http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9fc82c768e0dfbdca73d87fac3422f1e.PDF 1f990d576e0bcc32e7b114032c1d8a01 PDF Text Text ^lS3IlSEp|ilSSiS5Si@!s|igiffiiEw^ Mr4::y^:y SE4miEEitS i'M: '. v-V?!'/; ,'V- -• i Volume 54, Number 2 • iktC .••'% •|f} Bush Speech Clouds Seaman Tax issue 'A •••"A vut SlU Continues its nght •f-' Congress Barraged with Protests from Seafarers li Pages J,: -- - ; I L"; ' i \'r. h&ilS ' I .•/- •> " i wm k- '/as ; ^ ^ jT ' ' - '4 & , » •k. i;'. Seafarers Prepare for 1992 Primary and General Elections A • • The president, one-third of the Senate and all of Congress are up for election first step is registering to vote, using Board of Elections forms brought aboard this year, ^1of whom m^e decisions on an almost daily basis that affect the by Port Agent Kermett Mangram (third from left) during a payoff. Pictured ^te of U.S. sfiipping and the job security of Seafarers. SlU members aboard here are Pedro Uboy, Jim Hockman, William Babbit, William Cooper, Benito the Sea-Land Integrity plan to make their voices heard on election day. The Santos and j^ngto Bae. Page 10. g7,"t i::'" •-•rfJ--• • 'I ?•' •},•' 'A-. •iW.- H. i's- • V-.-*: ' U' krA -yyyy''Ayyfyxem • • ^ :'l �?S'^f'''^W'!^'-->" •• •• |i||tev,^,; W0Kr'''^ SBAFARBtS LOG President's Report Trade Must Be a Two-Way Street ,«J- . • ^ "'•; '\. - ,4''^'':: iSy-H'#--'"V y'y • H"''' • III-. ... ".. y.---''- .V. '\ • •••J' •iJy' y-rp-"-''..- yy •' ' 4''?;S' '"w-y:: '4 •/ (i •.•..•.• -V • .; •'•V y.>::'-y -"•' •i -'. • • . :'4; '• ••I, \'i^y,':y-3f'::.;>,:'yt..;, •' (•' '. •• •-.•/'(••/'•• y"' •• -^-•4 •''^•:;:yft:: t ^ 15>- . • • :• •': Tal. • '• w Fresh on our minds are images of our nation's president in Japan beg­ ging for a tiny opening for U.S. goods in that country's trade policies. During the president's visit to Japan last month we woke up every morn­ ing to news reports citing the nation's trade deficit. It stands at over $100 billion today- -most of that in the area of manufactured goods. The president's trip to Japan should serve as a nation­ al warning that our trade po icy is in trouble. The management of trade between nations should not be reduced to the spectacle we witnessed last month. Trade is a vital part of the world economy and of every individual nation's economy. With the crumbling of the communist government in the Soviet Union, its Michael Sacco satellites and its transformation from an aggressor na­ tion to one focused on rebuilding itself in a democratic fashion, trade be­ comes the single most important aspect of American foreign policy. For those of us who earn our livelihoods by going to sea, we have al­ ways been aware of the significance of trade. Trade is the lifeblood of our industry. Talk to any seaman. The conversation will be about trade, except it will be presented in very personal terms. We remember the cargo on our ships and the various runs—household appliances to South America, coal to Europe, cars to the United States, construction equip­ ment to the Middle East, fruit from the Caribbean, monkeys from India, liquid fertilizer to Russia. Seafarers have a stake in world trade, both as participants in the U.S. shipping industry and as American citizens. We have a stake in having lots of world trade. But we recognize two important points. First, there must be cargo for both trips—outbound and inbound. Exports and Im­ ports. Second, trade must be conducted in the nation's interest. Trade should not result in lots of unemployed Americans and a few more rich American corporations. Proposed Mexico Agreement a Raw Deal Take for instance the discussions currently being conducted by the Bush administration on a proposed North American Free Trade Agree­ ment—a pact that in theory is aimed at increasing the flow of goods and services between Mexico, the United States and Canada. But this deal is not what trade should be about. First, it will drastically increase imports to the United States from Mexico without any evidence of a corresponding increase in the flow of U.S. exports to Mexico. As a forewarning, we can look to the "Maquiladora" program—a policy that allows American companies in parts of Mexico to produce goods for export to the United States that are not subject to certain tariffs. This program has increased imports to the U.S. as would the proposed trade deal which is structured along the Maquiladora lines. Second, the U.S./Mexico trade deal as laid out by the administration will be a disaster for American workers and for American communities. It will inevitably lead to job losses. There are some academics and economists, who are usually paid by governments or businesses, who dis­ pute this. But it doesn't take a genius to figure this one out. The mini­ mum wage for Mexican workers is 59 cents an hour. The work week for Mexican workers is 48 hours. As AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Thomas R. Donahue pointed out in testimony last year before the Senate Finance Committee: "Mexico's single comparative advantage is the poverty of its citizens and their willingness to work for subsistence wages. The skill, productivity and contributions of American workers become irrelevant in this context... No matter how productive, U.S. workers cannot compete with labor costs of less than $1.00 a day." Aside from wages, U.S. companies in Mexico enjoy the absence of many laws which exist in the United States to protect communities and citizens from environmental abuses and from industrial-related deaths and illnesses. The American companies located at Mexican border towns are allowed to pollute to their heart's content This lack of regulation has tragic consequences. It recently was reported in the Baltimore Sun (1/18/92) that pollution from American factories in Matamoros, Mexico was the most likely cause of a rare defect in infants bom in the Matamoros/Brownsville, Texas area. An unprecedented number of babies are being bom with open skulls and no brain tissue. U.S. Should Promote Exports For the past decade, under the Reagan and now Bush administrations, imports to the United States have been greatly encouraged by American govemment policy. The United States is now taking a disproportionate share of the world's manufactured imports—in steel, in textiles, in autos. The United States has a trade deficit with most of the industrialized na­ tions of the world. It is time for the United States to make trade a two way street once again. U.S. govemment policy must encourage a manufacturing capability and economy that will produce exports. The govemment has a vital role to play in trade negotiations. The role in such fomms is not to give away the store, as the Reagan/Bush administra­ tions have been inclined to do, but to establish mechanisms for a level playing field in the arena of world commerce. To encourage exports, U.S. policy must encourage investment at home and in new plants and equipment, tax loopholes that encourage American comp^es to invest abroad must be closed. Critical industries must be viewed in the context of the national interest and as such sup­ ported and developed through govemment policies. APL Lines, Sea- •Land Team Up To Bolster U.S.'-Flag Siiipping Two major American liner com­ panies are coordinating their ef­ forts to seek a U.S. govemment policy that will allow U.S.-flag ships to compete in the intemational shipping trade. American President Lines (APL), a west coast-based company with 23 containerships under the U.S. flag operating between North America and Asia, and Sea-Land, which operates more than 41 U.S.flag containerships serving 80 ports in 70 countries and territories around the world, have prepared a draft proposal urging that steps be taken quickly to encourage investment in the American fleet. SIU President Michael Sacco, in response to the news of the liner companies' initiative, said he was encouraged by the fact that the two largest U.S.-flag shipping com­ panies have put aside their dif­ ferences in order to launch an effort to revitalize American ship­ ping. In communicating with the two companies, both of which are signatories to collective bargaining agreements with the SIU, Sacco pledged the union's cooperation in seeking policies that will promote a U.S.-flag fleet. While the two companies have not issued a final formal proposal, among the possible mechanisms that can be instituted to support U.S. shipping are: accelerated depreciation for ships (a practice of most nations), a favorable invest- Families Are Welcome at the Seattle Hall Manuel Bases (right), a popular chief cook on the West Coast, recently brought his wife. Luce, and their new daughter, Samantha, to the Seattle hall before catching the Overseas Alaska, a West Coast tanker. Bases and his family live in Tacoma, Wash. Volume 54. Number 2 Communications Department Director and Editor, Jessica Smith; Assistant Editor, Daniel Duncan; Associate Editors, Jordan Biscardo, Max Hall; Associate Editoi/Production, Deborah Greene; Alt, Bill Brower. •.••..•• • •--• v'' •'. . I" % 1 .• i- '.-.ii:' .KM, r V-'-'.V'/ February 1992 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Aulh Way; Camp Springs, Md. 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Second-class postage paid at MSC Prince Georges, Md. 20790-9998 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746. -zJir r^-tri-->tii--i.-sr.-' ~. ' •-• •y"' ment climate for putting money into ships, standardization of Coast Guard ship building regulations with world standards, making govemment procurement policies including those of the militarymore effective and streamlining methods for booking PL 480 and other aid cargoes. The carriers are looking towards tax policies which mirror those of other foreign countries that have adopted measures to assist their na­ tional fleets compete with flag-ofconvenience operations. In the area of manning, the ship­ ping companies are seeking programs to increase productivity and have suggested adopting pro­ cedures similar to those of Aeir international competition. Sacco noted that while the SIU could not agree with all aspects of the program, there was certainly enough in the APL/Sea-Land draft proposal which made the union's cooperation possible. In pointing to the need for new govemment policies, APL and Sea-Land note that the number of privately-owned freighters has fal­ len from 656 in 1957 to 171 today. These U.S.-flag vessels transport only 19 percent of American im­ ports and exports. Other nations carry a much greater share of their cargoes. South Korea, for ex­ ample, carries 54 percent of its commercial shipping on South Korean-flag ships. V 1;' yy"' �• ^' . '• V;.'' i ' '"-tf; fWRUARY1992 'Work Tax' Status Unclear in Bush Reg Review SIU Presses Fight Against Z-Card User Fee, Seamen Urge Action by Legislators The status of the Coast Guard's proposed work tax on seamen and boatmen is unclear as a result of a call by President George Bush for a 90-day moratorium on any new federal regulations Coast Guard had "no firm and a review of all existing guidance yet" on how to handle rules to determine if they pending and proposed regula­ hinder the ability of American companies to be competitive. The Seafarers International Union (SIU) has recommended to the Coast Guard that, in light of the regulatory review, the so-called user fees for the processing and issuance of merchant marine docu­ ments, licenses and certificates of registry be scrapped. The union, which has filed suit in Federal Dis­ trict Court to have the fees blocked on the basis that they are uncon­ stitutional, pointed out to the Coast Guard that the levy on seamen is exactly the kind of regulation that should be tossed out under the president's review. Review of Regulations In his state of the union address to the nation on January 27, the president said, "I have this evening asked major Cabinet departments and federal agencies to institute a 90-day moratorium on any new federal regulations that could hinder growth. In those 90 days, major departments and agencies will carry out a top-to-bottom review of all regulations, old and new, to stop the ones that will hurt growth and speed up the ones that will help growth." in its request to the Coast Guard that the user fee on docu­ ment proposal be withdrawn in the regulatory review process, the SIU pointed out that the "mer­ chant marine industry is strug­ gling in an increasingly difficult economic time to maintain a declining market share in the very competitive world transportation market. 'The assessments at issue in this case will adversely affect American workers and U.S.-flag vessel owners and operators ahke. The Coast Guard regulations at issue thus seem well suited for prompt rescision; job protection and creation certainly appear more important a goal than any marginal revenue enhancement possible through the Coast Guard's worker levy," the SIU statement . said. Impact on User Fee Unknown The Coast Guard, contacted by the Seafarers LOG the day follow­ ing the president's state of the union address, has not determined how the moratorium will impact on their proposed regulation which establishes a fee regime for the is­ suance of merchant marine docu­ ments, licenses and certificates of registry. A representative of the agency's Office for Regulations and Administrative Law said the THE PROPOSED WORKER TAX BcickcjiOLirid In the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, Congress recinded a 1886 statute prohibiting the government from collecting fees forseamdn's licen­ ses and for the service of inspecting vessels. As part of a last-ditch effort to raise revenue for a deficit-ridden federal treasury, the Congress enacted a series of Coast Guard user fees, among which is a charge to seamen and fcioatmen for the issuance of merchant marine documents, licenses and certifi­ cates of regisby. The president signed flie bill into law in late 1990. tions. Meanwhile, the SIU continues to press its fight through the courts and in the halls of Congress to en­ sure that the punitive user fee scheme does not come to fruition. The SIU's court case asks that the plan to charge seamen and boat­ men z-cards, endorsements and marine licenses, first aiinounced by the Coast Guard in June 1991, be set aside. In its court brief, the union labels the scheme "a tax" and consequently charges it is un­ constitutional. The SIU cited the fact that the Coast Guard con­ sidered seamen's ability to pay in determining the fee schedule. The Coast Guard was then charged with developing a rulemaking on the user fees. On June 20,1991, the agen­ cy issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, outlining its a fee regime and explain­ ing how those numbers had been cal­ culated. The agency established a comment period on the proposal which was open until August 5. During this comment period, the Coast Guard received more than 500 communica­ tions. The great majority of those strongly opposed the levy. The SIU case also notes that the Coast Guard fees cannot be ac­ curate and as such do not pass the Administrative Procedures Act. The SIU contends that the studies used by the agency to determine the fee regime are rife with gross inaccuracies and guess work. Congress As Congress has within its power the ability to amend existing laws, elected officials can repeal the seamen's work tax. Seafarers have been sending their elected representatives in both the House and the Senate petitions and etters outlining their strong opposition :6 the user fee for seamen's papers and marine licenses. SIU Members Send Petitions Seafarers around the country are writing their congressional rep­ resentatives and submitting com­ ments to the Coast Guard. Boatmen in the gulf collected hundreds of signatures on a cir­ culating petition. Great Lakes seamen drafted a letter to go to Congress and distributed it to the men and women on all the Lakers. As a result, individual seamen wrote letters to their congressmen. C6 tation fees and the user fees for seamen's documents and licenses. Additionally, the Coast Guard said par­ ties responding in the original com­ ment period had asked that time be extended to affford those mariners away from home a chance to submit their opinions. Any individual or organization wishing to send the Coast Guard comments should address them before February 18 to; Executive Secretary; Marine Safety Council (G-LRA-2/3406) (CGD 91-992): U.S. Coast Guard Head­ quarters; 2100 Second Street, SW; Washington, D.C. 20593-0001. Seafarers Law Suit In December, the SIU moved to block the fees through court action. The Seafarers' law suit charged that the so-called user fees for the issuance of marine documents and licenses was nothing more than a tax and as such was unconstitutional. The union also said the fees did not pass muster under federal guidelines because they were based on inaccurate and muddled in­ formation. The Coast Guard has not responded to the SIU's suit as yet. .m\j v.:L Fees Proposed The Coast Guard proposed fees which range from $135 to $330. They are as follows: Upper Level License . . . . , $330 Lower Level License. . . . . 180 Radio Officer. . . ..... . 80 Renewals or Endorsements 135 Merchant Marine Document To communicate with congress, ad­ Endorsed with Qualified dress letters to members of the House Rating . }y putting their name and Merchant Marine Document $135 "Washington, DC 20515. Letters tothe Without Qualified Rating . . 35 Senate should list the Senator's name Certificate of Registry and "Washington, DC 20510." Chief Purser, Purser, Senior Assistant Purser. , $80 Coast Guarrl Comment Period Certificate of Registry The Coast Guard has re-opened the Junior Assistant Purser, comment period on the proposed rule Doctor or Nurse 35 until February 18. The agency said the Duplicate or Replacement Fee $35 comment period had been extended in order to allow the industry to submit In addition, the Coast Guard is propos­ data on the cumulative effect of all the ing to tack on a $17 charge for an FBI rimii record check if the application user fees being slapped on the criminal is for an original license, certificate of maritime sector. These include agricul­ registry or document. tural inspection fees, vessel documen­ m : L., 4" • • Rethwes Baaene Expomm Final rules limiting seafarers' exposure to the dangerous chemi­ cal benzene went into effect January 15. The Coast Guard is seeking to afford mariners, many of whom handle products which contain benzene such as crude oil, gasoline and other kinds of petroleum products, the same level of protection and exposure limits the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) gives to land-based workers. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause death if inhaled in large quantities. These rules apply to all chemi­ cals and products containing as lit­ tle as 0.5 percent benzene, although OSHA standards apply to all liquids containing 0.1 percent or more benzene. Because of the high toxicity of this chemical, exposure limits are set at one part of benzene per million parts of air (1 ppm) averaged over an 8-houf period. The short term exposure limit, which cannot be repeated over four times a day, is 5 ppm averaged over a 15-minute period. Employees must wait at least an hour between such exposures. Coverage of these rules includes all inspected vessels including tank ships and barges which cany benzene and benzene-containing products in bulk. Not covered are terminals and uninspected vessels. However, temiinals, governed by Environmental Protection Agency rules, are required to have vapor removal systems. Further, the Coast Guard requires that ships in­ stall vapor-tight storage and spe­ cial transferring equipment without which terminals will not be allowed to load. Crowley Issuing Cards Many SlU-contracted com­ panies, such as Crowley Maritime, currently are developing or have had already in place guidelines set out to comply with these new Coast Guard rules. For example, Crowley is developing a card for its employees which will on one side provide proof that the employee has been fitted with all three of the different typies of respirators required for different exposure levels. On the other side will be space to fill in dates on which he or she received the requi­ site medical check-ups. Training in handling dangerous materials such as benzene, as well as the dangers it poses to health, is mandated by these new regula­ tions. Classes in such topics are offered at the Lundeberg School. Lundeberg School instructors have been qualified to conduct training on benzene handling under the OSHA rules. They now have in­ corporated the new Coast Guard rules in many of the existing cour­ ses. Under the regulation, employers are responsible for determining both compliance with all new rules, as well as ensuring the appropriate monitoring of ex­ posed workers occurs in order to determine the exposure levels for different jobs during routine opera­ tions. However, the rules state that "monitoring one vessel of a class is sufficient for all vessels of that class provided the procedures, equipment, work practices, cargo. Continued on page 8 r'r • �SEAFARBtS LOG MEBA Members Dissolve Merger; Become D1 -PCD ,. ?•' •'''•V,?"!'-,^' • :,• "'i V- v: ^jrvWr! Ifl-SSSH i"''"" '• , ;• . -. -.1. ..'I ''-i •' .. j ? . •'••i-' V . .- ,•'-;"•>"•'!/ • ' • ' The marine engineers that had been part of District No. 1 MEBA/NMU have voted to dis­ solve the 1988 merger that had relegated them to the status of a powerless "division" within their union. In special membership meet­ ings held around the country last month, by a vote of 823 to 46, the members of the former Licensed Division voted to undo the merger with the National Maritime Union (NMU) and to become District No. 1 - Pacific Coast District, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) once again. In the move to control their own destiny, the MEBA marine of­ ficers, through their union—Dis­ trict No. 1 - PCD, MEBA—are now running their own affairs, Gordon M. Ward, who had been elected by the marine officers to head their organization in balloting late last year, said in a communica­ tion to the rank-and-file concern­ ing the special meeting vote: "As a result of the action by the MEBA membership, the contracts and benefits will be administered by Dl-PCD. We will continue to operate the hiring halls, enforce and negotiate our collective bar­ gaining agreements with shipowners and other employers, and represent your interests on the Board of Trustees of the MEBA Benefits Plans." The MEBA members at the January 15 meetings set an atten­ dance record, giving an indication of how strongly the licensed ship­ board officers felt about the situa­ tion of their union. The members enacted a resolution which not only called for dissolution of the merger, but also established a referendum on the matter and called for election of officers to take place in the fall of this year. Seamen's Unions Add Support A declaration of support for the action came from the heads of five unions representing American merchant seamen. The statement noted: "Organized labor has sel­ dom witnessed more insidious ac­ tivities, maneuvers, designed to thwart the will of a membership than those perpetrated on the seagoing membership of the Licensed Division, under the guise of constitutional prerogative. Though the membership has spoken, officials defeated in an election refuse to relinquish the control denied them by a vote of the membership." The statement was signed by SIU President Michael Sacco, Sailors' Union of the Pacific Presi­ dent Gunnar Lundeberg, Marine Firemen's Union President Henry "Whitey" Disley, District 2 Marine Engineers Beneficial Association Associated Maritime Officers President Raymond T. McKay and International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Timothy A. Brown. (Sub­ sequently, the MM&P General Executive Board has adopted a position of neutrality.) The statement concluded: 'The members of the Licensed Division are good and honest union brothers. They are heirs to a long labor history and a tradition which impels them to act in defense of their rights. We agree with their decision and stand firmly with them in solidarity. We support the decision of the Licensed Division of District No. 1 to declare the 1988 merger invalid and return to their former status as District No. 1-PCD, MEBA." Fraudulent from Beginning In seeking the end of the merger, the resolution adopted by the MEBA membership at their January 15 special meetings pointed out that the results of the joining of the two organizations had been hidden from the rankand-file at the time of the referen­ dum vote on the creation of District No. 1 — MEBA/NMU. Addition­ ally, the resolution cited the widespread shenanigans of union officials in the 1988 merger referendum which were designed to ensure a positive outcome of the vote. For example, the resolution noted that numerous PCD, MEBA members who voted against the merger had their ballots changed by PCD, MEBA officials who marked them in favor of the merger. At the time of the merger referendum vote, PCD, MEBA members were not advised that their officials were taking $2 mil­ lion from the union's treasury and calling it "severance pay." "PCD, MEBA members were told that Ae MEBA and NMU pen­ sion funds would not be merged but shortly after the merger, PCD, MEBA officials acted to merge the pension funds," said the resolution. MEBA members also were not told that the structure of the union would be changed in such a way as to give shore-side workers control over the organization. And, the seagoing members were never advis^ that the rights and privileges they enjoyed in PCD, MEBA would be dismantled and overrun. A Year of Struggle The action taken by the MEBA membership to become PCD, MEBA again^ takes place after a year of struggle to gain control of their own affairs. In balloting for the top posts and convention delegates of the then Licensed Division within the merged union. District No. 1—^MEBA^MU, in late 1990, the rank-and-file voted in a slate of members running under the auspices of a group called Members Advocating Democracy (MAD). As a result, all of the officials aligned with incum­ bent president C.E. "Gene" DeFries were voted out of office. The rank-and-file engineers elected to head their division assumed office in early 1991. With Ward, a chief engineer who sailed with Puerto Rican Marine Management (PRMMl), heading the group, the new officers mov^ to secure the union trustees to the MEBA benefits plans. In February the courts upheld the right of the Ward group to appoint the trustees. Throughout the 1991, the parent structure of the Licensed Division—District No. 1— MEBA/NMU—took actions to take away the majority vote and the power the Licensed Division had within the union. The Ward group charged that the District unilateral­ ly established new divisions, new branches and made up new rules as it went along, reinterpreting the constitution to suit its own pur­ poses. The action by the membership on January 15 preceded a special convention scheduled for January 16 called by the District which the MEBA group believes had as its purpose adopting several amend­ ments to the constitution and resolutions designed to cement their hold over the licensed ship­ board officers, whose dues make up close to two-thirds of the union's income. After the conven­ tion, the District put the Licensed Division in trusteeship and fired all the officers. However, the position of the MEBA men is that the Licensed Division is not them— the action of the January 15 mem­ bership stands—and District No. 1 — PCD, MEBA will continue to operate. NMU Dissident Gets New Vote In this same time period, a federal district court judge in New York has ruled that a new merger referendum vote must be con­ ducted. The decision is a result of a suit filed by NMU dissident Al­ bert Jackson, who objected to the 1988 merger that created District No. 1 — MEBA/NMU on the basis that it put unlicensed seamen in a role of second-class citizens within their own union. (The merged organization's original constitu­ tion prevented NMU seamen from being able to hold either the president's or treasurer's job, and also allocated voting strength to dues received as opposed to mem­ bership.) The ballots to the new merger referendum are supposed to be mailed this month. Persian Gulf Redeployment Continues The redeployment of U.S. military equipment and ammunition used in the Persian Gulf War is continuing, with Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and conunercial chartered vessels being laid up steadily as more cargo comes home. As of the end of Janu^, the Milita^ Sealift Command (MSC), the military's sealift transportation agency, was using 19 RRF vessels and 14 U.S.