http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/4c095a848d59db2d356ec20962437ecb.PDF f05e41765c6a13a96672a82b04a1ee0e PDF Text Text r-.>.--i?v^.= •.. v.„,, Martin Marietta Boatmen Vote 37-2 for SIU ITF Seafarers Elect John Fay To Top Post Page 3 Page 2 Liberty Ship Saves Stranded Returns from D-Day Honors Fisherman Page 5 Page 14 OFFKIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRIG • AFL-CIO •.K .5 Volume 56, Number 9 September 1994 1994 U.S. 5lr|pt Bill Goes to Senate ••/s '3- Received; read twice and lefencd to the Comnunec on Commeice, AN ACT v«.r i,', nations for fiscal year 1995 i e Department of Tiansportationr--^ 1936, as amended, to revitalize i merchant marine, and for other purposes i!_ '/i prffMBPf'i'{ouse of Representatives of Kmerica in Congress asse-<^ rrflpvS '•W:?: • • •'."i'.s ••• time Security and Tradi • /'{-'".I 'W • .,(i '-m 'i 4%'' •' ' :U :«»! SiU Chief Steward Ed Ombac has started a letter-writing campaign to his members of the U.S. Senate which is currently considering a bill of major im­ portance to the nation and all seamen. For more details, see page 3. '. Ujs: • , a. • cu. O cvC- d-O tA U-C r-4 CO <• 'CO I :?'iLjoujr- te: c- Qrh-u"i CO —r:^to . n:'-.cru:3; . OK '-'K •—•X CO K-C _Jt-«LL.(AO-| CXK- K-< •. •• �V, J./,--v.- •""j ";•'•* >./ , • • - 2 sfiiiwEirsioi; SEPTOHBER1994 President's Report Every Letter Counts Sfpi 6®: - This month, the message is short but most important. The SIU is calling On each and every Seafarer to be a part of the campaign to have a new maritime program enacted by the Senate. As you know, last month the House of Rep­ resentatives, by a vote of 294 to 122, passed a bill which, if enacted, will ensure that the United States has a fleet of modem, efficient containerships operating in the international trades and available to the nation in times of emergency or war. That bill, known as H.R. 4003, is now in the Michael Sacco Senate. First, it must clear the Senate Com­ merce Committee. Then it should go to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. The enemies of U.S. shipping have mustered their vast resour­ ces and are attempting to kill the bill in the Senate. Foreign ship­ ping companies, through their high-priced Washington lobbyists, are trying to scuttle the program that would, if passed, mean that U.S.-flag ships would be prominent on the high seas, competing with their liner companies. Also on the attack are the giant agribusiness grain interests, which enjoy millions of dollars in government subsidies to their corporate coffers, while opposing U.S. government programs to promote American shipping. This is where Seafarers, SIU pensioners and their families can play an important role. One personal letter to a senator is a power­ ful antidote to the well-financed, big business interests fighting the new maritime program. Elected officials must listen to the people who vote for them. So now is the time to take pen and paper in hand to write to the senators urging them to adopt what will be the first new forwardlooking maritime bill this country has seen in 20 years. Seafarers and their families can let the senators know how important a U.S.flag merchant marine is to the nation's economic security and na­ tional defense, as well as the value of U.S. shipping to the lives of thousands of mariners and their families. Fay Re-Elected Vice Chair Of ITF Seafarers' Section The SIU's secretary-treasurer, John Fay, last month was re­ elected to a top position in the Seafarers' Section of the Londonbased International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), an or­ ganization that brings together die free world's unions that repre­ sent individuals employed in maritime, rail, trucking and air­ line industries. The balloting for the vicechairmanship took place at the Seafarers' Section Conference on August 5, held in conjunction with the ITF's congress, which is held every four years. Brother ITF Seafarers' Section Vice-Chair Fay received the unanimous sup­ and SIU officer John Fay (left), port of representatives of confers with R. Lioeanjie, vice seamen's unions from some fifty chair of District 4-NMU/MEBA. nations. On August 9, Fay' s election to campaign against the substandard the vice-chair position was practices of runaway-flag ratified by the Congress, in which shipowners, who avoid the rules transport unions from more than and laws of their own nations by 90 nations took part. The ratifica­ purchasing the use of another tion was part of the adoption of nation's flag. The ITF's cam­ the Seafarers' Section Con­ paign is coordinated through the Fair Practices Committee (FPC), ference report to the Congress. Elected to the post of which is made up of seafarer and Seafarers' Section chair was docker representatives. As vice-chair of the Seafarers' Anders Lindstrom, an officer of the Swedish Seafarers' Union, He Section, Brother Fay serves on replaces K. Mols Sorensen, a the Seafarers' Section Committee Danish marine officer who has and is a member of the Fair Prac­ been involved in the ITF tices Committee and an ex-officio Seafarers' Section for more than member of the FPC's Subcom­ 30 years. An official of the mittee on the Collective Agree­ Australian Maritime Officers' ment and Flag-of-convenience Union, Fred Ross, received the Campaign Steering Group. Fay first assumed the vicesupport of the body for the posi­ chairmanship of the ITF's tion of deputy vice-chair. The Seafarers' Section is Seafarers' Section in October charged with coordinating the 1992. At that time, he was elected ITF's policies in regard to by the seamens' union repre­ sentatives at a section meeting to seamen. Through the ITF's Joint fill a vacancy. Since 1949, Fay has been a Seafarers' and Dockers' Con­ ferences, the international or­ member of the SIU. He became the ganization has coordinated a SIU's secretary-treasurer in 1990. -•f® The worldbody of transport unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, adopted several action plans to combat the harsh consequences to workers rendered by intemational companies with no national allegiances. Above, the ITF congress meets in plenary session. ITF Congress HHs Ruuawajts The highest decision-making body of the world federation of transport unions last month reaf­ firmed its efforts to elevate the pay and shipboard conditions of crewmembers working aboard runaway-flag ships, noting that flag-of-convenience ship registries allow shipowners to avoid taxes, evade laws and regulations that affect safety and ignore humane crew working conditions. Meeting in its 37th congress in Geneva, Switzerland from August 4 to II, delegates to the ntemational Transport Workers federation (ITF) also elected David Cockroft to the general secretary post, expanded the organization's Executive Board to allow for representation for transport unions in Central and astern Europe and adopted a blueprint for action. tounsm services. The eight sections of the ITF each elected a chair and vicechair, who will serve for the next four years, and endorsed resolu­ tions that were submitted to the congress. The sections also adopted a program of activities to be conducted until the next con­ gress. Second Registers Pierced Meeting in a Joint Seafarers' and Dockers' Conference, union representatives of seamen and David Cockroft, who was elected longshoremen prepared the docu­ ITF General Secretary, called for ment which was approved by the cooperation between sections. congress that outlined the ITF's campaign to aid mariners work­ eliminate runaway shipping and ing aboard runaway-flag ships. secure a link between a vessel's This program, which became flag and the nationality of its known as the "Geneva policy," owner. The group's second ob­ tightens up ITF procedures ap­ jective is protecting and enhanc­ plied to vessels operating under ing "the conditions of employment of seafarers serving so-called second registers. A device used by traditional aboard flag-of-convenience ves­ 'Trade Must Benefit Workers' maritime countries, second sels" and ensuring that those Delegates to the congress were registers allow a shipowner to fly mariners are "protected from ex­ addressed by Joaquin "Jack" the flag of that nation while ploitation by shipowners, ship Otero, deputy under secretary for operating under flag-of-con- managers and manning agents." The Seafarers' Section elected intemational labor affairs of the venience conditions. officers for the 1994-1998 term. J.S. Department of Labor, a post The new Geneva policy comSIU Secretary-Treasurer John le assumed in 1992. Prior to tihat, bines the ITF's previous Fay was elected to the vice-chair Otero had been an officer of the guidelines for its campaign ransportation Communications against substandard shipping, position. Delegates to the section Jnion and an long-time ITF ac­ documents known as the "Madrid conference also called on the In­ tivist. policy," which was established in temational Maritime Organiza­ Otero said workers eveiywhere 1983, and the 1990 "Toyko tion of the United Nations to address shipboard working hours in the world must be afforded the guidelines." right to better their lives and in­ The Geneva policy finds that and urged that an intemational fluence their governments if runaway-flag shipping has maritime safety institution be lobal competition is to work to brought about extremely negative founded. t le benefit of ordinary people. consequences for the industry, Founded in 1896, the ITF has Conducted simultaneously in such as depressed freight rates, many American affiliates. In ad­ English, Japanese, French, Ger­ underqualifled and underpaid dition to the Seafarers Intema­ man, Swedish and Spanish, the crews, slipshod ship maintenance tional Union, numerous TF congress delegates discussed and service, over-age ships and maritime labor groujps par­ le challenges posed to national shipowners who are unable to in­ ticipate in the ITF. U.S. unions ransport unions by the increas­ vest in new tonnage. from the rail, longshoring and ingly global character of coiporaThe document notes that the aviation sectors also are mem­ tions. Delegates also reviewed primary objective of the ITF is to bers of the ITF. he affects of expanded intermodelism, necessitating the need September 1994 or greater cooperation between Volume 56. Number 9 unions representing workers in one form of transport. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published The congress, which meets monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, every four years, also adopted a Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 number of resolutions emanating Auth Way; Camjp Springs, Md. 20746. Telephone (301) Tom its various sections. In addi­ 899-0675. Second-class postage paid at MSG Prince Geor7 tion to theSeafarers' Section and ges, Md. 20790-9998 and at additional mailing offices. )ockers' Section (representing POSTMASTER: Send addr^s changes to the Seafarers ongshoremen), the more than LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746. 500 unions from some 110 naions affiliated to the LondonManaging Editor, Dante/ Duncan; Associate Editors, Jar>ased ITF participate in sections dan Biscardo and Corrina Christensen; Associate br the following industries: inEditor/Production,-Defcora/f A, Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; and navigation, fishing, rail­ Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. roads, trucking, aviation and �:;-;W^^PiP?SfSSP "'KS .'j:••'•• 0. • r. - • •' :•'• -r- '••'-•'• ••x'~.''_i^:^-i^fy:r.<^-ix-'-'-'-'-'-_' SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG 3 U.S. Ship BUI on Senate Fall Agenda Commerce Committee Staff Prepares Legislation for Mark Up The Senate is expected to act on legislation designed to revital­ ize the U.S.-flag merchant fleet when it returns from its Labor Day recess the week of Septem­ ber 12. » The Maritime Administration and Promotional Reform Act (H.R. 4003) was passed 294-122 by the House of Representatives on August 2. The bill then was sent to the Senate for considera­ tion by its Commerce, Science and Technology Committee, which will mark up the bill after the Labor Day recess. (When a bill is "marked up," it is approved by a conunittee and made ready for its next legislative step—^in this case, the full Senate.) House Bill Provisions As passed by the House, H.R. 4003 called for a 10-year, $1.35 billion program that would pro­ vide for a U.S.-flag ship operating program and aid for American shipbuilding. The program covers U.S.-flag liner vessels involved in foreign trade. To be eligible for con­ sideration, companies must agree to make dieir ships available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or allow space aboard the vessels for DOD cargo during a national emergency. To be in­ cluded, existing U.S.-flag ships can be no more than IS years old. Martin Marietta Tug Crews Vote Seafarers bv 37-2 the staff plan would set aside $1(X) million in Fiscal Year 1995 for Title XI loan guarantees that could fiind up to $1 billion in ves­ sel construction in the yards. After the House passed H.R. 4003, opposition to the flat ton­ nage fees was voiced by exporters of large bulk commodities, espe­ cially coal and grain interests. These groups claimed they would not remain competitive on the world market if the new toimage fees applied to them. Currently, vessels entering U.S. ports pay nine cents per registered ton if they arrive from a nearby Western Hemisphere foreign harbor and 27 cents per ton from all other destinations. The fees are collected only on the Senate Considers Changes first five visits made by a vessel The staff of the Senate Com­ each year. merce Committee is looking at Two-Year Effort possible ch^ges to the ftmding Action on maritime revitalizafor brmula in H.R. 4003. Under a proposal being tion legislation began in May reviewed by the committee, the 1993 when Rep. Gerry Studds (DSenate would keep H.R. 4003 as Mass.), the chairman on the a 10-year program, but reduce the House Merchant Marine and amount of revenue raised to $1 Fisheries Conunittee, was joined by Rep. Jack Fields (R-Texas), billion during that period. The dollars for the program the committee's ranking minority would be raised through fees col­ member; Rep. William Lipinslu lected when vessels dock in U.S. (D-Ill.), chairman of the House ports after sailing from foreign Merchant Marine Subcommittee; locations. However, the amount and Rep. Herbert Bateman (Rcharged per ton would vary with Va.), the subconunittee's ranking member, in introducing a bill the type of vessel. llie committee staff is propos­ (H.R. 2151) that outlined such a ing that general cargo vessels, proposal. Following a floor debate, H.R. such as containerships, would pay 81 cents per net registered ton 2151 passed the House by a 347 to 65 margin in November 1993. per visit. The fee for dry bulk and liquid However, the bill lacked a fund­ bulk vessels would be 27 cents ing mechanism. In early '94, Transportation per ton per visit. Finally, pas­ senger ships would pay 15 cents Secretary Federico Pena an­ nounced that the Clinton ad­ per ton per visit. These charges would be im­ ministration would include posed during the first four years funding for the 10-year maritime of the program, then reduced for revitalization program. In March, the remaining six years, as the bill H.R. 4003 was formally intro­ is being drawn by the committee duced as a bill, and by August it had passed the House. It must staff. To help American shipyards. now pass in the Senate. and foreign-built vessels that are re-flagged for operation under the U.S. flag must be under 10 years of age. TTie money would be raised through a 38-cent per registered ton duty collected on all vessels entering U.S. harbors from foreign ports. The only exception was made for vessels sailing on the Great Lakes between the U.S. and Canada. The duty would be im­ posed on the first 25 voyages to American ports each year. Through this funding mechanism, approximately $135 million would be raised each year between Fiscal Year 1995 and 2004. Boatmen at the Marine Ocean The chance to upgrade and for the company and for the Navy, Engineering Department (MOE) having a written contract also and we expect to be treated fairly. of Martin Marietta Services, Inc. in were cited by Rick Rinehart as We're hoping that with the Fajaido, Puerto Rico last month reasons for voting in favor of the union's help, that will happen." voted to he represented by the SIU. "We needed help, and 1 Basic Repairman Andy Carthink being in the union is going rasquillo also voted "yes." He Seafarers Intemational Union. By a count of 37-2 in an elec­ to give us a lot of opportunitiesfor said he believes that belonging to tion conducted under the auspices advancement," said Rinehart, the the SIU "will help us get fair of an impartial government agen­ second mate on the supply ship wages and safe working condi­ cy (the Nationd Labor Relations USNS Hugo. "We do a good job tions." Board), MOE employees desig­ nated the SIU as their collective bargaining representative. The MOE workers maintain and operate several types of ves­ sels which are used to support the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility at the U.S. Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads. The ratings that are included in the bargain­ ing unit are chief offlcer, second officer, chief engineer, certain classes of marine technicians, basic repairer and repair tech­ nician. Also included are facility monitors, who work on shore. Since the election, which took New members of the Seafarers include (from left) 8. Pagan, A. place August 16 at the Navy base, Carrasqulllo, W. Evans, P. Torrens and D. Lopez. the SIU has been preparing for contract talks with the company. At press time, those talks were scheduled to begin on Septem­ ber 6. Peter Torrens, who works aboard a retrieval craft at the base, said he voted for union repre­ sentation because "we're tired of being stepped on. I think the union will help us get a decent contract with the company." Seafarers and their families are encouraged to contact their Bill Puhley, first officer senators and urge their support aboard the USNS Hunter (a supp­ for the Maritime Administration ly vessel), said that he is "looking and Promotional Reform Act forward to having everything in (H.R. 4003). black and white, in a contract." The bill, which is designed to He added that he wants to take create a 10-year program to fund advantage of the chance to Among the boatmen who voted for union representation are (from left, a minimum of 52 U.S.-flag ves­ upgrade his skills at the Paul Hall kneeling) C. Molinaris, R. Figueroa, (standing) A. Acosta, D. Rivera, sels, is before the Senate Com­ Center for Maritime Training and J. Valentin, A. Rodriguez and Ricky Alvarez. merce, Science and Technology Education in Piney Point, Md. Committee. Last month, H.R. 4003 passed the House of Repre­ sentatives by a 294 to 122 margin. SIU members and their families should write or call their state's two senators. The elected officials should be told not only why passage is important to the individual caller, but also what it will mean to the country. Among the points that a Seafarer can raise in his or her communication with a senator are the following: ^ • H.R. 4003 will provide jobs for tens of thousands of American families involved in the U.S.-flag shipping industries. These are good paying jobs that • . .. s"- ' ' i'.; ; Jim J ft. Ji'u Seafarers Urged to Contact Senators to Pass H.R. 4003 Some of the Martin Marietta ci«ws whovot(^ to be represented by the^fareretetematton^^^^^ (from left, front row) W. Barr, M. Seres, J. Sokolowski, (l)ack row) P. Woods, J. Ap6 , . Perusse, W, Puhle and M. Locklier. families to be financially , . ggcure. Also, unions that repre- sent mariners traditionally have provided employment oppor­ tunities to individuals for under­ privileged communities, which lave enabled thousands of disad­ vantaged young people to play a productive role in American society. • H.R. 4003 would continue support for America's national defense through sealift. Throughout his nation's history, America's militray conflicts have been on foreign lands, thousands of miles away. Sealift has proved to be the only cost-effective way to transport materiel to the troops. A strong U.S.-flag shipping capability assures the U.S. armed forces that a fleet of ships and a pool of manpower is ready and available to crew vessels when they break out. • America's economic security is strengthened Uuough a strOiig U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Governments armind the world invest in their national fleets through direct and indirect sub­ sidies, tax policies, cargo allocaContinued on page 5 J).:: -1... •• •riM' r;'' �4 SEPTEMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG In Siiort Fail Session, Congress Faces Host of Maritimo Bills ll" When Congress returns from its Labor Day recess later this month, the elected officials will have approximately one month before adjournment to address an array of legislation that includes several maritime-related biUs. The legislators are seeking to leave Washington by mid-Oc­ tober in order to campaign for elections in their districts on November 8. Foremost among the bills before Congress that deal with the U.S.-flag merchant fleet is the Maritime Administration and Promotional Reform Act (H.R. 4003). After being passed 294-122 by the House on August 2, H.R. 4003 is awaiting action by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. H.R. 4003 provides the fund­ ing mechanism for another bill overwhelmingly passed by the House in November 1993 (H.R. Sliipping Bills Before Congress Bill Description Action Maritime Revitalizalion Provides a 10-year funding program for U.S.-flag liner ves­ sels active In Intematlonal commerce Passed by House; Sdnata consideration expectedinSepiernber Awaiting action by HouseMer­ chant Maiine and Rsheries Com­ mittee 2151) that outlined a 10-year pro the committee that improving in­ gram to revitalize the U.S.-fla land safety is one of his agency's Inland Waterways Calls for tugs, tows and pusfitraats to be equipped witfi merchant fleet. Safety "highest priorities." communications and naviga­ The Towing Vessel Act (H.R. tion gear; requires tioatmen to Calls for Fee Collection hold z-cards; mandates ves­ 4058) incorporates many of the sels be operated by licensed In passing H.R. 4003, the ideas presented by Pefia. Among masters and mates House called for a 38-cent per ton them are requirements for tugs, Passed by duty to be collected from all ves tows and pushboats to carry radar, US-Flag Passenger Closes loopholes that permit House; awaits ac­ foreign-flag vessels to sail Act sels entering U.S. ports from al communications and navigation Vessel tion by Senate "cruises to nowhere" from (Taylor BIII) foreign harbors, except Great equipment; for vessel operators to U.S. ports Lakes traffic between the U.S be licensed masters and mates Marked up by Allows foreign-flag cruise ves­ Passenger and Canada. The fee would be who 'have demonstrated US House Merchant sels to register under U.S. flag Vessel Develop­ Marine and and carry American crews collected on the first 25 voyages proficiency with their equipment; ment Act Fisheries Com­ provldea owner signs contract BIII) (Unsoeld annually by a vessel. It woulc and for all boatmen working mittee; before to build and builds replace­ House Natural ment vessel In U.S. shipyard raise an average of $135 million aboard inland vessels to hold U.S. Resources and a year from Fiscal Year 1995 to Coast Guard-issued merchant Ways and Means committees 2004. mariner documents. Also on the agenda for legis­ vessels to sail from and return to ness Bill, H.R. 44, would extend Other Legislation Proposed lators are inland waterways safety the same American port as long as the same dates (December 7, Another bill before the com­ bills. 1941 to December 31, 1946) for The House Merchant Marine mittee is the Towing Vessel these ships do not stop at any veterans status to World War IIother port. (These voyages are and Fisheries Committee has held Navigational Safety Act (H.R. era merchant mariners as those several hearings to find ways to 3282). This legislation calls for known as "cruises to nowhere ") who served in the U.S. armed make America's rivers, shipping furnishing tugs, tows and push- No date for Senate consideration forces. The bill is before the channels and other inland water­ boats with navigational and com- has been set. equipment. The House Merchant Marine House Committee on Veterans' ways safer. In March, Transporta­ munications Affairs. tion Secretary Federico Pefia told Provisions similar to those in and Fisheries Committee last H.R. 3282 have been included in month approved legislation, H.R. Would Extend Coverage the Coast Guard authorization bill 3821, that would permit foreignAfter being approved by the which cleared the Senate Com­ flag cruise ships sailing from U.S. House Committee on Education merce, Science and Transporta­ ports to re-flag with the Stars and and Labor, H.R. 1517 awaits ac­ tion Committee in August. Stripes and use American crews tion by the full body. A bill that During this session. Congress provided a replacement vessel of would extend U.S. federal labor has been looking at various ways to similar size is contracted and built laws to runaway-flag vessels that Part of a legislative package under the U.S. flag. The amend­ establish a U.S.