of plans to build more vessels in American shipyards, Seafarers had plenty to applaud. SIU members also continued supporting U.S. troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, sailing aboard dozens of ships in the Middle East and elsewhere. As with any year, 2005 brought its share of challenges. It began with Seafarers mobilizing to support victims of the tsunami which struck in late 2004, and ended with SIU members still on duty in the U.S. Gulf Coast where they helped provide relief for hurricane victims. While the members were duly credited for their efforts in both missions, the extensive storm damage saddened all concerned. Seafarers also couldn’t escape the burgeoning health care crisis —a nationwide emergency that threatens to cripple the U.S. economy. Following is a look back at some of the key stories from 2005. Job Growth Continues The year started with the government announcing operating contracts for the extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program and ended with Seafarers crewing up the MSP’s newest ships. Overall, the program grew from the old number of 47 U.S.-flag vessels to the current 60, beginning in October. SIU members sail on every one of those ships, so the union gained 13 vessels in the updated MSP. Not to be overlooked in the program’s growth were the many supportive comments from highranking military officials who participated in “flag-in” ceremonies. Their enthusiastic recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense reflects the bond between mariners and the troops for whom they deliver. In a blockbuster declaration in mid-April, SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group announced it will operate 10 U.S.flag tankers scheduled for construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (formerly Kvaerner Philadelphia). The company said the five-year construction plan is “believed to be the largest of its kind in American commercial shipbuilding.” Plenty of fanfare accompanied the launch of NCL America’s second ship, the Pride of America. Christened in New York in June, the state-of-the-art cruise ship represents not only new jobs for Seafarers, but also the continued revitalization of an important segment of the U.S. fleet. Other areas saw growth, too. On the Great Lakes, American Steamship Company added the 1,000-foot self-unloader Burns Harbor, while the riverboat Detroit Princess also came under SIU contract. Members of the union’s Government Services Division crewed up the USNS Lewis and Clark, the first of eight vessels in a new T-AKE class. There are options to order four more of the dry cargo/ammunition ships, for a potential total of 12 vessels. Matson’s containership Manulani entered service, and the company ordered two more ships from Aker Philadelphia. The second and third Alaska class tankers—the Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator —were delivered and sailed with SIU crews. One more such ship is being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Like the others, it will be operated by Alaska Tanker Company. Maritrans announced a contact to build three new ATBs. Seafarers crewed up the new car carrier Jean Anne, owned by The Pasha Group and operated by Interocean Ugland Management. The coastwise tanker Sea Venture came under SIU contract, operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Inc. Seafarers also saw significant job retention in 2005 with the awarding of various contracts. None was bigger than the U.S. Maritime Administration’s announcement of operating agreements for the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Overall, Seafarerscontracted companies won contracts to operate all 54 ships in the RRF fleet. Similarly, Maersk Line Limited won an operating agreement for eight fast sealift ships, while Ocean Ships won a separate contract for four of the T-5 tankers. Seafarers already sailed aboard those ships, but as the operating agreements expired, there was no guarantee that the new ones would go to SIU-contracted employers. In Peace and War While the SIU’s support of our troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom predates 2005 and continues into the New Year, the disaster relief operations—particularly in the U.S.—once again showed that the merchant marine is reliable not just in times of conflict but whenever needed. More than 100 SIU members crewed 14 ships that sailed in relief missions to Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Indonesia and other Indian Ocean nations hit by the tsunami right after Christmas 2004. Additionally, the SIU One of the year’s highlights occurred June 17 in New York as the SIUcrewed Pride of America was christened by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thomas Gilmour, SIU President Michael Sacco, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay, NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, Secretary Chao and her father, James Chao. donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross for use in that region. Seafarers remain very active in the Gulf Coast relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Altogether, SIU members sailed aboard no fewer than 18 ships involved in the situation— whether moving them from initial danger or subsequently bringing assistance not only to the storm victims but in some cases to the government relief workers themselves. Moreover, the union quickly established the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund so that those wishing to directly assist their fellow SIU members could do so. Hundreds of people contributed. Perhaps overlooked, but also noteworthy, were the mobilizations of the USNS Mercy and USNS Niagara Falls in late March. Seafarers aboard those ships helped bring assistance to earthquake victims in northern Sumatra. Political Action and More In the U.S. maritime industry, announcements don’t come much bigger than the one from SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group confirming that it will operate 10 new tankers like the one pictured here. The vessels are scheduled for construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The union remained extremely active in politics because such practice is vital to the survival of not only the SIU but the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. In addition to supporting pro-maritime candidates in the off-year elections, the SIU backed (among other bills and proposals) the Employee Free Choice Act; the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act; and opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for safe exploration. SIU officials and members continued their full involvement in everything from local and regional port security committees to shipboard security teams. Seafarers reelected Michael Sacco as union president in an election that ended Dec. 31, 2004. The tallying committee approved election results for officials who will serve four-year terms (from 2005-2008). The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) awarded scholarships worth a combined $132,000 to three SIU members and five dependents. Facing defections from a handful of unions, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney vowed to persevere and took steps to ensure the federation’s prosperity. The addition of two other unions following the abandonment by others, along with the approval of Solidarity Charters late in the year, both reflected as well as reinforced his determination. ITF The union remained active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation, an organization dedicated to protecting workers’ rights around the world. SIU ITF inspectors secured $347,000 in back pay plus repatriation for 43 crew members on the runaway-flag passenger and gaming vessel St. Tropez. They also brought seven Panamanianflag vessels under ITF contract and secured back pay for crew members on the Sumida. The ITF and international shipowners’ Joint Negotiating Group reached a new agreement covering 55,000 mariners on more than 3,200 ships. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, participated in the negotiations. Continued on page 17 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES STEADY PROGRESS CONTINUES IN ITF’S FOC CAMPAIGN SIU-CREWED SHIPS DELIVER FOR U.S. TROOPS 3RD BP TANKER DELIVERED MAERSK AWARDED MSC CONTRACT FOR AMMO SHIPS PAGE, CARTER NEW TRACTOR TUG JOINS BRUSCO FLEET CAPE TRINITY HONORED FOR PERFORMANCE IN ENDURING FREEDOM SEAFARERS RECOGNIZED FOR SAFETY ISPS CODE GETS MIXED REVIEWS RALLIES FOCUS ON WORKERS’ RIGHTS AS HUMAN RIGHTS CLEVELAND HOSTS UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW HIGH COST OF HEALTH CARE CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES FLEET EXPANSION YEAR’S BRIGHTEST STORY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 1 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log