-flag conunercial charters. Nearly all of the U.S. unit equipment has been brought back to the United States from Saudi Arabia. Roughly half of the armnunition sent to the Middle East for the battle against Iraq has been shipped back. Great Lakes Ships Lay Up The Great Lakes shipping season came to an erid last month, and all SlU-contracted vessels were docked by the first week of January. Hie Soo Locks closed in mid-January. The weather was unusually mild in 1991-92 on the Great Lakes, and there was no ice in the rivers until late January. Reports indicate the Great Lakes shipping companies were able to fill all their stockpiling orders. If the current weather trend continues, no problems are expected for fitout, which could start any time from mid-March to mid-April. Mild Weather Helps Mississippi Tow Fleet Mild weather with plenty of rain during the fall and early winter months is allowing pushboats to sail at full capacity along the Mississippi River. Many SlU-contracted tugs are supplying coal to the power plants. Because the Coast Guard rescinded its voluntary load restrictions, the upper Mississippi and Ohio River tugs are handling 15 barges, while those sailing south of the Moore's Landing, Mo. staging area are pushing to 40 barges. Coast Guard Proposes Vessel inspection Fees The Coast Guard is proposing to levy fees for the agency's inspecti^ procedures directed at foreign and U.S.-flag vessels. In a December If Federal Register notice, the agency said it was establishing a rule that woulc set fees for the issuance of vessel Certificates of Inspection, Certificates of Compliance and related documents. The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until February 18. Comments can be submitted to the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA-2/3406) (CG D 91-030); U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters; 2100 Second Street, SW; Washignton, DC 20593-0001. The proposed vessel documentation fees accompanied the Federal Register notice on an extension of the comment period on the agency's plan to charge for the issuance of marine licenses, merchant marine documents and cer­ tificates of registry. Fish Vessel Operators to Be Licensed The Congress received a Department of Transportation and U.S. Coast Guard proposal to require fishing vessel captains to be licensed. The Coast Guard Tecominended the plan after a two-year study on marine accidents involving fishing vessel. Congress had mandated the plan when it passed the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act. The agency proposal allows Coast Guard-certified private sector facilities to conduct the required training and to allow those institutions to certify that fish vessel operators who take their course comply with federal professional competency standards. .-ri- ' ji \ • �FEBRUARY 1992 Rover Rescues 22 from Sinking Korean Ship Chief Steward Ernest Harris of the MV Rover described the rescue of 22 Korean seamen in the South China Sea on November 23 as one of the "most interesting" in which he had participated. "I was in my room at my desk around 0900 when the captain knocked on the door and told me to make some extra food for lunch because a ship is sinking and we should be there around 1100 to res­ cue them," the 63-year-old steward recalled in an interview with the Seafarers LOG. The Rover, loaded with jet fuel under a Military Sealift Command charter, had received a distress call from the Hanjin Karachi, a Korean-flagged vessel which was sinking approximately 60 miles north of the Philippines. Within three hours, the Rover arrived at the rescue site and was joined by three other ships, including an SlU-crewed LNG vessel operated by Energy Transportation Corp, Harris said. Reports noted the sea had 15-foot swells, and winds were from the east at 25 to 30 knots. The Korean crewmembers al­ ready had boarded themselves as well as their gear in a lifeboat and raft tied near the gangway of the sinking vessel. "It wasn't even list­ ing or leaning," Harris remem­ bered. "It was going down level." Half of the Hanjin Karachi crew came over in the lifeboat. How­ ever, the rudder of the lifeboat broke and none of the Koreans knew how to rig a sweep oar. Bosun Doyle Ellette and Chief Mate Sean Kearney manned the lifeboat, rigged a sweep oar as a Inset shows exact location of rescue of 22 Korean seamen by SlU-crewed Rover. Shipmates Recall SIU Member Killed Aboard Transglebe In 'Nam ;"'''V/- V;vV-;'; - •* V-i f '1 i' SMii With the drive launched by the Marine Firemen's Union (an SIUNA affiliate) to build a memorial to native California mer­ chant mariners who lost their lives sailing in Vietnam comes word of another SIU member who died as a civilian in combat. Ernest Goo was a 13-year veteran of the deck department when a Viet Cong rocket exploded in his fo'c'sle abo^d the Transglobe on August 30,1968. Brother Goo, 39, died almost immediately. George Boomgaard, who sailed as the first engineer on the Transglobe, read about the Califor­ nia memorial in last month's Seafarers LOG. He called the LOG to ask if anyone was aware that aboard his vessel a union member had been killed in action in Vietnam. Boomgaard, now sailing as the chief engineer aboard the Cove Liberty, recalled a deck depart­ ment member losing his life when an armor-piercing shell exploded in the crew's quarters aboard the Hudson Waterways vessel. The LOG was able to locate and contact the captain of the Transglobe, Leon Jean, who recounted the events of August 30, 1968 aboard the converted C-4 vessel. The Transglobe was on its regular shuttle run between Okinawa and Saigon, ^e rollon/roll-off ship was sailing in the Long Tau shipping channel 14 miles south of Saigon when it came under attack. "Goojust had finished his watch rudder and returned to the sinking freighter to rescue the remaining I I. As the remainder were loading themselves into the lifeboat, the Hanjin Karachi began drifting toward the Rover. AB Gavino Oc^ tavio witnessed Ellette and Kear- (4 to 8)," Jean told the LOG. "He was in his room washing for break­ fast when a rocket came through the hull and exploded in his room. "It scared the hell out of me. I ran aft and found his room loaded with blood. I remember calling the Navy and saying we were under attack. "We wrapped him up and tried to get the ramp down for the helicopter to land. It only took a couple of minutes (for the chopper to arrive) but it seemed like hours. He was DOA (dead on arrival) when they got him to Saigon." Both Jean and Boomgaard said Goo was a hard worker and wellliked by his fellow crewmembers. "You don't forget about somebody like this," Jean said of the deck dep^ment member more than 23 years after the attack. Goo joined the SIU in April 1955 in the port of San Francisco. According to his obituary in the October 25, 1968 edition of the LOG, he was buried in a military cemetery in his native Honolulu. Shortly before word reached the union of Goo'sdeath, the LOG had published a story in its September 27, 1968 issue about the Trans­ globe coming under attack. The story reported a warning from the Military Sea Transportation Ser­ vice (Ae forerunner of today's Military Sealift Command) that the Viet Cong was employing "more effective weapons ... in die hope of disrupting the prompt flow of vital supplies." ney maneuver the lifeboat while the Rover shifted to keep a greater disaster from happening. "The men in the lifeboat could have been killed if the ships had collided," Octavio told the MSC's Sealift journal. Harris noted the rescue took lit­ tle more than an hour. With all 22 Koreans safely on board, the Rover set sail for its original destination of Okinawa. "All of them were happy to be on board," said the galley gang member who joined the SIU in 1951. "They said they had sprung a leak in the engineroom around 0200 and couldn't stop it. I remem­ ber looking back as we sailed away and saw the ship still was afloat." In a letter reporting the incident to Rover's operators, Vulcan Car­ riers, Master Dimitrios Katsogiannos offered special commendations for both Ellette and Kearney. The crew of the Rover received a message of thanks from K.H. Lee, senior vice president of Han­ jin Shipping, "I would like to tender my heartfiil thanks to you and all your crewmembers for your successful rescue operation on our vessel... in distress in spite of bad weather and hard situation. With your considerate care and hospitality, our 22 crew(members) could arrive at their home safely." .'•'J/"' <" • .•vt:';.- :l. ' Let Them Eat Lobster •- -;y > :•••• 'V'-'i Jim Robinson, chief cook aboard the SlU-contracted Nosac Ranger, recently senred these two New England lobsters to the ship's crew for dinner. Robinson is from Louisiana and specializes in creole-style cuisine. -- \ • V ... J �SEOFMBISLOG i;:ff jf7'':/;-^ '-V. • -•'.^1" J" '' -i ' ''V'v- ;4;>- '' '• U.S. Ship Gambling Biii Awaits Pres Signature A bill that allows gambling to take place on U.S.-flag passenger ships now awaits approval by President Bush. The House of Representatives on January 28 gave unanimous consent (passage without a hear­ ing) to a bill which would allow gaming activites aboard U.S. ships. Already passed by the Senate, the bill, H.R. 3866, now goes to President Bush. Barring an unforeseen veto, the bill could be­ come law within a few weeks. H.R. 3866 was one of three separate pieces of legislation wluch included the gambling lan­ guage. Passage and enactment of any of those three (including the crime bill and the original gambUng bill, H.R. 3282) would legalize shipboard gambling on U.S.-flag cruise ships. If President Bush signs H.R. 3866 in the up­ coming weeks, then legalized gambling on U.S.-passenger ships will become law. The gambling legislation has the strong support of the SIU and others in the U.S.-flag shipping in­ dustry because, if enacted, the measure could provide sufficient incentive for investment in American-flag passenger ships. This would lead to thousands of new American jobs. Currently, two federal laws (the Johnson Act and the Gambling Ship Act) prevent U.S.-flag cruise vessels from offering gambling. Foreign-flag ships are not subject to the same restrictions, even though most sail from U.S. ports. More than 85 percent of all cruise passengers worldwide are Americans, but only two of the more than 120 deep-draft cruise ships in the world fly the U.S. flag (the SlU-crewed Independence and Constitution). ;fiS 'If ':;iS:®as ''' .,„ .--, V- --\^'t'h\ i :• Bill Rights a Wrong Keeping scabs employed after a strike ends is a phenomenon which began in the 1980s. The loophole allowing employers to permanent­ which offered gambling on the high seas were little more than casino barges operated to evade state anti-gambling laws. H.R. 3866 passed the House and was amended by the Senate before the December adjournment. Labor Panel Prolesis GATT Treaty Changes The U.S.rflag merchant marine would be harmed by the proposed revision of the Generalized Agree­ ment on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the AFL-CIO said January 22 in its response to the compromise document being cir­ culated by Arthur Dunkel, the head of the world trade talks. The docu­ ment seeks to build a consensus to revive the world trade negotiations after they broke down close to a year ago over the issue of farm , subsidies. The AFL-CIO, speaking on be­ half of a labor advisory group on trade, also said the proposed revisions would undermine U.S. environmental regulations, limit the ability of U.S. lawmakers to promote economic growth and place U.S. industry and workers at a competitive disadvantage. In a letter to U.S. Trade Repre­ sentative Carla Hills, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Thomas R. Donahue urged U.S. rejection of the proposal, drafted by Dunkel, be­ cause it would "result in layoffs, in­ creased unemployment, a further weakening of this courttry's in­ dustrial base, and a serious loss of Senate to Take Up Anti-Scab Bill Legislation which would make it illegal for employers to fire strik­ ing workers and then permanently replace them with scabs is ex­ pected to be considered by the Senate this spring. The Workplace Fairness Bill last July was passed by the House of Representatives by a 65-vote margin. However, the battle for enactment in the Senate will be difficult. The legislation has 36 Senate cosponsors; 60 are needed to prevent a filibuster, and 68 are required to override the expected veto from President Bush. The anti-scab bill was intro­ duced by Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D-Ohio). It would close a loophole which allows employers to hire permanent replacements— scabs—who have crossed a picket line to assume jobs of striking employees. The measure also would bar employers from offering preferen­ tial treatment and benefits to strik­ ing workers who cross the picket line and return to work. However, the bill would not change current practice which allows employers to use temporary workers as well as managers and supervisory per­ sonnel during a strike. This problem exists largely be­ cause the Gambling Ship Act and the Johnson Act were enacted when transportation was the primary service of passenger ships. The concept of the cruise ship had not yet been developed, and ships ly replace striking workers was created by a 1938 Supreme Court decision known as the Mackay Radio ruling, but few businesses used the tactic until the decade of the Reagan administration, Workplace Fairness legislation would prevent situations such as those at Eastern Air Lines, Greyhound and the New York Daily News. Greyhound replaced 9,000 union bus drivers with 6,000 scabs (and watched its accident rate increase sharply); Eastern locked out its employees and hired scabs before folding; and the Chicago Tribune Company, owners of the Daily News, spent $24 million to force a strike and then hired scabs before selling the paper to a pro-union owner. The U.S. is virtually alone among world powers when it comes to the issue of hiring scabs. Canada, for example, adopted the National Labor Relations Act as a model for its labor laws but rejected the Mackay rule as inconsistent with free collective bargaining. Major economic competitors in­ cluding Japan, France and Ger­ many also categorically prohibit the dismissal of striking workers. Employers in these nations recog­ nize the importance of investing in human resources and have no desire to rid themselves of the skilled and loyal workforces they have assembled. the ability of the Congress and state legislatures to regulate economic activity. "You have frequently stated that no agreement is better than a bad agreement, and we agree. The Dunkel draft is a bad agreement, and it is difficult to conceive of an outcome based upon this text that will be beneficid to the United States.... 'The Dunkel draft final act rep­ resents the realization of our worst fears. Little of value has been achieved, while U.S. sacrifices loom large. . . . The ability of the government to defend the interests of U.S. workers and industry will be dramatically weakened if the Dunkel text is adopted." Donahue also pointed out that the text "does not authorize trade unions to bring cases and, indeed, it appears to exclude them from so doing The committee is espe­ cially disturbed by the absence of any specific prohibition of the use of temporary entrants as strikebre^ers.... Donahue said the labor move­ ment "believes that the surest way to achieve greater discipline over unfair trade practices is to maintain strong U.S. trade remedy laws. The draft text weakens U.S. law, doesn't even promise greater dis­ cipline, and should be rejected." AFL-CIO Attacks Bush Agenda The AFL-CIO expressed strong opposition with the economic proposals President Bush listed in his state of the union address. In a news release, the AFL-CIO said Bush "has disappointed the country once again. After months of telling the suffering jobless to wait patiently for his address. President Bush has unveiled another version of the same old formula of tax cuts for the wellheeled." From 1977 to 1992, the weal­ thiest one percent of America ex­ perienced a staggering average wage increase of 136 percent. Overall, the wealthiest 10 percent gained at least 11 percent during those years. Conversely, the lowest 60 per­ cent experienced marked drops in average family income, some as much as 13 percent. Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO pointed out the numerous flaws and omissions in Bush's an­ nouncement. First, the capital gains cuts, real estate tax breaks and investment tax credit Bush seeks will not provide immediate relief for the unemployed, nor will any of these measures provide needed investment in America's in­ frastructure, education and future. Even Bush's so-called "middleclass tax cuts" provide their greatest benefits to wealthier Americans, charged the Federation. At a time when 16 million Americans are totally or partially out of work and thousands more are being laid off, the time for fiddling with the tax code has long since passed. The AFI^CIO urges imme­ diate development of a program to create jobs by funding desperately needed public works projects and helping state and local governments restore essential services. Moreover, the president gave no indication of moving toward a com­ prehensive solution to America's health care crisis. "Finally, any economic recovery program should include a recognition that current trade policies are exporting America's jobs and industrial base," the AFLCIO said in its statement. "If the president's goal is to generate con­ sumer spending, what good does it do if that spending is not for domestic goods and services that put Americans to work?" The rich get richer... Percent change in average family income before and after faxes - 19n to 1992 (in constant doiiats) 140% -+136%- LOW 20% 2nd 20% $8,130 $20,090 MM 20% $31,970 Family income gnups and average 1902 incomes SOURCE: Citizens for Tax Justice . •; ' ' *• '• 'i' - �J'jJgS -• '• ••'' • d:,. • ^ - • 'ir- • • i - r i.R 'i; •'--dV- d liSS d--ddti: "'•d..W.•djajf'd-''d •-./d-' I*. FEBRUAItr 1992 . ,i r. Ex-Soviet Shipping Companies Taken Over by Repubiics ]. .' rV'. With a Soviet registry a thing of the past, the commercial ships once flying the Soviet flag on their stems are now outfitted with the baimers of Russia, Ukraine, Geor­ gia or the three independent na­ tions of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The December 21 action of 11 former Soviet republics estab­ lishing the Commonwealth of In­ dependent States has thrown what was once a mighty fleet controlled by a strong-centralized govern­ ment into many fragments. But the process of re-organization actually began in the late 1980s, under Soviet President Gorbachev's economic policies that encouraged limited-privatiza­ tion. After the coup in August, which weakened the Soviet government and strengthened the hand of the republics, maritime in­ dustry reforms were adopted by 14 Soviet republics and the Soviet merchant marine ministry's con­ trol was being dismantled. During the fall of last year, the republics began to make moves to control the shipping fleets based in their areas. liie independence of the Baltic states and the break-up of the Soviet Union has the new nations scram­ bling at an even faster pace to as­ sume control of the various shipping companies that once made up the Soviet merchant marine. So far, Russia is the republic with the largest fleet. The Journal of Commerce reports (December 27,1991) that nine ex-Soviet ship­ ping companies are now register­ ing their ships with the state of Russia, in its newly-formed minis­ try of transport. The Journal of Commerce article listed the fol­ lowing nine shipping companies that are now supervised by the Russian Ministry of Transport: Baltic Shipping, Northern Ship­ ping, Murmansk Shipping, Novorossisk Shipping, Far East Shipping, Arctic Shipping, Kam­ chatka Shipping, Primorsk Ship­ ping and Sakhalin Shipping. Black Sea Shipping Co. (Blasco)—which has a 260-ship fleet. including passenger ships, tankers, bulk carriers and container shipsis now in the hands of the Ukraine government. Sovcomflot, once a leading Soviet ship owner, operator and charterer, has transferred its entire fleet to the Cyprus flag. Sovfracht, the chartering company and general agent for the ex-Soviet fleet, is about to become a private stock-holding company. The government of Lithuania has assumed ownership of 90 per­ cent of Lithuanian Shipping Co., a bulk and general cargo carrier. Status of Fleet Many questions remain as to the future of what was once the Soviet fleet. Before the break-up, it had been reported in the Soviet press that more than $180 million worth of debt to foreign companies had been racked up by Soviet shipping companies. Additionally, the age of many of the country's ships was quite high—^with some 50 percent of the Japan, Turkey, Poland, Yugos­ lavia, Romania and other countries. The Bank of the USSR and the Soviet merchant marine ministry had guaranteed more than Number in Fieet Type of Ship Tankers Oil/Chemical Tankers Chemical Tankers LNG Carriers General Tankers Ore-Bulk-Oil Ore-Bulk General Cargo/Single Deck General Cargo/Multi-Deck General Cargo/Passenger Container (specialized) Fish Processing Fishing Passenger Ferries Supply Vessels Tugboats ^1 Dredges Ice Breakers Research General TOTAL ' DWT 356 2 4 8 6 59 169 867 630 59 69 600 2,763 272 137 634 72 38 287 1,102 5,920,851 45,230 21,572 189,520 20,597 1,728,890 4,933,714 3,305,156 6,216,148 89,833 980,119 2,655,539 2,047,843 81,324 116,456 106,783 107,587 117,587 234,565 934,891 8,134 29,854,572 hands of Russia, now a recognized country in and of its own right. It is hoped that in the near future, as matters begin to sort themselves out and governments get organized in the various former Soviet Administration's Budget Caiis For $1.2 Biiiion for Seaiift r;m' •i.. :•'!-•.• According to a story published in the Joum^ of Commerce, Presi­ dent Bush's 1992 budget proposal calls for an additional $1.2 billion dollars for seaiift capacity. With previously allocated monies, this would bring the total seaiift fund­ ing available for buying or build­ ing ships to over $3 billion. Most pressing of the military's needs it is thought are more fast seaiift ships, roll-on, roll-off ves­ sels and more pre-positioning ships. The fast seaiift ships per­ formed well during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, as did the pre-positioned ships, but the military exercise demonstrated a serious lack of RO-RO vessels under the U.S. flag. Most Ro-Ros chartered by the Military Seaiift Conunand, the agency within the armed forces responsible for the waterborne transit of military materiel, were operated under foreign flags. This budget reflects a change in thinking on military matters as these increases in sedift spending accompany cuts in other military items of around 25 percent. Most of these savings are coming from stoppage of big ticket weapon sys­ tems, such as the B-2 Bomber. Apparendy, the Bush administration's new nulitary philosophy relies on quick response provided by the fast ships and prepositioned vessels. In other maritime related items, the President has asked for no funding for the loan guarantee pro­ gram for conunercial vessel con­ struction. Overall, however, the Maritime Administration will receive a slight increase in its budget to $518 million, most of which is slated for Ready Reserve Fleet maintenance and operating subsidies. The Coast Guard is scheduled under the proposal to receive $414 million, out of a total budget of $3.77 billion, for capital improvements to ships, buildings, and aircraft. The President's budget is now being considered by Congress which can accept or reject any parts of the plan that they choose. It is unclear at the present how the maritime proposals will fare, al­ though it is expected that the big­ gest fights Congress will wage are over other mhtters such as health care insurance programs, the captial gains tax and other tax-spend­ ing matters. 