-flag cruise fleet. in a U.S. shipyard. H.R. 3821, the call on U.S. ports has cleared which would place the U.S. flag ment was offered by Repre­ Last November, the House U.S. Passenger Vessel Develop­ House committees and awaits full on foreign-flag cruise vessels, sentative Jolene Unsoeld passed the U.S.-Flag Passenger ment Act, is now before the floor action. thus increasing employment op­ (D-Wash.), the primary sponsor Vessel Act (H.R. 1250), which is House Natural Resources Com­ For any bill not completed by portunities for American mer­ of the U.S. Passenger Vessel designed to close loopholes in the mittee. the time Congress adjourns, work chant mariners, has cleared its Development Act. Passenger Vessel Act of 1886 and on that legislation would have to There are several other pieces Under the Unsoeld amendment, first committee in the Congress. the Jones Act of 1920. The U.S. start again when the newly of maritime-related legislation On August 11, the House Mer­ if a shipowner who has re-flagged Customs Service has used the within the congressional hopper. elected Congress convenes in chant Marine and Fisheries Com­ a vessel under the U.S. flag does not loopholes to allow foreign-flag The Merchant Mariners Fair­ January 1995. mittee gave its support to H.R. build a replacement vessel, the 3821, one of two bills that make original ship will be prohibited up the U.S. Passenger Vessesl from enterihg a U.S. port and its Development Act. The bill was shipowner permanently barred then forwarded to the House from the U.S. craise trade. Natural Resources Committee, The committee kept other which will review and possibly provisions of the bill intact, in­ amend the legislation before it is cluding the measure that American merchant mariners sent to the House floor. After two years at the helm of H.R. 3821 allowed foreign- would crew the foreign-flag ves­ the nation's Military Sealift Comflag cruise ships sailing from U.S. sel once it came under the mand (MSC), Vice Admiral ports to be re-flagged under the American flag. Vfichael P. Kalleres retired folIn order to be considered by owing more than 30 years of ac­ American flag if a ship's owner replaces the vessel with another the act, vessels must weigh at tive duty in the U.S. Navy. cruise ship built in an American least 10,000 gross tons and have Relieving Kalleres as the com­ yard. A vessel owner would be at least 200 berths. Cruise ships mander of the military's sealift required to enter into a contract that are built in U.S. yards to arm during change-of-command within 12 months of re-flagging. replace the original foreign-flag and retirement ceremonies held at In the following 12 months, con­ vessels must carry at least 80 per­ the Washington Navy Yard on struction for the replacement ves­ cent of the passenger capacity of August 11 is Vice Admiral Philip sel or vessels would begin. Once the original. VI. Quast. the replacement vessel is ready, When the act was introduced He comes to MSC after serv­ the original foreign-flag ship in April, the SIU testified that the ing as the director of the Surface would be transferr^ back to its legislation could stimulate the Warfare Division, Chief of Naval original flag of registry. creation of more than 30,000 Operations staff. seafaring jobs in addition to those Amending the Bill Directed Somalia Sealift produced in U.S. shipyards, port The Departrtient of Transpor­ facilities During his tenure with MSC, and related fields. tation and the U.S. Trade Repre­ MilHaty Sealift Command Calleres directed the Navy's The union noted the act would sealift operation during the U.S. The new head of the Military Sealift Command, Vice Adm. Philip sentative raised concerns about the requirement that a ship, once help increase marine safety be­ relief effort for the people of Quast, leads his predecessor, Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres, to the replac^, would be forced back to cause the crews on the vessels Somalia. Known as Operation change of command ceremony. would be Americans who must Restore Hope, more than 95 per­ its original flag. The administration repre­ meet this country's strict regula­ cent of the supplies and equip­ USS Dewey, two destroyer surface action group in support of sentatives told House Merchant tions and standards. ment used between December squadrons and a cruiser-destroyer U.S.-flajg tanker transits through Good for National Defense Marine and Fisheries Committee 992 and March 1994 in support group as well as the U.S. Navy's the Strait of Hormuz. Ashore, Quast has held assign­ members that forcing a ship back Also, the SIU pointed out the of the United Nations-led opera­ Second Fleet. His shoreside ex­ perience includes strategic plan­ ments at the U.S. Naval Academy to its original registry won d vio­ legislation would strengthen na­ tion were moved aboard MSC ning, financial management and and Naval Military Personnel late the world trade agreement tional security because the addi­ vessels. personnel policy jobs. Among his Command. He holds the known as GATT. The provision tional U.S.-flag vessels could be (At the height of the involve­ 18 military awards and decora­ Meritorious Service Medal, Navy of GAIT that would be violated, used as floating command/control ment in December 1992, a total of tions is the Defense Distin­ Commendation Medal and a 7 SlU-crewed vessels were as­ the administration sources centers, hospit^s and barracks. guished Service Medal. bronze star with combat "V" believe, is the one that allows a Presently, there are only two signed to the effort.) among his decorations and Command's 20th Chief nation to liberalize its maritime U.S.-flag passenger ships operat­ Before taking command of awards. Vise, Kalleres had served in a laws if prior protections are not ing around the world on the high Quast began his career as an invoked in the future. seas—the SlU-crewed SS Inde­ variety of assignments for the ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve In becoming MSC's 20th To address the concerns of the pendence and SS Constitution. 4avy. He graduated from Purdue in 1961. The Wisconsin native commanding officer, Quast will administration, at the August 11 More than 4million people, 85 per­ Jniversity in 1962. His tours of served in Vietnam. As the com­ be in charge of coordinating the meeting of the House Merchant cent of whom were Americans, duty included Cuba in 1%2, the missioning commanding officer milita^'s waterbome transport of Marine and Fisheries Committee, sailed on the more than 120 cruise Dominican Republic in 1965, aboard the USS Bunker Hill be­ materiel for U.S. armed forces. H.R. 3821 was amended to allow ships located around the world in Vietnam in 1971-72 and Libya in tween July 1985 and April 1988, The MSC fleet consists of ap­ a ship that had been transferred to 1992 and spent approximately $5 1981. he also served as the commander proximately 150 civilian and Kalleres has commanded the of the battleship USS Missouri military-crewed vessels. U.S. registry to permanently stay )illion. House AcUon Pnweeds On U.S, Cruise Ship Biii Kalleres Retires as MSG Chief; Quasi Assumes Navy Command I J /'I �gSi?;J:''; •••: .• -r ,:? SEPmmBER 1994 SE9FME9SL0G 5 Patriot Grew Ahb Staudetl PenMau Rshamea Seafarers aboard the MV without engine power, more than Patriot recently came to die aid of 100 miles off the coast of Peru in five Peruvian fishermen whose the Pacific Ocean. boat was drifting for five days In a letter to the Sectfarers S -, LOG, Chief Steward Howard G. Williams reported that the Patriot, a tanker operated by Vul­ can Carriers, was en route to Chile when crewmembers spotted the disabled fishing boat. "They were flying distress flags and waving their hands," Wil­ liams wrote. "A makeshift sail was up, but it was not working. As the Patriot approached the fishermen, AB Daii Gaylor went to the galley to request help from Chief Cook Daniel Payne in communicating with them. Speaking Spanish with the fisher­ men (and translating for the other crewmembers aboard the Patriot), Payne learned that the Chlef Cook Daniel Payne (with bullhorn) translates between the Pemvians had been working for Pafriof captain and the Peruvian fishermen, who were drifting without 10 days and were nearly ready to power more than 1GO miles off the coast of Peru. head for port when the boat ran out of fuel and the batteries went bers "gave the fishermen fuel, hours, boxing up food supplies dead. They subsequently drifted water, food, cigarettes and jump- and more." for five days and were almost out started their batteries," Williams With the grateful fishermen of drinking water. The only food noted. "Captain S.M. Kearney headed back to their home port in left on board was the fish caught thanked the SIU crewmembers Peru, the Pat/ior resumed its nor­ earlier during the trip. for their effort and sacrifice. mal schedule, noted Williams, AB Roger Plaud (left) and Chief Steward Howard Williams take After contacting the Peruvian Everyone pitched in to help, han­ who also provided the photos ac­ drinking water and provisions to the stranded fishermen. coast guard. Patriot crewmem- dling lines and hoses for two companying this article. Seafarers Urged to Contact Senators to Support Ship Bill Continued from page 3 tion programs, credit schemes and much more. America's ex­ ports and imports should not be allowed to be solely carried on ships flying the flags of foreign nations, which could leave open the possibility of America being held hostage to the rates and political agendas of those nations. The effectiveness of a per­ sonal letter from a voter to an elected official should not be un­ derestimated. It has a great deal of effect. That is why communica­ tions from Seafarers to their senators can make a big dif­ ference. Below is an example of a letter that could be written to senators as well as the names and addres­ ses for all 100 of the elected offi­ cials. SIU members and their families should write to the two senators from their home state. Hand-written letters tend to get the attention of elected officials faster than those that are type­ written. Sample Letter 5^;'S 'i&sA:Vf - ''S Address of Sender Phone Number of Sender Date The Honorable , Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Where to Write Your State's U.S. Senators Listed below ate the names and Capitol Hill addres­ ses forall 100 U.S. senators. In writing to them for their support of the maritime program which passed the House last month, address diem in the following maiuier: The Honorable . Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 SENATOR ADDRESS Miss. Thad Cochran Trent Lett 326 Russell BIdg. 487 Russell BIdg. Mo. John Danforth Christopher Bond 249 Russell BIdg. 293 Russell BIdg. Mont. Max Baucus Conrad Bums 511 Hart BIdg. 183 DIrksen BIdg. Neb. James Exon Robert Kerrey 528 Hart BIdg. 303 Hart BMg. SENATOR ADDRESS Ala. Howell Heflln Richard Shelby 728 Hart BIdg. 509 Hart BIdg. Nev. Harry ReM Richard Bryan 324 Hart BMg. 384 Russell BMg. Alaska Ted Stevens Frank MurkowskI 522 Hart BIdg. 708 Hart BIdg. N.H. Robert Smith Judd Gregg 33? Dirksen BMg. 393 Russell BIdg. Ariz. Dennis DeConcini John McCain 328 Hart BIdg. Ill Russell BIdg. N.J. Bill Bradley Frank Lautenberg 731 Hart BMg. 508 Hart BMg. f Ark. Dale Bumpers David Pryor 229 Dirksen BIdg. 287 Russell BIdg. N.M. Pete Domenid Jeff Bingaman 427 Dirksen BMg. 110 Hart BMg. Calif. Dianne Feinstein Barbara Boxer 331 Hart BIdg. 112 Hart BIdg. N.Y. Daniel Patrick Moynihan Alfonse D'Amato 484 Russell BMg. 520 Hart BMg. Colo. Hank Brown Ben Nighthorse Campbell 718 Hart BIdg. 380 Russell BIdg. N.C. Jesse Helms Lauch FaircMth 403 Dirksen BMg. 702HartRMg Conn. Christopher Dodd Joseph Uebennan 444 Russell BIdg. 318 Hart BIdg. N.D. Itent Conrad Byron Dorgan 724 Hart BMg. 713 Hart BMg. Del. WiiiiamRolh Joseph'Biden 104 Hart BIdg. 221 Russell BIdg. Ohio John Glenn Howard Metzenbaum 503HartRMg. 140RusseURMg. Ra. Bob Graham Connie Mack 524 Hart BIdg. 517 Hart BIdg. Okia. DavMBoren DonNiddes 453 Russell BMg. 133 Hart BMg. Ga. Sam Nunn Paul Coverdell 303 Dirksen BIdg. 200 Russell BIdg. Ore. MarkHatfieM BobPackwood 711 Hart BMg. 259 Russell BMg. Hawaii Daniel Inouye Daniel Akaka 722 Hart BIdg. 720 Hart BIdg. Penn. Arlen Spader Harris Wofford 530 Hart BMg. 521 Dirksen BMg. Idaho Larry Craig Dirk Kempthome 313 Hart BIdg. 387 Dirksen BIdg. R.i. Claiborne Pell JohnChafee 335 Russell BMg 567 Dirksen BMg. III. Paul Simon Carol Moseley-Braun 482 Dirksen BkJg. 320 Hart BIdg. S.C. Strom Thumnond Ernest Hdlings 217 Russell BMg. 125 Russell BIdg. Ind. Richard Lugar Dan Coats 308 Hart BIdg. 404 Russell BMg. S.D. Larry Pressler Tbomas Daschle 283 Russell BMg. 317 Hart BMg. Iowa Charles Grassley Tom Harkin 135 Hart BkJg. 531 Hart BIdg. Tenn. Jim Sasser Harlan Mathews 383 Russell RMg. 508 Dirksen BMg. Kan. Bob Dole Nancy Kassebaum 141 HartRkig. 302 Russell BIdg. Texas PhilGramm Kay Bailey Hutchinson 370 Russell BMg. 703 Hart BMg. Ky. Wendell Ford Mitch McDonnell 173A Russell BIdg. Utah 120 Russell BIdg. OrrinHateh Robert Bennett 135 Russell BMg. 24J Dirksen BMg. La. J. Bennett Johnston JohnBreaux 138 Hart BMg. 516 Hart BMg. Vt. Patrick Leahy James Jeffords 433 Russell BMg. 513 Hart BMg. Maine William Cohen George Mitchell 322 Hart BMg. 178 Russell BMg. Va. John Warner Charles Robb 225 Russell BMg. 493 Russell BMg. Md. Paul Sartianes Barbara MIkulski 309 Hart BMg. 708 Hart BMg. Wash. Siade Gorton Patty Murray 730 Hart BMg. 302 Hart QMg. Mass. Edward Kennedy John Kerry 315 Russell BMg. 421 Russell BMg. W.V. Robert Byrd ^y Rockefeller 311HartBMg. lOOHaitBMg. Mich. Donald Riegle Carl Levin 105 Dirksen BMg. 459 Russell BMg. Wis. Herbltohl Russell FeingoM 330 Hart 502HartBMg. Minn. Dave Durenberger PaulWeUslone 154 Russell BMg. 717 Hart BMg. Wyo. Malcolm WaiMp Alan Simpson 237 Russell RMg 261 Dirksen BMg. i. •. Sincerely, Name of Sender STATE STATE Dear Senator. As a citizen of your state who earns a living as a merchant mariner, I urge you to support H.R. 4003, called the "Maritime Security and Trade Act of1994" in the Commerce Committee's staff draft. I believe that it is very important to our country that we maintain our U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Thanks to the efforts of my union, the Seafarers, I am able perform a job I love by going to sea and provide for the welfare of my family. / also believe America needs its merchant fleet to protect our national security. The whole country was reminded of the value ofsealift when we had to move troops and weapons to the Persian Gulf to battle Iraq. America cannot afford to depend on the mariners of other nations to support our own soldiers. As I understand it, H.R. 4003does not increase the nation­ al deficit. In fact, it will not only help our merchant fleet, but also offset the cost of some of the navigational assistance we provide to ships of all flags. All of us associated with the U.S. Merchant Marine need your help and support. Thank you for your consideration and I lookforward to seeing your name as one of the senators who stood up for us by voting for H.R. 4003. .V- '•vMi'. -y-. .•m-. .M �6 SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG Effort Under Way to Update international Shipping Accord UN Organization Looks to Establish Minimum Standards for World's Seafarers International efforts are under way to update a 1978 convention that established the minimum standards for certification, train­ ing and skills needed by seafarers around the world. The International Maritime Organization (IMG), which was created by the United Nations in 1959 to improve safety at sea, has set a 1995 deadline for complet­ ing the work of representatives from more than 90 nations, in­ cluding the United States, that recognize the treaty. Among the participants representing the U.S. in the meetings are the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime labor (including the SIU) and U.S.-flag shipping companies. The SIU also has ob­ servers monitoring and making recommendations during the The Annex is divided into six forth in foe 1978 document. How­ various work group meetings tfiat with current world practices. chapters, containing specific ever, at all levels, the current are designed to modfy the accord. Accidents Force Action technical regulations applying to standards for training and The IMG has charged its Sub­ Pressures to review the docu­ training, certification and qualification that must be met by committee of Training and ment were brought to bear on the U.S. seafarers are much higher than watchkeeping for seafarers. The Watchkeeping to modify the IMG in light of numerous those outlined in foe convention. chapters consist of general 1978 International Convention maritime disasters that have oc­ The 1978 accord is aimed at provisions, deck department, en­ on the Standards of Training, Cer- curred over the past several years eliminating inadequate, as well as department, radio personnel, gine tiflcation and Watchkeeping to which have been attributed to supplementing, insufficient re­ update and match training re­ human error, including the January special tanker requirements and quirements among foe shipping quirements with current and fu 1993 break-up of the Liberian- proficiency in survival craft. nations of foe world. The act also The convention was amended ture technologies. flagged tanker Braer off the coast in 1991 to account for new train­ provides developing countries This action wiU allow the sub­ of Scotland. The 797-foot vessel who are in foe process of building committee to review such items spilled 26 inillion gallons of oil into ing requirements, such as those their own merchant fleets with in­ associated with the Global as ensuring the fitness o the North Sea when it went down ternationally acceptable require­ Maritime Distress and Safety watchstanders, basic training for during severe weather. ments and standards. System and to provide for con­ seafarers, fatigue, work-hour Subsequent to the Braer acci­ trolled trials wifo automated and While doing this, foe conven­ limits, rest periods and the man dent, IMG Secretary-General integrated systems. tion does not override foe laws of ning implications of convention William G'Neil asked the sub­ nations like the United States if Seeks Alternative Means changes. Because the presen committee to prepare a review of they maintain higher standards Whereas the original 1978 convention is 16 years old, the the 1978 accord, which was the and qualifications. IMG believes the time has come first worldwide attempt to set document deals only with train­ However, SIU members could to review it and bring it up to date minimum standards and ing and qualification to hold guidelines for the training and recognized positions or titles for see a direct effect in increased qualifications of mariners.In fact, both licensed and unlicensed per­ training requirements in foe form the convention is the only interna­ sonnel aboard vessels, the sub­ of practical examinations if and tional treaty to establish mini­ committee now is looking at when the accord is modified mum stancteds for training and alternative means to certify the during present talks. The SIU not only monitors the qualifying crewmembers for same mariners by describing the work of foe IMG's Subcommittee ftinctions each must perform to seagoing duty. of Training and Watchkeeping to The convention, which was hold the position. Essentially, the ensure that the interests of updated convention will offer two ratified by the United States in 1991, is organized into two parts: systems for providing certifica­ American seafarers are repre­ Articles and Annex. Uie Articles tion of vessel personnel: the tradi­ sented but also to work toward set forth the legal obligations of tional approach and the increasing foe qualifications of foe world's seamen, particularly each state-party to certify functional approach. As the United States is a sig­ those who are exploited by seafarers' competence issued by other state-parties, except under natory to the convention, the mer­ runaway-flag shipowners who strictly limited circumstances. chant mariner documents and skimp on standards by avoiding The Articles also establish proce­ licenses held by American the more stringent laws and dures by which the convention mariners are recognized by the regulations of foe countries with IMG as meeting foe criteria set a strong maritime tradition. can be amended. Seafanrs Appnve 4-Year Pad With Pern Maritime Boatmen in Port Arthur Keep Up-to-Date The SlU-orewed tugboat Dolphin is the latest addition to the Penn Maritime fleet. Seafarers recently ratified a new four-year pact with the oil transportation company. A new four-year pact that covers wages and benefits was approved last month by Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime, Inc. tugboats and barges. Members voted on August 17 in the Norfolk, Va. union hall in favor of the contract which will increase wages, provide out­ patient medical care for their spouses and dependents and uncap the pension limit. The new agreement is retroactive to May I. T^e SIU represents all crewmembers aboard Penn Maritime tugs. A six-man negotiating team met with company officials on April 21 and July 14 to work on the contract. Representing Seafarers at the bargaining table were Tankerman Donald Douglas n. Mate James Kelly Jr., AB/Tankerman Donald Larsen, AB/Tankerman William Lee Matthews, Mate Glenn Wactor and AB/Tankerman Robert Wooten. They were as­ sisted by SIU Assistant Vice President, Lakes and Inland Waters Anthony Sacco and Nor­ folk Port Agent Mike Paladino. Among the Penn Maritime vessels included in the contract is the company's newest tugboat, the Dolphin. Built in 1973, the Dolphin recently was acquired by the company and refitted with an elevated bridge that will allow visibility when the tug is push­ ing a light barge. The 126-foot vessel is capable of 4,300 horse­ power. Penn Maritime is in the process of building two more tugs for its fleet. Both are capable of generating 7,000 horsepower. The first of the pair is expected to be sailing by early 1995. The Npifolk-based company transports petroleum along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. Boatmen from foe Port Arthur, Texas area have been keeping up with foe latest happenings in foe inland industry as well as in foe SIU through informational union meetings held every other month. "These meetings have been very helpful," noted Captain Roy Golden, who sails aboard Higman Towing vessels. "We're able to take information back to foe rest of foe crew who are sailing and caimot attend." The gatherings, which began in 1992, take place at foe Ramada im on Highway 87 in Port Ar­ thur. During foe sessions, boat­ men are able to discuss issues that affect them on foe job, such as safety concerns. The meetings also serve to up­ date foe members on foe latest information about legislation pending in Washington, D.C. that deals with foe inland industry and maritime as a whole. Besides Higman, crews firom added Moran Captain Jim Zenos. Sabine Towing, Moran and "It's a good opportunity to meet Crowley also are among foe crews other crews who may face similar re])resented at the meetings. situations and havefound ways to "I try to attend whenever I'm deal with them." home," said Sabine Towing En­ The next meeting for Port Ar­ gineer Kenny Moore. "I find foe thur area members is set for 2 p.m. meetings useful." on Wednesday, September 7. For "I'd encourage all foe boatmen more information, contact the in foe area to m^e foe meetings," SIU hall in Houston. Boatmen from Higman Towing, Sabine Towing, Moran and Crowley discuss issues affecting the inland industry during a recent informa­ tional membership meeting in Port Arthur. Texas. UIW Members March for Back Pay Sheridan Crews Ratify New Three-Year Agreement SIU members sailing with Sheridan Transportation have ratified a new three-year agree­ ment that increases benefits and wages during the life of the pact. Seafarers with the Philadel­ phia-based company will be able to receive outpatient medical care for spouses and dependent children under the new contract which is retroactive to May 1. The agreement also removes die pen­ sion cap for members. The negotiating committee con­ sisting of Cook Ernest Gibbs, AB William Morris, AB Homer Shipes and Norfolk Port Agent Mite Paladino met with company officials in April and July to work out the details of the new contract. Voting on the agreement took place in the Norfolk union hall on August 9. Tugs and barges operated by Sherid^ sail along the East and Gulf coasts carrying sugar, coal, iron and other materials. The ves­ sels operate year-round. Hundreds of membersof the SlU's industrial division, the United Industrial Workers (UIW). last month tumed out for a demonstration in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Along with fellow trade unionists, the UIW members, who are government employees, protested the Virgin Islands' inaction regarding the tens of millions of dollars owed to government workers on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. The employees have legally binding contracts for retroactive pay increases, but thus far they have not received the scheduled raises. �SEPTBmRl994 SBmUtBRSLOa