http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/5a219a477474be327b8d5549713e722f.pdf 2bba7bac650cf4657d375cf32629975a PDF Text Text Volume 60 umber 1 January 1998 ... APL Reflags 1st of 4 Vessels Under Old Glory Union Jobs Increase As C-lls oin MSP SUPPORTS ANO CALLS MAYOR GIULIANI TO PROTECT SEAFARERS ON BOARD MV. TRb"}lfCANA IN /<IEW YORK CITY AGAINST HANDCUFFING Se-AMEN FOR Rf;fi.llHNG . . "'".'-.ill~ ..(~fre.£1:!r~dlf(JH ....,j.'·< ..... ,...-.<, ......-i~~;~~~ Another Sorry Chapter Added to Runaway Scam Sea/arers Protest Illegal Treatment Of Mariners on Gambling Boat; ITF Exposes 'Slavery' Scheme Seafarers in the New York area, including those pictured here, recently protested for several days after learning of the illegal treatment of mariners aboard the Bahamianregistered gambling boat Tropicana, based in Brooklyn. Among the many mariners on the runaway-flag ship who refused massive pay cuts and were fired, two were handcuffed and removed from the vessel by a private detective hired by the shipowner, South Carolina-based Collins Entertainment Corp. The International Transport Workers' Federation intervened on the crew's behalf. Page 5. Record Season Wraps on Lakes The APL Singapore last month replaced the Marshall Islands' registry with the Stars and Stripes. Crewed by SIU members in the steward department, the vessel is one of four APL ships being added to the U.S. Maritime Security Program. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page3 Numerous New Jobs Highlight Past Year _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Pages 10-11 A banner year for cargoes moving on the Great Lakes concludes this month with the closing of the Soo locks on January 15. Seafarers such as Deckhand Salim Yahya (pictures above and inset, aboard American Steamship Company's Charles E. Wilson) have helped transport a record amount of iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the region. Page 5. Safety Training Successful Aboard American Queen _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 6 �:----- - - - - - -- -- - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- ··-- - - President's Report A Winning Partnership Aboard any ship, smooth sailing cannot happen without teamwork. A ship without working engines is useless. A ship that won't steer is no better. And anyone who has sailed knows the importance of being a good feeder. It takes everyone doing his or her job well in order to make a vessel perfonn at its peak. Aboard sealift ships, this need for teamwork is sometimes heightened, I believe. On those vessels, the deadlines can be exceptionally tight and the assignments vitally important. At times, not only American military personnel but also desperate citizens of other Michael Sacco nations depend on our ships to get the job done. That cooperation extends beyond the vessels to the organizations behind them. As speaker after speaker noted last month during the ceremonies honoring the roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships Cape Wrath and Cape Washington (see page 3) in Baltimore, there is an efficient partnership between the entities that helps make these ves els run. Those groups include maritime labor, the Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command and the contracted companies which operate them. The Sill's part in this successful mix is providing qualified, skilled manpower in a timely and competent manner, whether it's for a prepositioning ship, a Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel, a hospital ship or any other sealift component. We fulfill that responsibility through our union halls, via the manpower office and by providing the most up-to-date classes anywhere at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. It's a role we're always proud of, but especially so when people take the time to appreciate the commitment of Seafarers like those who crewed the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington during the past three years. The staggering effectiveness demonstrated by those SIU members (and their shipmates) reflects our commitment to carry out our responsibility. Of course, we're only one part of the team. Standing inside the Cape Wrath's massive cargo area, acting Maritime Administrator John Graykowski described both ships as "iron and steel examples of how well government does it's job. This isn ' t heard much nowadays, but I think this is a program Americans can and should feel good about." He then commended the mariners, companies and government agencies who combine to see America's sealift ships through safe, productive voyages. Graykowsk.i wasn't alone. Rear Admiral John J. Bepko, deputy commander of MSC, noted the "real teamwork between MSC and MarAd (for which MSC operates the ships when activated). When we're called upon to take control of these ships, we're confident. We know they'll be ready and in superb condition." "Without question, we all work together as a team," stated M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd's South Atlantic region. Other speakers pointed out that the RRF ships advance benefits to the nation even when in reduced operating status. From the SIU's vantage point, the vessels mean jobs for ROS crews. But did you know the eight RRF ships stationed in Baltimore contribute more than $50 million to the region's economy each year? This, of course, happens in many different areas throughout the United States where some of the 96 RRF vessels are located. "The RRF has become a great national asset," asserted Leland Bishop, president of American Overseas Marine Corp., which operates the two RO/R.Os being honored. The Baltimore ceremony takes place at a time when shipyards in California and Louisiana are building new American-flag ships for the prepositioning and RRF fleets. My hope is that these activities help solidify the accurate belief that our country must possess a strong sealift capability. In short, America needs it. For us, as Seafarers, the sealift ships mean jobs. For us, as Americans, these ships mean a boost to national security and in many cases a betterment of local economies. The Seafarers aboard the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington did a great job illustrating those points. On very lengthy prepositioning assignments, they were virtually flawless in terms of keeping their respective ships at the ready. As Graykowski put it, "Both ships were on time and on budget, with as much as we needed for as long as we needed it." I join with the officials at the ceremony in congratulating the SIU members who crewed these two ships during their multi-year assignments. And I also salute all Seafarers who perfonn their jobs day-in