'J- SOURCE: ARGO (a Greek magazine); November 1991. fleet over 15 years old. As of November of last year, the Greek magazine ARGO reported that 132 ships at a cost of $4 billion had been ordered by Soviet shipping companies. The shipbuilding agreements were held with yards in Spain, Portugal, South Korea, $600 million. Shipping industry sources es­ timate it will take some time to sort out the role of the republics and their shipping companies. Among the issues is the degree of govern­ ment ownership and the status of shipbuilding agreements and debt. In US/USSR Ship Pact, Substance May Stay, Parttes May Change The dismantling of the Soviet Union into a commonwealth of independent states leaves the bilateral maritime agreement signed by the United States and that former nation in 1990 in the i Composition of the Soviet-Registered Fieet Asof June 26,1991 republics which are all now inde­ pendent states, a new bilateral agreement will be discussed with Russia and Ukraine. Most U.S. government sources believe, however, that the content of the current agreement will not be altered dramatically. It is ex­ pected that there will have to be changes in the port lists designated in the pact, which originally sought to open 42 Soviet ports to American shipping. Since their in­ dependence from the Soviet Union, the ports of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have not been considered "Soviet ports." The Baltic states and the republics of Russia, Ukraine and Georgia now con­ trol what was once the Soviet mer­ chant marine. The majority of the 42 ports in the agreement are in the states of Russia, the Ukraine and Georgia. However, the ports of primary con­ cern to U.S. shipping are those of Ukraine and Russia. The former Soviet Ministry of the Merchant Marine and Transport Ministry are now in Rus­ sian hands. In Ukraine, a Ministry of Transport is being formed. The U.S./USSR bilateral maritime agreement was negotiated in the first half of the year in 1990. In addition to open­ ing 42 Soviet ports to Americanflag ships, it established 42 ports in the United States in which Soviet ships could call. Since the original agreement was signed, an addi­ tional seven ports were added to each list. The agreement also established a two-day arrival notice for Soviet ships arriving at American ports and allowed the Soviets to engage in trade between the United States and third nations, commonly known as "cross trades." Ex-Soviet republics established the Commonwealth of Inde­ pendent States on December 21. The commonwealth replaced the Soviet Union. Within the com­ monwealth, the states have all the rights of republics and can operate as independent nations. The Washington Post (12/22/91) reported that a draft agreement between the republics suggests a structure that "en­ visages a conference of heads of state and government as the main political institution of the com­ monwealth. . ." The newspaper said ministerial-level committees have been set up to coordinate ac­ tivity in the areas of transportation, defense, econornics, foreign af­ fairs and social security. ; X;- ;• :• : •• A:-:'".? '•u'",: . I • ail .vf ' •: "a. - 'vr-.."* �SEAFARBIS LOG 8 Coast GuanI Sets Benzene StamlanI GK'Maitimrs V:,:i-!^i„;:v-<:;:-:- •• ."• '•^' ••:,• •' ' . '. • ' - .• " '< . .-••i r-; ;;:''"-'v.-v ' ;•: " A••(••.-- "•..i:A -V ^ ."i;. Continued from page 3 and control equipment are substan­ tially the same." Responsibility for ensuring compliance with safe practices by all employees and others carrying out benzene-related activities falls to the "Person in Charge" (PIC) of the operation. SpeciHcally cited as "operations involving benzene" are: cargo transfer operations in­ volving connecting or disconnect­ ing liquid or vapor hoses; cargo tank gauging or sampling, and cargo tank venting, cleaning and gas freeing. Lives Saved by Rule The Coast Guard claims this rule is "expected to result in a 90 jercent lowering of the number of eukemia deaths associated with the inhalation of benzene vapors." It is the vapors formed by this in­ dustrial chemical which are most harmful, although the liquid also causes irritation to skin and eyes which should be rinsed thoroughly with water after contact. Besides leukemia, benzene can cause bone marrow disorders, bronchiopneumonia and a host of central nervous system disorders. Although a colorless liquid, ben­ zene has a distinctive odor which should alert workers to its presence. The vapor, in higher con­ centrations, will cause irritations to the eyes, cause headaches, nausea, and, in the worst cases, convul­ sions, unconsciousness and even paralysis. Benzene is also extreme­ ly flammable and explosive. The new regulations state employers "must provide, and the employees must submit to, [a] medical surveillance examina­ tion." Companies are required to schedule these examinations for all workers who were exposed to more than 10 parts per million of air (ppm) of benzene, as a timeweighted average (TWA), for at least 30 days in 1991 before Oc­ tober 17, or those who can reasonably be expected to be ex­ posed to 1 ppm as a TWA for 8 hours on at least 10 days, or 0.5 ppm for an 8 hour period TWA for at least 30 days, this year. Exams Due by June 16 This first examination must be completed by June 16, 1992 and the licensed physician must then provide both the employer and employee with a written evaluation of &e results. These results will include all medical conditions, if any, which the examining physician believes would subject the employee to a "greater than normal risk" of harm if exposed to benzene again. Physicians also may suggest Military's PacHIc neat Te Mere RepaB Center Military Sealift CommandPacific Fleet vessels will begin using a Navy logistics and repair support center in Singapore, pos­ sibly within the next few months, as the United States continued its withdrawal from the Subic Bay Naval Station. Logistics Support Force. Navy workers there will process the supply and repair requests from ships in the west Pacific and In­ dian oceans and facilitate opera­ tions for Navy and MSC supply ships and oilers to get supplies to the fleet. The MSC Pacific Fleet is crewed by members of the Seafarers Government Services Division. In discussions with LOG reporters, these seamen expressed mixed emotions about leaving the Philippines. "It is hard to not come back to a place we've been calling on for years," said one mariner. Meanwhile, the pullout from Subic Bay (50 miles west of Manila) should be more than half complete by the end of June. The closing of Subic Bay and the other U.S. military base in the Philippines—Clark Air Force Base—comes about as a result of a vote in that country's senate. The 23-member senate defeated the extension of the U.S. lease for the bases by a 12-11 margin on September 16. The administration of President Corazon Aquino, which had negotiated the lease agreement extension, sought an override of the vote; however, Aquino fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority needed. "But we have heard good things about Singapore," said another. Transfer of militaiy personnel from Subic Bay to Singapore could begin by spring. The Subic station must be vacat^ by December 31 of this year, since the U.S. and Philippine governments could not agree on an extension to lease the base. The Singapore shipyard can dry-dock any U.S. warship except aircraft carriers. Previously it was home port and repair base for Britain's Pacific Fleet (until 1971). However, only a small percent­ age of personnel from Subic Bay will transfer to Singapore. The Sin­ gapore facility is not as complex as die old base, which had been East Asia's largest U.S. military facility. The Singapore facility is offi­ cially known as the 7th Fleet The Subic Bay base had been worth $203 million a year in lease payments, and it generated ap­ proximately $344 million in an­ nual payroll for 37,000 Filipino workers. The Philippine bases have been dogged with trouble for the past year. In 1991, Clark Air Base was hit particularly hard by the June 9 volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Ships dock^ at Subic Bay were dumped with tons of volcanic ash as a reuslt of the eruption. limitations on future exposure to benzene or use of respirators or other personal protective clothing. The new rules focus on what are called "performance standards" or measures which can be undertaken by individuals, as opposed to en­ gineering standards which involve sometimes expensive mechanical installations such as vapor removal systems. This means that all maritime workers who work in designated hazardous zones, marked by signs and other warning devices, must wear companyprovided respirators and other protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots. The Coast Guard guidelines for­ bid persons who have to be fit with respirators from having facial hair (which would impede a proper fit of the protective gear). This may include beards, sideburns and goatees. Persons with glasses or contact lenses might also have to make adjustments. Soft or gas-per­ meable contact lenses are not al­ lowed to be worn under full-face respirators. These Coast Guard rules cover all workers on inspected vessels, as well as any non-employees, such as longshoremen, involved in ben­ zene operations aboard ships. Asst. VP G. Ripoll Retires George M. Ripoll has retired after 37 years of service to the Seafarers International Union. Ripoll, 58, joined the Seafarers after serving as a ranger in the Korean Conflict. He received several Bronze and Silver Stars for his service in the Army. After joining the union in 1955 in the port of New York, Ripoll sailed in the deck and engine depart­ ments. He returned to New York in 1961 where George Ripoll at MTD Convention last year in Detroit. became the trainer at the Andrew Furuseth School. Appointed a headquarters rep­ He taught boxing, karate and other resentative in 1978, Ripoll moved self-defense courses. to Jacksonville, Fla. in 1983. He Ripoll holds a sixth-degree became an assistant vice president black belt in karate, was the 1961 of the government services world jujitsu champion and earned division in 1988. a gold medal in international com­ While in Jacksonville, Ripoll petition against the Soviet team in was involved with many local and 1965. civic organizations, including While in New York, he earned Mayor J^e Godbold's economic his GED, attended Staten Island council. College and later received his Throughout his years of seryice bachelor's degree at what is now to the union, Ripoll was involved St. John's University. in many of its organizing drives. Ripoll taught boxing and other self-defense courses at the Furuseth School in 1961. �. ''f/" FEBmumi992 Philadelphia Exhibit Honors WWII Morchant Mariners -'-'I- Merchant mariners who served during World War II are remem­ bered in a small but stirring exhibit in Philadelphia. 'The Forgotten The exhibit opened December 7, coin­ ciding with the 50th anniversary of America's entry into WWII. War: A History of the U.S. Mer­ chant Marine During World War II" opened December 7 at the Na­ tional Archives Mid-Atlantic Region and will be displayed until December 1992. The opening coincided with the 50th anniver­ sary of America's entry into the war. Unappreciated for decades, WWII merchant mariners finally are receiving overdue rights and recognition. Four years ago, those mariners officially became veterans—although the status exhibit, it evoked certain not-sopleasant memories. In 1945, his last year as a Seafarer, "We came under attack by three Japanese submarines," Sweeney recalled. "They were chasing us and we went right up on the beach, 20 feet into the sand. We were pulled out the next day... It seems like it all happened just yesterday." Pensioner Henry McCuUough, a galley gang member for 40 years, described the Archives layout as "compact but well set up. It's very informative." "I liked what I saw, but it was kind of short," added Joseph Bidzilya, a deck gang member who retired in May. "You know, even today most people don't know what the merchant marine is." Reminders of WWH 'The Forgotten War" begins with a 1940 Philco radio apparent­ ly blaring orders and conversations which might have been heard on any merchant vessel. To the left are recruiting posters and ships' blueprints. To the right are mariners' medals, 50-year-old photographs and wartime newspapers. In fact, use of the space has been maximized. The spread includes logbooks, signal flags, maps, dishes and vintage film footage. Visitors also may see uniforms, old Coast Guard documents. Naval Armed Guard reports, life rings and various other equipment. For the uninitiated, most items are ac- The exhibit features authentic wartime photos, posters and certificates, as weil as medais, safety equipment and various tools of the trade. came with a big asterisk. The secretary of the air force arbitrarily set the seamen's cutoff date for veterans' benefits as August 15, 1945, instead of December 31, 1946 (the date used for armed ser­ vices personnel). After seeing the display in Philadelphia, several SIU pen­ sioners noted the exhibit's excel­ lent quality but also the irony of its location and size. Like the veterans status, the exhibit has a twist: It is tucked away in a modest room in­ side a large building. Even at a leisurely pace, one would be hard pressed to stretch a visit there to a full hour. "It brought back a lot of memories, especially looking at (replicas of) the Liberty Ships," said retired deck department mem­ ber Joseph Sweeney, 75. Sweeney joined the SIU in 1943 in New York, then joined the Navy a few years later. Though he enjoyed the companied by explanatory text. Shawn Aubitz, curator of the ex­ hibit, said attendance has been steady. "We have three or four people in here at any given time, and we've received lots of phone calls," he said. "So far it's going well. The merchant mariners seem very appreciative, and we get to hear a ot of interesting sea t^es. "It truly seems like they were for­ gotten, and some of thoseguys really went through hell— We had a guy recently who recognized (in one of the photos) someone he had sailed with during the war. Without exag­ gerating, he started to cry." Seafarers Take Active Role World War II (1939-45) claimed more than 50 million lives, with two-thirds of the casualties civilian. More than 1,200 Seafarers lost their lives, aind overall 6,775 U.S. merchant seamen were killed during the war. Only the Marine Corps suffered a higher rate of death among its forces than did the American merchant marine. Additionally, thousands of other U.S. merchant mariners were wounded or permanently disabled. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 marked America's official entry into the war. But the merchant marine traces its involvement in resentment from members of the armed forces. "I honestly believe the other military organizations thought we were overpaid," he said. "I heard that talk a lot." "A lot of people just considered [the merchant mariners] civilians," McCullough added. "They^ were able to get on and off any sldp, and they could go into other work, which many did after one trip. •i Retired Seafarers (from left) Joseph Sweeney, Joe BIdzilya and Henry McCullough agree the display Is well done but small. the international conflict to 1939. As author John Bunker noted in The Seafarers in World War II, "Our merchant marine had its bap­ tism of fire long before Pearl Har­ bor. Before any of the nation's armed services were ready for allout duty in World War n, the mer­ chant mariners were on the front lines of global action." In 1939 the SS City of Flint, en route to Norway, was captured by a German battleship and charged with carrying contraband. In 1940 the Charles Pratt, a tanker, was tor­ pedoed off the coast of West Africa. And on May 21, 1941 the SlU-crewed Robin Moor was sunk by a German U-boat. During the war, more than 700 American-flag merchant vessels were sunk—^more than half in U.S. waters. But, as Bunker noted, "SIU crews did their jobs with an ef­ ficiency that saved the nation mil­ lions of dollars. And they helped man the nation's cargo carriers long before there were guns or con­ voys to protect them." So why have merchant mariners been overlooked? Pensioner Sweertey theorizes it started with Some guys, like my father, had to have saltwater in their blood to go back out there. "As for the money, you came back with all of it (from an entire voyage) at once. That made it seem like a lot, but we didn't make any more than any civilians. Heck, the guys in the shipyards made more than we did." Bidzilya agrees. "The first thing everybody brought up was money. It was a big payoff, but you spend a lot of time out there. And show me someone on the beach who works seven days a week plus overtime." The National Archives Mid-At­ lantic Region is located at the Wil­ liam Penn Post Office Annex, 9th and Market Streets, Room 1350 in Philadelphia. Admission to "The Forgotten War: A History of the Merchant Marine During World War II" is free. The exhibit is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first and third Satur­ days of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. For additional information about the exhibit, telephone (215) 597-3000. '11:-'-i ' r-r 'i-'-.i A,- -• BACK TO il.S.kfBRCIIANT MARiNi • MAN THE VICTORY FLEET About 250,000 Americans answered the call of the merchant marine during WWII. �SEAFARERS LOG 10 . 'i'V "• • V-^ lf:§p|f: •^Kr • •;;;•"•. • •"•": ':i4' •••-;' • v:'-v ''V^-. •ft; ;£'• A i;-. • •",•5 • " ' '' ' ^0miK 1992 Electkms: A Chance to Vole for U.S. Ships tion dates by state. It also lists some of the elected officials who are up for election this year.) Seafarers also participate in the political process with the entire American trade union movement, brought together under the banner of the AFL-CIO, the federation representing all of American labor. On a state and local level, the AFL-CIO, through its political program—known as COPE (Committee on Political Education)—brings information on candidates and their records on behalf of working people to millions of trade unionists and their families. Working with the COPE seafaring and shipping. The New York hall is one place SlU members can learn about registering to vote. Pictured above is program and the Maritime Whether seamen will be sub- New York Port Agent Kermett Mangram (right) explaining the registration procedure to Eugene Perez, Trades Department (MTD), jected to what amounts to a Bert Macary, Larry Brown, Jim Davis, Jim Thornton, Shaif Yafi and Ahmed Alfageh. the AFL-CIO's department work tax, known as a "user which brings together all giving money to the Seafarers must face the American electorate fee" for obtaining merchant marine unions with a membership that Political Action Donation Fund to be either retumed to office or put documents and licenses, is an issue works in maritime and maritime(SPAD), which in turn makes con­ in the job for the first time. TTiis that can be resolved by elected of­ related industries. Seafarers assist tributions to candidates who sup­ year, the top-elected job in the na­ ficials. How a U.S.-flag shipping in grassroots political activities. port U.S. shipping on behalf of tion is up for grabs—the presiden­ company responds to a marine oil This election year, with the SIU members. Seafarers also cy. Additiondly, one-third of the spill now is determined by president on the bdlot, the stakes make their positions known by 100-member Senate face elections guidelines set in an act of Congress are high. On November 3—the participating in the electoral in 1992 and every Congressman and signed by the president known general election date for 1992— process. will be on the ballot. as the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. and in primaries throughout the To participate as a citizen in the With the fate of the U.S.-flag Issues affecting the American year. Seafarers will have a chance electoral process, an individual merchant marine and the jobs of maritime industry and the job to cast their votes for politicians must register to vote. Once those who earn their livelihoods by security of Seafarers are taken up who support a strong U.S. shipping registered with the local board of working aboard American ships to on almost a daily basis by Con­ capability. Seafarers will have an elections in the county, parish, be determined by elected officials, gress, the administration and its opportunity to work with the rest of township or city where one lives, it is no wonder Seafarers have a regulatory agencies and by state the labor movement to elect offi­ the individual can vote in any elec­ tradition of being deeply involved and local governments around the cials who support working people in politics. This involvement has tion. (The chart on the following country. generally. page provides information on elec­ taken the form of voluntarily These directly elected officials A strong national sealift capability; policies which make American shipping vi­ able in the global marketplace; keeping domestic waterbome com­ merce on vessels owned, operated and crewed by Americans; having U.S.government generated car­ goes transported on U.S-flag ships—^these issues, which to a large extent will determine if the United States is to have a strong merchant marine in the future, are on the agenda of the elected officials who make up the U.S. Congress. The policies of govern­ ment, established by laws enacted by elected officials, are evident in every aspect of Procedures for Registering to Vote and Voting Absentee Deciding whom to vote for can wait up to the last minute, but registering to vote and requesting absentee ballots are procedures that require some planning. To ensure that one can cast a ballot on election day, an in­ dividual must register to vote in advance. Additionally, if an in­ dividual will be away from home on election day, an absentee ballot must be secured. Waiting until the last minute to register or to re­ quest an absentee ballot could mean not being able to vote on election day. Most states require that before an individual can vote in federal, state and local elections, he or she must register with the local board of elections. The registration process varies by state. "•ct-.. •'•: l,- ' •V Voting Assistance '92 • 93 Guicde •IMUl.IMS • OMI ^ Merchant mariners are eligible to pat' ticipate in the Department of Defense voting program. To cast a ballot in an election, the individual can vote on the designated day at his or her local polling place. But if a registered voter will be away from his or her home on election day, as is often the case with Seafarers, a vote can be cast through the absentee voting process. Every local board of election has a system for issuing absentee ballots to individuals who will be out of town on election day. To find out how to request an absentee ballot, individuals can contact their local boards of election. military ships, any U.S. base has a designated voting assistance of­ ficer who can supply the forms and who has the guide. Seamen who are shipping out or who are already at sea or overseas may use the DOD's form—^known as a Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot Request (FPCA). For more information on Procedures for Mariners For individuals in the merchant marine and the armed forces, the process of registering to vote and voting by absentee bdlot has been simplifi^ through the voting as­ sistance program of the Depart­ ment of Defense (DOD). DOD has developed a single re­ quest form that is recognized by every board of election in the United States. The agency has pub­ lished a guide on how to fill out the form for every state. Copies of the guide and the forms have been mailed to every U.S.-flag ship by the Maritime Administration. Ad­ ditionally, the SIU is in the process of sending the guide and forms to every ship's chairman. The guide and forms are also available at all SIU halls. Also, for Seafarers on the DOD FPCA program, the agency has an information center. The number is (703) 693-6500. This is not a toll free number, nor are collect calls accepted. The officials at all SIU halls have information on candidates. Seafarers can consult their port agents for information on the voting records of candidates in their area. Seafarers, who have so much at stake in the election process, owe it to themselves and their industry to participate in the electoral process. With both the DOD voting assistance program and the traditional mechanisms available for registering to vote and for voting available to Seafarers, there should be no barriers to full par­ ticipation in the electoral process. For registration deadlines and polling hours, see chart on page 11. �FBUIUARY1992 •' =r.-^: 1992 Election Inforniatioil by Ststs! Nov. 3 General Elections �''••''.--•.I.'" : -'^r r. , '•••fri--i^t.'iy\ • ' •' -'• .••"/' k •.V-':%;''i-'> • ' . ".• 12 -'I'rv.y: ••' r/^--- •• - •'•' ••• .' ' ••• '' ' :-v'v i't • i' • -f-i •;;':-* , :-V," SEAFARmWe .T-^" ••.],-•'-(<•'• ' U -i-v.-'j'ia;:.-J !•>'.. •Vs.':. •"/-• : ,..:i-;v' .'•' • -• 'v. •'.-'•'Z' • H'.,'•-•'• -•' ike'.'-, kvktf. ..-' i kkk|i-k--.n. '•'(' ' • 'k' ; V ^ ... • • - .'•. r-r-.. i. Used for oceanographic research, the USNS Bartlett occasionally is on display to the public. From Science to Public Relations •-'•l i''-'' /V' "kk K"':k Bartlett Seafarers Wear Many Hats k''k^rr,.y-A. • •, i\. •i '' • '• '• •:i, W', •.;. vi'•••.. m.- Oiler Enrique Crespo works on diesel engine. The USNS Bartlett, whether at sea or docked, always seems to have an interesting mission which demands special skills of its crewmembers, report Seafarers aboard the oceanographic research ship. At sea, while it can be a rough ride for the 208-foot, 1,600-ton ship, crewmembers operate the ship land its special features for teams of scientists and staff from various universities and other research facilities as­ sociated with the U.S. government. During these assignments deck department mem­ bers handle the ship's vast array of winches and special over-the-side davits which are used to handle the scientists' research equip­ ment. When at port, there is a good chance the ship will be on display to Ae public or the Cfiecking the engineroom gauges and dials Is one of the jobs OMU oceanographic research community. Last D.A. Kinsler handles. summer, during one of these public-relations assignments, the ship was on display in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a waterfront com­ mercial center which attracts thousands of visitors every day. Bartlett crewmembers served as guides, escorting some 3,000 tourists through die ship on a daily basis, explaining the duties of the vessel and pointing out its interesting features. During the fall, the ship was on display in New Orleans to coincide with a conference. Classified by the military as a T-AGOR ship, the Bartlett is one of two of its class of research vessel in the military's fleet. The ship, which was built in 1969, is sub­ contracted to Mar Ship Operators (MSO) for operation and maintenance. Crewmembers report that the Bartlett spends a great deal of time at sea, sailing primarily from east coast ports. •k:|, "/il ' -fc" • • .