Six Seafarers were recognized Gulf, Lakes and Inland Walprs at the August membership meet­ District), and I just want to thank ing in Piney Point, Md. as the SIU for everything," he said. graduates of die union's highest "I'm married to a wonderful per­ curriculum for galley gang mem son, we have four kids, and the hers. SIU has allowed me to support Radames Cosme, Toyo Gon­ my family for 20 years." zales, Patrick Helton, Brenda 'Beneficiar Course Kamlya, Robert Mosley and Helton, who joined the union Ronald Tarantino successfully nine years ago and who sails from completed the five-week course. the port of San Francisco, said he At the graduation ceremony found thecourse "very beneficial. and in interviews with the I was able to improve my com­ Seafarers LOG prior to the mem­ puter skills, refresh myself on bership meeting, each recertified safety training and get new ideas steward expressed appreciation on healthy menus and how to for being selected to participate in prepare them." the course. Several also ad­ Cosme, whose home port is dressed the trainees in the audience during the meeting, en­ The six Seafarers graduating from the steward recertlficatlon course pose here with their instructor, Byran Puerto Rico, summed up the class couraging them to upgrade often Cummings (far right). They are (from left, front row) Radames Cosme, Brenda Kamiya, Ron Tarantino, as being "thorough and helpful. I learned a lot, and I recommend to at the Paul Hall Center's Harry (back row) Patrick Helton, Toyo Gonzales and Robert Mosley. all Seafarers that upgrading is the Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship. The students in the recertifiet ture/demonstration facility; first aid and firefighting. Things way to go." "The career opportunities are steward class studied a broac brushed up on shipboard sanita­ have changed over the past 13 here, but you have to earn it," range of topics. They practicec tion procedures; studied mathe­ years, and I learned a lot from all Mosley told the trainees. "Don't various cooking techniques anc matics relevant to the food of the instructors." expect it to be easy. You must baking applications in the Paul service industry; engaged in Kamiya, who joined the union apply yourself and do your best." Hall Center's modern lec- cooking competitions including a 14 years ago, stressed that the chili cook-off; and honed their class covers "many subjects that menu-planning skills and other are major, direct parts of work on galley management functions board a ship. There's no doubt using computers. this will help rne improve my work. Safety Emphasized "It has been educational and They also earned certification an honor to be part of this pro­ in first aid, CPR and firefighting gram." procedures; studied communica­ Family Matters tions principles and learning tech­ niques; examined the movement Tarantino, who graduated toward healthier menus; and from the trainee program in 1980 practiced making special sauces and who has upgraded several and dishes that are popular in times, noted that his wife recently speciftc regions of the world. gave birth to a son, Vincenzo. In addition, the new recertified "And I hope that he one day will stewards met for question-and- go to the coDege of American answer sessions- with repre­ merchant marines: Piney Point," sentatives from each of the said the elder Tarantino, who sails union's departments.They spoke fix)m the port of Houston. with officials from the SIU's col­ Family life also was on the lective bargaining department; mind of Mosley. "I joined the government affairs department; Marine Cooks and Stewards in welfare, vacation, training and 1973 (five years before that union Patrick Helton practices his CPR pension funds; and the LOG. merg^ with the SIU's Atlantic, skills on a dummy. Finally, they traveled to SIU Listening to instructions is Ron Robert Mosley prepares a pan of headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. and to nearby Capitol Hill, Tarantino. lasagna. where they spoke with Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex about major legislative is­ sues which affect the maritime industry. Computers a Hit With the wide range of ac­ tivities on their agenda, most of the stewards listed the computer training which they received at the school as a course highlight. "Learning to do spreadsheets and menu planning on the com­ puter was very worthwhile," said Gonzales, a 13-year member of the SIU who sails from Seattle. 'Also, it was great to redo CPR, Brenda Kamiya cites the computer training as a course highlight. '.ii' •"} -•.ii" '"'f' M'W: • 1- mk:' 1 ••I .'•'Ui' •M'k ••r.]. Patrick Helton (left) gets a culinary tip from instructor Ed Whjte. • -•'W -• A: Radames Cosme (left) and Brenda Kamiya work together Lundebeg School's lecture/demonstration galley J- 7 The entire class completes a CPR drill, while instructor Byran Cummings observes their techniques. �SEPTEMBER 1994 More than 100 SIU members exams administered by the Coast who work aboard the cruise ships Guard. SS Independence and SS Con­ Barry, who worked as a car­ stitution recently earned U.S. penter-joiner on i\\e Inde­ Coast Guard lifeboat certifica­ pendence several years ago, tions after taking an on-site pointed out that one benefit of course conducted by the Paul Hall conducting the courses aboard the Center's Lundeberg School of Independence and the Constitu­ Seamanship. tion is that Seafarers train with the SIU Patrolman Stephen Barry, actual equipment they would use then working as an instructor, in case of an emergency, versus directed the classes for two training with other gear. _ months (one month on each ship) Known among Seafarers as while the vessels operated oil "Great White Ships," because of their normal schedules around the the clean white exteriors main­ Hawaiian Islands. He reported an tained by SIU deck department outstanding pass rate on both members, passengers aboard the ships. Independence and Constitution "The members did very well. look forward to the week-long They really have to make an ef­ cruises which include lavish , fort, because they're also work­ entertainment and beautifully Posing on deck are (from left, first row) Jacinto Saigado, Roy Robinson, Ramon Duran, Speros Mookas, Hitario Martinez, Paul Deiiosso, (standing) Joe Marusak, Mohamad Saleh, Jan Tolentino, Thomas ing their regular shifts," said prepared and served meals Once aboard the ships," many Hastings, Becky Warberg, Dan Gibbons, Demara DuFrene, Gilbert Black, Stephen Barry (instructor) and Bany, who graduated from the Lundeberg School in 1986 and passengers express appreciation USCG Commander Ray Petow. who has upgraded many times. for the crew's emphasis on safety. "Running the class aboard the Lifeboat drills and other safety BOAT . STATION N(X! ships is a convenience to the exercises are conducted each members, but I respect the fact week and involve everyone that they work hard and they also aboard, including all passengers. "I always tell our members, it put a lot into the lifeboat course." The series of two-week classes doesn't matter what department covered shipboard safety, aban­ you work in, you've got to know don-ship techniques, deep-water the emergency duties," said Barry, survival, raft drills, signal train­ who also taught lifeboat and safety ing, lifeboat and davit drills, writ­ training aboard the cmise ships in ten quizzes and more. The 1992. "For Seafarers, the emphasis courses culminated with the is always on safety." Completing the lifeboat course are (from left, first row) Mike Goldman, RedBorja, Abe Alvarez, (standing). Coast Guard Chief Mona Dubinka, Wes Smith, Omer Almakuani, Mike Delacruz, Annthony Dragon, Eddie Hollister, Nassar Alomari, Coast Guard Chief Collins and Stephen Barry (instructor). Following a drill, Eric Gray helps Marjorie Harris (left) and James secure one of the boats. Spittle release the grips. — Eaming their U.S. Coast Guard-certified lifeboat tickets are (from left, front row) Charles Shippley, Salehall ' Kf'-; ^ I �feais- V '-l SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERSLOG 9 ' ' ' "-'•*.: • ' : Befr^eratiott CalHIcalioii Courses Slated for Both Coasts this Month m The Paul Hall Center's Point. In July, instructors began a refrigeration technician certifica­ lengthy schedule of offering the tion course is scheduled to be of­ course at SIU halls throughout the fered to Seafarers this month at U.S. and in Puerto Rico. the SIU halls in Norfolk, Va. and Wilmington, Calif., as well as at Course's Content the center's Lundeberg School in The first day of the class lasts Piney Point, Md. from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. During Passing the two-day course, this time, students will go over the which is approved by the En­ certification process, refrigerants vironmental Protection Agency and compressor lubricating oils, (EPA), will result in Seafarers ob­ refrigerant handling safety proce­ taining EPA certification that is dures, refrigerants' impact on the required for anyone involved in environment, theories of the repair and servicing of refrigeration, pressure-tempera­ refrigeration equipment and air ture relationships and related conditioning systems. The EPA laws and regulations. regulation requiring such certifica­ The second day begins at 8 a.m. tion goes into effect November 14. and lasts until 2 p.m. Among the Lundeberg School instructors topics covered are refrigeration ser­ put together the Refrigeration vicing, handling small appliances, technician certification course— working with high- and low-pres­ which also is available as part of sure equipment, and conversion of all engine department upgrading equipment using chlorofluorocarclasses—in order to prepare bon (CFG)-based refrigerants. Testing is conducted by the in­ Seafarers for the EPA exam given at the end of the course. The first structor following the second day class took place in June at Piney of class, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. 1994 REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN COURSE SCHEDULE DAY Wed.-Thu. Tue.-Wed. Thu.-Fri. Tue.-Wed. Thu.-Fri. Mon.-Tue. Wed.-Thu. Tue.-Wed. Thu.-Fii. Wed.-Thu. Fri.-Sat. Tue.-Wed. Thu.-Fri. Wed.-Thu. Fri.-Sal. Tue.-Wed. Thu.-Fri. Tue.-Wed. DATE Sept. 7-8 Sept. 13-14 Sept. 15-16 Sept. 27-28 Sept. 29-30 Oct. 3-4 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 11-12 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 19-20 Oct. 21-22 Nov. 8-9 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 18-19 Nov. 29-30 Dec. 1-2 Dec. 6-7 LOCATION Piney Point, Md. Norfolk, Va. Norfolk, Va. Wilmington, Calif. Wilmington, Calif. San Francisco San Francisco Seattle Seattle Honolulu Honolulu Port Everglades, Fla. Port Everglades, Fla. San Juan, P.R. San Juan, P.R. Algonac, Mich. Duluth, Minn. St. Louis The exam is divided into four parts," and there are corresponding certification types. The first 25 questions are basic and general. The secohd set of 25 covers small appliances. Passing the first two sections leads to Type I certifica­ tion. The third group of 25 ques­ tions refers to high-pressure After November 14, Seafarers holding EPA refrigeration technician refrigerants. Passing this part, certification will have priority for certain shipboard jobs. Above, Seafarers along with the basic section, leads in Mobile, Ala. prepare for the exam that leads to certification. to Type II certification. Low-pressure refrigerants is the topic in the final 25 questions. Students who pass this section and the core questions will earn Type III certification. Passing all four parts leads to According to regulations when throwing in for a shipboard Universal certification. stemming from the Clean Air Act job which includes duties of han­ Universal Encouraged Amendments of 1990, anyone dling refrigerants, members will Most Seafarers who handle who handles refrigerants must be have to show whether they pos­ refrigerants will need at least certified to do so by the U.S. sess such certification (indicated Type I and Type II certifications, government by November 14. by an EPA-approved card issued since galley equipment is covered SIU members should note that, through the Lundeberg School). under Type I, and ships' stores according to a recent action by the Seafarers who are on a ship systems are covered under Type Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB), during the November 14 deadline II. The SIU encourages all after November 14, members are asked by the SIU to obtain QMEDs to test for Universal cer­ who are certified refrigeration tech­ certification as soon as possible tification. nicians will be given priority within after they sign off the vessel. The Seafarers who work aboard their respective seniority classes for Lundeberg School will offer its cruise ships also should seek all QhffiD, electrician, refriger­ refrigeration technician certifica­ Universal certification, since pas­ ation and junior engineer jobs. tion course at two SIU halls in senger vessels often use lowFor Seafarers involved in the December, and the school also pressure refrigerants. repair and servicing of refrigera­ periodically will host the two-day There is no limit to the number tion equipment and/or air con­ class at the Paul Hall Center in of times someone may take the ditioning systems, the new Piney Point, Md. exam, so different certifications government regulations mean The recent action of the SAB may be earned at different times. diey must pass an Environmental (no. 374) assures that companies Results will be mailed to Protection Agency (EPA)-ap- which are signatories to a collective Seafarers no more than a month proved refrigeration technician bargaining agreement with the SIU after they take the exam. course by the deadline. will be in compliance with the new Those who pass one or more Proof of holding the certifica­ EPA regulations. Violations of the sections of the test will receive a tion will not be mandatory when regulations addressing refrigera­ certification card (which has no a Seafarer registers for employ­ tion technician certification can expiration) and a certificate. ment at a union hall. However, range as high as $25,C)(X). EPA-CerUfieil Seafarers Have Shipping Priority Sestarers Say Preparation is Key to Passing EPA Exam the Houston hall had begun.) Like those who took the course earlier in the summer, the SIU members who attended the classes last month reported that a great deal of information is covered. They echoed instructors' recommendations that students prepare for the course by purchasing and study­ ing the book "Refrigerants and the Environment," which is avail­ able through the Paul Hall Center and at SIU halls. Additionally, while the EPA has found that the Lundeberg School's course has the highest pass rate among the many refrigeration technician certifica­ tion classes available. Seafarers Brushing up on the latest information about refrigerants are (from left) stated that the four-part test is dif­ tugboat engineers Spike Miller, Stan Mercer and Willie Petway, at the ficult. (The school's pass rate is Jacksonville SIU hall. 85 percent, compared to the na­ not only to prepare for the class, well on the test," concluded tional average of 50 percent.) but also to keep it for future refer­ Cochrane. "It's a lot to grasp," said ence. Commends Union "With a two-day course, it's Electrician Irwin Rousseau, 47, Electrician Gerald Payne said who took the class in New Or­ almost impossible to learn and leans. "The instructor (Eric remember everything. But I'll be he appreciated the fact that the Malzkuhn) is outstanding, but be­ able to go back through the book course was available at the Jack­ cause there's so much informa­ later, anytime I have a question or sonville hall, which is within tion to absorb, I think anybody I'm not sure about something," driving distance of his home. He who's taking the course must said Cochrane, who took the class also praised the instructors for compiling such a thorough class. have the book in advance. The in Mobile. He also gave high marks to "I thiric these on-site classes book answers a lot of questions ahead of time, and there are the free workbook put together are a great thing for the union, and sample quizzes after each chap­ by Lundeberg School instruc­ the class itself is very comprehen­ tors. The workbook is part of the sive," stated Payne, who earned ter. That helped me." course material; it is distributed Universal certification. "The sub­ Larry Cochrane, who also at the start of the class, and ject was well-covered, and I real­ sails as an electrician, pointed out Seafarers may keep it. "If you ly got into the book. I bought it a that although "Refrigerants and study in advance, pay attention couple of weeks before the class the Environment" will be avail­ to the instructor during the day and I think it will help me in the QMED Miguel Rivera uses the able to all students during the and then review your reading field. Without it, I wouldn't have workbook to prepare for the EPA two-day course, obtaining the material at night, you can do had a chance (of passing the book in advance allows a Seafarer test in Jacksonville. Hundreds of Seafarers have taken the Paul Hall Center's refrigeration technician certifica­ tion course since the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship began offering the two-day class in late June. Available both at the school and at SIU halls throughout the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, the course is designed to prepare Seafarers to take the Environ­ mental Protection Agency (EPA) exam for refrigeration tech­ nicians. The test is given to SIU members immediately after the second day of the course. Last month, the class was con­ ducted at the SIU halls in Jack­ sonville, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; and New Orleans. (At press time, the first of two courses scheduled for exam)." The Mobile class included at least one student who is familiar to Seafarers who sail from that port. SIU Port Agent Dave Carter signed up for the course and earned Universal certification. "It was a chance to learn, plus it will help me communicate with refrigeration guys when they come to the hall to talk about their jobs," said Carter, who last sailed as a towboat operator and tankerman. He indicated that preparation was the key to passing the exam. "The $25 it cost me for the textbook was well-spent. I got $1,000 worth of knowledge from it." Seafarers who want to buy the book should indicate this to the port agent whom they contact when signing up for the class. They should then send a check for $25, made payable to the "Paul Hall Center," to: EPA Refrigera­ tion Tech. Course, Paul Hall Cen­ ter for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, Md. 20674, Attn: J.C. Wiegman. The book will be sent by first class mail. (Be sure to indicate an address where the book should be sent.) The Lundeberg School also is trying to make the book available for purchase directly from the ports where the courses are scheduled. Check vvith the in­ dividual port agents to find out if the book is available in advance at a particular hall. 'J' .•? .-rS.' • ••iT.V ^'1 • 'l • .V:V- •is:M �.. t»•« -.-xiii.^'' '.-»i^f^>.• -'^•.Viv,..:;!;;i.'v: -vdi/''-.-—,-is r 10 SEFTEMBER1994 SEAFAMERSLOG Seafarers Marah in Support of Nigerian UnhNiisIs AFL-CIO Rally Calls for Democracy, Release of Jailed President .-> SiU members joined with other trade unionists from America and . ^j^eria last month in a show ox unity for striking Nigerian oil workers. Waving signs, marching and chanting in unison in fiont of the Nigerian embassy in Washington, the demonstrators were protesting the wrongfu deposing of Nigerian oil union officials by the Nigerian military junta and the jailing of the man who lawfully was elected by Nigerian citizens to lead the na­ tion. Nigeria is the most densely 1. •; V populated country in Africa. Ii achieved independence in 19^ but has been subject to military rule for most of the past 34 years On June 12, 1993, Nigerians voted for a return to civilian rule by electing Moshood Abiola. But the military declared the election results nuU and void, and kepi their own people in power. They banned independent media and most democratic in­ stitutions and eventually arrested Abiola and charged him with treason. the engine department. "I though it was a good demonstration and I was proud to be here." Fermin Morin, who also sails in the engine department, said he believes "we got our point across today. We let the current govemment know that Nigerians anc Americans alike won't put up With how they're running things. Upgrader Jim Gibson notec that the SIU was well-represented at the demonstration, which spilled over onto tfie sidewalk across the street from the embassy. "It shows EffMtive Strike that the SIU cares atout fellow Since August 2, members of workers, not just in tiWs country but Nigeria's two major oil unions aU over the world." Meanwhile, for fellow (NUPENG and PENGASSAN) have been on strike, along with upgrader Jorge Bonelli, the rally Seafarers join fellow trade unionists and representatives from the the other 39 affiliate unions of the was a chance not only to support Nigerian Labour Congress at a rally August 25 outside the Nigerian NLC. They are withholding their Nigerian trade unionists, but also embassy in Washington. They were protesting actions by the military work to protest the aforemen­ to "help build on my loyalty to the government of Nigeria. tioned firings and jailings by the labor movement, I feel this was a rules set by the military themsel­ military, along with the failure to step forward in my union educa­ fails to comply. ves was ... criminal." Nigerian advocates for tion, and I was glad to be here." recognize the election results. democracy distributed informa­ Last month, the military Needed: A Peaceful Change tional leaflets during and after the government of General Sani After the march, the protesters rally. One flyer from the NigeriaAbacha fired the oil union leaders athered in front of the embassy, "Campaign for and ordered the workers to return where they were addressed by based Democracy" described last year's to their jobs. But the trade representatives from the NLC. elections as "widely acclaimed by unionists have defied the direc­ John Sweeney, president of both local and international ob­ tive. the Service Employees Interna­ At press time, the union offi­ tional Union, then presented a let- servers to be the freest and fairest cials reportedly had gone into er from AFL-CIO President in the history of elections in Nigeria. It was an election in [tiding and claimed that govem- jxae, Kirkland to a representative which million Nigerians ment security agencies were ]Tom the embassy. The letter, ad­ defied 14 ethnic, religious and trying to arrest them. dressed to the military govern­ eographical sentiments to exAs oil accounts for 90 percent ment, demanded the release of all jress their will, thereby setting a of the country's export earnings, )olitical prisoners and allowance new dawn in Nigeria's long the unions' strike has effectively 'or a peaceful transition to search for genuine participatory Orlando Dunalelly (holding sign) shut down much of the nation's democracy. It also warned of pos­ democracy and unity. shows his support for democracy conunerce, both internal and ex­ sible economic sanctions against "The subsequent annulment of in Nigeria. Also demonstrating is ternal. Nigeria if the cunent government heelections conducted uiider John Kannuck (right). SIU Shows Support Monroe Monseur hopes the rally will pressure Nigeria's military government into honoring the resuits of last year's democratic eiection in that nation. Seafarers said they were proud to back the oil workers and were hopeful that the rally would cause Nigeria's military government to resize that their actions will not be tolerated. "The military needs to back off and let Abiola assume power and run a democracy," said Mon­ roe Monseur, an eight-year member of the SIU who saUs in SUPPORTS AFL-CIO Opposes Mitchell Bill; Health Care Referm In Jeopardy As the Senate recessed last month without passing a health care reform bill, leading to widespread speculation that comrrehensive reform will not hap)en this year, the AFL-CIO said hat postponing congressional acion is preferable to hurriedly rassing a flawed plan such as the one sponsored by Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell D-Maine) or the one proposed by the so-called "mainstream coali­ tion" of senators. The federation of American trade unions, of which the SIU is an affiliate, reinforced its support of the main principles in the bill sponsored by House Majority ^eader Richard Gephardt (DVfo.) and also highlighted the many problems contained in the other proposals. Running OutofTlme Congress will be back in ses­ sion on September 12. But with incumbents anxious to campaign For November elections, and con­ sidering both the complexity of the health care debate and the lack of consensus among lawmakers on any particular plan, it app<^ very doubtful that sweeping changes will be enacted before this session ends. At a news conference last month, AFL-CIO President Lane drkland stated that the federa­ tion backs the components in Gephardt's bill which call for From left, Craig Raid, Scott Abramsonand Brian Hulstrom call for the comprehensive, irrevocable coverage for all U.S. citizens release of political prisoners in Nigeria. (universal coverage), mainly financed via a requirement that all employers pay at least 80 percent of the health care premiums of their employees (Imown as an employer mandate). The House bill also includes provisions for cost containment. "It is a very strong, com­ prehensive proposal that would give working people the health care reforms they've sought for so long," Kirkland said. Flawed Plan By contrast, the Mitchell plan would not achieve universal coverage, the AFL-CIO noted. In its current form, the bill calls for a conditional, delayed employer mandate that exempts many busi­ nesses and covers only half of employees' premium costs. It also would tax health benefits whose premiums exceed a certain rate of increase, amount­ ing to a double penalty against workers who have sacrificed wage increases to maintain com­ prehensive medical coverage. Kirkland noted that, under the Mitchell plan, businesses that do not provide health benefits "would be free to continue off­ loading the cost of their employees' health care onto the backs of those plans and employers that do provide health care." The federation had even shar­ per criticism of the alternative plan put forth by the group of Republican and Democratic senators that call themselves the "mainstream" group, citing the following (and other) problems: • It would not expand health care coverage. • It does not include effective cost containment mechanisms. • By placing a tax cap on employer deductibility, it would provide incentive for employers not to offer health benefits for their workers. • It would allow for the con­ tinuance of cost shifting, whereby insured citizens are saddled with the cost of not only their own medical care, but also that of the uninsured (such as emergency room visits). • It would tax benefits that ex­ ceed a certain standard. "The limit on employer deduc­ tibility and the taxation of costsharing supplemental plans amount to a huge new tax on middle-income Americans," Kirkland said. "The 'mainstream' plan does nothing—no universal coverage, no employer mandate, no cost containment." The AFL-CIO has vowed to continue fighting for the prin­ cipals it supports in the health care debate, for as long as it takes to get comprehensive reform enacted. If and when each body passes a bill, a House/Senate conference committee then will forge a final version which is return^ to each chamber for a vote. J �• SEPIEMSfff rSM The U.S. merchant marine was a major carrier of ammo,chow, fuel and replacements to the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Al­ though we lost well over 200 ships, and our casualty rate was exceeded only by that of the Marine Corps, there were always plenty of volun­ teers in every rank and rating to man the ships. It took many trips by our merchant ships to supply the troops; the following is the story of just one of them. Before this voyage, I heard that the USS Houston, my assignment as a Marine for two years and 12 days, had been sunk with all hands. Later, the SS Alcoa Pathfinder, which I had sailed on in April 1942, was sunk five days after I got off her. In July, the SS Pan Florida came under attack while I was aboard. I was on the operating plat­ form in the engineroom and couldn't see what was gong on. The deck plates kept bouncing up about two inches from the concussion as the depth charges exploded nearby. In October, I sailed for the South Pacific on the SS Del Brasil. Guadal­ canal had been invaded by the 1st Marine Division on August 8. SEAFARBtSLOe With the SIU at Guadalcanal: A War Diary by James M. Smith Pensioner James M. Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore in August 1939right out of the Marine Corps as a corporal and as an expert of 50caliber machine guns. The depression was still on, however, and there was little work for machine gunners, so it was an easy jump from corporal to wiper on the Bull Lines' SS Maria which operated on the East Coast between New York and Puerto Rico. The pay was $55 per month. In September of that year, the Germans were attacking their neighbors, and the buildup for WWII was under way. Until that time, the only ships that carried electricians were passenger ships, but now the first of the "C" type ships had come on line. As a Marine, Smith had taken a course in basic electricity and so was well situated to take advantage of the opportunity to take the U.S. Commerce Department exam (there was no Coast Guard in those days) for an electrician's endorsenient. Brother Smith continued to sail during WWII, the Korean conflict and the early part of the Vietnam war and upgraded at the union's school in Brooklyn to third assistant engineer. During part of his seafaring years, he kept a journal. What follows is Part I of his narrative from aboard the SS Del Brasil. The remaining part of Brother Smith's diary will appear in a future issue of the LOG. 11 ambulance/supply planes came in carrying wounded Marines. They were all young fellows, about 18 to 20 years old, except for one red­ headed sergeant who said how un­ lucky he was to get hit just when he was going good. November 29. Weighed anchor, moved the ship back around the island to the main supp­ ly base and tied up alongside the SS Lipscolm Lykes. We have some bombs and other cargo for Cactus on board and also some for a Marine squadron at White Poppy, so we could go either way. ("Cac­ tus" is the c^e word for Guadal­ canal and "White Poppy" is Noumea. This base at Espiritu Santo is "Button.") There is some scuttlebutt that we are going on up to Cactus, which I hope is true. There hasn't been much action around this area except for a few rounds from a Jap submarine— harassing fire only. There have been several air warnings but noth­ ing has gotten through so far. The Jap bases are up north at Bougain­ ville Island in the Northern Solomons. Sometimes a squadron of Marine aircraft will leave here, stop at Cactus overnight, then hit their targets early the next morning and be back here in time for chow. December 1. We are transfer­ ring all pur White Poppy cargo to the Lykes ship and loading all Cac­ tus cargo. There is a rumor that we may make a few shuttle runs be­ tween here and Cactus as we are the most heavily armed merchant ship in the area. What we lack in fire control equipment, our gun crews make up for in enthusiasm. officer, Lt. (jg) Kraft, USNR, reminds me of the boxcars full of same general plan as the fighter sounded General Quarters and all five-gallon cans of paint I had to strip, only larger. From here the hands manned their battle stations. unload at P.I. when I was a boot. Marines make daily attacks on the As chief electrician, my station is November 13. Off duty today, enemy to the north. The Marine on the main generator platform in so I went ashore to visit the Marines sergeant driving the jeep didn't the engineroom, so I never know at the fighter strip. Unlike the believe in wasting any time, so it what's going on topside. This time, aircraft in the States, these are not was a jarring, neck-spraining ride Guadalcanal, 1942 nothing came of the contact, and as spic and span and shiny. The crews for about five miles through the October 16. SS Del Brasil, we turning 106 RPM, we were keep them in perfect condition, coconut palm groves. We bounced Delta Line^combinatioh pas­ soonare of range. out mechanically, but they're streaked without warning onto the bomber senger and cargo. Departed San with dirt and oil, and there are pow­ strip, right into the wake of a Diego 1300 for Noumea, New der bums around the muzzles of the squadron of B-17s just taking off. Caledonia. The convoy includes guns. Some of them have little About five minutes later, I got the freighters, a couple of tankers. Rising Sun flags painted under the dust out of my eyes. I looked several troop ships and APA's, a around at the rows of bombers, pilot's cockpit. light cruiser and some destroyers. As I was standing there talking fighter aircraft and the mile-long The Del Brasil is transporting per­ to the ground crew, a group of pilots metal strip with its operations tower sonnel from a Marine air group alongside. I spent the afternoon while combat gear, ammo and food Last night, the mate on watch walked out. They climbed into their talking to the officers and men, and fill pur holds to the top. We have 16 called me to check out an electrical planes and taxied slowly among the listening to their remarks about torpedoes lashed on deck amid­ circuit on the bridge. I went by the coconut trees to the strip. There, their combat experience^ with as ships. For armament, the ship car­ port AA gun as the watch was some Marines installed two bombs much nonchalance as I could ries a 5-inch 38 aft, four 3-inch relieved. I overheard the man going under the wings, one on each side, muster. I still feel like a Marine, and anti-aircraft guns and four 50- off duty tell his relief to "keep a then the whole squadron took off I envy them. caliber machine guns. sharp lookout for aircraft, surface with a roar. Flashing out over our ship, they banked and headed north. The convoy commodore signals craft and Mister Kraft." An hour and 40 minutes later, they to the rest of the convoy with an November 10. Arrived came in, clambered nonchalantly December 2. Stayed in bed all incessant blowing of the ship's Espiritu Santo 1600. A few days out of the ships and strolled over to day with an attack of malaria— steam whistle. This brings forth before our arrival, the SS President the mess tent for chow. The bombs been taking atabrine 'til my ears some merriment and not a few Coolidge ran into one of our own were gone. are ringing. Read in the "DePp caustic remarks. Each ship has to mines and sank. There were only Water Dispatch," our radio The sandflies over on the island repeat the signal on their own five men lost, but the troops lost all newssheet, that some of the crew of whistle. This goes on at all hours, their combat equipment. Another are ferocious and land on you in It seems the closer you get to the Xhe Alcoa Pathfinder made it to swarms. After a few hours you actual fighting, the fewer Stateside day after day and night after night. victory for the Japs. don't notice them so much—you regulations are enforced. I wanted shore at Lauren90 Marques after Imagine the sight of a large number November 11. Armistice Day. of ships in mid-ocean, tooting away Today we moved the ship around can get used to anything, I guess. to see inside a bomber under actual being sunk by a German sub. The for all they're worth, as though they the island and anchored off the There is plenty of fresh water near wartime conditions, and the crew old man. Captain Dunke, may have are in a traffic jam in San Francisco fighter strip. The base is scattered the base but, although water is ra­ chief said, "Go ahead." I crawled been a good seaman, but he never said a pleasant word to anyone. On tioned on the ship, we haven't any Bay. in the surrounding coconut way of getting it out here since through the hatch on a B-24. There the other hand. Chief Engineer of „ .u.. groves—dispersal is the order of we're anchored in the channel isn t a .bit ofv wastedJspace u m oneare Hardwickwasoneorthermestmen those bombers and, brother, the day: here a tent, there an anti­ I ever sailed with. I worider why it they built to fight! In metal racks on is aircraft battery, over there a few that you very seldom find a good both sides, fore and aft, are 50- skipper dozen cases of ammo, beyond that and a good chief engineer caliber machine gun ammo, and on the same ship. an aircraft. There is good reason for there's a gun mount beside each that. Espiritu Santo is an island Plexiglass blister with a machine about 40 miles wide and 120 miles gun lying beside it. There is a long in the northern part of the New tommy gun in a rack over the hatch The Marines have exercise Hebrides group. c. ^ It is now our forperiods on deck every day, and basersomething less than 400 about a mile from the l^ach. Still, to the tail-gunner's position. There during the past few days they have miles from Guadalcanal, or about we have had some fine times swim­ are also bomb raclb, instruments ming in a deep, fresh-water pool and oxygen supply. Up forward is been having small arms practice two hours by bomber. an array of machine guns in the near the end of the airstrip. with their '03 rifles, pistols and the new Rising submachine gun. I I have seen only half a dozen nose. checked one over a couple of days December 4. Over at the natives. Most of them moved back ago, but as an old Ist-squad BAR bomber strip yesterday afternoon, a into the fastness of the jungleman, I don't think much of it. P-40 came in and cracked up on the covered mountains upon the arrival runway. It was a total loss, l^en last of our fighting forces. The few who November 3. Arrive Noumea night a DC-3 was taking off for have stayed behind keep to them­ 1800. There are a large number of Cactus with a load of grenades and selves and live in thatch-roofed ships here, including a freighter November 12. Today we small arms ammo when he clipped huts. They are large people, physi­ with a hole in its No. 4 hold that began discharging cargo onto a gasoline truck. The aircraft crew This gang is sure a bunch of women stand about blew out the hull ,plates on both diesel-driven barges, the Marines cally, even the.... n ui u sides. It looks like you could row a joj^g |},e work of stevedores and six feet tall, and they re all black as souvenir hunters. I even saw one and the truck driver all got out un­ boat completely through the ship, joing it well (just like they always coal. From what I hear, the ones guy with a Jap bicycle. I haven't hurt and ran like hell as the whole November 7. 1730 weighed doj/There are some Navy construe- living in the mountains m"e not at ml been able to get any of the Jap oc­ mess was beginning to bum. They money floating around. had just gotten clear when the anchor and got under way for tion battalion men here, but they averse to chopping off a person's cupation Liquor is at a premium down here grenades started exploding. What head for a souvenir. Well, I didn't Espiritu Santo at 0930. We have an have more work than they can as these boys haven't had anything fireworks! lose anything back in "them thar aircraft carrier and two destroyers handle and don't seem to be very to drink for months. For a quart of hills"—^the Japs are enough for me well organized yet. Though we are as escort. scotch, you can get a Jap pistol or for now. November 9. The aircraft car­ happy to see the cargo moving, as an officer's sword. Unfortunately, The remaining part of Brother November 18. Went ashore ner suQueniv came eaiiic auuui ^ . . . rier suddenly about ..a.^ hard .w., left. an ex-Marine, it bothers me to see I'm fresh out. Smith's diary will appear in a fu­ offour^rtK an^ combat-trained Marines doing andhitchedandemaj^pdownto ture issue of the Seafarers LOG. While I was there, some DC-3 turned to protect her. Our gunnery longshoremen's work. Kind of the bomber strip. It is built on the !? I ~W^' ' Ml �12 SEFTEMOER1994 SEAFARERS LOG Twenty-four hours a day, boatmen aboard Orgulf tugboats know they must be ready to answer Ae call of duty. The crewmembers who work on the Twin Cities and John D. Geary keep a vigilant watch for waterway obstructions while checking on the lines that connect barges loaded with mulch, coal, grain and other dry cargo during voyages along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. "A problem can happen at any time," notes Lead Deckhand Matthew Diehl of the Geary. "That's why it's important for the mt" • crew to stay alert and discover a situation Completing paperwork Lead Deckhand Zolly Keeping an eye on the Deckhand Vanceno Rush Catching a nignt lunch before it becomes a problem." ZoHy Person, lead deckhand aboard the is rw;nC/ftesCookMon- Person keeps safety on Tw/nC/fesdiesel is Chief arrives for a meeting aboard the Geary is the Twin Citiesa priority. Engineer Alan Hornick. aboard the Twin Cities. Utilityman Troy Ingram. Twin Cities, agrees. "The river is always zell Niles. changing. Day or night, we have to be ready to handle anything." The concem for safety does not lessen when the tugs and their barges enter the company's staging area in Moore's Landing, Mo. The smaller boats that operate only on the upper half of the Mississippi release their bar­ ges and tie up with a new set to sail toward Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn, as well as the Ohio and Illinois rivers. Along these water­ ways, Orgulf tugs can push up to 15 barges. The larger tugs take over the chores on the lower half of the Mississippi—directing barges to and from Memphis, Tenn., Baton Rouge, La. and New Orleans. Because the lower river channel is wider, boats are able to operate with as many as 35 barges. The crews aboard the Twin Cities and John D. Geary inspect and secure all loads and lines before departing the staging area. Because of scheduling demands, these pro­ cedures can take place at any time. "We're just as safety conscious at night Ready to inspect lines on the Utilityman Lloyd Shelton sear- Lead Deckhand Matthew Diehl Overseeing night deck operaduring inspections as we are during Geary is Deckhand Charles ches for problems on the TVv/n hasthe John D. Gearyready to tionsonthe rw/nC/f/esisMate daylight," Person adds. Amos. Cities deck. shove off. Dave Owens Maintenance Helps Keep Reiss Sailing After 50 Years Deckhand Joe Schmanski greases a pulley aboard the self-unloader. Maintaining tfie dishwashing equipment is the job of Porter Musleh Mohsin. Meticulous care and "sweet water" have helped keep the Richard Reiss sailing on the Great Lakes for 50 years. Even between jobs of loading or unloading rock, salt and ore. Seafarers aboard the Reiss have no time to slow down as they maintain the laker's equipment. Deck department members can be found all over the Erie Sand Steam­ ship Company vessel, lubricating pul­ leys, testing safety gear and inspecting lines—as well as die usual chipping and painting. Procedures in the engineroom aire no different. QMEDs and wipers con­ stantly monitor the ship's diesel en­ gine and conveyor belt to make sure operations will not be slowed by a mechanical problem. Besides preparing meals for the en­ tire crew, the steward department also has its share of duties in the galley. Cookware, utensils, counters and ap­ pliances must be kept spotless so there will be no hitch when it comes time to cook. During the Great Lakes sailing season, the Reiss can be found in any number of ports delivering or picking up cargo. The self-unloader is designed to be able to dock at either established terminals or inlets with only concrete bollards and bits on site for tying up. The vessel began sailing as a bulker on the Lakes in 1943 and was con­ verted into a self-unloader in 1964. A little lubricant applied by AB/Deckwatch Kevin Bleau keeps the Reiss operating smoothly. Deckhand Roger Bachik watches. Reporting for duty Second Cook Paul Deckhand Roger Standing by to help is Patrolman Ken Horner looks for material reaboard ship is AB Paton takes a menu Bachik assists with Deckhand Leonard quested by Gateman David Hubbard during Gregory (Joe) Viiek. order. chores. Tomas. shipboard meeting. �SEAFARERS LOG SEPTEMBER 1994 Soon Steward/Baker Howard Williams will make this 8Vfe pound fish a main course. ' A&. 13 V ;:ik Fruit salad and cake are on the holiday menu. Fresh Fish Makes Patriot Holiday At Sea Special Preparing the chilled fruit bar is Steward/Baker Howard Williams. Being thousands of miles away from home and off the coast of another continent could not stop the crew of the MV Patriot from holding an Independence Day celebration at sea. The Vulcan Carriers tanker was en route to Antofagasta, Chile when July 4th hit the calen­ dar. The galley gang of Steward/Baker Howard biSfr If. an- Paine brtnps soup from me oh», box ,abov« in «^e, 9^"celebration. crewmembers. Williams, in passing the accompanying photographs to the Seafarers LOG, related that fishing was particularly good off the vessel on July 2. That day, several of the crew caught a mahi-mahi family fish known as dorado. The steward department took over from there, preparing the white fish as the main course along with salads, desserts and other items for the celebration. •'We always try to make holidays special when C^ietvina of the white fish is prepared uneservmgui mewillloiioiiiOH'^K"'"" bv the Pat/fof oallev oano. •--•-•.-i'.'vV • •• •v. we are at sea, away from families_and friends," Qrewmembers line up for the holiday fare. From left are GSU Julian "o^ed Williams. "Having the fresh fish made this ^^jendoza, AB Carlos Spina, Steward/Baker Howard Williams, Bosun Ralph TII1« i. Hon r^awlnr year's T7™,rfV. Fourth of July even tv-ttpr" better Gibbs, Chief Cook Daniel Payne and AD AB Dan Gaylor. •• ' .pM ' M R««..n I^evin McHoul relaxes after enjoying the KeciS As OMU Bob Ivanauskas prepares to eat, others make their way through the serving line. PosInQ on the G/oba/Mariner's deck are (from left) QMU Bob Ivanauskas, SA T.W. White, SA William Pettaway and OS Steve Keville. " "" ' i |v - I -t. Proud of their work for the celebration are SAs Jimmy Sims (left) and William Pettaway. •''•v7'- Cook/Baker Cheryl Neff. SlU hawsepiper John Logari, 3rd There was plenty of food for the families and friends of the Global Mariner crew. asst. engineer, enjoys the picnic. Families and friends of Seafarers who work aboard the Global Mariner got to see firsthand what life is like aboard that vessel while it was tied up in Baltimore over the Independence Day holiday. Crewmembers had the deck of the Transoceanic Cable Ship vessel decorated in red, white and blue as the company held an open house to allow crewmembers to show off where they work. Nearly one hundred people took advantage of the hospitality. The galley gang of Chief Steward Brian Gross met the challenge. "It was a wonderful celebration," noted Baltimore Port Agent Sal Aquia, who was invited and provided the Seafarers LOG with the photos for this story. "There were families and children all over and plenty of good food, thanks to our crew." Gross gave plenty of credit for the way the day turned out to the steward department. Working together to make sure everything proceeded without a hitch were Chief Cook Kevin Marchand, Cook/Baker Cheryl Neff and Steward Assistants T.W. White, Jimmy Sims and William Pettaway. Among the wide variety of entrees offered by the galley gang were steaks, ribs and chicken as well as vegetable and fruit salad bars. To entice those with a sweet tooth, the crew baked cookies, cakes, pies and other treats, For anyone Bringing food from the freezer to the still able to move after eating, tours of the galley are Chief Cook Kevin Marchand (left) and SA T.W. White. cable ship were available. '-y �'. ' ;V'' •: .;r- "1 (•'. SEPTEMBER 1994 14 SEAFARERS LOG '. ..'•t'N..--' '•'•J'-' '• •'.' '.^''.T '' V SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFJUIEKSLOG IS O'Brien Heads for Home %' I • • " 'llf'• Living Memorial to WWII Mariners Triumphantly Returns from Normandy / / •' " ; ass Sisfi' wa iiSliiilSiiM < gs ;;««!!• #E' ' . v.