and day-out with similar dedication. llolume 60, Number 1 January 1998 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way: Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hines; Associate Ediror, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Congressional Recess Halts Action On Cargo, Passenger Cabotage Laws Several Measures Remain for Legislators' Return This Month Any effort to modify or kill the nation's cabotage laws are on hold as Congress is in recess until January 27, 1998 when President Clinton is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address. While a majority of the members of the House of Representatives has announced support for keeping the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) intact, several bills remain before both the House and Senate which could alter that law or the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which deals with the movement of people. Both laws state that cargo or passengers traveling from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and US.-flag vessels; and both are supported by the SIU. Despite the strong bipartisan showing in the House, with 239 members now listed as cosponsors to House Concurrent Resolution 65 (which calls for no changes in the law), foreign-flag operatives continue to push for action on the Coastal Shipping Competition Act (H.R. 1991 ), designed to gut the Jones Act. At the time of the congressional recess, H .R. 1991 had a total of 15 cosponsors with no hearing date scheduled. Support for the Jones Act is not limited to members of Congress. Recent statements by the commander and deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) have renewed the Defense Department's backing for the law. Speaking before the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention in October, U.S. Air Force General Walter Kross, who heads the military's logistics operations, specifically listed the Jones Act among the key maritime programs needed by the U.S. armed forces to ensure its sealift capability. His remarks were enforced by the second in command at TRANSCOM, U.S . Army Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson Jr., during an address at the U.S Propeller Club convention in Savannah, Ga. He dubbed the nation's freight cabotage law "a win-win package for our country." At the same time these remarks were made, the University of Hawaii released a report showing residents of the Aloha State would be spending more annually if the Jones Act is repealed. Lawrence Boyd, a labor economist with the university's Center for Labor Education and Research, reviewed the numbers being offered by Jones Act opponents and discovered "serious errors that drastically alter their results." Professor Boyd claimed the opponents of the law "triple-counted" their figures in order to say the state is losing money because of the Jones Act. Instead, he estimates the additional annual cost that would be paid for products by each Hawaiian if the law is gutted would amount to between "$611 and $3,563." Meanwhile, the Senate still is considering two measures designed to alter the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Following an original hearing on October 21 during which MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex spoke against both bills, no further action has been announced for the Cruise Ships Visiting Alaska Act (S. 668) and the United States Cruise Tourism Act (S. 803). S. 668 deals only with the Alaskan trade, while S. 803 calls for the opening of the U.S. deep sea shoreline to allow foreign-flag cruise ships to carry passengers from one domestic port to another. As Congress meets over a two-year period, any bills offered during 1997 are still eligible for consideration during 1998. However, if final passage of any bill is not achieved by the time Congress adjourns at the end of 1998, new legislation must be offered when the newly elected Congress is seated in 1999. FTC Upholds 'Made in USA' Standard Ruling Follows Coalition's Effort To Preserve Label's Integrity Thanks to an intensive grassroots campaign waged by the Made in USA Coalition, the Federal Trade Commission (FfC) has withdrawn its proposal to severely weaken the standard for use of the "Made in USA" label on products and in advertising. The Made in USA Coalition, a group of 22 international unions (including the SIU), 70 national consumer groups, 24 state labor federations, agriculture organizations and businesses, was formed in response to the FTC's proposal to relax the 50-year-old rule. On December 1, the FTC voted 4-0 to maintain standards that require "all or virtually all" of a product be made domestically before it may bear the Made in USA label. Early last year, the FTC announced a plan to water-down the standard for use of this label to allow products made with 25 percent or more foreign labor and materials to be labeled "Made in the USA." Even products assembled in the U.S. entirely with foreign materials and foreign components would have qualified for the label under the commission's proposal. After announcing their plan in May, the FTC asked for public comment. In reporting its decision last month, the agency said it had received more than 1,000 written comments, the vast majority of which "strongly supported" the retention of the "all or virtually all" Made-in-USA standard. "Seldom have we seen the kind of outrage that Americans expressed when they learned about the Federal Trade Commission's proposal to weaken the standard governing use of the label," stated Charles E. Mercer, president of the AFLCIO' s Union Label & Service Trades Department. "Union members, business owners, consumers, members of Congress and others are to be applauded for Jetting the FTC know of that outrage in unprecedented numbers. The FTC is to be applauded for listening-and for responding to what it heard." The proposed change also received strong opposition on Capitol Hill. A majority of the House of Representatives, 226 members, had signed on as sponsors of a resolution calling for the retention of the "all or virtually all" standard. Additionally, 25 Senate members, including Majority Leader Trent Lott (RMiss.