• 0 ' ,• 'I'- A,-, r.- kti- •vssi'.r:K:k" .' •: -• ^-;.!v . i-' •.•' k f-i •'. ' 1.^-.A 'ki > .'• k- Purser Richard Lemon reviews his figures one more time AB Joseph Griffin checks the Bartlett's before issuing pay to the crewmembers. lifeboat emergency radio. v..->: V i',. • • :V . ^i"' ' - D-MAC Fred Wrede comes up for some air while working beneath the deck on the USNS Bartlett. �•f-.v •/' A-iV •• •-... 'J.'W''••»*• nmuMrmi Seafarers Tie Knot At Country Hoedown •A'sf The newlyweds are joined by fellow SlU members. From the left (kneeling) are Pumpman Delton Ard, AB Garvin Doyle, Electrician David Merida, Chief Cook Cathleen Martin, AB David Gardutte, (standing) John Bodin, AB Shannon Downey, New Orleans Port Agent Joe Perez, Groom Carlos Merida, Bride Hellen Mizell-Merida and ABUnieda Laitinen. ! •'•' •-' 1-'"' •' '•' • An antique horse-drawn wagon takes Chief The bride and her husband, an AB, lead the Steward Hellen Mizell to her wedding. Her wedding guests to a reception following the fattier, Calvin Coleman, is at the reins. ceremony. Chief Steward Hellen Mizell decided she wanted to do some­ thing different when she married AB Carlos Merida. And different it was—^a complete country-andwestem hoedown on her father's Mississippi ranch. "It was different," MizellMerida told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG about the Decem­ ber 15 wedding of the two SIU members. "I thought it up. I was raised in the country and this was right down my alley." But a western theme was not the only aspect of the Mizell-Merida wedding ceremony that made it unique. The event also had a Seafarer label. Besides the daughters, who served as brides­ maids, 10 fellow SIU members served as witnesses to the Gulfport, Miss, wedding. The western flavor of the event was evident in the couple's wed­ ding-day outfits. Additionally, the bride, who joined the SIU in 1985, rode to the wedding in an antique wagon driven by her father, Calvin Coleman. Mizell-Merida said of her hus­ band, an SIU member since 1978, ' C>: "I took a New Orleans boy and put him in the country." The couple met on the Overseas Chicago two years ago. "Captain William Harkness introduced us," the steward recalled. "We were the only two single people on the ship. The captain told me 'Here's a per­ fect match for you.'" The pair started dating after they signed off. They tried to sail together when they could, manag­ ing to be together on three or four ships since meeting. MizellMerida said they both realized they would be on the beach over the holidays and decided to hold the wedding then. Besides having shipping in com­ mon, both are single parents, which she admitted was hard for them to handle while at sea. Chief Steward Mizell-Merida's daughter, Desiree, is 12 while AB Merida's daughter, Holly-Lyn, is 15. "They're both my daughters now," Mizell-Merida said with pride. "We still want to sail together," she said about the family's future. "Our parents will help take care of the children while we are gone." Alpena Crew Gets Rare Visit from Bald Eagle Shortly after dinner on Septem­ ber 14, crewmembers of the SS Alpena noticed their every move was being observed from the bridge. Not by an officer, but by an adolescent bald eagle who decided to make the bridge wing its perch. A young bald eagle surveys the deck of the Alpena from its perch on the bridge. The Alpena adopted this eagle as their mascot after the bird adopted the steamer as its home. AB Watchman Jon L. Watson provided the Seafarers LOG with photographs of the bird as well as a description of its brief visit to the vessel. "It was just after 1800 hours and we were 35 miles off the Wiscon­ sin shore around Milwaukee when we first noticed we had picked up an unexpected guest," Watson wrote in his letter. The eagle stayed on the bridge for approximately 24 hours but was disturbed by the commotion created by the crew as the ship prepared to dock in Alpena, Mich. It returned a short time later and made its home on top of the aftermast. "It stayed while we loaded," Watson continued. Some crewmembers called a local wildlife officer to examine and capture the bird to return it to the wild. The officer said the eagle looked healthy, "but must be lost and confused. He didn't think it was safe to tiy and capture it," the AB reported. The eagle stayed aboard as the Alpena set sail. "After rinsing down the deck, the bird came off the mast and stayed on deck where we were able to feed and pet it," Watson reported. Stan Wiemeyer, a research biologist studying minatory birds for the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland, said "it is rela­ tively unusual" for an eagle to perch on a vessel. "My gut reaction is the bird may have gotten too far off shore," Wiemeyer told a reporter for the LOG, "It may have been weakened and was unable to return to shore, so it landed where it could." When told the bird allowed crewmembers to feed and pet it, Wiemeyer responded, "This is very strange. It might not have been in good health or it may have been accustomed to people. Very strange." The researcher noted birds of prey, like eagles, may land on ships in extraordinary circumstances. "Birds of prey may have been at­ tracted to smaller birds that could be around a ship. They fly from their perches to capture their prey, then return to tear it and feed on it. "Bald eagles are more fisheating. They wiU take waterfowl, but I don't recall seeing any ornithologi­ cal literature or studies of them land­ ing on ships," Wiemeyer added. Watson's note about the Alpena's eagle ended on a sad note. As the bird was soaring off the stem during its evening flight, a wind gust caught it as it was attempting to land on the bridge and slammed it into the bulkhead. The crew watched as the eagle fell lifeless into the lake. • • "v!• ; v". Bald Eagle Makes Temporary Home on USNS Wilkes •• ,.v,:a USNS Wilkes crewmembers also were treated to a rare visit by an adult bald eagle. This ship's winged visitor rests on the aft-quarter deck while the vessel was docked in Adak, Alaska in December. �'• "-'i/v--.' • ":'z4i4444/'4:4 . /^^%^pr.J^^ v••^,.,^• -s ;• •••"''1iV4m''-r •••.'• • 'j: . •>: fL lis- '4s/ r 4z/UMi! '^' '-'"j 'A' .'r.. - A-'x4/'^v.}- - ••v , ' i'-^i'.. SEOFARHISLOe Cutoff for WWII Seamen Blecked by Vet Panel • '*i^' y; 14 v=g;J., "iS-Ky- -•: -j-tu: •• ; The House Veterans Affairs Committee continues blocking progress on a bill providing World War Il-era merchant mariners with the same cutoff date for veteran status as was received by other members of the U.S. milit^. Congress convened on January 28, and for the third straight ses­ sion Veterans Affairs Conunittee Chairman Sonny Montgomery (DMiss.) has not scheduled a meeting for the bill, the Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991. The legislation would extend World War II veteran status to American merchant mariners who sailed between August 15, 1945 and December 31, 1946, the date President Harry Truman declared as the end of hostilities. Seamen who sailed between December?, 1941 and August 15, 1945 were declared veterans in Januaty 1988 by the secretary of the Air Force (the branch of the Department of Defense which oversees matters pertaining to veterans). The recognition came after seamen and their allies fought for veteran status for WWII mariners for more than 40 years. But in selecting August 15, 1945 as the cutoff date, the Depart­ ment of Defense excluded ap­ proximately 2,500 living seafarers who deserve WWII veteran status. Rep. Montgomery and other op­ ponents of the bill (which also is known as H.R. 44) say that after August 15,1945, merchant seamen were no longer subject to military control. Yet while the mariners technically were still civilians, they were, in fact, subject to military discipline. Moreover, much of their work was similar to the work of the armed forces. Jack Fields (R-Texas) intro­ duced the bill three years ago and has helped to repeatedly push it through the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, of which he is a member. Former Official Neira Dies at 74 :iS;:: j^ i-••••-• _ r X ;; ; -i',,i, ;r^- -I- VHl'-'J'-''. .. 'M':' . >3. Louis "Blackie" Neira, retired SIU official, passed away January 15 from cancer. He was 74. Brother Neira joined the SIU in his native New York in 1943. A member of the engine depart­ ment, he sailed during World War II. In the mid-1940s, Neira came ashore to serve as an SIU patrol­ man assigned to Mobile. He later became Mobile port agent. Neira, who spoke fluent Spanish, was one of the cadre of union officials who SIU Presi­ dent Paul Hall could assign to any beef. He played a big role in the American Banner Lines and longshoremen's beefs in the '50s. During the '70s, when the union was conducting crew con­ ferences, Blackie Neira was one of the instructors, shuttling be­ tween his port agent job in Mobile and his instructor assignment at the Lundeberg School. Neira proved his worth as a versatile and skilled official. He retired from his union post in 1977. Brother Neira lived in Mobile for 50 years and was buried in Mobile's Pine Crest Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Rena; two daughters, Rebecca J. Neira of Thomasville, Ala., and Delores Neira Appling of Lawrenceville, Ga.; a sister, Josephine Flanagan of New York; four brothers, Joe Neira and Frank Neira, both of New York, Orient Neira of Jersey City, N.J., and John Neira of Parlin, N.J.; two grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives. m:,/' The American Battlefield Monu­ ments Commission has added tributary words to the base of the central pylon at its East Coast memorial statue at Battery Park in New York City. The new tribute honors the 6,185 seamen of the U.S. merchant marine and the 529 seamen of the U.S. Army Transport Service who lost their lives during World War II. Charles Dana Gibson, the historian arid author who specializes in maritime and military history, helped coordinate the effort. The photo above shows the full eagle statue from the front. The photo below shows the new wording on the base of the statue which pays tribute to the WWII merchant marines. MarAd Cbrilies fkilf Medal Process .L ' . , J ^ Mrs. Rena Neira (seated at right) accepts condolences at graveside service for her husband. f' "i . . Aailte • Tribute Paid to WWII Merchant Marine This 1954 photograph shows Brother Neira handing shipping card to a Seafarer at the conclusion of a longshore strike. Last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG stated that the Maritime Administration (MarAd) will begin issuing the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal to those seamen who qualified during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Bmce J. Carlton, Director of that department's Office of Maritime Labor and Training, has issued a clarification of that article. He notes that distribution of the medals will be handled directly by authorized vendors, not by MarAd. The vendors will order both the fiiU size and min­ iature medals and the ribbon bars fix)m die manufacturer very soon. The Office of Maritime Labor and Training is keeping the names and addresses of all individual who have inquired about the medal, and each one will be notified promptly by letter as to when the medals are available for purchase from the vendors. Inquiries regarding the Mer­ chant Marine Expeditionary Medal and all other merchant marine awards and decorations should be address to the Office of Maritime Labor and Training, Maritime Administration, Room 7302, Washington, DC 20590. • m '•m-z -'ji t"/ MarAd notes delay in ordering of medals by authorized vendors. �•p. . :• ;V''ISf•' IP^':P^' /'• - •'i8;^fei.y:v ,-,-.J,:r'. ^ •,•>%, SEAEmEtlS •mppmp SPEOAL A guide for Seafarers to refer to when preparing 1991 tax returns due to the Internal Revenue Service and state governments on April 15,1992, WPm DeadEne tor tSUhg FOR SEAMEN April 15, 199R ^X.::K.P.-t F or seamen, the tax filing process can become extremely complicated. The na­ ture of seafaring work raises many is­ sues at tax time that most shoreside workers do not have to consider. Among the concems raised by seamen interviewed by the Seafarers LOG were ques­ tions of claiming a residence for purposes of filing state tax returns and the issue of what is considered a work-related tax deductible expense. One seaman questioned whether maintenance and cure payments are consid­ ered reportable income. Others simply asked about the procedure for filing a request for an extension and some wanted to know num­ bers to call to obtain more information. In preparing this guide of tax tips for seamen, the staff of the LOG, working with a certified public accountant familiar with the maritime industiy, has attempted to gather information that addresses the concems of Seafarers. WHERE TO FILE Tax returns should be mailed to the Intemal Revenue Service Center designated for the area in which the taxpayer lives. These addresses are listed below. No street address is needed for the IRS. For Individuals living in the following states Florida, Georgia, South Carolina .• General Information: 1-800-829-1040 can be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm. These times are consistent throughout the country, no matter the time zone. 1 Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee All A.P.O. or F.P.O. addresses Publications: 1-800-829-3676 operators will take orders for publications. IRS Publication 553 entitled "High­ lights of 1991 Tax Changes" and IRS Publication 552 called "Record Keeping for Individuals" are two fre^ quently-ordered publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the • .'rpr Sp MF Cincinnati, OH 45999 IRS Austin,!^ 73i IRS Ogden, UT 84201 y,, .'" ••••'j'v'""' "'p ' •• ppppip'' PP: BRs : .'M TCsno, CA IRS Memphis, TN 37501 iladelpmPA 1925; Commissioner of Revenue and Taxation 855 West Marine Dr. Agana,GU 96910 PuertoRico (or if excluding income under section 933), Vir^n Islands: Nonpeimanent residents . >, Virgin Islands pppoM- Andover, MA 05501 U.? IRS Kansas City, MO 64999 Alaska, Arizona, California (counties of Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba), Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming California (all other counties),, The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency's tax-payer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The "Tele-Tax" Service has recorded tax information covering more than 140 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the "#" button will repeat the topic and the button will stop the message. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message fin­ ishes, dial 3-2-3. This telephone service is available from 7:00 am until midnight when calling from a touch tone phone. Rotary dial phone users can call the service between 8:00 am and 4:15 pm. The status of an individual's refund can be obtained through the Tele-Tax system as well. After a person has submitted a tax retum, he or she can call this 1-800-8294477 to find out about the status of an expected refund. When making this kind of call, the individual should have the following handy: the social security number shown first on the tax retum in question, its filing status and the amount of the refund. pp - Use this address: IRS ? Atlanta, OA 39901if IRS Holtsville, NY 00501 New Jersey, New York (New York City and counties of Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester) New Xork (all other counties), Connecticut, Maine, ' ^ 1^^ Rhode Island, Vermont Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri Wisconsin Delaware, Distnct of Columbia,. Maryland, Pennsylvaiua, Virgihil Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas INFORMATION BY PHONE FOR MORE INFORMATION • Philadelphia, PA 19255 '"y.1 %• ; A i' •''4J V.l. Bureau of Intemal Revenue Lockharts Garden No. lA St. Thomas, VI 00802 IRS Philadelphia, PA 19255 location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under "United States Govemment, Intemal Revenue Service." Telephone Help: IRS representatives are available to help with tax questions. If needed, call the IRS using the toll-free number listed in the telephone directory. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regard­ ing the tax retums can be sent directly to an IRS District Director. Include a social security number with the letter. '.- •t- : J SeafanrsLOG, FebniarY 1992 Suppkaeiit Page 1 -m 'P^Q'PPPP'.. - .J' ,, _ X'PP'pPpP'-ppPP .• • ••' ':'h" • '--P'' • �:5^p« m .>•' p.a'i.r«,,4; };•:» •; •, ^v;^;.•!,;7^^^;* ".i,:.;.'.,;,. V.X:;" •'-'• |ilpKl#s#;-S '' Sii:'v:- STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. It should not be used if taxpayer is 65 or older or blind or if a dependent. is -:is:x ''V'virS' '' Filing Status •' MS. v^-. Standard Deduction Single ....•••••••••••....•••••••••••.••.rf.... $3^400 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent childien......... ...$5,700 Married filing separate return. ,..$2,850 ..$5,000 Head of household W-R's, DEDUCTIONS AND v-'i • s't C.V.x '••. '•Si-'V'-' '' • ^•.- ,. -'."•."r .'. v^,,.-"-'.'Ji'"'; 'i'V r.'.-i"'^"=- U• ••«* 'vV-'-v-Vi' MMmx ... ' ,. '. /I-";.. '-• ^CL r" TAX TIPS FORSEAMEI^ REPORTED INCOME In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compen­ sation, ctq)ital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Profits fix)m corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from SEPs and DECs. • Bartering income (fair-maricet value of goods or ser vices received in retum 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 gam bling winnings). • Eamed income from sources outside the United States. • Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. EMPLOYER W-2's: Employers are required to mail W-2 forms to employees by Januaiy 31. If an individual believes he or she is missing W-2's, contact the employer. For seamen who have ever used a union hall as a return address,check withthe SIU port agent to determine if a W-2 has been sent to that address. SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN W-2's: If a Seafarer has received monies from the Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP), he or she should receive a W-2 from that fund. Seafarers who have received SVPmonies but who have not received a W-2 from the plan should contact their union hall or call Andy Marmo at the SVP office in Camp Springs, Md.; 301-899-0675. INCREASED DEDUCTIONS: The deduction for each ex­ emption—^for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,150 per person. STANDARD DEDUCTION HAS INCREASED: The stan­ dard deduction has increased for most people. 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 1991, per­ sonal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. INTEREST ON SECURED LOANS DEDUCTIBLE: Inter­ est paid on mortgages or secured loans is 100 percent deductible. UNION DUES DEDUCTION: Union dues are only deductible NON-REPORTED INCOME if they exceed 2 percent of gross income. If they do, only the The following kinds of income do not need to be portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions reported on the federal tax retum: have never been deductible. • Benefits fix)m government welfare programs. DEDUCTING WORK-RELATED EXPENSES: Expenses • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deduct­ ible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman medical costs. has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to • Maintenance and Cure. register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance damages, the required physical and drug test are examples of expenses etc. for injury or sickness. which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and • Veterans Administration disability retirement other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship payments (and other benefits). performing their woric duties. The purchase of work-related • Child support. clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. DEDUCTING WORK-RELATED CAR EXPENSES: Use • Life insurance proceeds received because of a of a personally-owned automobile in woric-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to person's death. compute automobile expenses — either listing a standard mile­ • Amounts received from insurance because of loss of age rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 27.5 extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when usingthe expenses while living in the home. standi mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, includ­ • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. ing interest, insurance, taxes licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard ceived in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car ex­ into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many profes­ penses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends sional tax retum preparers offer electronic filing in addition to keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. their retum preparation services. If an individual prepared his or Only woric-related expenses not reimbursed by an employercan her own retum, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the be claimed. retum electronic^ly. For a list of who can file a tax retum DEDUCTING WORK-RELATED MEALS WHEN TRAV­ electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1ELING: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on 800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. the meal allowance of $30.00 a day. Otherwise the IRS standard DEPENDENT'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: If an indi­ meal allowance is generally $26, in some locations it is $34 and vidual claims an exemption for a dependent who is at least 1 year in Hawaii and Alaska it iscomputed differently. Travel expenses, old by December 31, 1991, he or she must list the dependent's including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's social security number on Form 1040 or Form 1040A. A social work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. security number requirement applies to all dependents (not just LIMIT ON ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS: Beginning in 1991, children) claimed on the tax retum who are at least 1 year old. itemized deductions may be limited for an individual earning GIFT TO REDUCE THE PUBLIC DEBT: An individual may more than $100,000of federal adjusted gross income (or $50,(X)0 make a gift to reduce the public debt. To do so, enclose a separate if married and filing separately). check with the income tax retum. Make it payable to "Bureau of KEEPING RECORDS: Keep records of income, deductions the Public Debt." Do not add it to any tax owed. and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If an individual has changed his or used to figure them, until the statute of limitationsruns out for that her address from the one listed on that person's last tax retum, IRS return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is re(X>mmended that all records be kept for about 6 EDUCATION SAVINGS BONDS PROGRAM: All or part of years. the interest for certain U.S. savings bonds can be excluded from income if one pays qualified higher education expenses during FAST REFUND: If a tax refund is expected for 1991, instead of the year he redeems the bonds. mailing the return to the Internal Revenue Service, it can be filed electronically. When filed electronically, a refund will be reDEATH OF A TAXPAYER: If a taxpayer died before filing a FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a fourmonth extension to file IRS Form 1040A or Form 1040. An individual requesting an extension is under obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 17, 1992 to file his or her 1991 federal tax retum. The IRS will only contact the individual directly if the request for an extension is denied. To be able to extend the period of time in which one can file his or her tax retum, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due (as noted on line 6 of the form). If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent fourmonth extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as "Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Retum." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary and mailing it to the correct IRS location (see "Where to File" on page 1 of this supple­ ment). An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. To obtain an IRS form 4868, an individual can call the agency's toll free number which is dedicated to tax form requests. That number is 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Also, Form 4868 is available from all main IRS branch offices. If a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is important to bear in mind that the filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from having to pay his or her taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due the U.S. govemment from the indi­ vidual filing the extension. The deadline for filing the form and the taxes monies due is April 15. OVERSEAS? Should a seaman find himself or herself overseas and seeking IRS forms or IRS assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-re­ lated services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates. The U.S. embassies and consulates located in the following cities can provide IRS assistance: Bonn, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Baha­ mas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia and Tokyo, Japan. •' .;Y-VV '""1- '^-1 required retum for 1991, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint retum) must file and sign the retum for that person. A personal representative can be an executor,administratororanyone whois inchargeofthe taxpayer's property. ROUNDING OFF TO WHOLE DOLLARS: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax retum and schedules. To do so, raise anlounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: Unemployment compensation (insurance) is fully taxable. By January 31,1992, an individual who has received unemployment compensation should receive a Form 1099-G showing the total unemployment compensation paid during 1991. Use line 20 on the tax retum to report unemployment compensa­ tion. EARNED INCOME CREDIT: To qualify for the earned income credit, families must have an income of less than $21,250 and have at least one child living with them. The maximum credrt for families with one child is $1,192. Families with 2 or more children may receive up to $1,235. With a child bom in 1991, the farnily may qualify foran additional $357 credit and if the family paid for part of the premiums for a health insurance policy covering a child an additional credit of $428 may be due. To apply for the eamed income credit, a family must file use a Form 1040 or 1040A, but not a 1040EZ, and attach IRS Schedule EIC. • ^ '.t.' .. X i • - '"J S«almmF0bnary1992Siipplemmt Page 2 �PMMRINGA Step 1. Get all records together. • Income records, which include any W-2, W-2G and 1099 forms. • Records for itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payments 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 neces­ sary to assist in filing the retum. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1991 Returns" 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. Step 3. Fill in the retum. Step 4. Check the retum to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the retum. Form 1040 is not considered a valid retum unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint retum. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099 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. TAX TIPS FOR SEAMEN^ The law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of seamen working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA lllOSai)] provides that "no part of the wages due or accming 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 noncontiguous trade shall be with­ held 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. A seaman, just like any other citizen of any given state, must meet his or her obligations to the government of the area in which he or she lives. For some seamen, claiming a domicile is an elusive matter because they spend much of the year sailing or guidelines. However, each state has determined 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 as to his residency status. For example, in California, in the early '70s, 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 thestate 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. [Appeal of Bernard and Helen Fernandez, SBE, June 2, 1971]. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residentsof 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 this supplement are two charts for seamen to use if questions arise on residency and state tax issues. The first is a list of phone numbers of state tax boards and offices to call for more information (see below). The second provides information on what each state considers to be taxable income for residents and non-residents (nonresidents). The chart indicates that seven states do not require state taxes to be paid of its residents and three states limit state taxes to profits earned from investments but do not consider wages subject to taxation. TAX STATE LOCAL# Taxpayer's Assistance, P.O. Box 327410, Montgomery, AL 36132-7410 ALABAMA Department of Revenue, Pouch SA, Juneau, AK 99811-0400 ALASKA Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 29086, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9086 ARIZONA Tax Administrator, P.O. Box 3628, Little Rock, AR 72203-3628 ARKANSAS Taxpayer Information, P.O. Box 942840, Sacramento, CA 94240-0040 CALIFORNIA Taxpayer's Assistance, 1375 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80261 COLORADO Taxpayer's Assistance, 92 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06l05 CONNECTICUT Taxpayer's Assistance, Ninth and French Streets, Wilmington, DE 1980f ^ DELAWARE Taxpayer's Assistance, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001 WASHINGTON, DC Department of Revenue, Carlton BIdg., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0135 FLORIDA GEORGIA Revenue Information, P.O. Box 38007, Atlanta, GA 30334 HAWAH Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 3559, Honolulu, HI 96811-3559 Tax Commission, P.O. Box 56, Boise, ID 83756 IDAHO Tax Information, P.O. Box 19001, Springfield, IL 62794-9001 ILLINOIS ilii Taxpayer Infonnation, 100 N. Senate Ave., Rm. 209, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2253 INDIANA * Taxpayer Services, Hoover State Office BIdg., Des Moines, lA 50319 IOWA Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 12001, Topeka, KS 66612-2001 ! KANSAS Revenue Cabinet, 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40620 KENTUCKY Taxpayer Information, P.O. Box 3440, Baton Rouge, LA 70823-0001 LOUISIANA Bureau of Taxation, State Office BIdg., Augusta, ME 04332-1067 MAINE Corapttpller of the Treasury, Income Tax Division, Annapolis, MD 21411-0001 MARYLAND Massachuseils DepL of RevenUe, P.O. Box 7071, Boston, MA 02204 - " MASSACHUSETTS Taxpayer Informatiori, Treasury BIdg.,:420 Walnut Allegan Streets, Lansing, MI, .48^2', MICHIGAN Taxpayer's Assistance, Mailing Station 4000, St. Paul, MN 55146-4450 MINNESOTA Tax Commission, P.O. Box 23050, J^kson, MS 39225-3050 MISSISSIPPI t Department of Revenim, P.O. Box 2200, Jefferson Ciiy, MO 65105-2200 MISSOURI Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, MT 59604 MONTANA ! ',- ' Taxpayer's Assistance, 301 Centermial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509-4818 NEBRASKA Itepartment of Taxation, Capital Complex, Carson City, NV 89710-0003 NEVADA Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 637, Concord, NH 03302-0637 ' fr •':[ J; NEW HAMPSHIRE Taxpayer Information, 50 Barrack St., CN 269, Trenton, NJ 08646-0269 ' NEW JERSEY Department of Taxation & Revenue, P.O. Box 630, Santa Fe, NM 87509-0630 NEW MEXICO Taxpayer's Assistance, W.A-Harriman Campus, Albany, NY 12227-0125 . ,, , NEW YORK liiiiSP® Department of Revenue, Two South Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27602 NORTH CAROLINA !aS{;Sj5 Taxpayer Information, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58505-0599 NORTH DAKOTA State Information, P;0. Box 2476, Coluinbus, OH 43266-0076 OHIO -SSHs-i -• " - 'r^Taxpayer Information, 2501 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73194^0009 OKLAHOMA . OREGON ill! Tax Help Office, 955 Center St, NE, First Floor, Room 135, Salem, OR 97310 Taxpayer's Assistance, Department 280504, Harrisbuig, PA 17128-0504 PENNSYLVANIA Taxpayer's Assistance, One Capitol HiU, Providence, RI 02908r5801 RHODE ISLAND Public Assistance, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, SC 29214 SOUTH CAROLINA Department of Revenue,TOOGovemors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291 SOUTH DAKOTA Taxpayer's Resource, 807 Andrew Jackson State Office BIdg., Nashville, TN 37242-0482 TENNESSEE Taxpayer Assistance, Capita! Station, Austin, TX 78774 TEXAS Taxpayer Assistance, 160 East Third South, Salt Lake City, UT 84134-0201 UTAH Tax Commissioner, Pavillion Office BIdg., Montpelier, VT 05609-1401 VERMONT Taxpayer Information, P.O. Box 1115, Richmond, VA 23208-1115 VIRGINIA Taxpayer Information & Education, P.O. Box 47476, Olympia, WA 98504 WASHINGTON wms >?•' Taxpayer Services, P.O. Box 3784, Charleston, WV 25337-3784 WEST VIRGINIA State Government Switchboard, 4638 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 WISCONSIN Department of Revenue, 122 West 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002 WYOMING * Some toll free numbers are only functional within that state and thus are not accesible from anywhere in the country. (205)242-1175 (907)465-2320 (602)255-3381 (501)682-7250 (916)852-5711 (303)534-1209 (203)566-8520 (302)577-3310 (202)727-6103 (904)488-6800 (404)656-4188 (808)548-6515 (208)334-3660 (217)782-3336 (317)232-2240 (515)281-31141 (913)296-3051 (502)564-4580 (504)925-4611 (207)626-8475 (301)974-3981 (617)727-4545 (517)373-9419 (612)296-3781 (601)359-1140 (314)751-5600 (406)444-2837 (402)471-5729 (702)687-4820 (603)271-2191 (609)292-6400 (505)827-0700 (518)438-8581 (919)733-4147 (701)224-3450 (614)846-6712 (405)521-3146 (503)378-4988 (717)787-8094 (401)277-2905 (803)737-4660 (605)773-3311 (615)741-4877 (800)252-5555 (801)530-4848 (802)828-2865 (804)367-8031 (206)753-5525 (800)642-9016 (608)266-2772 (307)777-7962 (800)352-4090 (800)482-8811 (800)852-5711 (800)332-2097 (800)321-7829 (800)292-7826 . s '', (800) 222-3229 (800) 732-8866 •''' (800)452-1983 (800)638-2937 (800) 392-6089 (800)487-7000 (800)652-9094 . (800) 332-6103 (800)626-7899 (800)323-4400 (800)225-5829 (800)222-9965 (800)282-1780 (800)522-8165 (800)356-4222 iv' (800)768-6611 (800) 252-5555 (800) 662-4335 SeahrenlOG,Febnary 1992Suj^^kmrnt Page3 .. •.••'•y:.:'-. ''-j. e- » • t., ff* ,v f' v. .'.'/v. «;•, ( •V: V a ^ "-."L » 1* -v. r---i.'. „• -j; v, - r- �"tiii > :t •Ii'w:'-'L.^V;;;. '"r.;. '.;' •-;g,?V>|:|ig TAXABLE INCOME BY STATE NON-RESIDENT STATE RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT Taxable on income from property owned or business transacted in Ala­ bama. Minnesota Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income allocable to sources within Minnesota. No state tax. Missouri Subject to tax on Missouri taxable income. Subject to tax on income derived from sources within Missouri. Subject to tax on entire net income. A credit is only allowed for taxes paid to another state on income de­ rived from sources within that state which are taxable under that state's laws without regard to the residence or domicile of the recipient. No credit is allowed if the other state allows residents of Arizona a credit against taxes imposed by that state for taxes paid to Arizona. Subject to tax on net income derived from sources within Arizona. Mississippi Subject to tax on entire net income. Subject to tax on entire net income from sources within Mississippi. Montana Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Credit for taxes paid to other states is allowed. Subject to tax on net income derived from somces withiif Montana. Nebraska Subject to tax on federal, adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within Nebraska. Subject tostate income tax on entire net income. Subject tostate income tax on all net income from sources within thestate such asall property owned, and from every business, trade or occupation carried on in Arkansas. Nevada No state tax. No state tax. New Hampshire Subject to tax on interest and divi­ dends over $1,200. New Jersey Subject to tax on entire New Jersey gross income and credit is allowed for tax paid to another state on in­ come subject to New Jersey income tax. Subject to tax on certain specified categories of New Jersey gross in­ come from New Jersey sources. New Mexico Subject to tax on federal taxable income with certain modifications and with the possibility of a credit for taxes paid to another state. Subject to tax on net income derived from lyithin New Mexico. New York Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. I, Subject to 'tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within New York. North Carolina Subject to tax on net income with the possibility of a tax credit for taxes paid to another state. Subject to tax on net income derived from sources within North Caro­ lina. No state tax. North Dakota Subject to tax on federal taxable income with certain modifications. Subject to tax on net income from sources within North Dakota. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income less certain items. Subject to tax on net taxable income derived from certain specified ac­ tivities within Georgia. Ohio Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on adjusted gross in­ come derived from sources within Ohio. Subject to tax on entire income and a credit is allowed for taxes paid to another state which are paid on in­ come derived from sources outside the state. Subject to tax on income derived from sources within Hawaii, with the possibility of a credit for taxes paid to other governments outside the State. Oklahoma; Subject to tax on the federal ad­ justed gross income with certain modifications. Subject to tax on federal adjusted' gross income derived from sources within Oklahoma. Oregon Subject to tax on federal taxable income with a credit for income taxes paid to another state or territory. Subject to tax on federal taxable income attributable to certa:in sources within Idaho. Subject to tax on federal taxable income with certain modifications and credit against Oregon income taxes for taxes imposed by another state. Subject to tax on federal taxable income derived from sources within Oregon. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on all incomeattribut­ able to certain activities within Illi­ nois. Pennsylvania Subject to tax on iiicome from sources within Pennsylvania. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions and with the possibility of a credit for state taxes paid in another state. , Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within Indiana with the possibility of a credit for state taxes paid in another state. Subject to tax on entire income with a credit for taxes paid to another state on income also subject to tax in Pennsylvania. Rhode Island Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within Rhode Island. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with modificationsand with the possibility of acredit against Iowa tax for taxes paid to another state on income subject to tax in Iowa. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within Iowa, with the possibility of a credit against Iowa tax for taxes paid toanother state or foreign coun­ try on income subject to tax in Iowa. Tennessee Subject to tax on dividends from stock and interest on bonds. South Carolina Subject to tax on the entire net in­ come. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on that portion of federal adjusted gross income de­ rived from sources within Kansas. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within South Carolina. South Dakota No state tax. No state tax. Texas No state tax. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within Kentucky. No state tax. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Utah Subject to tax on federal taxable income with certain modifications. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within Utah. Subject to tax on all net income which is defined generally as gross income of whatever kind minus the deductions allowed. Subject to tax on net income derived from sources within Louisiana. Vermont Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with a credit for in­ come taxes paid to another state or territory upon income derived from sources within that state or territory. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income derived from sources within Vermont. Subject to tax on taxable income with the possibility of a reduction of taxes for taxes paid to another juris­ diction. Subject to tax on the portion of fed­ eral adjusted gross income derived from sources within Maine with the possibility of a reduction in taxes for taxes paid to another jurisdic­ tion. Subject to state income tax on entire net income. ^W':-' Subject to state income tax on entire taxable income. Subject to state income tax on all taxable income derived from sources within the state. Subject to state income taxation on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifications. Subject to state income tax on fed­ eral adjusted gross income attribut­ able to sources within Colorado. Subject to tax on certain dividends, interest and capital gains income. Michigan Subject to state income taxation on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifications. Subject to state income tax on fed­ eral adjusted gross income attribut­ able to sources within Delaware. Subject to D.C. income tax on entire net income. Not subject to the income tax. "ft V Virginia Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within the state. Washington No state tax. No state tax. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. , Subject to tax on the portion of fed­ eral adjusted gross income derived from sources within Maryland. West Virginia Subject to taxable income as de­ fined in terms of federal adjusted gross income with modifications. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within West Virginia. Subject to a tax on federal adjusted gross income. A credit for taxes paid to other states is allowed. Subject to tax on the portion of fed­ eral adjusted gross income derived from sources within Massachusetts. Wisconsin Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income with certain modifica­ tions. Subject to tax on taxable income derived from sources within Wis­ consin. Subject to tax on federal adjusted gross income allocable to sources within Michigan. Subject to tax on taxable income allocable to sources within Michi­ gan. Wyoming No state tax. No state tax. SOURCE: Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Federal Voting Assistance Program; Voting Assistance Guide 1992-1993; Appendix G. State Income Tax Liability; p. 265-285. SfafmmL0^Feinian^19925uppkmmt Fage4 •w y./'Q. y. y I.-.,.•;'if-"mA .' • �•:'• ."' /' •" :--:v^' ttSSP . . .. •.•'••.• • i'•.• > FEBRUARY 1992 f ^ • Friday, March 20 Friday, April 24 San Juan ^Thursday, March 5 Thursday, April 9 St. Louis Friday, March 13 Friday, April 17 Honolulu Friday, March 13 Friday, April17 Duluth Wednesday, March 11 Wednesday, April 15 Jersey Ci^ Wednesday, March 18 Wednesday, April 22 New Bedford Tuesday, March 17 Tuesday, April 21 Personals ANDREW CRESPO Please contact your sister, Maria D. Faircloth, at 7304 N. Taliaferro Ave., Tampa, Ha. 33604. ALBERT C. MINICHIELLO Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Albert C. Minichiello, please get in touch with his brother, Arthur P. Minichiello, at 6 Coronation Circle, Dedham, Mass. 02026, or call (617) 326-2045. JAY ROCHE Please contact Gina Demaree-Fortier at 18040 Midway Road, #137, Dallas, Texas 75252, or caU collect at (214) 2501731. R.FEE RICHARD HAMH^TON Please contact Mark Avery at 500 Verret. New Orleans, La. 70114, or call (504) 392-6082. STEVE NORMAN Please contact me. Real important. It concerns my wedding on September 19. Richard Kent, 6590 Harley St., Riverside, Calif. 92506; (714) 788-4119. '.r IS March & April Membership Meetings Deep^, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point Monday, March 2 Monday, April 6 New York : Tuesday, March 3 ; J Tuesday^ April 7 Phlladdphia Wednesday^ March 4 Wednesday, April 8 Baltimore Thursday, March 5 Thursday, April 9 Norfolk Thursday, March 5 Thursday, April 9 Jacksonville Tliursday, March 5 Thursday, April 9 Algonac Friday, March 6 Friday, ApiillO Houston Monday, March 9 Monday, April 13 New Orleans Tuesday, March 10 Tuesday, April 14 Mobile Wednesday, March 11 Wednesday, April 15 San Francisco •Thursday, March 12 Thursday, April 16 Wihnington Monday, March 16 Monday, April 20 Seattle /•••> ,•••• Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16,1991— JANUARY 15,1992 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Oass B Class C Port NewYffldc! Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Loui^ Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville SahFtanciscp Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu H( St Loui$ Piney Poi Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wihnington : Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Trip QassA ClassB ClassC Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C a' , .r •if "-' J STEWARD DEPARTMENT • •: ••• • •' X 'M:' • -r. ; I'-'."' /,• ^>'-1 '".k ^PYi Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk " Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville SanHranciscri ^Imingtwi Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu ' St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Department 668 702 703 433 513 461 292 1054 877 1044 * 'Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. ** "Registered og the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. A total of 1,699jobs were shipped on SlU-contracted deep sea vessels. Of the 1,699 Jobs shipped, 433 jobs or about 25 percent were taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were filled by "B" and C"seniority people. From Decem­ ber 16,1991 to January 15,1992, a total of 292 trip relief jobs were shipped. Since the trip relief program began on April 1,1982, a total of 15,601 jobs have been shipped. Mr"' • �t -. Ji'- . "i ••• b y ^ '^ -'/'fl^K"'" (- •' ]'•.'•/'"• •'.:'••••:•• 16 '../I^' .•»',"' '. ^ir '.t!-' . • '•/. '•^^ • ' '•'• !0y'- '^i "t •'/'. .' -'" '•\vs!{'' -i ''SJ'- ' •!'/•.' v ". • •:. ' . ••. SEAFARBRS UK: S^KislhternationalU^^ i Directory Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes CL-Company/Lakes DECEMBER 16,1991 - JANUARY 15,1992 L-Ltrins Michael Slacco ; • •••••President';,^3'•' John Fay Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Sacco Executive Vice President George McCartney Vice President West Coast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Government Services JackCaffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast NP-Non Priority •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups ClassCL ClassL ClassNP TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups ClassCL OassL ClassNP ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups ClassCL ClassL OassNP DECK DEPARTMENT ...J ' Algonac f Port Algonac ji'rii- < %i ' ->'-1 '.V' • .: ' 0 - t. ' ''A -• 1' o ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 13 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT n 9 t \ 0 9 0 i ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 |'''^*i29 Totals All Departments 0 66 7 0 25 4 0 74 * 'Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. *• "Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. 17 "l 20 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (313) 794-4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimoie, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 •i®' DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218)722-4110 l.v' ' HONOLULU 606KalihiSt. I i Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE i " 3315 Liberty SL I Jacksonville, FL 32206 .;i (904)353-0987 1 JERSEY CITY I " 99 Montgomray SL jCTsey City, NJ 07302 (201)435-9424 r'' I MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (205)478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 50 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508)997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504)529-7546 NEW YORK 675 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718)499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (804) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. I ' Ruladelphia,PA 19148 (215)336-3818 I J PINEYPOINT P.O. Box 75 Piney PoinLMD 20674 (301)994-0010 SANFRANCISCO '--H 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, GA 94105 (415)543-5855 Government Services Division (415)861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos SL Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (809)721-4033 ? •< 1 SEATTLE 2505 First Ave. Seattie, WA 98121 (206)441-1960 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. ^ St Louis, MO 63116 (314)752-6500 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 /K,.y (310)549-4000 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Mi DECEMBER 16,1991 — JANUARY 15,1992 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups QassA ClassB ClassC f :• ;.• : t' ' ' I; Wimm;: l?|?a| Region 3Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Gulf Coast i Lakes & Inland Wai West Coast Totals Region |;^9htic Gulf Coast I Inland Wat^ West Coast Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A ClassB OassC ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A ClassB ClassC DECK DEPARTMENT iv 0 W' 0 26 0 1 2 5 0 0 0 1 7 6 ' V. 3 1 4 ^ 0 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT I' I Totals All Departments 50 1 10 10 1 2 149 9 * 'Total Registered" means the number of nien who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. •• "Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. Belated Holiday Greetings A', '• Rewarding the Instructor S/l/ members, pensioners and their families and friends had an opportunity to send their holiday greetings in the December I99I. Seafarers LOG. Due to the nature of the mail, however, some of the greeetings were not received in time for the holiday issue. They are printed below in the hopes that the sentiments expressed will last well into the new year. To Mr. President, crewmembers, retired memliers and all Seafarers As a retired member of the SIU, we express our best wishes for all members of the Seafarers International Union. We admire all your courageous lashing operations during severe weather conditions in order to give aid to those in need, especially the refugees. I thank you. With great respect Hilda and Frans De Keyzer • ••,-;-r.',v.'V'-3i:'"'^^, m 18 To Dawn-Dawn, X-Man, Bonehaad and everyone dse out tliere from Hawaii Merry Xmas, Happy New Year. Hawaii reunion at Hussy's wedding! Yvonne DeSilva To Mr. Joe Sacco You're doing a very good job. Gordon Lee To Paul A. Peralta The very nicest thingabout Christmas isshar­ ing it withyou. Forthis greeting brings such happy hopes for Lupe and you on Christmas Day. Your brotl^r always, Magdaleno A. Peralta Allen and Jax and Norfolk Hello from the Indomitable. Have a Merry Christmas and a Hai^y New Year. May our ships sail smoothly. Dannis Allen Thompson '.y-'-f. y v-v,'- - -;-v The students in the Third Assistant En^ were so pleased with the teaching of their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, that they decided to show him their appreciation. Pictured is class representative Frank Tymczyszyn presenting an award plaque to Malzkuhn. DeCola Promotes Upgrading at Lundeberg School Chief Cook Jerry DeCola recommends that all Seafarers upgrade their skills at the Lundeberg School. That is what the veteran Seafarer told a LOG reporter during an inter­ view for the "Inquiring Seafarer" column which ^peared in the August issue. However, while DeCola's message was reported ac­ curately, the LOG misidentiBed him as a retired messman. DeCola sailed as a chief cook and now works for the union at the SIU haU in Philadelphia. -.n4-%4 V--S . y-. - • Chief Cook deny DeCola • ••• ,- ^'l^^^pBMff^mWpiL^rlT^TI¥f-•rTr—TiTnt-'ir-n —nr—-tnr-i'n-r - -f - - - •, - '^ \ I ^ ^ ^ ^M . 