>7 . '' *a :J 12 a a s' lESKfjisWitei*®? «*««• A - I A" ii ' If V f C a 'Mt • • See page 16 for additional coverage of the Jeremiah O'Brien (!i:-,;r" ffi/' O'Brien Crew Recounts Commemorative Voyage as^Trip of a Lifetime' •M > ' 1 Above: The Jeremiah O'Brien was open to the public during a recent four-day stop in Baltimore. The vessel . is scheduled to return to its home port of San Francisco in late September or early October ".V -'V resh from a tour of Europe in which it repre­ sented the American merchant marine's role in D-Day, which happened 50 years ago on June 6 of this year, the World War Il-era Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien last month visited several East Coast ports while en route to its home berth in San Francisco. Dignitaries and other visitors turned out in Portland, Maine; Baltimore; and Jacksonville, Fla. for ceremonies honoring the O'Brien's crewmembers and recognizing the overall contribution of the U.S. merchant marine in World War II. Congresswoman Helen Bentley (D-Md.), a longtime advocate of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, sponsored legislation which helped enable the O'­ Brien to go to France and England for the massive D-Day ceremonies earlier this summer. Last month in Baltimore, standing next to the 51-year-old vessel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, Bentley reflected on the consistent showing of the American merchant marine. F I• It Many Lives Lost f I - t\ ;' y'-fii •••••; ,• • " V' I "Thousands gave their lives in World War II, and thousands more served from the beginning of the war to the end," she stated to a crowd of about 200, as well as to the O 'Brien crew and dozens of active and retired SIU members who were on hand for the ceremony. "The war could not have been won without them." Appreciation for the U.S. merchant marine's vital role in past efforts, as well as recognition of the critical need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet now and in the future, also were echoed by other speakers in Baltimore, including Deputy Maritime Administrator Joan Yim and Rear Admiral Thomas Patterson (U.S. Maritime Service, Ret.). They em­ phasized that history repeatedly has revealed the country's need for a strong shipping capability, not only in times of battle but also during peacetime. The value of a strong merchant fleet perhaps never was more evident than on June 6, 1944, when the Allies launched the largest amphibious military operation in histo^ and began to reclaim France from Nazi occupation. Thousands of U.S. merchant ships delivered troops and materiel on D-Day and in the crucial supply line that followed until the German surrender in May 1945. Turning Point Although costly and difficult, the invasion of France (also known as Operation Overlord) proved to be the turning point in the war. Heavy casualties were sustained by American, Canadian and British forces on D-Day and during the fierce battles which lasted for 11 months afterward. But the sacrifices paid off when Hitler's Nazi forces surrendered, which in turn allowed the Allies to aim their full force on the war in the Pacific. The O'Brien was at Normandy on D-Day, and thousands of active and retired merchant mariners, along with many other supporters, pulled together to ensure that the historic ship would return to France for the 50th anniversary activities. It took many years and hundreds of thousands of man-hours to fully recondition and prepare the O'­ Brien, part of the National Liberty Ship Memorial, for its recent voyage to Europe. But the efforts were rewarded, as the O'Brien became the only ocean­ going vessel to participate in both D-Day and the 50-year anniversary. Patterson, a driving force behind the O'Brien's restoration and a participant in the entire voyage, said that the journey "has exceeded our expectations." He added that he hopes the recognition the O'­ Brien received in Europe will serve both to honor the merchant marine veterans of World War 11 and to remind lawmakers in the U.S. that history "has taught us over and over how important the merchant marine is. You know, there literally were six million people lining the banks in England and France, waving American flags at us. We were cheering back at them. Alex Hochstraser will take home several souvenirs, including his first tattoo. The crew of the Jeremiah O'Brien is a mix of retired merchant mariners, many of whom sailed on merchant ships during World War 11; of younger, active seamen who signed on the Liber­ ty ship to be part of history; and one other trade unionist who became so enamored of the 51-yearold vessel, he left his desk job, acquired the proper documentation and signed on for the entire six-month voyage fi-om San Francisco to Europe and back. But regardless of a particular crewmember's background, or whether he signed on for part or all of the round trip to Normandyj the men aboard the O'Brien agree that the voyage has surpassed even their most optimistic expectations. "It has been the trip of a lifetime," said Bosun Martin Wefald, a retired Seafarer who sailed in the union's Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. "Everyone treated us like royalty in England and France, and meeting President Clinton (who boarded the vessel in Europe) was spectacular. He shook hands with every crewmember; that's been the highlight." Wefald is one of several retired SIU merflbers who have taken part in the voyage, scheduled to end sometime in October when die ship returns to its home port on the West Coast. Many retired members and a few active ones from the SlU-affiliated Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP) and Marine Firemen, Oilers and Watertenders (MFOW) also have comprised the crew, along with a few retirees from the Marine Cooks and Edgar Lingenfeld (left) and Gary Dow are two former SIU members who are helping bring the O'Brien back from Normandy. Stewards, which merged with the SIU in 1978. Operated under authority of the U.S. Maritime Admini|fration, the O'Brien already has fulfilled the main purpose of its trip, which was repre­ senting the U.S. merchant marine at ceremonies in Normandy on and before June 6 commemorat­ ing the 50th anniversary of D-Day. Millions of spectators viewed the immaculately kept, 441foot ship in Europe. Remarkably, of the thousands of vessels that were part of the Normandy invasion in 1944, only the O'Brien returned for the anniversary ac­ tivities, which were covered by media around the world. Enthusiastic Crew A Navy gunner during WWII, Jack Carraher signed on for the entire O'Brien voyage. Joe Milcic spent a year on Liberty ships during the war and also helped restore the O'Brien. During a stop in Baltimore last month, a num­ ber of crewmembers talked with a reporter from the Seafarers LOG about the O'Brien's travels. For Edgar Lingenfield, the ship's gray ex­ terior and tight quarters evoke sca^ memories. "1 served as a third engineer on a Liberty almost 50 years ago," recalled the former SIU member. "On my first trip, we were bombed near Guadalcanal, but luckily nothing hit us. Those were hard mis­ sions." Lingenfield, 69, has been on the O'Brien since it set sail for Normandy in April. "The trip has been very satisfying," he stated. "We were wel­ comed with open arms everywhere we went in England and in France. The people there know what we did for them. "1 think we're known more in England and France than in the United States." In contrast to Lingenfield's first trip during the 1940s, Jack Carraher pointed out that this voyage has been nothing but smooth sailing. "We've had great weather all the way, so somebody's looking after us," said the 71-year-old former member of the SUP, who sailed in the deck and engine departments. Carraher, who was a Navy gunner during World War 11, also signed on for the whole trip. "This was my last chance to sail again," he ex­ plained. "It's a great crew and I'U always remem­ ber them." Like several other crewmembers, Carraher cited the June 5 shipboard visit in Portsmouth, Engird of President and Mrs. Clinton — who were joined by AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland and Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger — as the high point of the journey, surpass­ ing even the D-Day ceremonies. "Both the president and Mrsi. Clinton were very gracious," he said. "1 think they made a lot of friends. Lane Kirkland (who sailed with the Masters, Mates & Pilots during World War 11) was great, too." its commemorative voyage is approximately 75. 11. The retired deck department member, who Other crewmembers range in age frorp midsailed with the SUP, participated in the ship's res­ twenties to early forties, so naiura^y there is a toration project during the past dozen years, al­ variance of perspective regarding the vessel and though he only was able to join the voyage for a its many ports of call, both abroad and in the U.S. short time. Gary Dow, a former SIU member whose "But the main thing is knowing that it hap­ father and grandmother both were involved in the pened, that everyone's efforts paid off," he said. O'Brien's original construction in Portland, More than one crewmember pointed out a par­ Maine, had been working with a Portland-based ticular shipmate who was making his first voyage. group preparing for a reception for the O'Brien's Alex Hochstraser, a member of the Service crew in early August. Employees International Union, said he "heard • After the reception, he signed on for the about die Normandy trip and 1 decided to go for remainder of the trip. "I'm staying on until she it! My father is from France ... You could say 1 reaches San Francisco. Then, I may go back to went due to family history and American history." sailing permanently, who knows," said Dow, 43, As was the case with others, Hochstraser, who who saUed with the SIU for 11 years before a sailed in the engine department, seemed ex­ knee injury in 1988 forced him to come ashore. hilarated by the experience. "There's work to be Dow, who sailed primarily as a QMED, has at done, but tWs is a once-in-a-lifetime, marvelous least one thing in common with the World War 11 experience," he said. "In Europe, 1 found an aunt veterans aboard the ship; Having sufficiently whom 1 didn't know existed. I've already written recovered from the knee injury, he too answered her, and we plan to keep in touch. his nation's call in time of crisis, in this case "Years from now,1 think T11 remember all of during the Persian Gulf War. this, especially the great people 1 sailed with. "1 left a nice desk to go and pump oU," he said They're the best." with a laugh. "But we showed Ae American mer­ He also wUl remember a souvenir which he chant marine can still do the job." picked up in Gosport, England. Getting into the Few aboard the O 'Brien have a deeper ap­ spirit of the World War ll-era merchant marine, preciation for her history than Joe Milcic, who Hochstraser received his first tattoo. spent a year on Liberty ships during World War "Everybody on the ship reaUy liked it," he said. Different Perspectives The average age of the World War 11 merchant marine veterans who have crewed the O'Brien for Retired SIU Bosun Martin Wefald (far right), pictured here with other crewmembers during a pier-side ceremony in Baltimore, began his sailing career in the union's Great Lakes division. X'-nXIXV'-:' 'Sv. i"''. -x ' J-.-;.v.> ;• jJ2 .11 Iff \ is.'-:v;--•. M'. �-• iv-,. • • SffTEMBBt 1^ 16 SEAF/UIBI^ Respect from �; • -S,"'V'rS ^:^®WWW!Wisi^W!!|5^aF3®^^ SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 — AUGUST 15,1994 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups OassA Class B Class C '-#v::.' Port New York 26 Philadelphia 1 Baltimore 3 Norfolk 11 Mobile 10 New Orleans 15 Jacksonville 21 San Francisco 23 Wilmington 15 Seattle 26 Puerto Rico 8 Honolulu 3 Houston 28 St. Louis 1 Piney Point 1 Algonac 0 Totals 192 Port New York 24 Philadelphia 1 Baltimore 3 Norfolk 6 Mobile 9 New Orleans 14 Jacksonville 12 San Francisco 13 Wilniington 12 Seattle 12 Puerto Rico 4 Honolulu 5 Houston 11 St. Louis 0 Kney Point 3 Algonac 0 Totals 129 Port New York 16 Philadelphia 0 Baltimore 3 Norfolk 4 Mobile 9 New Orleans 10 Jacksonville 9 San Francisco 20 l^lmington 14 iSeattle 25 Puerto Rico 4 Honolulu 10 pouston St. Louis 0 pilM^PCM^ 2 Algonac 0 Totals 135 Port 26 10 6 10 24 15 15 19 7 23 5 15 26 2 •4 0 207 20 2 9 7 6 13 18 17 14 8 4 6 1 .14 0 146 14 0 1 10 3 9 li| 10 7 5 0 9 '• " .6' ^l4ewY®--S •0 0 86 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups QassA Class B Class C Trip Rdlefs ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups QassA ClassB ClassC DECK DEPARTMEl^T 29 21 2 6 56 64 8 2 3 1 0 1 13 3 2 5 0' ml':i1;:::.-, 9. 11 '• 4 9 10 2 8 22 35 12 9 11 0 0 17 28 2 13 10 3 9 36 42 7 9 •••• 27 20 344 35 10 4 /• 15 11 4 50 • 31 7 6 13 . 4 1 31 23 ••7' 3,3: 7 21 17 3 8 44 34 8 4 9 1 0 3 15 6 6 11 6 12 6 4 6 19 11 9 22 13 1 10 41 47 18 0 1 1 0 0 0 5 :3„., :.I 0 0 4 0 2 ••.'.v.'1' 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 77 178 146 26 61 373 397 104 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 15 8 0 9 44 38 1 •mm ^ 1 1 2 0 0 , 2 3 2 • 0 7 • • •• -1 0 3 7 9 0 6 3 3 0 0 15 22 13 0 9 3 1 .• 0 14 14 1 4 7 9 2 4 23 31 6 A ' ' •l:;8 8 15 13 17 28 9 • 3,,..;^:.; 11 8 m4 26 25 , 5 ..3 2 ;.v:7 • 10 ,1 -./visiakl1-4. 18 22 •. 4 2 11 6 1 ^ • 8 22 15 3 2 5 5 1 .• • 1 8 4 1 8 4 8 6 3 ; 6 11 11 3 11 13 T ' 8 23 20 5 1 0 0 2 1 3"' 0 >• 0 0 -3 ii; B'' : Im •'•O' - 20 0 , . 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 41 99 96 20 49 230 266 62 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 4 0 6 31 28 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 4 ^ 3 0 0 iz: • frnm i,'5 'M3 5 1 2 8 4 18 4 4 1 1 18 11 2 9 5 0 5 14 4 19 mm 10 0 11 13 10 1 9 19 2 5 66 17 7 1 9 0 23 4 19 1 1 37 12 0 3 . 16 0 2 0 1 6 0 2 2 5 6 6 3 16 13 0 9 3 4 4 10 1 5 ' 0 o' 1 0 35 ^1 ^^"i 0 0 0 108 50 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 0 , 2 0 4 0 0 3 1 3 .3 6 4 7 3 3 1 0 0 0 38 17 1 2 8 7 6 16 7 5 17 4 11 15 0 14 0 130 0 0 0 53 11 2 6 0 163 • ^ 1 '-Ssii 0 ? 4 ' 0 45 22 0 5 18 4 22 15 21 12 20 9 133 12 0 6 0 299 Philadelphia 0 0 0 Baltimore 0 3 4 Norfolk 2 15 12 Mobile 2 15 3 New Orleans 7 16 11 Jacksonville 2 '15 12 San Francisco 7 19 Wilmington 6 18 U.1', 'e Seattle 6 25 12 Puerto Rico 3 6 9 41 Honolulu 4 27 1 Houston 2 23 0 St. Louis 0 2 1 Piney Point 0 23 0 Algonac 0 1 142 Totals 49 242 Totals All 80 423 422 163 295 965 1305 510 681 Departments 505 • '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. A total of 996 jobs were shipped on SlU-contracted deep sea vessels. Of the 1,088 Jobs shipped, 423 jobs or about 39 percent were taken by seniority members. The rest were filled by and seniority people. From July 16 to August 15,1994, a total of 163 trip relief jobs were shipped. Since the trip relief program began on April 1,1982, a total of21,489jobs have heen shipped. •'A >:>K October & November 1994 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point Monday: October 3, November 7 New York Tuesday: October 4, November 8 Philadelphia Wednesday: October 5, November 9 Baltimore Thursday: October 6, November 10 Norfolk Thursday: October 6, November 10 Jacksonville Thursday: October 6, November 10 Algonac Friday: October 7; Monday: November 14* '•••sn 15 : 0 2 0 254 17 changed by Veterans Day holiday Houston Monday: October 10, November 14 New Orleans Tuesday: October 11, November 15 Mobile Wednesday: October 12, November 16 San Francisco Thursday: October 13, November 17 Wilniington Monday: October 17, November 21 Seattle Friday: October 21, November 25 San Juan Thursday: October 6, November 10 St Louis Friday: October 14, November 18 ' Honolulu Friday: October 14, November 18 Duluth Wednesday: October 12, November 16 Jersey City Wednesday: October 19, November 23 NewBedfbrd Tuesday: October 18, November 22 ; Each port's me^ng starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals - ^ RON "RONNIE" CARRAWAY Please contact your nephew, Gaiy Carraway (Ross's son), at P.O. Box 13, New Salisbury, IN 47161; or call (812) 365-2585. EUGENE DUANE Please contact your nephew, Joseph Duane, at 31-12 86th SL, Elmhurst, NY 11369. FRANK JAMES MacKENZIE Anyone with information on Frank James MacKenzie should contact his son, John MacKenzie, c/o Gamer, 12404 Tahoe Trail, Lusby, MD 20657. BERTENMARKLEY Please call your father, Scott, at (309) 3342275. BROTHER ED MONROE Thank you for everything fiom Michael Mur­ phy and his wife. PATRICK JOHN ROONEY Please contact Raymond Banks at 5049-A Backlick Rd., Annandale, VA 22003. MARKRUHL Please contact Zeda Ruhl at 18219 Rolling Meadow Way, Olney, MD 20832. LEONARDO SINISI Please contact J.A. Gross at P.O. Box 1434, Sebring, FL 33870. RICK WILSON Please write Steve Parker at 2 Albion Rd., Cape Elizabeth, ME; or call (207) 775-7975. 'A - • \ • �••.y SEFTEMRER1994 18 SEAFARERS LOG Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers Internatianal Union Directory Michael Sacco Resident John Fay Secretaiy-Treasurer Joseph Sacco Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez Vice President Collective Bargaining George McCartn^ Vice President West Goast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Government Services Jack CaflTey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Coreey . Vice President Gulf Coast HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810)794-4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 3.27-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218)722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713)659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904)353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (205) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508)997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718)499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (804) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 9604 <? 4 Philadelphia,"PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Kney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 2 West Dixie Highway Dania, FL 33004 (305) 921-5661 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave. Stop 16V^ Santurce, PR 00907 (809)721-4033 SEATTLE 2505 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 (206)441-1960 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. SL Louis, MO 63116 (314)752-6500 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 JULY 16 — AUGUST 15,1994 CL—Company/Lakes L—Lakes NP—Non Priority •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 7 0 7 7 0 16 16 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 41 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 25 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 10 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 G O ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL OassL Class NP 0 36 i '' 8 • 0 " -oM ,7 0 28 0 95 0 76 37 41 Totals All Departments 56 0 95 0 * '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. 37 59 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JULY 16- AUGUST 15,1994 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 1 Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals 4 . ' ' 2 51 0 57 0 6 0 2 8 0 10 0 7 17 'V• 2 2 27 0 31 0 2 0 0 2 0 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 3 0 8 0 1 3 0 3 6 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 25 1 2 2 3 ' 3 0 22 1 54 101 2 28 . 7 126 5 31 89 ENGINE DEPARTMENT y:'-2 0 > 0 1 0 0 2 2 11 0 0 36 1 0 0 0 13 0 2 40 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 , 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 1 1 10 0 19 4 2 4 0 4. 10 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 • 0 •: 19 • • 0 >• 29 48 "-"y,:' 8 • . •-,0 8 ^ . •-v'-y.y 0 " 4 • 'y''!^ y.y;10 Totals All Departments 96 11 29 149 5 37 148 13 66 * '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. Are You Missing Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG each month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and welfare checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union copy of the LOG delivered to you, if mail, please use the form on this page you have changed your address, or if to update your home address. your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, complete the Your home address is your per­ form and sendplease it to: manent address, and this is where all Seafarers International Union official union documents will be Address Correction Department mailed (unless otherwise specified). 5201 Auth Way If you are getting more than one Camp Springs, MD 20746 ; HOME ADDRESS FORM (PLEASE PRINT) 9/94 Name I Phone No. (_ I Address. I Social Security No. Active SIU Other Book No. n Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. (Signed). I! • i �SBWARBaUK J oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are 33 Seafarers who have retired to the beach after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Twenty-three of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, seven navigated the in­ land waterways, two sailed on the Great Lakes and one was a member of the Railroad Marine Division. Among those joining the ranks of the retirees, four com­ pleted the bosun recertification course and three graduated from the stewju-d recertification course at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. The recertified bosuns are Brothers John Davies, Clif­ ford A. Perreira, Manuel A. Siiva and Ronald F. Wolf. Those completing the steward recertification course are Brothers Samuel A. Goodman, Lance Rene and Robert Spencer. Seventeen of the retiring Seafarers served in the U.S. military—10 in the Army and seven in the Navy. Brief biographical sketches of Brothers Davies, Perreira, Silva, Wolf, Goodman, Rene and Spen­ cer as well as the other new pen­ sioners follow. DEEP SEA JAMES E. BOND, 71, bom in Vir­ ginia, joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Bal­ timore. Brother Bond sailed in the deck department. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Bond calls Maryland home. DANIEL A. BRASS, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va. He sailed in the engine depart­ ment. Brother Brass frequently upgraded his skills at the Lun­ deberg School in Piney Point He has retired to his native Maryland. SANTIAGO CERRATO, 66, was bom in Honduras and joined the union in 1974 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Cerrato upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He currently resides in Louisiana. GERALD M. HALLIGAN, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck depart­ ment. The New Orleans native at­ tended the Andrew Fumseth Train­ ing School and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lun­ deberg School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1958. He has retired to Louisiana. SIMA PADILLA, 66, began sail­ ing with the Seafarers in 1967 in San Juan. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Padilla _•/ }, ! To Our New Pensioners ... Thanks for a Job Well Done Each month in 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. upgraded his skills at Piney Point. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1954. Brother Padilla still resides in Puerto Rico. EUGENE CIPULLO, 65, began sail­ ing with the SIU in 1972 in the port of New York as a member of the engine department. Brother Cipullo fre­ quently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. Bom in Massachusetts, Seafarer Cipullo has retired to Florida. THOMAS COMMANS, 67, bom in Mississippi, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va. He attended upgrading classes at the Lundeberg School. Brother Commans sailed in the deck depart­ ment. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1952. Brother Commans currently resides in Califor­ nia. JOHNS. DAVIES, 66, a native of Pennsylvania, began sailing with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Davies sailed in the deck department. He completed the bosun recertification course at the Lundeberg School. He calls Penn­ sylvania home. RICHARD W, FORGAYS,67, joined the union in 1952 in the port of Detroit. Bom in Michigan, he started out sailing in the Great Lakes division. He then trans­ ferred to the deep sea division in 1973, sailing in the steward depart­ ment Brother Forgays served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1949. He has retired to Michigw. SAMUEL A. GOODMAN, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Goodman graduated from the steward recer­ tification course at the Lundeberg School in 1980. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Bom in Arkansas, Brother Good­ man currently resides in Washington. -I- REINALDO GOMEZ, 51, began sailing with the SIU in San Juan in 1974 as a member of the engine department. He attended upgrading classes at the Lundeberg School. Brother ' Gomez served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1961. He currently resides in his native Puerto Rico. JAMES LEE ROY JACK­ SON, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Jackson upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1949. Bom in Illinois, he has retired to Texas. ALFRED E. LEWAKOWSKI, 64, a na­ tive of Michigan, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Boston, Mass. He started his maritime career on the Great Lakes and transferred to the deep sea division in 1978. Brother Lewakowski actively par­ ticipated in union organizing drives and beefs. He upgraded his deck department skills in Piney Point Brother Lewakowski served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He lives in Massachusetts. SAMUEL L. LOFTIN,61, joined the union in 1965 in his home port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Loftin sailed in the steward department as chief cook. He has retired to Alabama. CLIFFORD A. PER­ REIRA, 71, bom in Honolulu, joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of San FrancisCO. He sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Brother Perreira graduated from the bosun recertification coiu^ at the Lundeberg School in 1982 and attended other upgrading classes there. He makes his home in Hawaii. tion course. Bom in Malaysia, Brother Rene is a naturalized U.S. citizen and currently resides in Idaho. DIMAS RODRI­ GUEZ, 62, joined the union in 1967 in the port of New York. He sailed in the steward department as a cook and baker. Brother Rodriguez attended upgrad­ ing courses at the Lundeberg School. He has retired to his na­ tive Puerto Rico. ANTHONY RUSSO, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. Brother Russo sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the American Kestrel, a Pacific Gulf Marine ves­ sel. Brother Russo has retired to New York. JOSEPH E. SADLER, 65, bom in Maryland, joined the SIU in the 1951 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department Brother Sadler upgraded his skills in the engine department at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Brother Sadler currently resides in Rhode Island. MANUEL A. SILVA, 59, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing as bosun. Brother Silva completed the bosun recertification course at the Lundeberg School. He has retumed to his native Portugal to live. ROBERT SPENCER, 68, joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of Mobile. The Alab^a na­ tive sailed in tlie steward department. Brother Spencer graduated from the isteward recer­ tification course in 1981 at the Lun­ deberg School in Piney Point. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Spencer con­ tinues to call Alabama home. HERIBERTO VAZ­ LANCE QUEZ, 65, a RENE, 64, native of Puer­ began sailing to Rico, with the began sailing Seafarers in with the 1%5 in the union in 1965 port of San in the port of Francisco. New York. Brother Vazquez He sailed in graduated from the Andrew the steward department Brother Rene upgraded his skills at the Lun­ Fumseth Training School in New York. He sailed in the engine deberg School, including gradua­ department. Brother Vazquez tion from the steward recertifica- 19 upgraded his skills at the Limdeberg School. He has retumed to Puerto Rico to retire. RONALD F. WOLF, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Brother Wolf upgraded fre­ quently at the Lundeberg School and successfully completed the bosun recertification course there in 1988. Brother Wolf has retired' to New York. 'M' INLAND LUIS BONILLA, 66, a native of Puerto Rico, began sailing with the union in 1979 in the port of San Juan. Boatman Bonilla sailed in the steward department. He makes his home in Puerto Rico. JAMES T. BURNS, 62, bom in Buf­ falo, N.Y., joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Algonac, Mich, He sailed in the dec r department Boatman Bums served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952. He has retir^ to Ohio. wmi ROBERT G. CROFT, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Hous­ ton. He sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Bom in Massachusetts, Boatman Croft calls Texas home. LESTER J. HEBERT, 57, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Port Arthur. He sailed as a captain. Boatman Hebert served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1959. He makes his home in his native Texas. EARL ODOM, 60, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Odomwas employed in Dravo Natural Resour­ ces dr^ging operations. He has retired to his home state of Alabama. JOSEPH L TROSCLAIR, 62, began sail­ ing with the union in 1966 in the port of New Orleans. He most recoitly sailed ^ a tugboat captain. Bom in Louisiana, Brother Trosclair lives in Texas. ALLENC WILLIAMS, 62, began sail­ ing with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Nor­ folk. He sailed in the deck department. Boatman WilContinued on page 22 v. '3 ••• �-••ti6;«2itiapSi6»:Uyy>fiiav.4»t44s^S<;tK55Si^ 20 SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG -Mm 0 i;: •: a n d.: [.and ;;y:-- •: •-.f As part of the Military Sealift Command's (MSG) prepositioning fleet based off Diego Garcia, the main function of the Seafarers-crewed MV Lawrence Gianella is refueling U.S. military ships. A T-5 tanker, the Gianella some­ times conducts underway replenish­ ment (unrep) operations with aircraft carriers, battleships and other military craft. At other times, the vessel trans­ fers fuel to Navy tankers which in turn unrep other Navy ships. This is be­ cause, at a length of 615 feet, the it--*, Gianella can maneuver in and out of ports which are inaccessible to many Outfitted with a modular fuel delivery system, Navy tankers ranging in length from the Gianellacan transfer3,000 gallons of fuel per hose per minute. 700 to 800 feet. Second Anniversary This summer quietly marked the two-year an­ niversary of an historic operation involving the Gianella. In July 1992, the Gianella became the first civilian-operated tanker to replenish an aircraft carrier (the USS Independence) under operational conditions. This took place in the Persian Gulf and marked the first of nearly three-dozen such opera­ tions for the SlU-crewed vessel. Operated by Ocean Shipholding, the Gianella was fitted with a modular delivery system AB John Weaver Is ready to go developed by the Navy to rapidly modify commer­ to work on the ship's deck. cial taiikers in emergencies, thereby enabling the tankers to deliver fuel to underway Nayy ships. Shipboard Meeting Updates Busy Crusader Crew ^0 When the Sea-Land Crusader docks at Port Elizabeth, N.J., Seafarers know it marks the end of another successful 28-day voyage around the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts and into the Caribbean. During a recent visit to the Sea-Land facility in New Jersey, crewmembers were able to catch up on the latest information regarding the union and the maritime in­ dustry when SIU representatives from the port of New York came aboard to answer questions about the contract, file medical applications and distribute the Seafarers LOG. Bosun Harold Berggren took time out during the shipboard meeting to praise the quality and spirit of the crew on the Crusader. "This is a really good ship," said Berggren, who sails from the port of Nor­ folk, Va. "All departments work well together, keeping everything top notch so we can maintain our tight schedule." The Lancer-class containership makes regular stops in Jacksonville, Fla., New Or­ leans and Houston, as well as the Caribbean ports of San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. The bosun noted each stop requires a quick turnaround. IM ftif 10 S'5 Reading the latest maritime news In the Seafarers LOG Is Chief Electrician Oswald Bermeo. AB Reyes Flores listens during a shipboard meeting aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Other Regions Although it normally operates in the British Indian Ocean Territories, the Gianella in recent years also has sailed in Far East and Australian waters. Like the other vessels in the prepositioning fleet, the 30,000-dwt tanker remains ready to sail, fiilly loaded, at a moment's notice and to any number of possible destinations. On a recent trip to Diego Garcia to meet with Seafarer crewmembers, SIU Port Agent Sal Aquia (who provided the photos accompanying this story) noted that the Gianella crew "does a good job of keeping up on union affairs and legislative issues which affect their employment. They may work a long way from the U.S., but they stay up-to-date on the things that matter to their livelihood." Involved In refueling opera­ tions Is AB Ray Childress. Testing the broth before serving lunch Is Ready for the meeting to start are SA Luis Chief Steward Nick Andrews. Rivera (left) and DEU Pablo Albino. 0^:0 • iF •SWh:' Chief Cook Martin Ketchem has plenty to do to keep the G/ane//a'screw well fed. Bosun Zlanal SInegar handles store operations with crane. Maintaining the deck watch during the offloading are AB Severiano Bonefont (left) and Bosun Harold Berggren. AB Thomas Votsis catches up on his reading during a break. •/ From left, QMED Calvin Murray, SA Ollle Abdull, Chief Steward Manuel Faria and QMED Tom Kesem enjoy a meal In the galley. Keeping, the deck swept clean Is AB Mark Smith. Taking part In the Crusader's union meeting are (from left) Chief Cook Benjamin Corpus, Bosun Harold Berggren, OMU Julio Reyes and SA Luis Rivera. �OAfWIBRSLOG WPTamER1994 Steward Delegate John Foster. Chairman notified crew that vessel has been sold to Kirby Tankships. Ship's water fountains need to be fixed. Engine delegate said port en­ gineer will check them out. No The Seafarer LOG attempts to print as many digests of union ship­ beefs or disputed OT reported in board minutes as possibie. On occasion, becau^ of space all three departments. Crew asked to help steward department in keep­ imitations, some win be omitted. ing ship clean and helping Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. eliminate any problem with Those issues requiring attention or resoiution are addres^ by the roaches. Digest of Slops Meetings union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for pubiication. USNS SILAS BENT{Bay Ship Management), April 29—Chair­ man Robert S. Vazquez, Secretary Ben Henderson, Educational Director Richard Larsen, Steward Delegate Thomas J. Robinson. Chairman announced to crewmembers that next inspection would take place May.1 in port of Dubai. Ship's hull to be painted at that time. A Navy representative aboard ship presented steward department with letter of appreciation for job well done. Steward department received average weeldy sanitation score of 99 percent for month of April. Educational director urged members to attend upgrading cour­ ses at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced $269 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by all departments. Members made suggestions to contracts depart­ ment to consider review of length of time per tour aboard ship, crew requested purchase of ice coolers for deck and engine department and replacement of barbecue grill. Videotapes to be exchanged in port of Dubai. CAPE WASHINGTON (Amsca), May 22—Chairman Mark DePalma, Secretary Roy Royals, Educational Director George Cruzen, Deck Delegate Justin Savage, Steward Delegate Ken Whitfield. Chairman extended con­ gratulations to crewmembers for doing great job. Educational direc­ tor reminded members of increased earning opportunities by attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Cen­ ter. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck, engine or steward departments. All ship's fiind money used to purchase movies in Charleston. Suggestion made for everyone to donate $.50 each meeting to be used to start new fund. Repairs being completed on ship's exercise equipment, and engine department will fix handle on forward washer. Thanks given to steward department for great food. Next port; Singapore. •. OMI WILLAMETTE{OMl), May 22—Chairman Eugene R. Bever­ ly, Secretary Walter Hansen. Chairman announced smoking limited to crewmen's rooms. Dis­ puted OT reported in engine depart­ ment. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Request made to con- OMI LEADER (OMI), June 1— Chairman Jim Scheck, Secretary Norman Duhe, Educational Direc­ tracts department to look into tor James McDaniel. No beefs or reducing amount of seatime needed disputed OT reported by deck, en­ for full retirement. Crewmembers gine or steward delegates. Crew­ requested all current union informa­ members reminded of no smoking tion be forwarded from head­ at any time policy in rec room and quarters to ship. mess hall. Crew asked to help keep ship clean and keep noise down USNS REGULUS (Bay Ship after 10 p.m. Vote of thanks given Management), May 20-^hairman to steward department for job well James L. Deano, Secretary Gale done. A. Flanagan, Educational Director Melvin L. Kerns. Chairman OMI WILLAMETTE{OMI), June reported good voyage. Crew doing 19—Chairman Eugene R. Bever­ great job keeping ship clean. ly, Secretary Antonio H. Hall, En­ Educational director stressed im­ gine Delegate Rudolph Lopez, portance of upgrading skills at Steward Delegate Clifford B. El­ Piney Point. No beefs or disputed liott. Some disputed OT reported OT reported by deck, engine or in engine department; otherwise, steward departments. Next port: no beefs or disputed OT noted by Guam. deck or steward delegates. Crew­ members reminded not to wear CHARLES L. BROWN (Tran­ tank tops in mess hall during meal soceanic Cable), June 28—Chair­ hour. Also, when signing off ship, man Francisco J. Sousa, Secretary everyone should clean rooms. Ship Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational will be laying up. At that time, Director William R. Carrol, crew hopes to donate videotape Steward Delegate Barney movie collection to other SIU ships. Johnson. Chairman reminded crew that ship is on cable repair stand­ OVERSEAS BOSTON by, and approximately every four (Maritime Overseas Corp.), May months a cable training exercise is 19—Chairman Paul D. Marra, held. Educational director re­ Secretary Manny Basas, Educa­ quested crewmembers to be con­ tional director Konstantinos Kossiderate of fellow shipmates, keep touros. Deck Delegate Rikent laundry area clean and maintain Seratt, Engine Delegate Tim O. safety procedures at all times. All Burnett, Steward Delegate Munir departments running smoothly Saleh. Bosun advised all members to read president's report in with no beefs or disputed OT. In consideration of crewmembers, re­ Seafarers LOG to better under­ quest made to paint inside of ship stand SIU history. Educational during day rather than at night director urged members to upgrade when AC units circulate fumes skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs throughout all quarters. Chief mate or disputed OT reported by deck, stated that anybody who gets in­ engine or steward delegates. Re­ jured aboard ship should see him quest was made that policy of no as soon as possible to prevent wor­ smoking in mess hall during meal hour be observed. Crewmembers sening of condition. asked for help in cleaning rec LIBERTY SUN{UhcTty room. New TV antenna and radio Maritime), June 19—Chairman needed for rec room. Chief steward Joseph W. Moore, Secretary and chief cook given a vote of Frederick L.Washington Sr., thanks for job well done. Next Educational Director A.W. Burport: Anacortes, Wash. rell. Chairman reminded crewmem­ RALEIGH BAY{Sea-Land Ser­ bers to turn in safety kits,and room vice), June 5—Chairman Howard keys when leaving ship. All dirty dishes should be returned to galley. Knox, Secretaiy J.P. Speller, Educational Director David J. Request made to have parts of Dukehart. Chairman advised crew­ deck, mess hall and pantry members of importance of con­ repaired. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine depart­ tributing to SPAD. He asked them to try to keep ship clean, including ments. No beefs or disputed OT microwave ovens. Educational reported in steward department. director noted importance of attend­ OMI CHAMPION (OMI), June ing upgrading courses at Lun­ 18—Chairman M. de la Cerda, deberg School. Ship's delegates Secretary Walter Hansen, reported no beefs or disputed OT. SEA-LAND DEFENDER {SeaLand Service), June 15—Chairman R. Wagner, Secretary Curtis L. Phillips, Deck Delegate Donald Morrison. Copies of Seafarers LOGs received in Long Beach, Calif. Crewmembers were reminded to go through proper channels when settling beefs—to department delegate. Some dis­ puted OT reported in deck depart­ ments. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine or steward departments. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. Gifts from Strangers During a stopover of the Sealift Antarctic in Adak. Alaska, Bnan Sandlin takes a break to visit with one of the m^y home. This one was most daring: Sandlin, he left a gift for the bosun—a white tail feather. (Photo and liver contributed by Chief Cook Sam Harris.) ,V y; .y SEA-LAND EXPEDITION{SeaLand Service), June 12—Chairman Paulino Flores, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director L.V. Hargesheimer. I)Io beefs or disputed OT reported in engine or steward departments. Chairman had questions about OT in deck depattmeni. Secs-cterj' every­ thing OK. Payoff will be in Port Elizabeth, N.J. upon arrival. Educa­ '"J-''.V.... tional director stressed importance of taking advantage of training facility at Piney Point for upgrad­ ing skills and job security. Vote of thanks given to steward departmerit for fine meals. SEA-LAND PACIFIC{Sea-Land Service), June 24—Chairman Lothar G.G. Reck, Deck Delegate Robert L. Smith, Engine Delegate A1 Bombita Jr., Steward Delegate Rebecca Pouliot No beefs or dis­ puted OT reported aboard ship. Educational director advised mem­ bers to take advantage of courses available at Lundeberg School Treasurer announced $40 in movie fiind and $325 in ship's fund. Steward department thanked for job well done. Engine delegate reminded crewmembers of impor­ tance of contributing to SPAD. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), June 12—Chairman Kenneth C. McGregor, Secretary 21 4- courses at Paul Hall Center. Deck department reported some disputed OT for tank cleaning. Engine and steward department delegates reported no beefs or disputed OT. Request made to look into im­ proved mail service and distribu­ tion. Letter to be written to company regarding several items to be repaired aboard ship, includ­ ing upholstery, guards for fans, VCR and some deck tiles. Next port: Houston, Texas. BALDOMERO LOPEZ(Amsea), July 31—Chairman Jetfery Moritz, Secretary Anthony Ferrara. Educational Director R. Rudd, Steward Delegate Wigberto Reyes. Chairman reminded crew of importance of registering in hall within 48 hours to retain job status. Ship currently at anchor in Saipan. Mail to arrive in Guam August 12. Educational director arivised all crewmembers to upgrade skills at Working in White •W • AB Mike Duggan (left) and Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez, balanced on bosuns' chairs and with paintbrushes in hand, help keep the hull of the OMIMissouri in pristine condition. Donna Jean demons. Education­ al Director James Smitko, Deck Delegate Mark Stevens, Engine Delegate Ted H. Carter, Steward Delegate Susano C. Cortez. Bosun reported estimated time of arrival in Oakland, Calif. He also noted steam irons have been or­ dered and should be in stores for next voyage. Treasurer announced crew fund still at $55. No beefs or disputed OT reported by three department delegates. Crew thanked steward department for wonderful barbecue, with Special thanks to AB Mike Tracy for king crab legs he got in Canada. Repair list has several items, including new mattresses, which will be presented to captain and union for review. SEALIFT ARABIAN SEA (IMC), June 5—Chairman Tom Prather, Secretary All S. Hassan, Steward Delegate Joseph Simonetti. Minutes of last meeting reviewed. Recommendation made by educational director to reshow training films after drills. Treasurer suggested new videos be purchased and offered ideas on how to raise money to purchase new VCR. En­ gine delegate noted ice machine would be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Steward delegate announced fresh milk and fruit on order and that 60-day stores would be taken on at next port, which is Rotterdam, Netherlands. SEALIFT CARIBBEAN (IMC), June 17—Chairman Richard Nicholas, Secretary Dorothy Bar­ nes, Educational Director Joe Stores, Engine Delegate Glynn Courson, Steward Delegate Larry Wayne Nicholson. Chairman an­ nounced any disputed OT due to delayed sailing would be collected at payoff. Educational director urged members to attend upgrading . • Piney Point. Treasurer announced $597 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck, en­ gine and steward departments. Copies of Seafarers LOG received aboard ship. Suggestion regarding increased dental and optical in­ surance to be sent to contracts department. Crewmembers asked to use courtesy in crew lounge by cleaning up and shutting off TV, VCR and lights when not in use. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding job and great variety of wonderful food. ' 'ik iii •,"sv" •„.f:: CLEVELAND{SeamBu\kers), July 3—Chairman DavidJ. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel Vinca, Educational Director Iqhal Samra, Deck Delegate Paul J. Cadran, Engine Delegate Nathaniel Gaten, Steward Delegate Ruti Dement. Chairman advised crewmembers to resolve any conflicts with department delegate, then ship's chairman. He also reminded crew not to go on deck during pirate watch. Educa­ tional director urged those who have time to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Education is free and gives members greater earning potential. Treasurer announced $115 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by ship's three delegates. Items in galley and crew quarters that need fixing will be put on repair list. All hands reminded to be considerate of fel­ low shipmates by keeping noise down in passageways. Steward department given vote of thanks for great barbecue and excellent pastries and goodies. CLEVELAND{Seaim Bulkers), July 24—Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel Vinca, Educational Director Iqhal Samra, Deck Delegate Paul J. Continued on page 22 Zy4 �22 SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFMERSLOG Ships Digest Continued from page 21 Delegate Dean Dobbins, Steward Delegate Mohamed M. Quaraish. Crewmembers requested update on computation of vacation pay. Educational director reminded all members to upgrade skills by at­ tending courses at Piney Point. Treasurer Dana Naze announced $1,057 in ship's fund. Request for clarification of increase on penalty and overtime rates sent to contracts department. Next port: Diego Gar­ cia. Cadran, Engine Delegate Nathaniel Gaten, Steward Delegate Ruti Demont. Chairman reported eveiything running smoothly with job well done by all hands. Repair list given to chief en­ gineer and chief mate. Educational director talked about furthering NUEVO SAN JUAN (PRMMI), education and skills at Paul Hall July 1—Chairman Jerry Borucki, Center. Treasurer announced $115 Secretary Hazel Johnson, Educa­ in ship's fund. Some of it may be tional Director Charles Gallagher, used for specialty food for bar­ Deck Delegate Victor Beata, En­ becue scheduled en route to Sin­ gine Delegate Abby R. Aragones, gapore from Diego Garcia. No Steward Delegate Isidro Santiago. beefs or disputed OT reported by Suggestion made to have draws for deck, engine or steward delegates. all members put out at every port. Copies of new contract going into Secretary thanked crew for helping effect Aug. 4 received. Vote of thanks given to steward department keep ship clean. He also requested for clean ship, good food and fresh­ crew to observe no smoking signs aboard ship. Chairman urged all ly baked goods. Good effort by all members to upgrade at Lundeberg hands in keeping noise down. Re­ quest made for everyone to pick up School. He noted school is also great place to take family for sum­ clothes from laundry when mer vacation. Crew thanked for finished. keeping ship accident-free, and CPL. LOUIS J. HAUGE JR. reminder given about importance (Maersk), July 3—Chairman of contributing to SPAD. Bosun Jerome J. Fahey, Secretary Wil­ also asked for donations of cloth­ liam J. Bunch, Educational Direc­ ing and shoes to be given to poor tor E. Snow. Discussion held in Dominican Republic. Follow­ regarding new regulations aboard ing stops in Jacksonville, Fla., military-contracted vessels. Educa­ Elizabeth, N.J. and San Juan, tional director encouraged all crew- P.R., ship will pay off in Bal­ members to take advantage of timore, Md. upgrading opportunities at Piney OMI DYNACHEMiOMl), July Point. Treasurer announced $153.18 in ship's fund. Suggestion 3—Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, made to purchase new movies from Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director George ship's fund upon arrival in Bixby, Steward Delegate Thomas Thailand. Deck, engine and D. Kreis. New wages dikussed. steward departments reported no Crew awaits union patrolman at beefs or disputed OT. Next port: next payoff. Chairman also spoke Satahip, Thailand. about need for safety when weld­ GOLDEN MONARCH (Apex ing at sea. Secretary reminded all Marine), July 10—Chairman Ran­ members of importance of con­ dall Carlton Hanke, Secretary R. tributing to SPAD. He thanked Juzang. Ship en route to Panama deck gang for cleanliness of crew Canal Zone. Educational director ounge and passageways. Educa­ reminded members of upgrading tional director encouraged crew to facility available at Lundeberg upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. School. No beefs or disputed OT Treasurer announced $136 in reported by three department movie fund. New movies are cur­ delegates. Next port: Beaumont, rently aboard. Department Texas. delegates reported no beefs or dis­ puted OT. New remote control GUA YAMA (PRMMI), July 10— needed for TV. Crew notified that Chairman Felix Santiago, they are entitled to transportation Secretary Ruhen Padilla, Educa­ after foreign articles are broken, tional Director Tony Mohammed, ^lext port: Jacksonville, Fla. Deck Delegate H. Dermody, En­ gine Delegate James H. Emidy III, Steward Delegate A. Serrano. Chairman reported vessel laying up for approximately six weeks in shipyard in Mobile, Ala. for repairs. Yard period for PRMMI's Humacao will follow. Educational director noted that for jpb secuiij^ and better pay, members should at­ tend courses at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported by all department delegates. Thanks given to steward depart­ ment for job well done. f! GffOTOAf (Sheridan Transporta­ tion), July 5—Chairman Melvin Santos, Secretary MaiYin Deloateh, Educational Director Pedro Santiago, Deck Delegate Clay Brown, Engine Delegate Abraham Daif, Steward Delegate Michael Hanunock. Chairman reported everything running smoothly. Ship to pay off July 7 in Stapleton, N.Y. He urged members to read Seafarers LOG and keep up with union matters. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess room clean. Educational director advised members to take advantage of educational facilities at Paul Hall Center. Crew extended vote of thanks to steward department for very good cookout on Inde­ pendence Day. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), July 24Chmrman Salvatore Ciciulla, Steward Lovell McElroy, Educa­ tional Director R. Day, Deck Delegate ^Vayne Casey, Engine crewmember flown home from Venezuela with injury to leg. Re­ placement AB came aboard. Secretary stated port stores received and good July 4 celebra­ tion. Crew hopes to receive 60-day stores in port of Houston. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck, engine or steward departments. Crew reported need for new ice machine and washing machine. Also, crew lounge needs new furni­ ture. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. PATRIOT(Vulcan Carriers), July 21—Chairman Ralph Gibbs, Secretary Howard G. Williams, Educational Director Frederick C. Harris, Deck Delegate Cliff Evans, Engine Delegate Dan Gaylor. All running well, accord­ ing to bosun. Weekly barbecues great for morale. En route to Antofagasta, Chile on July 18, vessel resjionded to fishing boat flying distress flags, 106 miles from port of Puerto Pimentel, Peru. Captain thanked SlU crewmembers aboard for efforts in helping fishermen. Boat given diesel, water; food, cigarettes and battery jump start. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Ice machine fixed and working OK. Received new sofa in Galveston, Texas. Crew washing machine fixed and many new movies aboard ship. Steward department thanked for doing great job. Ship heading to Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, with expected payoff in Veracruz, Mexico. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (SeaLand Service), July 21—Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Gerald Shirley, Educational Direc­ tor K. Bertel. Chairman an­ nounced arrival in port of Tacoma, Wash, with payoff scheduled. Educational director reminded crewmembers to register to vote and to get involved and active in local elections. Ship's department delegates reported no beefs or dis­ puted OT. Clarification received from headquarters about draws— 50 percent of net wages allowed. All hands reminded to be cour­ teous to fellow shipmates and return dl items to proper place. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Bosun caught a 100-lb halibut in Kodiak, OMI MISSOURI (OMI), July 24— Alaska, and crew had great fish Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary feast. Clyde Kreiss, Deck Delegate Neil D. Matthey, Engine Delegate R. , SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaYbarra. Chairman announced jayoff scheduled for Corpus Chris- Land Service), July 10—Chairman ti, Texas. Treasurer announced $50 Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar in ship's fund. Two hours disputed Vazquez, Educational Director Ruben A. Velez. Chairman OT reported in deck department. reported all running smoothly Vo beefs or disputed OT reported aboard ship. Educational director jy engine or steward delegates. advised crewmembers to attend Ship received copy of new pay upgrading classes at Paul Hall Cen­ rates. Request made to fix chair ter. No beefs or disputed OT egs in mess hall and lounge reported by department delegates. areas. OVERSEAS ALASKA (Maritime Overseas Corp.), July 26—Chairman Daniel W. Sea^e, Secretary Lincoln Finn, Education­ al Director G. Montgomery. Chair­ man estimated time of arrival for docking and payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He noted crew washing machine needs to be fixed or replaced. Educational director an­ nounced new EPA-approved refrigeration technician certifica­ tion courses will be held in San Francisco, Seattle and Honolulu in October. All interested persons should plan to attend. No beefs or disputed OT reported by ship's department delegates. PATRIOT(Vulcan Carriers), July 1—Chairman Ralph Gibbs, Secretary Howard G. Williams, Deck Delegate Thomas^emple, Engine Delegate Mark K. Stewart, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Payne. Chairman reported one SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), July IS-rChairman Jimmy L. Carter, Deck Delegate James A.Speer, Engine Delegate James Hagner. Educational direc­ tor announced hazardous materials training information and movie provided for all crew by chief mate. Ship awaiting air condition­ ing filters which will be installed upon arrival aboard ship. He urged members to go to Piney Point for upgrading courses. Bosun asked for donations to start movie/enter­ tainment fund. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine or steward departments. New mattress requested by one member and new tbaster needed for crew lounge. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), July 10—Chairman Joel Miller, Secretary R.A. Gar­ cia. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Long Beach, Calif. New mattresses on order for crew. Secretary getting off in Long Beach. He thanked everyone for help in keeping clean and safe ship. He advised members to look toward Lundeberg School for ship­ board advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported by depart­ ment delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for goodjob. disputed OT reported by depart­ ment delegates. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND SPIRIT(Sea-Land Service), July 24—Chairman Catch of the Day SEA-LAND PACER (Sea-Land Service), July 10—Chairman Michael A. Johnson, Secretary William C. Wroten, Educational Director Stan Popov, Deck Delegate Jeffrey Mateer, Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman said routine voyage with only minor problems. He reminded crewmembers to close doors gently to avoid waking men in adjoining rooms. He will arrange for ex­ change of movies in Japan. Depart­ ment delegates reported no beefs or disputed OT. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Ship is heading toward Pusan, South Korea, with payoff scheduled for Yokohama, Japan on July 15. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), July 10—Chairman Kenneth C. McGregor, Secretary Donna Jean demons. Education­ al Director Jim Smitko, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Acevedo, En­ gine Delegate Ted H. Carter, Steward Delegate Susano C. Cortez. Chairman announced steam irons received in port and located in crew laundry room. Captain received repair list and ordered new mattresses. Payoff scheduled for Long Beach, Calif. Men getting off requested to clean rooms. Treasurer announced $55 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck, engine and steward departments. Vessel celebrated July 4 with barbecue and fireworks. Crew thanked steward department for job well done and for extra effort for cookout. Bosun thanked deck department for outstanding job in #9 and #10 holds. Next port: Oak­ land, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), July 7—Chairman A. Eckert, Secretary G. SIvley, Educational Director A. Jamamillo. Copies of Seafarers LOGs received in Honolulu. Chairman asked all crewmembers to report any necessaiy repairs. He thanked crew for smooth trip. No beefs or Pensioners Continued from page 19 'i- OMU Charles Donley holds the mahi-mahi he caught from the fantail of the USNS Silas Bent. Howard Glhhs, Secretary Aubrey Gething, Educational Director Robert A. Martinez, Deck Delegate Theodore Doi, Steward Delegate Sheng Jen Hsieh. Chair­ man reported new exercise machine purchased for crew. Secretary announced anyone wish­ ing to upgrade at Paul Hall Center should contact the school directly or send in application from LOG. Educational director stressed im­ portance of donating to SPAD. Treasurer Bradford Mack reported $140 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck, engine or steward depart­ ments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good ser­ vice and tasty meals. Next port: Honolulu, Hawaii. Steamship Co. vessel, the Charles E. Wilson. He currently resides in Michigan. RAILROAD MARINE Hams upgraded his skills at the Lun­ GARLAND E. BROOKS, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the deberg School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. The port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Brooks was last employed with the Missouri native has retired to Florida. marine division of C&O Railroad. He served in the U.S. Army from GREAT LAKES 1946 to 1947. Brother Brooks has JOHNS. retired to his native Virginia. MONACO, 61, joined the CORRECTION SIU in 1961 Some factual errors were in the port of listed in Paul Laborde's Cleveland, retirement announcement in Ohio. He last month's LOG. Brother sailed in the Laborde started his shipping deck depart­ career in 1951 at the age of ment. Brother Monaco served in 16. He became a full book the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955. member of the SIU in 1959. He calls Ohio home. He sailed in the steward and ALFRED engine departments temporari­ ZAPOLly, bpt primarily wprked in the NEK,71, deck department. Pensioner bqgan saiUng Laborde spent most of his with the shipboard life in the capacity union in 1948 of an AB. He also held a in the port of bosun's endorsement. He last Algonac, sailed aboard the supertanker. Mich. He Ocean Duchess, in July 1993. sailed in the Brother Laborde retired in engine department. Brother ZapolApril 1994. nek last sailed aboard the American • �'•f- . • :S. i;'' •3;:: \ -.. 1994 SEAFMERSLOG 23 Final Departures DEEP SEA LEO F. BROWN Pensioner L^o F. Brown, 81, died February 1. A native of Michigan, he joined the SIU in 1961 in the portofDetroiL Brother Brown began his sailing career in the Great Lakes Division and later sailed in the deep sea SlU-contracted fleet. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Brown retired in July 1977. WESLEY T. CHRISTIANSON Pensioner Wesley T. Christianson, 68, passed away Decem­ ber 5, 1993. Bom in Louisiana, he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Christianson started receiv­ ing his pension in January 1988. STANLEY J. CIESLAK Pensioner Stanley J. Cieslak, 72, died July 14. A native of Massachu­ setts, he joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of Boston. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Cieslak upgrad^ at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Brother Cieslak retired in January 1984. He began receiving his pension in December 1983. WILLIAM F. DOUGLAS Pensioner William F. Douglas, 66, died July 29. Bom in On­ tario, Canada, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck depart­ ment. Brother Douglas upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. Brother Douglas retired in September 1993. JOHNFEDESOVICH Pensioner John Fedesovich, 66, passed away Decem­ ber 19,1993. A native of New Hampshire, Brother Fedesovich joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of Norfolk. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Fedesovich upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He began receiving his pension in May 1989. THOMAS FOULKE Thomas Foulke, 28, died August 3. Bom in Pensacola, Fla., he signed on with the SIU in 1987 in Piney Point, Md. after completing the Lun­ deberg School's training course for entry level seamen. Brother Foulke sailed in the deck depart­ ment and retumed to Piney Point for upgrading classes. ROBERT S. COSSIBOIN Pensioner Robert S. Cossiboin, 74, passed away JACK E. GERVAIS April 12. Pensioner Bom in Jack E. GerChicago, he vais, 69, began his sail­ passed away ing career May 28. A na­ with the SIU tive of in 1959 in the port of New York. Chicago, he He sailed in the engine department. began his sail­ Brother Cossiboin upgraded at the ing career Lundeberg School. He served in with the the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1945. Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Brother Cossiboin began receiving New York, most recently sailing as his pension in October 1982. a bosun. Brother Gervais retired in CLIFFORD DAMMEYER Febmary 1986. Pensioner Clifford Dam- JUAN A.GOGLAS meyer, 66, Pensioner died July 12. Juan A. A native of Goglas, 71, New Jersey, died August he joined the 5. Bom in Seafarers in Puerto Rico, 1957 in the he joined the port of New SIU in 1944 York. He sailed in the deck depart­ in the port of ment. Brother Dammeyer New York. upgraded at Piney Point and Brother Goglas sailed in the engine graduated from the bosun recerdepartment. He upgraded at Piney tification course in 1974. He Point. Brother Goglas began served in the U. S. Air Force from receiving his pension in January 1946 to 1948. Brother Dammeyer 1984. retired in September 1981. ORLANDO H. DICKSON Pensioner Orlando H. Dickson, 79, passed away May 28. Brother Dickson joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1965 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­ trict (AGLIWD). Brother Dickson upgraded at the Lundeberg School. NRIQUE HERNANDEZ Pensioner Enrique Hernandez, 68, nassed away May 11. A native of ^lerto Rico, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Baltimore as a member of the steward department Brother Her­ nandez upgraded frequently at the .undeberg School. He retired in >Iovember 1991. ULYSSUS M. HOLLINGSWORTH Pensioner Ulyssus M. Hollingsworth, 83, died August 4, 1993. Bom in Coffeeville, Kan., he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1945, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Hollingsworth resided in Seattle, Wash. He began receiving his pension in December 1975. FREDDIE HORN Freddie Hom, 60, passed away July 21. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., he joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Hom sailed in the engine department as a QMED. He upgraded frequently at the Lun­ deberg School. Brother Hom served in the U.S; Army from 1954 to 1957. HAROLD M. KARLSEN Pensioner Harold M. Karlsen, 79, died Novem­ ber 24, 1993. Bom in Nor­ way, he began his sail­ ing career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Karlsen retired to Louisiana in April 1979. JAN M. KOLODZIEJ Pensioner Jan M. Kolodziej, 84, passed away July 6. A native of Massachu­ setts, he joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of New York, sailing in the deck department. Brother Kolodziej upgraded at Piney Point. He began receiving his pension in October 1975. JESUS LAXAMANA Jesus Laxamana, 50, died July 21. Bom in the Philip­ pines, he joined the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Laxamana served in the U. S. Army from 1962 to 1965. THOMAS LUNDY Pensioner Thomas Lundy, 65, passed away July 19. A na­ tive of Missis­ sippi, he joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the en­ gine department. Brother Lundy retired in November 1991. FRANCIS A. MUNRGE Pensioner Francis A. Munroe, 74, passed away July 8. A native of Canada, he joined,the SIU in 1957 in the port of Chicago. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Munroe served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1947. He retired August 1984. JAMES E. MARTIN James E. Mar­ tin, 49, died July 11. Bom in Cleveland Ohio, he joined tlie Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Martin served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1966. FLOYD E. PERKINS Floyd E. Perkins, 67, died March 9. Bom in Mis­ sissippi, he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Perkins served in the U. S. Army from 1944 to 1946. SAMUEL PHILLIPS Pensioner Samuel Phil­ lips, 94, passed away July 3. A na­ tive of the British West Indies, he began his sail­ ing career with the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. He sailed in the steward department. Brother PhiL lips began receiving his pension in December 1964. SAMUEL E. POWELL Pensioner Samuel E. Powell, 63, died Novem­ ber 12,1993. A native of Columbia, S.C., he graduated from the Andrew Furaseth School in New York and began sailing with the SIU in 1960. He sailed in the en­ gine department. Brother Powell upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1948 to 1949. Brother Powell began receiving his pension in January 1988. SANTOS REYES Pensioner Santos Reyes, 74, passed away July 2. A native of Texas, he started sailing with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Gal­ veston. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Reyes began receiving his pension in September 1984. HANSD.SCHULTE Hans D. Schulte, 52, passed away November 11, 1993. Bom in Germany, the natural­ ized U.S. citizen joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Wilmington. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Schulte served in tlie U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966. JOHN J. POWERS Pensioner John J. Powers, 86, died July 27. Bom in Boston, Mass., he joined the Seafarers as a charter member in 1938 in the port of Bal­ timore, sailing as a member of the deck department. Brother Powers retired in March 1966. •f • ARTHURSULLA Pensioner Ar­ thur Sulla, 80, died Novem­ ber 24, 1993. A native of Estonia, he began sailing with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Sulla was ac­ tive in union organizing efforts. He began receiving his pension in September 1972. MICHAEL J. TEWES Michael J. Tewes, 38, passed away July 6. Bom in New York City, he signed on with the SIU in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. after completing the Lundeberg School's training course for entry level seamen. He sailed in the deck department, retuming to Piney Point to upgrade his skills. Brother Tewes served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1974. AUGUSTIN VAN SEVEREN Pensioner Augustin Van Severen, 82, died July 31. A nati ve of Honduras, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Brother Van Severen joined the Seafarei-s in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department. He retired in November 1979. •r,,r DOUGLAS VERGES Douglas Verges, 59, passed away July 20. A native of New Orleans, La., he joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Verges served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954. STANLEY D. VIENNA Stanley D. Vienna, 43, died July 22. Bom in Califomia, he joined the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Honolulu, sailing as a memter of the steward department. -f J.D. WILSON J.D.Wilson, 58, passed away August 2. A native of Alabama, he began his sail­ ing career with the SIU in 1959 in the port of Mobile. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Wilson ^duated from the steward recertification program at the Lun­ deberg School in 1982. •/ ••i 'k:' J ' -r.-. K- INLAND • •A' STEPHEN A. DORAN Stephen A. Doran, 33, died August 3, 1994. A native of New York, he signed on with the SIU in 1979 in Continued on page 25 1-• �24 seprsmevfAM XAFARBRSLOB V A Inquiring Seafarer Question: What do you do in your time off when you are not on a ship? ^ ' I'V'''' •°A tion: Whenever it comes up, I do the political work the union asks me to do. I worked on Bill Clinton's campaign. I've made political signs. If there is a beef on the waterfront, boom, I'm there. SO the only opportunity I have keep in touch with my family Guadalupe Garza, Oiler Main­ tenance Gary FeurUtility — I tado. Able Joseph F. come to the Bodied Billotto, union hall. Seaman — Oiler Main­ I'm used to I go to Hon­ tenance it because duras on Utility —\ I've been vacation. work sailing so My wife around the long. I started in 1960. At the was down house and hall, I see friends, but very few there; now fool around old-timers are around anymore. she is in the United States. I with old By coming into the hall, I also visit relatives while I'm there. I cars. I do some mechanical keep in touch with politics in was bom in Honduras, but now work on old Chevys. I have my area. I'm a U.S. citizen. This makes a several projects around the big difference when I go back house that I work on, including because I am treated with more a swimming pool to take care respect. of. Also, I'm always involved in Jerome union affairs and union meet­ Smith, ings, even in my time off. Deck En­ gine Utility Ralph Moore, Recertified — I like to Bosun — Mauro de mess When I'm la Cerda, around with home, I do Recertified automobiles whatever Bosun — and On my time the union automobile sees fit that off, I try to repairs. Mostly, I work for stay busy I do. Other jeople I know. I work on all around the than that, I ypes of cars doing light repair house. It's just vaca(Asked of SIU members in the port of Houston.) Juaf tife ^amtx One of the features of the December LOG that has been extremely well received over the past three years is the inclusion o holiday greetings. Active and retired Seafarers—as well as their family members—are invited to send their greetings to friends, ship­ mates and loved ones through the pages of the LOG. The procedure is simple. In 25 words or less (and in your neatest PRINTING possible), write the message ih the space provider below. All (legible) greetings tha are written in the holiday spirit unl be included in the December 1994 issue of the Seafarers LOG, if they are received in time. The LOG reserves the right to print one greeting per sender. Others will be run only if space permits. The deadline for receipt of the holiday messages is Monday, November 14, 1994. Send them by mail to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. After November 1, facsimile copies will be accepted. The fax num­ ber is (301) 702-4407. Forms also may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the offi­ cial at the counter—or may be given to the boarding patroman at a vessel's payoff. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The conditions under which an SIU mem­ employment and as members of the constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, ber works and lives aboard a ship or SIU. TTiese rights are clearly set forth Lakes and Inland Waters District boat Members should know their con- in the SIU constitution and in the (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE) makes specific provision for 1 tract rights, as well as thdr obligations, contracts which the union has safeguarding the membership's ! such as filing for ovCTturre (OT) on the negotiated with the employers. Con­ money and union finances. The con­ i pn^rer sheets and in dre proper manner. sequently, no member may be dis­ stitution requires a detailed audit by If, at any time, a irrembCT believes that criminated against because of race, To: certified public accountants every year^ an SIU patndman mother union official creed, color, sex, national or which is tobe submitted to the monnber- fails to fHotect flidr contractual ri^ts geographic origin. If any member From: ship by the secretaiy-treasurer. A yearly ptrqreriy, he or she should contact the feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, Message: finance committee of rank-and-file nearest SIU port agent EDITORIAL POLICY — THE the member should notify union members, elected by the member­ ship, each year examines the finances SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers headquarters. of the union and reports fully their LOG traditionally has refrained from SEAFARERS POLITICAL findings and recommendations. publishing any article serving the politi­ ACTIVITY DONATION — Members of this committee may cal purposes of any individual in the SPAD. SPAD is a separate make dissenting reports, specific union, pffico: or nrember. It also has segregated fund. Its proceeds are used recommendations and separate find­ refrained from publishing articles to further its objects and purposes deenred harmful to the union OT its col­ including, but not limited to, further­ ings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds lective manbership. This established ing the political, social and economic of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and policy has been reaffirmed by membCT- interests of maritime workers, the Inland Waters District are ad­ ship action at the S^tember 1960 preservation and furthering of the ministered in accordance with the meetings in all constitutional ports. American merchant marine with im­ provisions of various trust fund The responsibility for Seafarers LOG proved employment opportunities for agreements. All these agreements policy is vested in an editorial board seamen and boatmen and the advan­ specify that the trustees in charge of which consists of the executive board cement of trade union concepts. In these funds shall equally consist of of the union. The executive board connection with such objects, SPAD union and management repre­ may delegate, from among its ranks, supports and contributes to political sentatives and their alternates. All ex­ one individual to carry out this candidates for elective office. All penditures and disbursements of trust responsibility. contributions are voluntary. No con­ PAYMENT OF MONIES. No tribution may be solicited or received funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust nwnies are to be paid to anyone in any because of force, job discrimination, fund financial records are available at official capacity in the SIU unless an financial reprisal, or threat of such the headquarters of the various trust official union receipt is given for same. conduct, or as a condition of member­ funds. Under no circumstarrees should any ship in the union or of employment. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A nrember pay any money for any reason If a contribution is made by reason of member's shipping rights and unless he is given such receipt. In the the above improper conduct, the seniority are protected exclusively by event anyone attempts to require any member should notify the Seafarers contracts between the union and the such payimnt be ma^ without supply­ International Union or SPAD by cer­ employers. Members should get to ing a receipt, or if a member is r^uir^ tified mail within 30 days of the con­ know their shipping rights. Copies of to make a payment and is given an tribution for investigation and these contracts are posted and avail­ official receipt, but feels that he or she appropriate action and refund, if in­ able in all union halls. If members should not have been required to make voluntary. A member should sup­ believe there have been violations of such pajrment, this should immediately port SPAD to protect and further his their shipping or seniority rights as con­ be reported to union headquarters. or her economic, political and so­ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS cial interests, and American trade tained in tire contracts between the' union and the employers, they should AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of union concepts. notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by the SIU constitution are available in all If at any time a member feels that certified mail, return receipt requested. union halls. All members should obtain any of the above rights have been copies of this constitution so as to violated, or that he or she has been The proper address for this is: familiarize themselves with its con­ denied the constitutional right of ac­ Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: Augustin Tellez, Chairman tents. Any time a nrember feels any cess to union records or information, n Active Seafarer Seafarers Appeals Board • Family Member of Active Seafarer othCT nremberor officer is attempting to the member should immediately 5201 Auth Way deprive him or her of any constitutional notify SIU President Michael Sacco • Retired Seafarer • Family Member of Retired Seafarer Camp Springs, MD 20746 ri^t or obligation by any methods, at headquarters by certified mail, FuU copies of contracts as referred such as dealing with charges, trials etc., to are available to nrembers at all tirrres, as well as all other details, the member return receipt requested. The ad­ either by writing directly to the union or so affected should immediately notify dress is: Send your greeting to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Michael Sacco, President to the Sharers Appeals Board. Springs, MD 20746. The gr^ing should be received at the LOG headquarters. Seafarers Intemational Union CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU office by Monday, November 14,1994. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members 5201 Auth Way contracts are available in all SIU haUs. are guaranteed equal rights in 9/94 Camp Springs, MD 20746. These contracts specify the wages and Pnltbag presage ---/ m li �iri -.,. v^. v.*;.-,--- -<-.ij;^,.y,tr. • SEFTEMBER1994 SEAFARERSLOG Final Departures 1995 SIG Scholarships Continued from page 23 Piney Point, Md. after completing the Lundeberg School's training course for entry level seamen. Boatman Doran last Sailed as a tankerman. When Opportunity Knocks.... Open the Door RAYMOND L. BAXTER Pensioner Raymond L. Baxter, 61, passed away July 8. Bom in Texas, he began his sail­ ing career with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He sailed in the engine department. Boatman Baxter started receiving his pension in Febmary 1994. RAYMOND L. GRIFFIN Pensioner Raymond L. Griffin, 73, passed away October 18, 1993. Bom in Alabama, he joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New Orleans, sailing in the engine department. Boatman Grif­ fin was last employed aboard Dixie Carriers vessels. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1955. Boatman Griffin retired in August 1985. The cost of a college education continues to rise each year. But for Seafarers and their depend­ ents, help in realizing their educational goals is available in the form of scholarship awards from the Seafarers Sc^iolarship Program. So take ad­ vantage of this opportunity and open the door to the start of a new, more secure future—all it takes is completion of an application form. Ellglbllity As in past years, the union will offer seven scholarships in 1995. Four are set aside for the children and spouses of Seafarers. Each of these four scholarships is for $15,000 to be used at a four-year college or university. The other three are for Seafarers themselves. One of the awards is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. The remaining two scholarships amount to $6,000 each and may be used for study at a community college or vocational school. Eligibility requirements for Seafarers and their spouses and unmarried dependent children are spelled out in a booklet which contains an application form. It is available by filling out and returning the coupon below to the Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan. exam is required by the college or trade school they plan to attend. (Tests must be taken by February 1995 to ensure the results will be avail­ able for inclusion in the scholarship application package.) Checklist Items that need to be included in the full application and postmarked by the deadline date ofAprill5,I995aTc: • Scholarship application • Autobiographical statement • Photograph • Certified copy of birth certificate • High school transcript and certification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores • College transcript • Letters of reference • SAT or ACT results Remember, it will take time to gather all this information. Plan ahead to make sure everything will be collected in time. Some schools can be slow in handling transcript requests, so applicants should ask for them as soon as possible. Also, now is a good time for the applicant to start Deadlines thinking about who should be asked to write Completed applications with all necessary in­ letters of recommendation. formation included must be mailed and For More Information postmarked on or before April 15,1995. Ask for a 1995 Seafarers Scholarship Program The SAT and ACT exams are given ap­ proximately six times a year on specified dates. booklet at any SIU hall, or fill out the coupon Applicants should be sure to t^e whichever below and return it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. I niease send me the 1995 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility informa I • tion, procedures for applying and the application form. Name Book Number. Address I City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number, I This application is for; D Self • Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 9/94 25 CHARLES MCCAIN Pensioner Charles Mc­ Cain, 80, died December 3, 1993. Bom in Florida, he joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Houston. He sailed in the steward department. Boatman McCain began receiving his pension in April 1975. ROBERT C. TEABOUT SR. Pensioner Robert C. Teabout Sr., 71, passed away July 24. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. as a member of the steward department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1950. Boatman Teabout retired in Decem­ ber 1987. RAILROAD MARINE ANDREW CARCICH Pensioner Andrew Carcich, 82, died December 20, 1993. Bom in New York City, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Carcich was employed by the Penn Central Transportation Co. He began receiving his pension in March 1978. FREDERICK C. HANSEN JR. Pensioner Frederick C. Hansen Jr., 80, died August 6. He began sailing with the SIU in the port of FRANK C. TIEDEMAN Philadelphia Pensioner in 1961, work­ Frank C. ing as a captain aboard McAllister Tiedeman, Brothers vessels from 1975 to 75, passed 1980. Boatman Hansen began away June 28. receiving his pension in December A native of 1980. New Jersey, RANDOLPH C. JONES he joined the SIU in 1963 Pensioner Randolph C. Jones, 82, in the port of passed away July 27. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in New York. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Tiedeman 1957 in the port of Baltimore. He served in the U.S. Army from sailed in the engine department 1941 to 1945. He retired in June Boatman Jones retired in Febmary 1979. 1975. Letters to the Editor 3-Day Coverage In LOG Irings Back Memories Later, I did make the voyage to Russia, without incident. The LOG'S coverage of the 50th Clarence (Bud) Cousins anniversary of D-Day, as well as Na­ BuUer, PA tional Maritime Day, brought to mind an interesting near-miss I exThanks to School }erienced during World War II. For Excellent Training I started sailing in 1944, and at one All of us here on the 1st Lt. Balmint had been assigned to a certain iberty ship, bound for who-knows- dotnero Lopez in the steward depart­ where. As I remember after all these ment would like to thank the Harry years, I had just filed aboard her, Lundeberg School and all depart­ signed on and discovered she was ment heads for the excellent training round for Miumansk when I was told in the culinary field. All of us [aboard the Lopez] at one to report back to the union hall in time or another have b^n to the Mew York. The dispatcher asked me if I would school for upgrading and training, mind taking five days' pay for my and for this reason, we truly have an trouble and filing off, since I had outstanding steward department. acidentally been signed on as one AB The food iand service on the Lopez too many (more than our agreement has been without discrepancies and at that time called for). Apparently, has been applauded by the entire there had been a new, young captain crew. I personally encourage anyone on board, and he had made an honest who has a chance to upgrade to do so. "Be all you can be." mistake. We on the Lopez would like to say Luckily, I agreed to quit the ship at thanks to the Harry Lundeberg tie dispatcher's request, because irom that time on, I never saw one of School and the SIU for all their sup­ iat crew again. (I retired in 1978.) I port. assume she went down with all Anthony M. Ferrara aboard, into the freezing seas on the Chief Steward 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez way to Russia. J,:' . i.'L - • I �26 SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG -*s V . Lundebeig School Graduating Classes • r\; Radar—Graduating from the radar course on July 28 are (from left), Frank Hedge, Casey Taylor (instructor), Richard Montalvo and Mark Lamara. • '"^-CA. Trainee Lifeboat Class 527—Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 527 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Terry Gunderson, William Mathews Jr., Gian Smith, Luis Martinez, David Sharp, Richard Mossman, Scott Abramson, (second row) Nolane Purifoy, Joseph Canell II, Thomas Hawkins, Dennis Stephenson Jr., Scott Brown, Timothy A. Cohen, Brian Hulstrom, Craig S. Reid, Jerome Parrenas and Jason Smith. Diesel Engine—The July 15 graduates of the diesel engine class are (from left, front row) Alex J. Lottig, Oswald Bermeo, Thomas _ J. JO « ^ . . J ^ A X ^.1 1 . Keseru, (second row) Chris Beaton, Mark Striby, Raymona Gayton, Able Bodied Seaman—Certificates of completion were received by the August 11 class of j.c. Wieoman (instructor) and Gregory Eastwood, upgraders. They are (from left, kneeling) Michael Moore, James Strickland, Joseph R. Carmine, Clifford Blackmon, David Scott, Tom Gillian (instructor), (second row) Washin^on H. Williams Jr., Richard Gendaszek, David Deloach, Terry Johnson, Tom Graves, Chris Campos, Kevin George, (third row) Matthew Sandy, Nathaniel T. Jennings and Roger L. Jackson. A Reminder of What a Seafarer Needs When Admitted to the Schooi liilSS: .:«sr; When preparing to upgrade at the Seafarers Haii^ Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md., members are reminded to follow a few guidelines which will make their admission easier. Travel plans by upgraders should be final­ ized through their port agent no later than 10 days before the scheduled class starting date. Members should contact their union hall as soon as they receive the scheduling letter from the Lundeberg School. For those members driving to the facility and planning to park their vehicle on school property, upgraders must provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration when checking in. All upgraders are required to bring the fol­ lowing items at the time of admission: • Original certificates of discharge show­ ing sufficient seatime for the U.S. Coast Guard endorsement they are seeking; • Six passport size (2 by I V2 inches) photographs; • A valid merchant mariner document (zcard), Lundeberg School identification card and SlUiriembership book; • A completed physical examination form; and • A Seafarers Welfare Plan drug screen­ ing form, valid through the course test date. All galley gang members planning to upgrade must possess a lifeboat endorsement prior to entering the steward department upgrading class. If members have any questions or problems concerning upgrading at the Lundeberg School, they should contact their port agent or the school's admission office at (301) 9940010. Celestial Navigation—Completing the celestial navigation course on August 10 are (from left, front row) Michael McKnight, Victor Rosado, (second row) Charles Varney, Michael Hill, Brad Haines, (third row) Jim Brown (instructor), Stephen Votta and John F. Schmidt. Missing from photo is Raymond Marquis. Lundeberg School Admissions Checklist • • • • • • • Discharge certificates Six passport-size photos Merchant mariner document Lundeberg School ID SlU membership book Physical exam form Drug-free clearance Whep upgrading at the Lundeberg School, a Seafarer should have the above items on his or her person to provide to the admissions office. Bridge Management—Upgrading graduates of the August 10 bridge management class are (from left) Darrell E, Peterson, Casey Taylor (instructor), Raymond Snow, James W. Jones and Frank Hedge. A- �.. SEPTEMBER 1994 SEAFMERSIMI LUMDEBERG SCHOOL 1994 miRAOIHG COURSE SCHEOULE The following is the course schedule for classes beginning between September and December 1994 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Cbeck-In Date Course Assistant Cook, Cook and Baker "t' Course Completion Date Able Seaman September 9 October 21 All students must take the Oil Spill Prevention and Containment class. Bridge Management (Sbipbandling) October 21 November 4 Radar Certification September 16 October 14 September 23 October 21 Celestial Navigation September 9 October 21 Limited License, Part 1 September 26 October 7 Limited License, Part 2 October 10 October 21 Limited License, Part 3 October 24 November 4 Safety Specialty Courses Chief Cook, Chief Steward Completion Date Oil Spill Prevention and Containment October 21 October 28 Lifeboatman September 9 October? September 23 October 21 Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting September 16 November 25 September 30 December 9 Sealift Operations & Maintenance September s September 30 RecerUDcatlon Programs Course Cbeck-In Date Completion Date Bosun Recertification October 3 November? (Middle) (First) (Street) (Zip Code) (Stale) (City) Date of Birth. Telephone ( (Month/Day/Year) (Area Code) Deep Sea Member D Refrigerant Handling - EPA (Refrigeration Tech. Certification) FiremanAYatertender and Oiler Pumproom Maint & Operations Hydraulics Marine Electrical Maintenance Welding September 6 September 8 September 12 September 5 October 3 September 12 October 24 October 21 October 14 November 28 November 4 November 18 •mm 1994Adult EducaUon Schedule The following courses are available through the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Please contact the admissions office for enrollment information. Course Check-In Date CED Preparation 12 weeks - open-ended admission Completion Date Adult Basic Education (ABE) 6 weeks - open-ended admission •a.. Developmental Studies Septembers September 9 General EducaUon College Courses September 12 November 4 Session HI NOTICE TO SEAFARERS In order to better meet the future needs of SIU members, theSeafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will be running a decreased class schedule during the months of November and December. During this time period, the school will be preparing additional classes based on new governmental regulations, upgrading present course materials and repairing and maintain­ ing classroom equipment. Instructors also will be attending advanced courses to enhance their knowledge and skills. The full 1995 class schedule, which will be ready in late fall, will be published in the Seafarers LOG as soon as it is released. Members with any questions may contact the school's admis­ sion office at (301) 994-0010. Firefighting:GYes GNO CPR: GYes GNO With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing suffi­ cient time to qualify yourself forthe 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, your clinic card and the front and back of your z-card as well as your Lundeberg School identification card listing the course(s) you have taken and com­ pleted. The Admissions Office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member Q Completion Date Primary language spoken Name. Address Cbeck-In Date All students must take the Oil Spill Prevention and Containment class. • Yes • No UPGRAOING APPLKAmN (Last) Engine Upgrading Courses English as a Second Language (ESL) 6 weeks - open-ended admission Cbeck-In Date Course Completion Date Contact admissions office for starting dates Contact admissions office for starting dates Course Check-In Date 27 Steward Upgrading Courses The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation's security. Deck UpgnuUng Courses Orfs-^Vr BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE If the following information is not fdled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#. Book# Seniority Department U.S. Citizen: DVes • No • 'p ' ' • Home Port. Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held Rating: LAST VESSEL; Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? •Yes GNO If yes, class # Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? If yes, course(s) taken ' • Yes Date Off: GNO Transportation will be paid in accordance witli the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. ' -' • -'i? ', V-.'-'' '••I L Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg Upgrading Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 9/94 .... 'mm . i'*. ' • - i :i\ m-'-- �".)/K \ SEAEUCEMCS Volume 56, Number 9 /• ;'V^> .r'-- • The angle of dive of the free-fall lifeboat Is anywhere between 20 and 50 degrees (above) as it is launched from the Cape Holiday Greetings Via the LOG Where will you be in December for the holidays? Whether at sea or ashore, Seafarers can send holiday messages to their loved ones through the LOG. See page 24. September 1994 "It was quite a ride," said AB may be determined by the cir­ lowered and survivors from a James Souci, describing his cumstance and whether it is an distressed vessel come aboard. In both cases, all crewmembers first abandon ship drill from the emergency. are seated in individual, Cape Washington on a free-fal Two Launching Methods upholstered seats (with their lifeboat. backs to the launching direc­ The free-fall method is the The Cape Washington:, sta­ tion) and must be secured by a tioned in Guam as part of the quickest, one in which the boat U.S. military's prepositioning will become clear of the ship body harness seat-belt—^much fleet of vessels, has one of only immediately by means of a like in a race car—before a two such lifeboats on U.S.-flag hydraulic release. Strong winds launch can occur. Steering of vessels. The other is aboard the and heavy seas will not hamper the craft, once it is in the water, the effectiveness of the launch, is by a wheel at the stem. SlU-crewed Cape Wrath. Capt. T.W. Merrell of and if the craft should roll over, A review of other SlU-conAmsea, which operates the ves­ it will inunediately float to an tracted shipping companies sels for Maritime Ad- upright position. After launch­ revealed no immediate plans to ministratiaon (MarAd), told the ing, the boat's water-cooled convert the lifeboats on their Seafarers LOG that all the tests diesel engine can be started at vessels to the free-fall system. aboard both vessels have gone the surface. Also, Coast Guard ofricials This is the method AB Souci noted there are no plans for well. "We have had no problems so far with the crews adapting to and his fellow crewmembers mandating any such conver­ practiced. For Such training pur­ sions on U.S.-flag ships. these lifeboats," he added. poses, the launching height Specially Designed Boats must not exceed 20 meters and As part of the military's the angle of dive must be be­ prepositioning fleet of vessels, Before being purchased by many of which are managed and MarAd several years ago, both tween 20 and 50 degrees. the Cape Washington and the The other method is the more operated by private shipping Cape Wrath were car carriers raditional lowering. It takes companies and crewed by (formerly named the Hual more time, and steering clear of seafarers, the Cape Washington is Trader and the Hual the ship may be more difricult in kept fiilly operational throughout Transporter), owned by Hoegh leavy seas compared with the the year and is a vital part of the Line in Oslo, Norway. The free- free-fall method. This more military's strategy to get equip­ fall lifeboats were specially conventional method would ment to an area of potential con­ designed for these ships, and jrobably work better in a rescue flict in a very short period of during conversion by the operation in which the boat is time. Maritime Administration for use in the prepositioning fleet, AB Brian Redoute assists in the the lifeboats stayed aboard. recovery of the free-fall lifeboat. A free-fall lifeboat is one in With him are AB Joe Conlin and which the craft, with its full Chief Mate Michael Duiey. complement of persons and equipment on board, is hydraulically released and al­ lowed to fall into the sea without any restraining apparatus. The fully-enclosed, self-contained boats are common aboard European vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains rigorous criteria to approve new concepts in life-saving apparatus and has given its full acceptance to the free-fall lifeboats. Like Souci, who sails from the port of San Francisco and who sent the LOG the photographs appearing on this page, all crewmembers aboard The National Center for when he was 14 years old, he the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath must practice using the Missing and Exploited has not been seen or heard free-fall lifeboats at least once Children has asked the from since and is considered Seafarers International at risk as lost, injured or eveiy six months. The fiberglass survival boats, Union to assist them in locat­ otherwise missing. The photo below has been agein which the hull and super­ ing Michael McCool. enhanced to show how the Last seen in Philadelphia structure are integrated into one unit and finished with an exter­ on June 28,1978 in the com­ 30-year-old man might ap­ nal coating im the color often pany of two adult males pear today. At the time of his disap­ described as 'international pearance, the brown-haired, orange,' are 10.5 meters long blue-eyed boy was 5 feet tall and 3.4 meters high, with a and weighed 1(X) pounds. He capacity of 40 persons—large has a scar near his right eye. enough to hold the entire crew of 31 aboard the Amsea vessels. Anyone having informa­ Each boat is powered by a 30 HP tion on the whereabouts of SAAB diesel engine. Two side Michael McCool should con­ hatches and one top hatch make tact the National Center for AB Justin Savage for easy access into and out Of Missing and Exploited (left) catches his the lifeboat. Children at (800) 843-5678 breath after serving There are two methods of or the Missing Persons Unit as the boat evacuating the boat from its car­ of the Philadelphia (Pa.) coxswain during rier: lowering or free-fall. The Police Department at (215) Michael McCool as he IS the abandon ship choice of launching method believed to look at age 30. drill. 685-1671. Help locate This Missing Person -r ^ •7 • � 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 September 1994 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF CONGRESS HITS RUNAWAYS FAY RE-ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF ITF SEAFAERS’ SECTION U.S. SHIP BILL ON SENATE FALL AGENDA MARTIN MARIETTA TUG CREWS VOTE SEAFARERS BY 37-2 IN SHORT FALL SESSION, CONGRESS FACES HOST OF MARITIME BILLS HOUSE ACTION PROCEEDS ON U.S. CRUISE SHIP BILL KALLERAS RETIRES AS MSC CHIEF; QUAST ASSUMES NAVY COMMAND PATRIOT CREW AIDS STRANDED PERUVIAN FISHERMEN EFFORT UNDERWAY TO UPDATE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ACCORD SEAFARERS APPROVE 4-YEAR PACT WITH PENN MARITIME BOATMEN IN PORT ARTHUR KEEP UP-TO-DATE SHERIDAN CREWS RATIFY NEW THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT CRUISE SHIP SEAFARERS UPGRADE SKILLS IN ONBOARD CLASSES EPA-CERTIFIIED SEAFARERS HAVE SHIPPING PRIORITY SEAFARERS SAY PREPARATION IS KEY TO PASSING EPA EXAM SEAFARERS MARCH IN SUPPORT OF NIGERIAN UNIONISTS AFL-CIO MITCHELL BILL; HEALTH CARE REFORM IN JEOPARDY FRESH FISH MAKES PATRIOT HLIDAY AT SEA SPECIAL LIVING MEMORIAL TO WWII MARINERS TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS FROM NORMANDY O’BRIEN CREW RECOUNTS COMMEMORATIVE VOYAGE AS ‘TRIP OF A LIFETIME’ WWII MERCHANT SHIP EVOKES MEMORIES, RESPECT FROM 3 GENERATIONS OF SEAFARERS 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 09/01/1994 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. 56, No. 9 1994 Periodicals Seafarers Log