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) sponsored a companion measure. "When consumers see a 'M~de in the USA' label, they expect and want it to mean just that," concluded Jodie Bernstein of the Consumer Protection Bureau, a division of the FTC. Senatorial Visit Aboard Hauge Two Seafarers from Virginia recently enjoyed a surprise shipboard visit by the Democratic senator from the commonwealth, Charles Robb. ABs Andre Bennett (pictured above right, with Senator Robb) and Frank Marchione said the senator boarded the prepositioning ship Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. as part of a fact-finding tour of Diego Garcia. "He was very pleased upon reviewing the cargo assets on board," noted Bennett, who sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG. "AB Marchione and I both thanked Senator Robb for his support of the Maritime Security Program and his continued support of the Jones Act. As he departed the Hauge, Senator Robb said his visit aboard the ship was the highlight of his trip." January 1998 �U.S. Flag Raised Above APL Singapore SIU members seized new shipboard employment opportunities last month when the APL Singapore reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in Seattle. The C-11 class containership is the first of four APL vessels slated to replace the Marshall Islands' flag with that of the United States_ The others-the APL Korea, APL Philippines and APL Thailand-were scheduled to reflag sometime between the end of last month and midJanuary_ All four vessels are crewed in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU (steward), Sailors' Union of the Pacific (deck) and Marine Firemen's Union (engine). The ships will be part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). "This is a welcome addition that means more jobs for Seafarers," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "It's positive news for the membership and it strengthens national security." Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski also welcomed the APL ships, which will be operated by American Ship Management of Walnut Creek, Calif_ "Along with three sister ships which soon will join her in sailing under the American flag with American crews, the Singapore will help us fulfill our commitment to meet the nation's economic and sealift defense requirements," he remarked. Each of the vessels is approximately 900 feet long and can carry about 4,800 20-foot containers. The ships were constructed within the last three years. In announcing the reflagging, the Maritime Administration noted it had selected the vessels for the MSP "based on military utility, intermodal system capacity, commercial transportation resources, diversity of trading patterns, operator experience, and vessel size and type." Welcoming the addition of new jobs for Seafarers aboard the APL Singapore are (from left) GSU Carlos Boiser, Chief Cook Danny Guerrero, Chief Cook Aristide Langlois, Steward/Baker Roger Linasan and SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. MarAd Praises SIU-Crewed ROIROs RRF Ships Recognized for Readiness Rates The name stays the same, but the APL Singapore's port of registry changed last month from the Marshall Islands to Oakland, Calif. Crewed by SIU members in the steward department, the U.S.-flag ship is enrolled in the Maritime Security Program. Union, Companies Review STCW August 1 Deadline Looms.for Section 2 of TRB Chris Young (standing at right), U.S. Coast Guard information specialist, answers questions about the 1995 STCW amendments during a meeting last month at SIU headquarters. Representatives of SIU-contracted companies, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the U.S. Coast Guard and the union met last month at Seafarers headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to review the latest developments regarding the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The day-long session focused on new training requirements, the phase-in schedule for additional rules, use of the SIU's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) and more. Participants also analyzed the Coast Guard's interim rule that implements the STCW amendments, and discussed possible recommendations for changes in the final rule. (The SIU submitted comments to the agency before the December 23 deadline.) STCW is an international treaty signed in 1978 that sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide and also is significantly impacting rules governing inland and Great Lakes mariners. The convention was updated in 1995, with more than 100 nations, including the January 1998 U.S., signing onto the pact. Besides the fact that the treaty is voluminous, its implementation is fairly complicated for several other reasons. The original 1978 agreement wasn't fully enacted until 1996-but, by that time, countries already were preparing to rewrite their respective regulations to comply with the 1995 amendments. The '95 changes started taking effect in February 1997. Two other key dates are August I, 1998, by which time mariners entering the industry must meet all requirements from the 1995 amendments; and February I, 2002, by which time the '95 amendments fully take effect and the 1978 convention is off L;1e books. Moreover, more than 100 countries must establish regulations enacting (and enforcing) the amendments. "By no means is it a simple assignment, which is one reason we held this meeting," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Hall Center and a frequent participant in international forums leading to the adoption of the 1995 amendments. Eglinton chaired last month's session, which, he pointed out, stemmed from a joint meeting Continued on page 4 Two SIU-crewed vessels last month were honored in Baltimore by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) for their performances during extended overseas missions dating from 1994. The Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, both part of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), received MarAd's Professional Ship Awards, presented by acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski. While the crewmembers, companies and government entities involved in successfully operating the two roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships received full credit, many of the speakers also pointed to the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath as prime examples of the RRF's overall importance and reliability. ''This award is a testimony to the RRF managers, a credit to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and a shining star for the folks who crew our ships," said Graykowski during the ceremony aboard the Cape Wrath-attended by approximate! y 300 people, including children and teachers from two local elementary schools. "The crews' performance clearly exceeded the already high standards we expect and receive from the RRF. "Maritime is an industry without which I don't believe our country could survive," he continued. "You look at the Persian Gulf War, at the missions in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and elsewhere. Our sons and daughters will be on those missions in the future. None of those jobs will be easy, but without the RRF, our sons and daughters will not be as secure. That's another reason why it's important for all of us to be advocates of the U.S.