'i �{-"-•V-'i''' " ;-X rvy FEBItUAIiri992 17 Kirklanil Responds to 'Lazy U.S. Worker* Charge (Editors Note: The following is a column by AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland issued last month in response to a statement by a Japanese parliamentarian about U.S. workers.) When a senior Japanese politician blamed America's economic and trade problems on U.S. workers, President Bush was handed a perfect opportunity to recover some of the public rela­ tions ground he had lost on his recent, ill-fated trip to Tokyo. Once again, however, he dropped the ball. What Yoshio Sakurauchi, the Speaker of Japan's lower house of parliament, was reported to have said is, "the source of the problem is the inferior quality of U.S. labor," that "U.S. workers are too lazy" and that "they want high pay without working." He was also quoted as saying that 30 percent of the American workforce "cannot even read." Although we are told that such comments appear often in Japanese industry magazines and other publications, they bear no resemblance to the truth, which is that the average American worker—by all measures and ac­ counts—is the most productive in the world. Measured by Gross Domestic Product per employed person, Japanese workers produce, on average, only 77 percent as much as their American counterparts, despite the fact that they work 15 percent more hours per year. While it is true that Japan's productivity has grown faster over the past few decades, they've had a lot of catching up to do. And since the 1982 recession, the U.S. has done well even by this measure, with our productivity growing 37 percent to Japan's 38 percent. Meanwhile, the absolute level of worker productivity remains substantial y higher in the United States. And despite Japanese com­ plaints about American wages, the facts show that unit labor costs in U.S. manufacturing actually decreased slightly in the second half of the past decade, while that of Japan rose 63 percent. Although it'is nothing to brag about, U.S. manufacturing workers are now paid less than those in a dozen other industrialized countries, whose international "competitive­ ness" nevertheless exceeds our own. Can it be that "competitiveness" is not measured by labor cost and efficiency, but by the prowess of other countries in pursuing and defending market share through— dare I say it—mercantilism? Needless to say, claims of a 30 percent illiteracy rate in the U.S. are wholly without foundation. The real illiteracy rate is less than five percent. The fact of the matter is the working men and women of America have borne the brunt of the sacrifices that our business and government leaders have decreed were necessary to make America more competitive in the global marketplace. Business leaders, on the other hand, have arranged to shelter themselves very cozily from the harsh winds of competi­ tion. So when American workers are maligned, as they were last week by one of Japan's most senior politicians, they certainly deserve more than silence from the presi­ dent of the United States, especial­ ly one who campaigned for the office while wrapped in the American flag and loudly promis­ ing to defend American values at home and throughout the world. In this case, when the available evidence so clearly refutes the Japanese statements concerning the productivity of American workers, it would have been easy for the president to live up to this promise. His failure to do so may indicate his concurrence with what has been said or his reluctance to challenge the Japanese big shots on his Rolodex. Why doesn't he just say so? In either case, working American men and women deserve better. 'Outstanding' Fare on LNG Libra Significant statistics an AFL-CIO Newsgrafic America leads in productivity Gross domestic product per worker as a percent of the U.S. level in 1990 100% 100% ji: 90% |:i 75% iliii1 88% 79% j/rrr^. ill j The U.S. worker produced more value than workers in any other countiy. Workers in France produced 90 percent of what U.S. workers produced, and in Japan only 77 percent. 77% 74% in 71% 68% 43% f 50% ;»i|; 1 •. 25% ' .xi:;::-:;;::;::- 0% ^ 7 U.S. France Italy Germany Japan Austria Britain Sweilen Korea Source: Bureau ol Latxx Statistics A merican workers still lead all other industrial nations in productivity, despite the continuing deficit in merchandise trade, according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. labor costs have actually declined between 1985 and 1990, while rising in all other ma1 or trading countries, inc uding Japan, Germany, Britain, Sweden, Italy, Korea and Taiwan. Meanwhile, real wages and benefits for the average American worker slipped 0.4 percent between 1985 and 1990. During the same period, total worker compensation rose 19 percent in Germany, 14 percent in Japan, 12 percent in Britain and Italy, 8 percent in Sweden, 3 percent in France and 2 percent in Canada. U.S. workers lag in compensation Hourly wage and benefit costs for production workers in all manufacturing, 1991 Norway $21.86 Germany $21.53 Sweden $20.93 Switzerland $20.83 Finland $20.76 Belgium $18.94 Netherlands $18.22 Denmark $17.85 Austria $17.01 $16.41 Canada $16.02 France $15.23 $14.77 Source: Bureau o( Latxx Statistics Special Guests, Special Food - J. oc- . 't' •".v. V-:'" • •A. • LNG Libra Enaine Delegate Bill Sullivan, who sent the above photo the LOG, says the ship's galley crewmembers outdid themselves with their Chnstmas Sr From left o right are: Chief Cook Martin Buck, SA George Rueth, Steward Se Schm^^^^ SA Tom Laffey and SA William Smalley. Army personnel and seamen alike got a chance to partake In a culinary feast prepared by Third Assistant Cook WIgberto Reyes and the rest of the Cape Catoche galley gang. Chief Cook KImberly Carter doubled as both cook and photographer for the event. ' . i • •4- • �v- • . M'J'-t'''''' 18 SEAFAHERS LIM! novative Oriental cuisine. Thanks also to deck gang for cooperation in keeping messhalls clean and secured in rough Alaskan weather. Thanks also to engine department for constant hot water. ft r:'" 4 .Ik-, The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shlplnmrd minutes as possible. On occasion, ttecause of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes fust are reviewed by the union's contract rhpartment. 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. SPIRIT OF TEXAS (Seahawk Manage­ ment), October 6 — Chairman S.W. Parr, Secretary J. Tucker, Engine Delegate Stephen Treece. Chairman noted ship headed for Sudan. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted mail to he sent from Suez Canal. •jti ••i: • 1'•T -1 i 11 AMBASSADOR (Crowley Caribbean Transport), November 26 — Chairman Leon T. Jekot, Secretary Milton Yournett. Chairman announced payoff. Secretary thanked all hands for job well done. Educational director urged mem­ bers to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted dishwasher's motor broken. Crew extended vote of thanks to galley gang for Job well done. ft, yp AMERICAAI EAGLE (Pacific Gulf Marine), November 3 — Chairman Billy . Eastwood, Secretary Kevin Deegan, Educational Director W. Jones. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarifica­ tion on pay for transporting hazardous material. CAPE HORN (lOM), November 3 — Chairman J. Sosa, Secretary D. Banks, Deck Delegate R. Meyer, Engine Delegate S. Nolan, Steward Delegate Norman Erickson. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crewmembers conveyed wishes for happiness to all SIU brothers in the new year. C4PE//0/?/V(I0M), November 17 — Chairman J. Sosa, Secretary D. Banks, Steward Delegate Norman Erickson. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chair­ man thanked deck department for excel­ lent work. CAPE HORN (lOM), November 24 — Chairman J.Sosa, Deck Delegate R. Meyer, Secretary D. Banks, Steward Delegate Norman Erickson. Secretary noted company approved microwave. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. t . CHARLES L. BROWN(Jransocearuc Cable), November 30 — Chairman Jeremiah Harrington, Secretary Donna Lindsey, Engine Delegate D. Wise, Steward Delegate Erik Ivey. Crew re­ quested telephone at gangway be rewired to outside line for crew use. Chairman reminded crew about impor­ tance of respecting fellow crewmembers ^ ''"V'gsMitr,. Ultrasea Is Good Feeder • ./'V-'-V''''--'"^f''"'.''v-'- -) Chief Cook Joe Brooks and Acting Steward Rodolfo ("Rudy") Xatruch help make voyage 045 aboard the Ultrasea a culinary success. •yrngM} I and their belongings. Treasurer noted ship's fund was used to purchase Softball equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted refrigerator needs repair, and new First Aid kit also n^ed. Next port: Honolulu. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (MOS), November 11 — Chairman W. Jeffer­ son, Secretary C. Hazzard. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for New Or­ leans. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (Sea-Land Service), November 24 — Chairman Carlos DeGracia, Secretary E. Vaz­ quez, Educational Director Dann Manthei. Chairman noted everything running smoothly. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messhall and lounge clean. No non. Steward Delegate P. Zilkow. Crew still waiting for furniture. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew extended vote of thanks to steward department. CHARLES L. BROWN (Transoceanic Cable), December 31 — Chairman J. Harrington, Secretary D. Lindsey, Deck Delegate Richard Morris, Engine Delegate W. Carroll. Chairman ex­ plained layoff routes. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported. Chairman explained SAB Action 358, which allows Piney Point OSs to stay aboard cable ships for 240 days and then upgrade to AB. He stressed safety. Liberty Sun Pays Off in New Orleans GOLDEN ENDEAVOR (Apex Mariire), November 25 — Chairman Luke Wells, Secretary F.W. Bishop. Chairman urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School and support SPAD. He announced schedule for cleaning tanks. No beefs or disputed OT. Crew received copies of Se^arers LOG. Crew asked contracts department for clarifica­ tion on deck department overtime. Crew extended vote of thanks to steward department. G/?OrOAf (Sheridan Transportation), November 24 — Chairman Neil Matthey. Secretary M. DeLoatch, Educa­ tional Director R. Naloi, Deck Delegate Phil Poole, Engine Delegate Abraham Daif, Steward Delegate Abdul Aziz. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Mobile, Ala. He suggested crewmem­ bers donate to SPAD. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported. Crew extended vote of thanks to galley gang. GULF TRADER (All Marine Services), November 19 — Chairman Steve Castle, Secretary J. Williams, Educa­ tional Director George Wallis, Deck Delegate A. Galib, Engine Delegate Thomas Betz, Steward Delegate Russell Barnett. Educational director en­ couraged members to upgrade at Lun­ deberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman asked members to reduce noise. Crew noted mail service slow. LONG L//VES(Transoceanic Cable), November 12 — Chairman Joseph Olson, Secretary Michael Bonsignore, Deck Delegate J.D. Harris, Engine Delegate E. Cox, Steward Delegate R. Rowe. Chairman reminded members about separating plastic from trash. He noted importance of proper care and cleaning of crew lounge. Secretary ex­ pressed need for fellow shipmates to upgrade at Lundeberg School. He noted school's excellent teachers and facilities, including outstanding library. Treasurer reported $94 in ship's fund. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department, with spe­ cial thanks to Chief Cook Benny Cor­ pus and Chief Steward Bonsignore for putting out terrific food for crew of 121. Next port: England. OVERSEAS ALASKA (MOS), November 17 — Chairman L. Temple, Secretary Steven Parker, Deck Delegate Jeffrey Kass, Engine Delegate U. Bar­ ber. Chairman reminded all crewmem­ bers to keep doors locked, as one member recently had cash stolen while ship was docked. Secretary requested in­ formation from contracts department on manning for steward department. He thanked crew for helping secure every­ thing during rough weather. He reminded members to separate plastics. Treasurer reported $286 in ship's fund. He noted crew voted unanimously to donate to crewmember whose money was stolen. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recent storm wiped out all trash barrels on fantail, also took out deck rails, electrical cable housings and telephone hookups. Crew gave galley gang special vote of thanks, especially Chief Cook Manny Basas for his in­ Crewmembers aboard the Liberty Sun get a chance to discuss union business with SIU Patrolman Steve Judd (far left). They are (frorit row) Chief Cook Jerome Johnson, AB L. Hoffman, (second row) Bosun P.H. Greenwood, Wiper German C. Valerie, AB R.L. Favalora, (third row) Larry Martin, AB J.M. Cornwall and Wiper GaryToomer. beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew ex­ tended vote of thanks to galley gang for good chow. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY(Sea-Land Service), November 17 — Chairman D. Leon, Jr., Secretary Pedro Laboy, Educational Director M. Rivera, Deck Delegate Carlos Irizarry, Steward Delegate B. Santos. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported. Chairman extended extra votes of thanks to steward depart­ ment and other crewmembers for jobs well done and pleasant voyage. THOMPSON PASS (lOM), November 11 — Chairman J.R. Colson, Secretary F. King, Educational Director M. WeUs. Secretary reported smooth sailing, . thanked crew for cooperation. Education­ al director called for improved com­ munication between crewmembers. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DSNS BARTLETT(Mar Ship Operators), November 2 — Chairman Carl Larson, Secretary James Dunne, Engine Delegate Fred Wrede. No beefis or disputed OT reported. Crewmembers •have not received mail at any port. WESTWARD VENTURE (lOM), November 29 — Chairman Michael Kadderly, Secretary R.B. Sanderson, Educational Director Chris W. Cunnin­ gham, Deck Delegate George Vukmir, Engine Delegate Ahmed Hussain, Steward Delegate Terry White. Radio still ashore for repairs. Secretary urged members to donate to SPAD and save the Jones Act. Educational director en­ couraged members to read Seafarers LOG and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed LOG and discussed current issues. Crew needs new TV, as old picture tube finally went after 11 years. Crew thanked galley gang for Thanksgiving dinner. Steward department thanked crew for cooperation from all departments. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. AMERICAN FALCON (Crowley Carib­ bean Transport), December 1 — Chair­ man William Dowzicky, Deck Delegate O. Rappana, Engine Delegate R. Han- ' CAPE COD(OMl Corp.), December 8 — Chairman E. Bronstein, Secretary Stephen Bates, Engine Delegate Aii Hassan, Steward Delegate Gerald Hyman. New dryer has been installed in crew laundry. Chairman read AIDS awareness pamphlet and discussed cur­ rent legislation affecting merchant mariners. He emphasized importance of SPAD and upgrading at Lundeberg School. Secretary thanked crew for cooperation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed parts of SIU constitution, welfare plan and retirement procedures. Lounge needs new TV and VCR. Crew thanked galley gang fw out­ standing job: great food and spotless messhall and galley. Crew expressed pride about Cape Cod being last C23A type vessel still running following Per­ sian Gulf War. EQUALITY STATE(lOM), December 19 — Chairman Claude Leycock, Educational Director Mann Aroon, Deck Delegate James World, Engine Delegate Michael Manuel, Steward Delegate Dwight Brandon Maeda. Chairman reported more than, $1,500 in ship's fund. He reminded crew that payoff will not commence until union patrolman is on board. Secretary reminded crewmembers they may not va­ cate vessel until properly relieved. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading courses at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked crew for overcoming difficulties and getting the job done. Crew thanked galley gang for many fine meals. Next port: Oakland, Calif. GALVESTON BA Y (Sea-Land Ser­ vice), December 1 — Chairman Joe Herron. Secretary Dan Brown, Educational Director Mike Scinto. Chairman urged members to read President's Report in Seafarers LOG. Educational director reviewed new required-viewing safety videotapes on board. He stressed impor­ tance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. Continued on page 20 �.• 'r^vV"' ••"::-^r^^ • . .• • .•' •'••v- --:^^^' A^•'y:, ^ FEBRUARY 1^ T he Seafarers Pension Plan an­ nounces the retirement of 39 members this month. Twenty-nine of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, while seven sailed in the inland division. One sailed in the Great Lakes division, one sailed in the railroad marine division and one sailed in the Atlantic Fisheimen's division. Galley gang member Earl Pippens, 76, is the oldest of the new pensioners. Brother Pippens joined the SIU more than 20 years ago, after a 21-year career in the Navy. Engine department member Joe Atchison has been a member longer than any of the others who are retir­ ing. Brother Atchison joined the Seafarers in 1945. Brief biographical sketches of Pippens, Atchison and the other new pensioners follow. DEEP SEA JOE ATCHISON, 64. joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama na­ tive shipped in the engine depart­ ment and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. A veteran of three wars. Brother Atchison worked for the Sea-Land shore gang for eight years before retiring. He was honored last October at the West Gulf Ports Council Dinner in Hous­ ton, where he received a ship's wheel with an engraved plaque con­ gratulating him on 30 years' sea time. Brother Atchison has retired to Galveston, Texas. PAULS. BLAND, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of SaVannah, Ga. Bom in Fruitland Park, Ha., he sailed in the en­ gine department. In 1976 Brother Bland upgraded to QMED at the Lundeberg School. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. Brother Bland resides in Jacksonville, Ha. CLAUDIO BOBADILLA, 67, joined die SIU in 1971 in Yokohama^, Japan. He was bom in the Philippine Islands and sailed in the steward department Brother Bobadilla served in the Navy firom 1946 until 1967. He has retired to the Philippines. CLARENCE BURGO, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Hawaii, he graduated from the bosun recertification class at Piney Point in 1980. Brother Burgo calls Kaneohe, Hawaii home. COSTAS DAYOS,66, joined the union in 1961 in the port of New York. Bom in Greece, he sailed in the blackgang. Brother Dayos served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He has retired to Greece. - ... v 19 To Our New Pensioners ... Thanks for a Job Well Done Each monthin the Seafarers LOG, the names of SIU members who recently have become pensioners appear with a brief biographical sketch. These men and women have served the maritime industry well, and the SIU and all their union brothers and sisters wish them happiness and health in the days ahead. HARRY M. FISHER, 67, joined the SIU in 1965 in his native Mobile, Ala. He became a recer­ tified bosun after completing course work at the Lundeberg School in 1984. Brother Fisher still calls Mobile home. JULIUS FRANCUMJR.,62, joined the Sea­ farers in 1957 in the port of Bal­ timore. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Francum completed the bosun recertification course in 1985. He served in the Army from 1952 to 1953. Brother Francum has retired to Lenoir, N.C. RICHARD CEILING, 69, joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of New York. Bom in Lyons, Dl., he completed the steward recer­ tification program in 1987. Brother Geiling has retired to Seattle. JAMES K. HAINES, 56, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pittsburgh native sailed in the deck department. Brother Haines served in the Navy from 1955 to 1959. He resides in Reseda, Calif. WILLIAM J. JOE, 62, joined the SIU in 1952 in his native New York. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequent­ ly at the Lundeberg School. Brother Joe served in the Army from 1947 to 1948. He lives in St. Bemard, La. ELMER N. KING, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1947 in his native Baltimore. He sailed in the deck department. Brother King served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. He has retired to Missouri City, Texas. PHILIP J. LAMBIS, 61, joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of Seattie. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the galley gang. Brother Lambis served in the Army from 1947 until 1951. He lives in Livingston, Texas. n CHUNG K. LEW, 64, joined the union in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. He was bom in China and sailed in the steward department. Brother Lew upgraded at the Lundeberg School to chief cook in 1983. He resides in Seattle. COLLIE LOPERJR.,62, joined the SIU in 1956 in his native Mobile, Ala. He became a recertified steward in 1984. Brother Loper served in the Army from 1950 to 1953. He still calls Mobile home. JULIAN LOPEZ, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. Bom in Spain, he sailed as a QMED. Brother Lopez has retired to San Francisco. THOMAS J. LUNDY, 63, joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was bom in Missis­ sippi and sailed in the engine depart­ ment. Brother Lundy lives in Hurley, Miss. WILLIE MITCHELL, 66, joined the union in 1966 in the port of Port Arthur, Texas. A native of Durham, N.C., he sailed in the deck department. Brother Mitchell has retired to Haw River, N.C. EARL PIP­ PENS, 76, joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. The Mississippi native sailed in the galley gang. Brother Pippens served in the Navy from 1938 until 1959. He resides in Hay ward, Calif. ROBERT RAY, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Wil­ mington, Calif. He was bom in Kan­ sas City, Mo. and sailed in the deck department. Brother Ray served in the Navy from 1938 until 1941. He lives in Wilmington. JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ, 62, joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Hous­ ton. A native of Mexico, he sailed in the steward and engine departments. In 1975 Brother Rodriguez upgraded at the Lundeberg School to QMED. He has retired to Galveston, Texas. DONACIANO SANTIAGO, 54, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. Bom in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department. Brother San­ tiago resides in Philadelphia. GEORGE SILVA, 66, joined the union in 1957 in the port of Philadel­ phia. He was bom in Oakland, Calif, and sailed in the engine department. Brother Silva Sferved in the Army from 1945 to 1947. He has retired to San Leandro, Calif. •r. V'K".; • i:-' •i- WILLIAM SUT­ TON, 66, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. A na­ tive of Ariton, Ala., he sailed as a chief electrician. Brother Sutton served i the Navy from 1943 to 1961. He lives in Medford, Ore. • • V; " f . I: PAUL THOMAS JR., 63, joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of Mobile. An Alabama native, he sailed as a chief electrician. Brother Thomas served in the Army from 1951 to 1953. He has retired to Mobile. MALCOLM THOMPSON, 56, joined the SIU in 1961 in his native New Orleans. He sailed in the steward depart­ ment. Brother Thompson still calls New Orleans home. • •- - • . " .-J -'-'..I • , V :- ^ • •• S , ERNESTO RAMIREZ, 66, joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Houston. Bom in Paraguay, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Ramirez has retired to Hous­ ton. FRANCISCO TORRES, 66, joined the union in 1966 in the port of Tampa, Fla. He was bom in Ecuador and sailed in the enContinued on page 21 • I; " '•'•I: s- •' •' ''V ' . -J . �20 Ships Digest -/ ' Continued from page 18 No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department and Sea-Land shore gang. Crew wished all members a happy new year. Crew ob­ served one minute of silence in memory of departed brothers. Next port: Boston. •i, -/r-T. .;%'v^--- •l;j:3''- IE ''i:'v ¥';." •••••"' •'* • •• s /X, T .". .•*•" 'I'E aOLDEN MONARCH (Apex Marine), December 8 — Chairman David Martz, Secretary G. RIos, Educational Director M. Ruhe. Chairman reminded crew to clean rooms and turn in keys. Education­ al director advised members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew extended vote of thanks to galley gang for job well done. fl: '?7 SEA-LAND DEFENDER (Sea-Land Service), December 1 — Chairman M. WhitsitL Secretary M. Peacock, Educa­ tional Director J. Barry. Chairman noted good work and cooperation among crewmembers. No beefs or disputed OT reported. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), December 8 — Chairman Wilfredo Rice, Secretary L. Bettis, Deck Delegate Michael Davis, Engine Delegate Louis Mullet Educational director encouraged SPAD donations and urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ....• ^'•Jr OVERSEAS JOYCE (MOS), Decem­ ber 22 — Chairman R. Bradford, Secretary P. Alvarez. Chairman an­ nounced payoff and noted problem-free voyage. Secretary reminded members to Upgrade at Lundeberg School. Education­ al director urged members to support SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked deck and engine departments for concern in keeping spotless ship. JUPITER (American President Lines), December 5 — Chairman Wheeler Washington, Secretary O. Cody, Educa­ tional Director N. Gavin. Chairman noted smooth trip and good steward department. He urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Secretary and educational director also stressed importance of upgrading and donating to SPAD. Steward delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or engine delegates. Crew was pleased to receive Seafarers LOG. Crew received certificate of appreciation from Military Sealift Command for participa­ tion in Desert Storm. Each crewmember received a copy. n OMI LEADER (OMI Corp.), December 30 — Chairman C. Smith, Secretary A. Panico, Deck Delegate Frank Revette, Engine Delegate Junius Williams, Steward Delegate M. Hussein. Chair­ man announced payoff. He noted oppor­ tunity to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew extended vote of thanks to steward department. OVERSEAS VIVIAN(M0S), Decem­ ber 29 — Chairman Jerome Williams, Secretary Douglas Hundshamer, Educa­ tional Director James Fonville, Tyrone Burrell, Steward Delegate Alex Jaradie. Chairman announced payoff. Secretary noted ship had no heat during two days in port in Boston. Educational director noted scholarship information posted on bulletin board. He encouraged everyone to apply. Deck and steward delegates reported beefs. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported by engine delegate. TV antenna needs repair or replacement. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. DEU Cecil Edwards gets an oppor­ tunity to talk with New Orleans Port Agent Joe Perez when the vessel came into port recently. M director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Treasurer reported $150 in ship's fund. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for excellent job. JULIUS HAMMER (Ocean Shipholding), December 1 — Chairman David Zurek, Secretary F. Costahgo, Educa­ tional Director Ross Hardy. Secretary noted two crewmembers due for relief in Rotterdam. Educational director urged qualified members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Lundeberg School. He urged members to donate to SPAD, because SPAD is pork chops. No beefs or disputed OT. Crew received Seafarers LOG and letter from contracts department clarifying overtime rates. Crew noted no mail has been received. Crew gave vote of thanks to Steward Frank Costango and Chief Cook Richard Woroby for their work clean­ ing ship, for good meals and especially for superb Thanksgiving dinner. Edwards in New Orleans .1 SEAFARERS LOG LNG AQUARIUS (ETC), December 8 — Chairman John Japper, Secretary W. Justi. Secretary reported budget-cut­ ting moves by the company. Educational SEA-LAND FREEDOM (Sea-Land Service), December 13 — Chairman R. Woods, Secretary G.Sivley, Education­ al Director L. Pence, Deck Delegate P.L. Bean, Engine Delegate O. Mortensen. Steward Delegate E.Schrock. Educational director urged members to donate to SPAD. No brafs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new equip­ ment for gym. Crewmembers asked con­ tracts department to look into their flying to port of engagement a day early so they will not be tired when reporting to work. Next port: Singapore. SEA-LAND HA WAR (Sea-Land Ser­ vice), December 25 — Chairman L. Vasquez, Secretary J. Jones, Education­ al Director D. Gordius, Steward Delegate Ron Dewitt. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Crew requested additional washer and dryer. Next port: Oakland, Calif. . SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (Sea-Land Service), December 7 — Secretary Nor­ man Johnson. Chairman urged mem­ bers to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Secretary reported $291 in movie fund. Educational director advised members to check schedule for upcoming classes at Lundeberg School. He recommended electrical and reefer courses. Engine delegate reported beef. Steward delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported by deck delegate. Crew asked contracts department to review a possible change in Seafarers Welfare Plan so that members are covered for alcohol- or misconduct-re­ lated incidents. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Ser­ vice), December 9 — Chairman Oscar Wiley, Secretary Don Spangler, Educa­ tional Director Steve Bigeiow, Deck Delegate Mathew Bevak, Steward Delegate John Bulawan. Chairman noted all hands required for Coast Guard inspection in Oakland, Calif. He urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Educational director said that in STAR OF TEXAS (Seahawk Manage­ ment), December 8 — Chairman Gene Paschall, Secretary Chris Myers, Educational Director N. Patterson, Deck Delegate Theodore Bush III, En­ gine Delegate J. McCrary, Steward Delegate P. Mena. Chairman reminded crew about dangers of AIDS. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. 18 years aboard merchant vessels, he has never seen as good a steward depart­ ment. He said excellent food deserves more than vote of thanks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked con­ tracts department to ensure van service in Honolulu and Tacoma, Wash. Crew thanked first engineer for constructing weight room. Crew observed one minute of silence in memory of departed brothers and sisters. Next port: Tacoma. USNS CHAUVENET(Mar Ship Operators), December 2 — Chairman JefFFocardi, Secretary Vicki Barnhart, Educational Director A! Matos, Deck Delegate George Dehhnar, Engine Delegate Tom Taher, Steward Delegate Clyde Smith. Chairman welcomed new crewmembers. Educational director stressed safety. Treasurer reported $200 in ship's fund. Steward delegate reported beefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (SeaLand Service), December 1 — Chairman R. Newhy, Secretary L. Ewing, Educa­ tional Director A. Hunter. Chairman an­ nounced payoff. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for new TV and microwave. SEA-LAND PHOD(/C£ff (Sea-Land Service), December 1 — Chairman L. Barbecues Are Popular On Board Ultrasea Seafarers enjoy a real home-style barbecued meal aboard the Ultrasea. by deck or engine delegates. Crew noted SIU President Michael Sacco was elected to AFL-CIO executive council. Reck, Secretary J. Jim. Chairman reported resolution of prior OT dispute. Educational director encouraged mem­ bers to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew­ members were reminded to return ship's movies. AB Charles Howel volunteered to lock up movies upon arrival. USNS WYMAN(Mar Ship Operators), December 1 — Chairman Cecil Winstead, Secretary Michael Fooler, Steward Delegate L. Johnson. Educa­ tional director reviewed requirements for B book. He urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported. Deck department painted crew mess. Crew thanked galley gang for wonderful job. Bosun Winstead prevented injury to SA Gloria Gottschzich by stopping falling refrigerator during rough seas. SIU members L. Johnson and R. Miklos also assisted. Next port: Bermuda. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (Sea-Land Service), December 1 — Chairman AJ. Eckert, Secretary W.G. Lombard, Educational Director E.H. Frederickson, Deck Delegate J. Barnett, Engine Delegate Lorie Christmas, Steward Delegate Dennis Skretta. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew scheduled to receive new washing machine and new dryer in Tacoma, Wash. Crew thanked galley gang. UST PACIFIC (lOM), December 1 — Chairman Mark Trepp, Secretary P. Cram, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Steward Delegate John Collins. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND SPIRIT(Sea-Land Ser­ vice), December 8 — Chairman John Schoenstein, Secretaiy S. Apodaca, Educational Director Charles Henley. Steward delegate reported beef. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or en­ gine delegates. Crew noted ongoing problems with air conditioning. SA Hall at Work SEA-LAND VOYAGER (Sea-Land Service), December 6 — Chairman Peter Glennon, Secretary C. Crane, Deck Delegate Michael Wimmer, En­ gine Delegate D. Milla, Steward Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman reported beef. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Crew wants new VCR, as old one is broken. Crew extended vote of thanks to galley gang for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SPIRIT OF TEXAS (Seahawk Manage­ ment), December 15 — Chairman S.W. Parr, Secretary J. Tucker, Steward Delegate Douglas Allen. No beefs or dis­ pute OT reported. Crew discussed im­ portance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. They noted good trip and ex­ tended vote of thanks to steward depart­ ment. sf.-. KSsMi steward Assistant Antonio Hall is pictured in the Cape Mendocino's galley. • • : > V''-" -'S., I--'"-.I �,- -: -/-•..>/v"'rf IWRIUIiri992 l:l^' • 9r!^ i N-. .••• Pensioners departments. Boatman Gebhardt lives in Ambler, Pa. Continued from page 19 RICHARD MARKLEY, 64, joined the union in 1969 in the port of Bal­ timore. He was bom in Lancaster, Pa. and sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Boatman Markley served in the Army from 1942 to 1945. He resides in Ocean City, Md. gine department. Brother Torres upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He has retired to Tampa. BOBBIE G. WILLIAMS, 63. joined the Sea­ farers in 1951 in the port of New York. He was bom in Texas and in 1986 completed the bosun recertification program at the Lundeberg School. Brother Wil­ liams has retired to Houston. THEODORE E. WILLIAMS, 62, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Houston. A native of Greenville, Ohio, he sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Brother Williams upgraded at the Lundeberg School in 1975. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953. Brother Williams lives in Columbus, Ohio. INLAND LOWELL AP­ PLEWHITE, 65, joined the union in 1978 in the port of Hous­ ton. Bom in Texas, he sailed in the engine department. Boat­ man Applewhite served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946. He resides in Sacul, Texas. JAMES C. CAIN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania na­ tive sailed as a tugboat captain. Boat­ man Cain has retired to Glenolden, Pa. CHESTER V. FOSTER, 67, joined the union in 1966 in the port of St. Louis. He was bom in Arkansas and sailed in the deck department. Boat­ man Foster has retired to Cleveland, Miss. PAULGEBHARDT, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Philadelphia. A nati ve of Ohio, he sailed in the deck and steward JOHN McDERMOTT, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Boston. A Massachusetts native, he sailed in the engine and deck depart­ ments. Boatman McDermott served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He has retired to Sunrise, Fla. VICTOR L. WRIGHT, 66, joined the union in 1947 in the port of New Or­ leans. He was bom in Kansas and sailed as a captain. Boatman Wright served in the Navy from 1943 until 1947. He resides in Terrytown, La. '^W-: - v Hannah Tugs Never Let Up OLS Transport tugboats and bar­ ges are built and operated to be in constant motion. TTie tugs, known to Great Lakes mariners as real "workhorses" are extremely ver­ satile as the loads they carry cover a wide variety of bulk cargoes. The Maty E. Hannah generally carries stone across Lakes Huron and Erie to Cleveland. "Unloaded, it takes six hours to go to Kelleys Island (Ohio, north of Sandusky), three hours to load, eight hours to return and five-and-a-half to un­ load," OS Brian A. Haley told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. The tug-barge combinations each maneuver the tight bends and turns of the lakes' tributaries that others can't. There's another major difference between the Mary E. Hannah and the self-unloaders that also carry stone. "We have a tractor on board to offload," Haley pointed out. The tug Challenger pushes a fuel barge across Lake Erie during the sailing season. Like the Mary E., it also offloads along the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland after picking up petroleum products in Canada. Jan Sonnie serves as a cook aboard the Challenger. "I really enjoy working on here," she said, in between fixing scrambled eggs and bacon for the other five crewmembers. Other OLS/Hannah tugs—like the Kirsten Lee, James A. and Donald—can be found pushing barges filled with asphalt, cement or petroleum products on Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie. Another part of the fleet—^the Mar­ garet, Catherine M., Susan and Betty Gale—navigates the upper Illinois waterways with tanker bar­ ges. GREAT LAKES AUGUSTINE KUHL,66, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Al­ pena, Mich. Bom in Poland, he sailed in the steward department. Boatman Kuhl upgraded at the Lundeberg School in 1980. He has retired to St. Petersburg, Fla. RAILROAD MARINE GILBERT J. HERBERT, 69, joined the union in 1960 in the port of New York. He was bom in Jersey City, N.J. and sailed in the deck department. Brother Herbert served in the Anny from 1940 to 1945. He resides in Parlin,N.J. I ''hi--. '•••I I M •I-?--"',-• "''• •" •W" OS Brian Haley fills out a crew list on board the tug Challenger. Cook Jan Sonnie prepares breakfast on the Mary E. Hannah. • ATLANTIC FISHERMEN STEPHEN D'AMICO, 63, joined the union in 1961 in the port of Gloucester, Mass. A native of Mas­ sachusetts, he sailed in the deck department. Brother D'Amico has retired to Gloucester. Overseeing docking operations from the bridge of the Mary E. is Mate Lonnie Keys. Rick Blue, an AB/tankerman on the Mary E. Hannah, waits to secure a line on a towed barge. ; Si y• r: nreHghting Course Meets CG Rules Seafarers who graduated from the Freehold, N.J. flrefighting course while at­ tending the Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship between June 5, 1978 and December 1, 1989 have met Coast Guard requirements for advanced firefighting. Members must present proof of success­ fully completing the course when they apply to upgrade or renew their maritime licenses. Graduates who have any questions about their firefighting status may call the Lun­ deberg School's Admissions Office at (301) 994-0010. • .'f •: • •; AB/Mate Larry Sarver walks a line along the shore as the Mary E. docks. OLS/Hannah tugs like the Kirsten Lee are the workhorses of the lower Great Lakes. �•mmi: •i •' • »• # '• • ' ijaj TV;5r,5Sib t-V ^ 'V;/' 22 SEOFARBISLOa 4»it: • fM: • i4:' •h ,> . ;:"[•• • McAllister Tugboat Men Find Work 'Rewarding* .'K. _£:\-y0':i , • ' 'i':' 4'H -.• i1«:: ^ 'M o"'®' ^ili:l Skip Schilling, captain of the tug James McAllister, recognizes the importance of upgrading one's skills. Deckhand Tom Carlin says he is glad to have work during these economically troubled times. '^M-y '-ytyM fffiv-'::,'® When the SS Louisiana broke loose from its mooring in a heavy windstorm, SlU-manned Mc­ Allister tugboats from the port of Philadelphia responded. Seafarers worked for several days in midDecember to re-float the Louisiana and then tow it to Gloucester, N.J. 'There certainly was a lot of work involved," said Dick Reel, 54-year-old captain of the tug Eric McAllister. On more typical days, the Philadelphia tugs serve as pushboats for tankers, fruit ships and container vessels in surrounding areas such as Marcus Hook and Hog Island. Brother Roel, a 30-year member of the union, describes his job as "rewarding." He says he relishes the sense of accomplishment his work provides. Another member of the Eric McAllister crew, 37-year-old Deckhand Tom Carlin, says while he enjoys his job, he also ap­ preciates the fact that he has work in these economically tough times. He said he is thankful to belong to a union that is fighting to preserve jobs for Americans in the maritime industry. AB Frank Messick, a crewmember on board the James Mc­ Allister (another McAllister Brothers, Inc. tug), says he enjoys "being on the water. I've worked shore jobs, but I keep coming back to the water." Like Carlin, Brother Messick joined the Seafarers nearly two years ago. He has upgraded at the Lundeberg School, and fervently encourages his fellow union mem­ bers to do the same. "I'm going back again, too, probably in May,' Messick says. Skip Schilling, captain of the James McAllister, also recognizes the importance of upgrading. As for his job, the 22-year-old Seafarer says his favorite part "is just being out on the water." The McAllister tugs are singlescrew harbor boats with 3,000 horsepower. They can reach speeds of about 12 Imots. .iy-'Uy .yy 'I''" ;••«.'• »yy , ";'~,i ;'l- V' • , •'• llSSlKS 1 Eric McAllister tug Captain Dick Roel has been a Seafarer for 30 years. - j'J.-'.- •': ••:; I'm 'y'-'K••4, [••i^;''^" • ':!•" 4"-,: •; •'',- ' 1' ij- .. (. c'-,". I i.v, •..-.••^vii^' /y • AB Frank Messick is ready to upgrade again at tfie Lundeberg School. Lundeberg Scheel Students New Can Take Cenrses at Night For Seafarers upgrading their seamanship skills at the Lundeberg School, the institution recently added evening classes in a number of subjects. Additionally, the school has opened its computer lab each night to provide monitored, self-paced instruction in DOS, WordPerfect and various other technical pro^ams. Six courses are being conducted during the first night-course ses­ sion, which began January 8 and ends February 28. Thirty-one stu­ dents enrolled for classes such as developmental writing; composi­ tion and rhetoric; developmental mathematics I and H; college mathematics; fundamentals of physics; and principles of psychol­ ogy. There will be five more sessions this year. Advanced registration for Session n begins March 2, with those classes starting March 16. (Seafarers may, but do not have to, register early. Final registration takes place the last two evenings before each session begins.) Besides the new classes, in­ dividual tutoring and GFD preparation are available each eve- k' 'i - • •<>: Instnjctor Kate Richardson (right) teaches an English class at night. Grace Davis checks on Greg Eastwood, an engine department upgrader, as he fills out a math placement test. Steward department upgrader Gina Lightfoot receives information about the new night classes being held at the Lundeberg School. . : s, "• �FEBRUARY m2 Final Departures DEEP SEA LOVIC ADAMS, JR. Lovic Adams, Jr., 68, passed away November 21, three days after his birthday. He was bom in Tampa, Fla. and joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Adams sailed in the deck department. He was an active member at the time of his death. JAMES R. BRADLEY Pensioner James R. Bradley, 74, died November 9. He joined the Seafarers as a charter member in 1938, in his native Mobile, Ala. Brother Bradley sailed in the steward department. He began receiv­ ing his pension in July 1982. EDWARD COLE Pensioner Edward Cole, 76, passed away Novem­ ber 23. Bom in Barbourville, Ky., he joined the union in 1943 in the port of New Or­ leans. Brother Cole sailed as a bosun. He retired in Febmary 1978. JACK GARDNER Pensioner Jack Gardner, 81, died Decem­ ber 19. The na­ tive of North Carolina joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the galley gang. Brother Gardner began receiv­ ing his pension in December 1976. ROBERT KENNEDY Pensioner Robert Kennedy, 63, passed away Decem­ ber 8. He was bom in North Dakota and joined the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Houston. Brother Kennedy completed steward recertification at the Lundeberg School in 1985. He retired in July 1991. APOLONIOLINO Pensioner Apolonio Lino, 65, died December 12. A na­ tive of Hon­ duras, he joined the union in 1982 in the port of New York. Brother Lino sailed in the deck depart­ ment. He retired in July 1991. RICHARD MEYER Richard Meyer, 38, died December 1. He joined the Seafarers in 1981 in his native New York. Brother Meyer sailed in the deck department. He served in the Navy from 1971 until 1974. Brother Meyer was an. active member at the time of his death. JOHN MCCLELLAND Pensioner John Mc­ Clelland, 64, passed away December 9. Bom in Florida, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New Orleans. Brother McClelland sailed in the engine department. In 1974 he upgraded at the Lundeberg School to QMED. Brother Mc­ Clelland served in the Navy from 1945 to 1948. He served in the Army from 1950 to 1952. Brother McClelland retired in December 1985. • EDDYPASCUA Pensioner Eddy Pascua, 87, passed away Novem­ ber 18. A native of the Philip­ pine Islands, he joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. Brother Pascua sailed as a chief cook. He began receiv­ ing his pension in June 1976. JOHNRAMBO Pensioner John Rambo, 67, died Novem­ ber 6. He was bom in Florida and joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Rambo sailed in the deck department. He retired in September 1982. ISRAEL RAMOS Pensioner Israel Ramos, 85, passed away Decem­ ber 4. Bom in Puerto Rico, he joined the union as a charter member in 1938 in the port of Philadel­ phia. Brother Ramos sailed in the engine department. He began receiving his pension in Febmary 1971. before his birthday. He was bom in Texas and joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1958 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Spence retired in December 1980. EVANGELOS STRAUS Pensioner Evangelos Stratis, 86, passed away Novem­ ber 13. The native of Greece joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the poit of New York. Brother Stratis sailed in the engine depart­ ment. He retired in December 1970. JOHNA.SPEER Pensioner John A; Speer, 70, died December 10. Bom in Honduras, he joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of New Or­ leans. Brother Speer sailed in the engine department. In 1980 he upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Speer began receiving his pension in Oc­ tober 1987. FRANCIS WARD Pensioner Francis Ward, 75, passed away recently. He was born in Pit­ tsburgh and in 1958 graduated from the Andrew Furaseth Training School in Mobile, Ala. Brother Ward sailed in the steward department. He served in the Army from 1943 until 1945. Brother Ward retired in Febmary 1990. INLAND ROBERT ATHERTON Pensioner Robert Atherton, 85, died Decem­ ber 2. A native of Mathews, Va., he joined the union in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Atherton sailed in the steward department. He began receiv­ ing his pension in March 1972. ROBERT E.RIGBY Pen­ sioner Robert E. Rigby, 61, passed away May 31. Bom in Pensacola, Fla., he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Rigby sailed in the deck department. He retired in October 1988. EJNER NIELSEN Pensioner Ejner Nielsen, 69, died Novem­ ber 3. The Min­ nesota na­ tive joined the union in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Nielsen sailed in the deck and engine departments. He began receiv­ ing his pension in Febmary 1982. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND This is a siunmary of theannual reportof ttie Seafarers Welfare Fund BIN 13-5557534 for the year ended December 31, 1990. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required tinder the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Trust has committed itself to pay claims incurred under the termsof the plan. dy yV: Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was a (deficit) of $(25,530,370) as of December 31, 1990, compared to $(26,246,843) as of January 1, 1990. During the plan year the plan ex­ perienced an increase in its net assets of $716,473. This increase included unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the current vrdue of assets at the beginning of the year plus the cost of any assets acquired during the year less the current value of assets at the end of the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $35,876,815, including employer contributions of $35,138,694, miscellaneous income of $63,122 and earnings from investments of $674,999. Plan expenses were $35,160,342. These expenses included $3,111,501 in administrative expen­ ses and $32,048,841 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional infonnation You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant's report 2. Assets held for investment To obtain a copy of the full aimual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Nick Marrone who is the Plan Adn^istrator,5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.50 for the fbll atmual 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 abovedoes not include a charge for thecopying of these portions of the report because 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 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N4677, Pension and Welfare Benefit Programs, U.S. Department of Labiar 200 Constitudon Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20216. ••J:..' Supplementary Information The plan has a deficit of ($25,530,370) as of December 31,1990, which includes an estimated liability for Retired Participants and their dependents in the amount of $30,717,000. This amount represents the estimated liability for payment of all future hospital, medical, dental, prescription drug and medicare premiums for the life of the pensioner as well as the dependent's benefits for the period provided in the plan's rules for the dependents of such pensioner. Please fill out the ap­ plication below and mail It to: John Fay, Sec'y-Treasurer Seafarers Int'l Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FELIPE M. REYES Pensioner Felipe M. Reyes, 85, died November 10. The native of the Philippine Islands joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Reyes sailed as a chief steward. He retired in March 1972. ANDREW SPENCE Pensioner Andrew Spence, 71, passed away Decem­ ber 16, one week GREAT LAKES The shirts feature the SIU logo in full color on the front and "Politics is Porkchops" in blue on the back. They are American-made. Please send tiie new SIU t-shlrt to: :NAME. :ADDRESS. ; CITY, STATE, ZIP. The SIU has created a new t-shirt design which is available to all our memlters on a first-come, first-served basis. .'PHONE# BOOK# I SOCIAL SECURITY#. RATING : T-SHIRT SIZE (circle one) S ML XL 2/92 J I• .......... •f- . .1 • i. - �'>Ti'^i^Y«''' "'./^T'-^K"--*. ';Jr' , .,' ' " • .i"' •'' i'-l"'•'••' .;-7:, . ( i"'• ••j..''',' i'' L. -!,--;-'K'"I"'-''' .>•'' • ' '• •!•''. ->'• (•.•')!•• ^-''ViV'-''• 'y, .-'ii''-'' • ••• •• :::<:'• r:;r. ,;vi:y.l',;^l;;is,,; ^ -< • • 'c SEAFMERSLOG :;i|f' ,,:4i p 1%.; •• •'•':••• '''/i ..f, r.r •f:v:-, • ./ . . fe.'.'