-flag merchant marine." Rear Admiral John J. Bepko, deputy commander of MSC, which operates the RRF ships for MarAd during call-ups, supported Graykowski 's position. ''The RRF will continue to be absolutely essential to national defense. Remember, during war, 95 percent of defense cargo goes by sea," Bepko pointed out. Other featured speakers included former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley, a longtime advocate of the U.S.-flag fleet; Leland Bishop, president of American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA), which operates the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath for MSC; M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd's South Atlantic region; William F. Martin, MarAd's ship operations and maintenance officer for the South Atlantic region; and Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Maryland Port Administration. Seafarers and licensed mariners currently comprising the reduced operating status (ROS) crews of the vessels, some of whom sailed during the extended missions, accepted the awards on behalf of the full crews. SIU members and officials also were in the audience. "Both crews obviously did a great job and deserve this recognition," SIU President Michael Sacco stated whe~ Mar Ad informed the union about the awards. "Our union joins with the Maritime Administration in commending the SIU members and other mariners who kept these vessels at peak readiness throughout very long deployments. "This also is a credit to the Ready Reserve Force program as a whole." Constant Readiness As reported in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG, the Cape Washington maintained a 99 .5 percent readiness rate during the 1, 184 consecutive days of its prepositioning mission in Guam and the Persian Gulf. This means the vessel was fully operational Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski says the Ready Reserve Force is "another reason why it's important for all of us to be advocates of the U.S.flag merchant marine." for all but 6.5 of those days. Similarly, the Cape Wrath maintained a 99.8 percent readiness rate, as it was operational for all but 1.5 of the 981 consecutive days of its mission. "Both ships were on time and on budget, with as much as we needed for as long as we needed it," summarized Graykowski. The RRF consists of 96 ships owned by MarAd and maintained in a reserve status for use by the Defense Department when needed. The vessels typically have brief activation periods, yet often meet their respective deadlines with room to spare. The Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, for instance, have four-day activation periods, meaning they must be fully crewed and ready to sail no later than four days after receiving activation notices from MarAd. During a shipboard ceremony last month, Seafarers were commended by the U.S. Maritime Administration for their roles in two lengthy prepositioning missions. Joining the commemoration aboard the Cape Wrath are (from left) Bosun Michael Proveaux, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Chuck Wharton and DEU Rich Allen. Seafarers LOG 3 �Washington Implements Strict Tanker Regulations In an cffon to protect state waters and the marine environment from oil spills, the Wa hington Department of Ecology requires all crewmembers sailing aboard tank vessels in Wash ington state waters lo comply with stringent regulations that go hcyond federal maritime laws covering training and evaluation, work rules and drug and alcohol policies. In order to transport oil in state waters, operators of tank vessels must file an "oil spill prevention plan" and comply with the provisions issued by the department of ecology. The prevention plan must prove that the tank vcs ·cl meets certain standards regarding operation, crew, management, technology and information reporting. Such a prevention plan for a tank vessel must contain policies, procedures and practices that describe a program for evaluating members of the vessel's crew. The program also must include an evaluation committee headed by the vessel master to monitor the fitness-for-duty of all crewmembers. Any crewmember who is determined to be unfit for duty hall be immediately relieved. Additionally, any crewmember serving more than six months on vessels covered by the prevention plan will undergo a performance review at least annually. This STCW Amendments Reviewed Continued from page 3 earlier in 1997 of the school's deep sea and inland advisory hoards. Participants also heard from Chri~ Young, an information speciali~l al the Coast Guard who extensively took part in the international meetings leading to ratification of the amendments. Key Deadline One important deadline discussed at the meeting is August I, 1998. From that date forward, the new requirements for approved training and practical demonstration of competencies will apply. "Because the interim rule puts a quality standards system (QSS) in place after August I (used to regulate training and demonstration of shipboard competencies under STCW), it is strongly recommended that Seafarers possessing a TRB have section 2 of the book completed before that deadline," noted Eglinton . "Any licensed officer of 200 gross tons or more can make assessments to the competencies and tables for basic safety training without having to be under a QSS. Therefore, SIU members who have a TRB can have the officer sign off on the competenl'.ics in section 2. Once finished, they can have their STCW certi ticatcs updated by the Coast Guard to show they meet these requirements, and the updated certificate will be valid SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes participants to the STCW session. for five years." Guidelines for completing section 2 (which pertains to basic safety training) are published in the TRB. Eglinton emphasized that the August I deadline applies to how a mariner verifies fulfillment of the section 2 requirements. "It will be less complicated to do it before August I. After that, mariners will need either documentation of having successfully completed Coast Guard-approved basic safety training or have the competencies assessed under a QSS, in order to complete that section," he explained. "Without that documentation, after August I they are not permitted to be assigned certain shipboard duties" including pollution-prevention assignments. SIU Marches to Improve N.J. Communities With a common goal of improving the communities in Hudson County, N.J., more than 500 residents recently participated in a parade billed as the Labor and Church March. The fifth annual event took place in Jersey City, N.J. SIU official Ed Pulver (front row, second from right), who also is president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council, was one of the featured speakers. "It's sponsored by the labor movement and the Catholic church, but all religions are invited," noted Pulver. "The Filipino and Hispanic communities heavily participated along with other citizens. The idea is to strengthen our relationship so our communities will prosper.n 4 Seafarers LOG review must provide a job-performance evaluation and identify any training needed to ensure that the individual can safely and effectively perform his or her assigned duties. "In talks with SIU-contracted tanker operators, the union made sure that unlicensed crewmembers will have an active role in the performance review," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "To ensure fairness in the process, the ship's committee will be part of the evaluation panel." The state requires operators to document a comprehensive safety program for all vessels in their respective fleets. Operators also must maintain thorough and accurate training records for all personnel assigned to the vessel covered by a prevention plan. Each vessel entering Washington waters must keep a record of shipboard drills. A fire drill must be conducted weekly and an abandon-ship drill must be conducted monthly. Each quarter, crewmembers must participate in drills on oil spill response, emergency steering, loss of propulsion, loss of electrical power, emergency towing and man overboard. The regulations also state that the owner or operator of a tank vessel must have policies-consistent with state law-that ensure a person neither consumes nor is under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs on a tank vessel sailing in state waters. The operator must have a testing program in place for alcohol and drug use that is similar to existing federal regulations. Additionally, any crewmember sailing aboard a vessel into Washington state waters can be tested for drug or alcohol use if there is "reasonable cause to believe the person is under the influence." Furthermore, all personnel will ,be randomly chemically tested for the use of drugs or alcohol, the regulations state. Any navigation or engineering watchstander who remains employed aboard a tank vessel after testing positive more than once during the previous 12 months for drug or alcohol use must be reported by the company to state officials. This mariner can only return to employment aboard a vessel operating in Washington waters if he or she has undergone drug and alcohol screening and a medical professional certifies that the individual is drug and alcohol free. Al I operators of vessels that transport petroleum must file and obtain approval of an oil spill prevention plan in order to operate in state waters. If operators do not submit a plan or refuse to comply with the regulations, the vessel and operator can be banned from Washington waters. The waters of Washington include the territorial waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many tank vessels call on Canadian oil facilities along Puget Sound or navigate the Columbia River to reach ports in Oregon. The regulations were challenged by the maritime industry in a lawsuit filed against Washington in 1995. However, in November 1996, a U.S. district judge concluded that the Washington oil spill prevention statutes and regulations were constitutionally valid and legitimately protected the state's marine resources. In an effort to overturn that decision, the industry has filed an appeal. Protesting Unsafe Reflagging Seafarers last month joined hundreds of fellow trade unionists in protesting the reflagging of two U.S.-flag natural gas tankers to the Bahamian registry. In a vociferous demonstration outside the Coast Guard's Boston marine safety office, about 250 protesters declared the reflagging by North Carolina-based Duke Energy Corp-in which U.S. mariners were replaced by smaller, inexperienced Croatian crews unqualified to carry such volatile cargoes-as an unsafe move. The Croatians are being paid approximately onefourth the amount paid to the U.S. crews. U.S. Rep. Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.) said Duke is "gambling with the health and safety of everyone in the Boston area to save what amounts to pennies in the scope of their operation." Among those demonstrating against the reflagging are (from left) Chief Cook Manuel Taria, SIU New Bedford (Mass.) Port Agent Henri Francois, Rep. Moakley, retired SIU official Mike Orlando, Steward John Costa and (kneeling) AB Eugenio de Sousa. Philadelphia Shipyard Deal Settled Work to Reopen Facility Scheduled to Begin in September The final "t's" have been crossed and "i's" dotted in order to begin transforming the mothballed Philadelphia Naval Yard into a commercial shipbuilding facility. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge announced on December 17 that the transformation could begin as early as September 1998, according to the Congressional Information Bureau. The facility, which will be renamed Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc., is expected to create between 6,000 to 8,000 new jobs in the southeastern Pennsylvania region during the next five years. Since the announcement carried in the November 1997 Seafarers LOG that a tentative agreement had been reached by the commonwealth and Kvaerner ASA of Norway to reopen the yard, additional funding sources have come on line from private and public parties. K vaerner itself committed $165 million over 15 years to the project and agreed to buy the first three containerships built in the yard. Once the other financial considerations were locked up, Vice President Al Gore stated as much as $80 million in federal funds would be made available. Included in that total is $30 million from the Department of Labor to help in training, transportation assistance, day care and other matters. The remaining $50 million will come from Defense Department funds to assist the reopening and revitalization of the yard. Noting the yard had stood vacant for two years, the vice president declared, "Today, we're chasing away those cobwebs and launching what will be a thriving, state-of -the-art shipyard with new jobs for this city and new hope for America's shipbuilding industry." Gov. Ridge added, ''This agreement sends a strong message to the rest o.f the world. It says that commercial shipbuilding is back in the United States." Public-Private Financing With the announcement by Gore, the total public financing for the deal is $399 million. It includes