- Trainee Lifeboat Class 488—Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 488 are (from left, kneeling) Tfiomas Hooper, Michael Flores, James Alston, Jeffrey A. Eaton, Scott Melle, Walter Oswald, Michael E. Smith, Darin Millikan, Instructor Ben Cusic, (second row) William Soto Jr., Damon W. Pope, Eric T. Martin, Charlie Parson, John Gillespie, Doug Tuten, Christopher Weiscopf, Michael D. Smith, Ronald W. Brown Jr., Rudolph C. Hyndman, Othello Dansley and James Hennessey. Trainee Lifeboat Class 489—Recently graduating from trainee lifetjoat class 489 are (from left, kneeling) Cromwell Henderson Jr., Michael Terry, Richard Carrera, Michael Coombes, Arthur Purdy Jr., Junair C. James, (second row) John Helton, Matthew Ditullio, Dennis C. Bennett, John Paul Dawson, Mike Banks, Joshua Hollinger, Matthew Sipes, Bruce Rybak, (third row) Instructor Ben Cusic, Don Gray Jr., Phillip L. Greenwell, Lance A. Kuster, Demetrius De Rouen, Matthew Choate, Kenneth L. Crouse Jr., Caleb S. White, Jason Van Schorck and Peter Rossi. •••:'•'''rr'-. ii.: Upgraders Lifeboat—Certificates of training were received by the December 4 class of upgraders. They are (from left, kneeling) Instructor Ben Cusic. John Meo, Jeanette Bail, Joseph Previto, (second row) Christopher Boyd, Thomas Pryde, Chad Vickers, Donald Willis and Orlando Sacasa. ! ' Fireman, Oiler, Watertender—^Working their way up the engine depart­ ment ratings are (from left, front row) Marsha Dawson, Kevin Twiford, Ted Smith, Adolfo Arzu, Ben Stanley, Washington Oree Jr., Steve Norman, (second row) William Bums, Steve Simpson, Marlin Sanford Jr., Geoffrey P. Denesse, Jean Couvillion, Mark Glinka, Gloria Thornton, Richard Kent, (third row) Brantley Twiford, Allan Vargas, E.E. Louis, John Pagan, Erik R. Larka, Daniel Taggart, Ricky Williams, Mark Francois, Jimmy Tignor, (fourth row) Instructor J.C. Wiegman, Gilbert Brown, Bren­ dan McDonald, Jack Chapin, Jean Berger and Michael Wilkerson. Ps i I, |..- J The SeafiEurefs Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship has revised its ' I self^study (X)iTespondence c<!mrses. Currently available are lessons in I ' English and mathematics. The acadenu^ department will add other ' I subjects as they become available. J « Seafarers can take advantage of this opportunity to increase their " I ioiowledge by writing to the Lundebei^ School. The materials are { I prepared in a straight-forward, easy-to-understand manner.Simply check i J the boxes for the lessons whicbinterest you, then clip and send the coupon | i totheaddmss below.^^^^^^^^^^ i I Pleasesei^thetri^ertal$chec^^^^ Able Bodied Seamen—Graduating with their AB endorsement are (from left, front row) Ken Frankiewicz, Roy Windham, John Hutchinson, Eddie Ponteres, Alex Relojo, Yahya Ghaleb, (second row) Juan Rosario, Bmce Collins, Mark Rivers, Jeffrey Chicklas, Wayne Martin, Nelson Poe, Wayne Journigan, John Thompson, (third row) Scott Sims, Al Jackson, Patrick Wynne, Ed Pace, Robert Jackson, Mike Rawlins, Robert West, Sean O'Doherty and Richard Higgins. m: \ ENGUSH Fractions Decimals Percents Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Plane ^f'. •• W: m:. Grammar Books Writing Business Letters • Spherical • hiame _ i: t Address. I. I I Telephone I Social Security #. <> |'|dpk--C > Cutout this coupeh arid Third Assistant Engineer—Completing the self-study training leading to an endorsement as third assistant engineer are (from left) Frank ("Frankie T) Tymczyszyn, Kelley Graham, Instructor Eric Malzkuhn, William F. Payne and Donald Smith. ..FF'Vv-v.• Rating. Academic Department Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship iv'iv-P.O. Box 75 .... ^i,-i Pio^ Polni, Maiyland^ 20a74 „ jr ' r �- - Lv--''- .' /. . -•' 25 Sea-Land Independence Moves to Far East Run X It is smooth sailing aboard the Sea-Land Independence as the container ship becomes part of the inter-Asian shuttle, according to Bosun Francis Adams. "We have a great crew," the bosun noted in the ship's minutes of December 24. "Everything is running smoothly." The vessel, which had been run­ ning on the European/Middle Eastem routes, now will make ports of call in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sing­ apore and Japan. Included in the minutes sent by Chief Steward Nancy Heyden were photographs of crewmembers working on deck as well as enjoying holiday meals aboard the container vessel. P" 'J .f" Posing on the deck of the Sea-Land Independence are (left to right, kneeling) AB Jim Triassi, AB Donovan Christie, (standing) AB Mike Warren, Bosun Francis Adams and AB Horace Cooper. Getting into the spirit of Halloween are (left to right) AB Mike Warren, Chief Steward Nancy Heyden, Bosun Francis Adams and SA Samuel Concepcion. 'K.: t . Chief Cook Ernest Dumont is ready to senre anotfier hungry crewmember. : Painting and chipping is a non-stop chore Ready to enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal are Electrician Irwin Rousseau, QMED Mike Novak, AB John Finnigan and Bosun FrarK:is Adams. alKiard the Sea-Land Independence. Know Your Rights ' FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The con­ stitution requires a detailed audit by Certified Public Accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the SecretaryTreasurer. A yearly finance commit­ tee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, exams each year of the finances of the Union and reports fully their findings and recom­ mendations. Members of this commit­ tee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In­ land Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trus­ tees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of Union and manage­ ment representatives and their alter­ nates. 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 head­ quarters 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 avail­ able 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 App^s Board by certified mail, return receipt re­ quested. The proper address for this is; Angus 'Tied" Campbell, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, Md. 20746 Full copiesof contracts as lefeaned 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 tiine, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other Union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, they 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 estab­ lished 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 resfionsibility. 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 should not have been required to make such payment, this should im­ mediately be reported to Union head­ quarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all Union halls. All members should ob­ tain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its con­ tents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him of any constitution^ right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immedi­ ately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights inemploy­ ment 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, na­ tional or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the' equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify Union headquarters. v'. -."i J SEAFARERS POLITICAL AC­ TIVITY DONATION—SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its ob­ jects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, so­ cial and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American Mer­ chant Marine with improved employ­ ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and con­ tributes 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 conducL or as a con­ dition 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 Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate ac­ tion and refund, if involuntary. A member should supp(>rt SPAD to protect and further his economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of access to Union records or information, he should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at head­ quarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. Hie address is 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. ( -«•. > • >!,'! " >,a •••f. • •MmyZ 1 it-Vr �"• '" A;:1^V^:'l ., ^.' v.> ^'' i'; /''j.'' ''^ " 26 SEAFARBIS Um t ' ::": ' , •.. •.,r-i-'-j»:- •'•• ,'i,'' 1 • I - " ^ J i :r^ ^^ -.•; VJv i^:^-.-'y'y •• "Vyy •'• -y'-.'' 'yyy ij- •• •, IZV': h:":X:..h''X:: .;j yi'y':-' -'y y h'"' ^ . embers and Dependents Should Apply IMow When the date "April 15" is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is INCOME TAXES ARE DUE. But for the jast 40 years, April 15 also has )een a deadline of a different sort—one in which money and op­ portunity are returned instead of owed. For April 15 is the last day in which applications are being ac­ cepted for the Seafarers Scholar­ ship Program. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply for one of seven scholarships being given out in 1992. Three will go to SIU members; the other four will go to the spouses or dependent children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners One of the scholarships reserved for SIU members is a $15,000 four-year college Scholar­ ship; the other two are $6,000 twoyear awards to study at a vocational school or community college. Four scholarships in the amount of $15,000 each are awarded annually to the spouses . and dependent children of Seafarers and SIU pensioners. Ap­ plicants should indicate whether they are applying for a two-year or a four-year grant. The $15,000 college , scholar­ ships will be paid at the rate of $3,750 per year over a four-year period. The $6,000 awards are paid at the rate of $3,000 per year. For most scholarship winners, receiving the cash grant can greatly ease the financial burden as­ sociated with attending college. Many former scholarship winners say they never would have had the opportunity to pursue their educa­ tion without the SIU's help. April 151s Submission Deadiine Application Ciieciciisl The scholarship application form must be complet^ by ALL applicants. It is easy to fill out. \^at may take some time, how­ ever, is collecting the other paper­ work which must be submitted along with the application. This includes: • Autobiographical State­ ment. Space for this is provided on the back of each application form. • Photograph of Ap­ plicant. This should be a black and white passport-type picture and should be attached to the autobiographical statement. • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate if it is not already on file with the Seafarers' Welfare Plan. (Only applicants for a De­ pendent's Scholarship are re­ quired to furnish this item.) • High School Transcript AND Certification of Gradua­ tion. Request both of these items from your high school and ask that they be sent directly to the Scholarship Committee. • Official Copy of High School Equivalency Scores. If you earned a high school diploma as a civilian by taking the High School Equivalency examination (GED), have the State Department of Education in the state where you took the test send an official copy of your scores directly to the Scholarship Committee. If the GED test was taken while in the military, contact the appropriate agency and ask that an official copy of your scores be sent directly to the Scholarship Committee. • College Transcript. If you are already attending col­ lege, or if you have previously attended college, ask the Office of the Registrar to send an offi­ cial transcript directly to the Scholarship Committee. %/ Letters of Reference. Three letters are required for all applications. For dependents, one of these letters must be from your high school principal or One of your high* school teachers. If you have attended, or are now attending college, a fourth letter of reference is required, and must be written by the Dean of Students or by your major ad­ visor. The letters should attest to your character and qualities of leadership, and should describe the nature and extent of the extra­ curricular activities in which you participate. • SAT or ACT Results. The ACT or SAT test must be taken nolater than February of the year in which the awards are granted. This is necessary to en­ sure that the test results reach the Scholarship Committee in time for its deliberations. The testing service should send the results directly to the Scholarship Committee. (Be sure to request an additional score report form at the time you apply for the test.) On the registration form for either test, space is allotted to write in a code number that will ensure the score report is sent directly to the Seafarers' Welfare Plan. For the ACT test, this code number is 2875; for the SAT test, this code number is 0110. The application form and the first three items listed here should be mailed by the ap­ plicant. All other items should be mailed by the person or agency from whom they are requested. All items should be sent to: Scholarship Program Seafarers' Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Send lor Your Application Fmm Today ' 'T^he-scholarship program instruction booklet comes with the necess^ I A forms. It is available at any SIU hall or by filling out and mailing this I form. Send it to: I Scholarship Program I Seafarers Welfare Plan ' 5201 Auth Way I Camp Springs, MD 20746 [ Please send me the 1992 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which I contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and the applica' tion form. Name Book Number. • Address. I City, State, Zip Code. Telephone Number ' This application Is for: ' (self) • (dependent) 2/92 �,-."-.1"/ FEBRUARY 1992 * '5. ^ 1 • • :''r%m '992 imatABING CmiRSE SCHEBW »lipi TOe foHowing is the dunent course schedule for Marc^^ 1992 at the iSeafarers HanyXundeberg School of Seamanship. All programs are geared to unprovejob skills of SIU members and to promote the American maritime industry. The couree schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maname industry and—m times of conflict—-the narinnV cwni-itv ; !. v' ' Maich2 March 13 May 4 MaylS June 29 July 10 Radar Observer Unlimited March 16 March 20 May 18 May 22 July 13 July 17 ,*f' -. /, >V:-rSlEa8#'K; Cdestial April 6 11.' : Mayl lliirdMate May 4 Augusfl4t Upon completion, the Seal^ Operations course must be taken. Tankerman March 16 July 16 April 10 July 31 Check-In Coinide^n Date Date March 2 March 6 April 13 April 17 AprU27 jMLay 1 , >'-* ; ' June 22 June 26 July 6 July 10 Upon completion, the Sealift Operations course must Ire taken, March2 March 16 March 30 April 13 April 27 May 11 May 25 June 8 June 22 July 6 July 20 June 16 .. fiiasic/Advanced Fire Fighting - • . (Last) . '- (Stale) Deep Sea MemberG si .Telephone _L. (Zip Code) Lakes Member• _L (Area Code) Inland Waters Member G March 16 May 11 July 6 Seniority U.S. Citizen: DVes • No ^ SIGNATURE. •' • •' Av';'-'" VT..;.' ;f I \g. , .• • •-••v - I- ' _DATE Department I am interested in the foUowing cobrse(s) checked below or indi­ cated here if not listed Home Port. • Yes Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? If yes, which program: from GNO to. Last grade of school completed Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? • Yes If yes, course(s) taken Have you taken any SHLSS Sealift Operations courses? • Yes GNO • No if yes, how many weeks have you completed?. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Life Boatman Endorsement? • Yes • No Firefighting: • Yes • No CPR: • Yes Primary language spoken • . is'-"'.- _ >•- i-.;"- 11 Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held Date available for training _____ Z'iSik-'i Pacific G Book # . • • '• May 8 July3 August 28 If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # •;Vy. '. With this application COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient time to qualify yourself for the course(s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of each of the following: the first page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, yourclinic card and the front and back of your Lundeberg School identification card listing the course(s) you have taken and completed. The Admissions Office WILL NOT schedule you until aU of the above are received. RATING DATE DATEOF VESSEL HELD SHIPPED DISCHARGE Month/Day/Year (Street) .1^ 1992Mult eaiwalkm Schedule FULL 8-week sessions Date of Birth (Middle) (Hist) j class at the end of their regidar course. Ihe following courses are available through the Seafarers Harry Luhdeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Please contact the admissions office for enrollment information. • Check-In Completion Course Date Date !: . I"'" : <1 High Schcml Equlv^ency (GED) All open-ended (contact ; ;( Adult Basic Education (ABE) admissions office for starting , s f ] English as a Second Language (ESL) dates) ^ March 13 March27 April 10 i April 24 h^y 8 May 22 June 12 June 19 July 2 July 17 July 31 June 26 mfGRADINGAmH^mM Name • c- >• .// J Course Oil Spill Prevention & Containment (1 week) J/ . ruMiuCourm9 J ^ Vj'tS " Sai^Speclatt^^ Lifeboatman '•"X'-V.'"'-:' Check-Ih Completion Itete Date v-'Mayll'"''3/-': July 31 April 10 M^ r-\: May 11 June 19 : July 6 August 14 . Wtl students rnusttdl^meOil Spill Pr^eruioadnd Containment class. p J ihunproom Maintebai^ June 19 Marine Electrical Maintenance April 27 June 19 . Refr^eration Maint & Operations May 11 June 19 Rclrigerated Containers— March 2 April 10 Advan(%d Maintelianice June 22 July 31 isSifillii; . . x'L.?.',.. . Marine Electronics—-Technician! 'May 11 June 19 Marine Electronics—Technican H •;i'.3Jfune22"\ July 31 Basic Electronics •••:A^i^:i3' :: May 8 iiS-Siiiili , "iy Hydraulics March 16 April 10 June 22 July 17 ' > ' '' Diesel Engine Technology July 6 July 31 Ship Handling i$i:t Check-In Completion Course imte Date . As^fstaht Coofcr Cook and B^ker, All opieii-csided (contact admissions ChidT Cook, Chief Steward office for starting dates) Upon completion, all sturhras will ttdce a Sealift Familiarization class. ^Course .. QMI^-Any Ria^^ llremanAV^ '"-,;v''j.;' (Qty) Completion Date \ May 4 July 6 StmUanimprauj^fiiHirsi .'.'v Check-In Compleiion Course Date Date • V?'-Sssff • wiiSSSsf 'f -' AhleSeahiiaik March 16 i>^bruary28 May25 July3 * i", '' July20 August28 4 ffiwf /afe the Spiti Prevention and Containment class prior to the Sealift Operations and Maintenance course. Address Cji«ik-]hi Date MarchJO June 1 Course Bffisua Recertiilcatioii Steward Recertification • No — ' ALL DEPARTMENTS D Welding D Lifeboatman (must be taken with another course) • O D O • • •; • " ,L-- ADULT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Adult Basic Education (ABE) High School Equivalency Program (GED) Developmental Studies (DVS) English as a Second Language (ESL) ABE/ESL Lifeboat Preparation STEWARD O Assistant Cook Utility • Cook and Baker • FOWT • ChiefCook COLLEGE PROGRAM D QMED—Any Rating D ChiefSteward D Associates in Arts Degree D Variable Speed DC Drive • Towboat Inland Cook Systems (MarineElectronics) • CertifrcaUfPrograms Transportaliaa be pMdin In •wwroamw M!eordaiice wim wHb the KhcdiilfaigBCMCT letter only if JUB yon proem pn ( orvgHW • • wupvi Mwwu win wm UK wc•^ncwumg vmj u original rcccqi receipts and nictasfti ENGINE — — DECK AB/Sealift 1st QassPilot Third Mate Radar Observer Unlimited Master InspectedTowing Vessel O Towboat Operator Inland • Olestial Navigation • Simulator Course • D D O D • Marine Electrical Maintenance n Pumproom Maintenance & Operation ID Refrigeration Systems Maintenance &Operation Q Diesel Engine Technology • Assistant Engineer/CTiief Engineer Motor Vessel • Original 3rd Engineer Steam (H'Motor ID Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance ID Electro-Hydraulic Systems D Automation • Hydraulics D Marine Electronics Technician —^— piete the eonrw. ITjou hare any questions,contact your port agentbefore deputing for Flnejr FUinL RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Seafaiiets Huiy Lundeberg UpgiwlingCenter, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 2/92 ...ty T ji ^ 1:^ V.V .a /t 'y.. A:';::;' i. ; - ' I,_-h,,•)) ti S, It,*. t.j'j.g i I..,,, ^y-., ,s .5:1 A ^ .-i; . A,,';) ;t-I,T,-, -'y'v it ^ . - "l �^,rir'V*4ft*r<iC^»rt'---~5«i'Jv-.'-t/* • • ' • ;. 7«V'' ' ". ''' - .. •• r. ;", -. V- '"•••- 1 v'-'y ''•••, •• ;€Ji >•• '" , •• ' • .;• " • w-V4\Jv^V'!'cj'-V:'" •='••-•:- -•y V^"'^,-v •" SEAEUCEMCS Summary Annual Report Seafarers Welfare Fund Page 23 Volume 54, Number 2 1992 SlU-Crewed Tugs Save Six on Violent Lake Erie The SlU-crewed tugboat Wisconsin com­ pleted a daring rescue of six boatmen drifting on a tugboat and barge on choppy Lake Erie minutes before nightfall. Around 2:30 p.m. on December 14, the dis­ patcher at the Great Lakes Towing office in 10 to 12-foot seas, 35-niile-per-hour winds gusting as high as 60 and temperatures dropping to 30 degrees. "Then I heard people needed to be rescued and I changed my mind immediately," Fike recalled. S-.^: • II"';'• .i-5 - SlU members (left to right) Raymond C. Smith, Edward Fike and Timothy McKenna display the plaques they received from Great Lakes Towing for their Involvement In the rescue of six boatmen adrift In Lake Erie. Cleveland received a distress call from a non­ union tugboat, the Paddy Miles, towing the barge loaded with a crane. A second tug, the Hanun Thomas, also pulling the barge from Rocky River—less than 10 miles west of Cleveland— sank shortly after entering Lake Erie. Its twoman crew safely scrambled aboard the barge. Deckhand/Engineer Ed Fike was at home when he received a call to report to the 90-foot Wisconsin. "I asked myself what I was going out for," the 31-year SIU member told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. Weather conditions included Help Locate This Missing Child Not much information is available to go on, but the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has asked the membership of the SIU to help locate KmberlyBenham. Missing since May 4, 1991, the 15-year-old is Kimberly Benham considered an endangered runaway and may be with an adult male com­ panion. She is from Leominster, Mass. Kimberly Benham has blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was 5 ft. 7 in. and weighed 140 lbs. Anyone having information should contact The National Center for Missing and Ex­ ploited Children at (800) 843-5678 or the Leominster (Mass.) Police Department's Missing Persons Unit at (508) 534-4383. The 48-foot Miles had lost all power and its tow line when it called for help. Both the tug and barge were drifting to the east. News reports noted the only available Coast Guard rescue vessel, a 41-footer, was not rated for seas higher than eight feet. When the Wisconsin caught up with the barge, it was 1.5 miles east of the mouth of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. "We made a pass for the rig and got a line on it," Fike said. Because of the high seas and icy conditions, the cable slipped off the cleat. "We re-rigged a line and went after it again. Considering the heavy seas, everything went really well," the deckhand added. One of the four men on the deck of the Miles caught the line and secured it for towing. The Wisconsin pulled the barge within the Cleveland breakwall where the Idaho, another SlU-crewed Great Lakes Towing vessel, was waiting. The Wisconsin returned to the lake to save the Miles. "It was getting close to dark," Fike remem­ bered. "We didn't have much time left." The Miles had drifted within 1,000 feet of the breakwall and was headed for it. The Wisconsin pulled alongside the smaller tug and secured a tow line on the first try. The whole rescue took approximately two hours. Fike said he talked briefly with those who were rescued, but "it was so cold and we were so wet, all we wanted to do was get warm and dry." However, one of those saved by the Great Lakes Towing tugs remembered them with a Christmas card. It read: 'To the Heroes: Thank you for coming to the rescue in a life-threatening situation. Your determination and profes­ sionalism will not be forgotten, [signed] Russ Maher, Willowick, Ohio." Other SIU crewmembers involved in the res­ cue included Deckhands Ray Smith oii the Wis­ consin and Tim McKenna aboard the Idaho. All three received plaques and letters of cbnunendation from Great Lakes Towing. The company also recommended the trio, as well as the cap­ tains and engineers on the Wisconsin and Idaho, for Coast Guard recognition. Finally, the television show "Rescue 911" has contacted the company about doing a story on the rescue. ITie following remarks were made by Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar (DOhio). These remarks, as well as the full story of the rescue which appear on this page of the Seafarers LOG, were recorded in The Congressional Record on Tuesday, January 28,1992. MR. SPEAKER: In these times of daily % accounts of personal failings, it is with great p pride that I rise today to sMre with youthk | personal heroics of several Greater | Clevelanders, all seamen and all members of the Seafarers International Union. They risked personal injury and possible deathto save the lives of their fellow seamen late last year on the storm-tossed waters of Lake Eri^ Unfortunately, the American worker has been the object of scorn and ridicule ut recent weeks. I am proud to say that the selfless efforts of the men profiled here typify the work ethic which has helped to make the Greater Cleveland area the proud com­ munity it is today. f _ Part of the Great Lakes Towing fleet In Cleveland called out for the December 14 rescue. V'"" .4' I - .>,? '.'s,• ' : -, , ' � 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 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present 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 1992 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES APL LINES, SEA-LAND TEAM UP TO BOLSTER U.S.-FLAG SHIPPING ‘WORK TAX’ STATUS UNCLEAR IN BUSH REG REVIEW CG RULE REDUCES BENZENE EXPOSURE MEBA MEMBERS DISSOLVE MERGER; BECOME D1-PCD ROVER RESCUES 22 FROM SINKING KOREAN SHIP SHIPMATES RECALL SIU MEMBER KILLED ABOARD TRANSGLOBE IN ‘NAM U.S. GAMBLING BILL AWAITS PRE SIGNATURE LABOR PANEL PROTESTS GATT TREATY CHANGES AFL-CIO ATTACKS BUSH AGENDA SENATE TO TAKE UP ANIT- SCAB BILL EX-SOVIET SHIPPING COMPANIES TAKEN OVER BY REPUBLICS IN US/USSR SHIP PACT, SUBSTANCE MAY STAY, PARTIES MAY CHANGE ADMINISTRATION’S BUDGET CALLS FOR $1.2 BILLION FOR SEALIFT ASST. VP G. RIPOLL RETIRES MILITARY’S PACIFIC FLEET TO MOVE REPAIR CENTER PHILADELPHIA EXHIBIT HONORS WWII MERCHANT MARINERS 1992 ELECTIONS: A CHANCE TO VOTE FOR U.S. SHIPS PROCEDURES FOR REGISTERING TO VOTE AND VOTING ABSENTEE BARTLETT SEAFARERS WEAR MANY HATS SEAFARERS TIE KNOT AT COUNTRY HOEDOWN ALPENA CREW GETS RARE VISIT FROM BALD EAGLE CUTOFF FOR WWII SEAMEN BLOCKED BY VET PANEL FORMER OFFICIAL NEIRA DIES AT 74 KIRKLAND RESPONDS TO ‘LAXY U.S. WORKER’ CHARGE HANNAH TUGS NEVER LET UP MCALLISTER TUGBOAT MEN FIND WORK ‘REWARDING’ LUNDEBERG STUDENTS NOW CAN TAKE COURSES AT NIGHT SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE MOVES TO FAR EAST RUN SIU-CREWED TUGS SAVE SIX ON VIOLENT LAKE ERIE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/1992 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. 54, No. 2 1992 Periodicals Seafarers Log