dollars from the commonwealth, the city of Philadelphia, the Delaware River Port Authority and federal sources. Among the private sector companies involved in financing the agreement is CSX, which owns SIUcontracted Sea-Land Service. CSX Chairman John Snow called the arrangement "a forward-looking agreement with Kvaerner [offering] Jones Act carri-. ers and customers an opportunity to move a whole new technology base." SIU President Michael Sacco also praised the efforts undertaken to reopen the shipyard. "This will provide jobs for many men and women in the maritime industry," stated Sacco, who also serves as president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. "We look forward to working with the operators of the new shipyard so union members will be able to build and then sail these new vessels." Kvaerner said it plans to build nine containerships, but ultimately wanst to produce cruise ships at the facility. The company has shipyards throughout Europe producing luxury cruise liners, LNG carriers, oil-drilling rigs and support vessels. January 1998 �Latest Scene in Runaway Scam: 1 Sla11e 1 Mariners Illegally Handcuffed Captain, Others Escorted to Airport for Protesting Company Actions A newspaper reporter likened it to kidnapping. An inspector with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) described it as "slavery." Runaway-flag shipping strikes again. In separate incidents last September, three crewmembers from the Bahamian-flag, U.S.owned gambling ship Tropicana unjustifiably and illegally were handcuffed, taken to JFK Airport in New York and placed on flights out of the country. Fifteen other members of the multinational crew were fired and ordered off the ship-owned by South Carolina-based Collins Entertainment Corp.-without receiving the prepaid air tickets owed to them. (The crew numbered 79 and consisted of 24 nationalities.) Refusing Pay Cuts One mariner, 32-year-old Mark O'Dean of Guyana, was fired because he refused to accept a pay cut that violated Bahamian labor law. Despite a shipboard contract, O'Dean was ordered to go from earning $800 per month to $400. As with the firings, the unilateral pay cuts ostensibly were declared in part because of a delay in securing a license for the Tropicana to operate from New York. (The 31-year-old ship can carry 800 passengers and engages in cruise-to-nowhere gambling voyages. Because of U.S. laws and administrative rul ings, foreign-flag ships departing from U.S. ports must sail beyond U.S. territorial waters and return to the same port to discharge passengers-a practice known as cruises-tonowhere.) While O'Dean awaited payment of back wages and one month's compensation (owed to him per Bahamian Jaw), company president Fred Collins reportedly hired a private detective. The investigator boarded the ship, cuffed O'Dean and fulfilled Collins' demand to take him to the airport. By all accounts, O'Dean fully cooperated because he believed the private detective was a police officer. It is illegal for private detectives to handcuff anyone. "This is real slavery, illegal tactics like something from another century," said Spiro Varras, one of the Sill's ITF inspectors, who monitors complaints and upgrades conditions on flag-of-convenience ships in New York and New Jersey. The Tropicana 's captain, Tonci Matulina, protested O'Dean's treatment by signing off the ship. He then was illegally led away in handcuffs at l :30 a.m.. taken to the airport and placed on a flight to Croatia. A reporter for the Journal of Commerce pointed out that these incidents occurred near the Statue of Liberty, and described them as "a trampling of human rights." Following ITF intervention and peaceful protests by the SIU on the crewmerflbers' behalf (see sidebar), New York police met with ship managers to investigate the handcuffing incidents. The examination apparently was short-lived, however, perhaps in part because the offended parties were out of the country. m= Learns of Situation Varras first learned of the situation when Jose Larrea, a waiter from Peru, telephoned him September 3 from the airport. Like O'Dean, Larrea had been fired and handcuffed after refusing to accept a pay cut. (Varras went to the airport but could not find Larrea.) After contacting the other crewmembers, Varras discovered that half of them had been fired and escorted to airports because of the licensing delay, and several others were dismissed and forced off the ship (though not in restraints) for refusing pay cuts. The ITF inspector also found that safety routinely had been compromised aboard the Tropicana. For instance, one crewmember required hospitalization after sustaining injuries while working as an electrician-a position he was forced into by SIU Patrolman Sean Ryan (with bullhorn) and ITF Inspector Spiro Varras ride a picket boat to communicate with Tropicana crewmembers. January 1998 the company, even though he had no qualifications for the job and had been working in a different department. Another, OS Fernando Rodriguez Guillen, lost an eye from infection, and received medical attention only because of ITF intervention. "It also must be made clear that the crewmembers who remained, just because they stayed doesn't mean they like the situation," added Varras. "But they don't have another job lined up and so they feel they have no choice." Such is the case in the world of runaway-flag shipping, where an owner typically insulates himself from liability and turns a quick profit at the expense of the crew, environment and customers, be they passengers or business entities. This scam is accomplished by involving multiple parties from different nations. For example, a vessel may be owned by a Korean company, registered in Panama, use an Indonesian manning agent and hire crewmembers from any number of other countries, which usually do not have a traditional maritime background. The purpose of this practice is for greedy shipowners to escape the safety regulations, proce- dures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Responding to this widespread problem, the Londonbased ITF is engaged in a campaign against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-of-convenience shipping. The organization has 100 inspectors in 40 nations assisting in this fight. Overall, the ITF comprises more than 470 transport-related unions, including the SIU, in more than 120 nations. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section. SIU Protests Virtual Kidnapping of Foreigners New York-area Seafarers picketed the Tropicana from early morning until evening September 16-19. Upon learning of the mistreatment of mariners aboard the Bahamianflag gambling ship Tropicana, Seafarers (in photos above and below) protested the wrongdoing and helped inform the multinational crew that they had recourse against such abuse. Other maritime unions also participated in the protest, designed to call attention to the plight of mariners aboard the runaway-flag gambling ship and also to inform the crewmembers they had recourse against illegal treatment. Seafarers demonstrated along the pier and also crewed a picket boat. "It was very worthwhile," said SIU Representative Spiro Varras. an inspector with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) who helped organize the rallies. "The local authorities are alerted now to this situation, the shipowner also knows it, and the mariners realize they don't have to accept slave treatment. Before, the mariners didn ' t know they could do anything" in response. SIU Representative Sean Ryan, who took part in the pickets, pointed out that the Tropicana case drew media coverage. "Hopefully, our message helped show the public how badly mariners are treated on flag-ofconvenience vessels," he stated. Banner Shipping Season Sets on 6reat Lakes The 1997 season is winding down for Seafarers aboard Great Lakes vessels after another recordbreaking year of transporting iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the region. Many SIU-contracted companies have set winter layup locations and are considering tentative layup dates for the vessels. American Steamship Company (ASC) announced that all of its SIU-crewed bulkers will be docked in their respective winter ports by early January. The Indiana Harbor and H. Lee White will tie up for the winter in Duluth, Minn. while the Walter J. McCarthy and the John J. Boland are scheduled to lay up in Superior, Wis . Toledo, Ohio will be the winter berthing spot for the St. Clair, American Mariner, American Republic and Buffalo. The Sam Laud and Charles E. Wilson will sail to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. for the winter months. Meanwhile, the Great Lakes shipping season officially ends January 15, the date the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. close. The shutting of the locks brings the majority of shipping on the Lakes to a halt, since the locks are the only entrance into Lake Superior from the lower four bodies of water. Erie Sand Steamship Company, which operates the SIU-crewed Richard Reiss, John R. Emery, Day Peckinpaugh and J.S. St. John, will announce offi- cial layup dates within the first weeks of this month. The John R. Emery will lay up in Sandusky, Ohio and the Richard Reiss will stay the winter in Erie, Pa. Winter ports and official layup date£ for the remaining Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessels will be determined by the company early this month . As the Seafarers LOG went to press, other SIUcrewed vessels had already tied up for the winter. Seafarers sailed Cement Transit Company's Medusa Conquest into the port of Chicago late last month. Also at the end of December, the Medusa Challenger arrived in Milwaukee. The SIU-crewed Kinsman Enterprise sailed to Buffalo, N.Y. on December 13. Inland Lakes Management reports the Paul H. Townsend was scheduled for layup in the port of Milwaukee on December 31. The J.A. W Iglehart is tentatively due in the port of Detroit on January 2 while the Alpena is set to arrive in Cleveland for the winter on January 11. According to the Lake Carriers' Association, an organization of U.S.-flag ship companies on the Great Lakes, shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from Great Lakes ports were 119 .2 mill ion tons through October, an increase of 7.4 percent. That figure (without the November, December and January shipments) has already surpassed the postrecession record of 117 million tons which was set in 1996. Seafarers LOG 5 �Safety Stressed Aboard Steamboat Seafarers Continue Trahllng on American Queen Above: Posing for a photo following a class in infant and child CPR aboard the American Queen are (from left) Chief Purser Karen Littlewood, Executive Chef Hung Pham. Bar Steward Barney D'Angelo and Instructor Stormie Combs. Left: Crewmembers prepare for a U.S. Coast Guard firefighting drill aboard the American Queen. Above: During damage control training aboard the American Queen, crewmembers construct wooden patches to cover ruptures in the boat's hull. From the left are Deckhand Bryan Johnson, Deckhand Kenya Lewis, Engineer Randy Dominque and Deckhand Mike Ward. Above: The American Queen emergency squad includes (from left) Second Mate Mike Swigert, Deckhand Mark Ward, Watchman Harold Thornton, Lead Deckhand Greg Pratt, Deckhand David McKnight, Deckhand Hunter Smith, Captain Dave Davitt, Deckhand Leonard Price, Lead Deckhand David Hardesty, and First Mate Steve Setser. Above: After completion of an American Red Cross first aid course, American Queen crewmembers proudly display their certification cards. From the left (sitting) are Deckhand David McKnight, Watchman Dawnd Yamini, Watchman Harold Thornton, (standing) Instructor Stormie Combs, Purser Linda Engler, Purser John Schuler, Supervisor Tammy White, Deckhand Hunter Smith and Deckhand Vincent Bradford. Lead Deckhand David Hardesty practices using a dry-chemical extinguisher to put out a fire while the American Queen docks in Natchez, Miss. Also pictured are Deckhands Leonard Price (left) and Vincent Bradford. Learning how to snuff out small fires is important on any vessel. Above, Porter Jerome Jackson handles a fire extinguisher during a drill. 6 Seafarers LOG F rom refreshing basic firefighting skills to earning CPR and first aid certificales, SIU members who sail aboard The Delta Queen Steamboat Co.'s 418-foot overnight passenger vessel, the American Queen, joined instructors from Lhe Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.in successfully completing another series of on-site safety courses last year. Instructors Stormie Combs and Rick Redman conduclcd training sessions with the Seafarers beginning in February and ending in November. Safety training also took place throughout this year on the other SIU-crewed company steamboats, the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. The 1997 session aboard the American Queen included infant, child and adult CPR as well as advanced first aid procedures. Other segments helped members learn how to identify and contain hazardous materials; water survival and rescue; confined pace safety; ba ic and advanced firefighting; and more. All crewmembers aboard the vessel took part in Lhe training, which included classroom and handson instruction. During the year, individual members received up to 230 hours of training. (Due to the complexity of their duties, the emergency squad, comprised of the master, two pilots, chief mate, third mate and deck crew, received the most training.) "The crewmembers are proud of how safe their boat is," noted Combs. 'They really work hard and get all that they can from our training." The first e ions of the year covered CPR and first aid. Crewmembers earned certification or recertification by passing practical and written tests. "Thi type of emergency training is vital to crewmembers aboard a passenger vessel," Combs recalled. "They must be prepared to treat the individual for a specific length of time until shoreside medical personnel can be accessed_ Thi length of time can vary, depending on where the boat is." Members also studied chemical safety, how to report and identify emergencies and how to care for someone until the shipboard emergency squad arrives. The next trip to the American Queen by Hall Center in tructors focused on damage control. Crewmembers made wooden patches to cover ruptures in various parts of the boat's hull. Additionally, crewmembers practiced using life rafts to shuttle other members (acting as passengers) from the boats to shore. They loaded and unloaded passengers and practiced evacuating passengers from the vessel in the event of an actual emergency. The final training segment aboard the paddlewheeler covered firefighting and g·eneral safety. During this section, Seafarers used fire hoses and learned the methods and agents of different types of fire extinguishers. The crew took part in drills simulating conditions of a shipboard fire and studied the behavior, prevention and chemistry of fires. Crewmembers also were instructed on how to use, clean and store a self-contained breathing apparatus. As has happened during previous training sessions, passengers cruising on the steamboat became the audience, stopping to watch the crewmembers in action. "The passengers seemed to enjoy witnessing the training," stated Combs. "One individual was a firefighter and took pictures of the crew during the training to show others when she got home. Seeing all of the safety training offered to American Queen crewmembers helps the guests feel that if something were to go wrong during their trip, they are in the afest hands available," he added. The American Queen offers three- to 16-night cruises departing from New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., St. Louis, St. Paul, Minn., Chattanooga, Tenn., Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. At six decks high, the American Queen is the largest overnight passenger vessel built in a U.S. shipyard since the 1950s. It can accommodate 436 passengers and a crew of 170. The vessel is outfitted with a 1,400-horsepower steam engine that powers a pair of pistons to drive the paddlewheel. Supplementing that power are two modern diesel-electric systems and twin bow thrusters that bring the total horsepower to 3,500. The boat also includes surface-search radar, elevators, electronic fire-detection equipment, a computer that monitors 275 points in the steam propulsion system, an electro-hydraulic mechanism that can lower the pilothouse and more. Founded in 1890, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. is America's only operator of authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboats. With headquarters in New Orleans, the company offers cruises along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Atchafalaya and Arkansas rivers. Sharon Logiudice, a housekeeper aboard the vessel, practices using a fire hose. Testing one of the American Queen's fire hoses are (from left) housekeeping crewmembers Jude Vaughn, Tony Brennfeild and Mike Clarke. Deckhand Bryan Johnson uses a dry-chemical fire extinguisher during a practical training session held in Natchez, Miss. January 1998 �Hundreds Gather to Give Thanks At San Francisco's Annual Feast The SIU hall in San Francisco was the place to be on Tuesday, November 25, as 250 Seafarers, pensioners and their families and friends joined in the Thanksgiving Day festivities. This is the eighth year the luncheon has been held, and each year it seems to get better, according to San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celona. First, of course, there was the food. Several weeks of voluntary preparation by Seafarers and union representatives went into ensuring a delicious feast. Eighteen turkeys, nine 15-pound hams, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and numerous other vegetables rounded out the traditional holiday repast. New this year, to the delight of the guests, was the inclusion of salmon and shrimp cocktail on the menu. For dessert, Italian pastries supplemented the usual assortment of homemade pies-apple, pumpkin and pecan. Then there were the gue ts. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown was among those enjoying the lively afternoon. Also joining Seafarers for the festivities were representatives from other labor unions, including the Marine Firemen's Union, MEBA-District 1, Inland Boatman's Union, American Maritime Officers, Masters Mates and Pilots, and the United Food and Commercial Workers . Other invited friends included retired SIU Executive Vice President Ed Turner as well as several San Francisco government officials and local representatives from contracted shipping companies. Celona thanked SIU-contracted companies Matson, Sea-Land and APL for donating food for the celebration and Alioto's Restaurant for cooking the turkeys. "This celebration has gotten to be a real community event," the SIU official noted, as he welcomed the guests and gave thanks for the good year. A lot of effort went into making the 8th annual Thanksgiving Day luncheon a success. Instrumental in the food preparation are (from left) Chief Cook Burt Richardson, Chief Steward Eddie Gomez, Chief Steward Willie Madison, Chief Steward Steve Valencia and Chief Cook John Blasquez. Above: More than 250 people attended the holiday buffet luncheon, filling the San Francisco hall with good food, friendship and laughter. A friend of labor, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (front row holding book) is welcomed by Seafarers. In the front row, shaking the mayor's hand, is Chief Steward Joseph Williams. Next to him is Steward Assistant Nunu Randle. In the back row (from the left}-are Chief Cook Donald Garrison. AB Willie Alututa. Steward Assistant Clifford Scott and Pensioner Pat Capitio. Right: San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celena welcomes guests to the festivities. With him are San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (left) and SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. Joining in the Thanksgiving holiday festivities are three good friends of the SIU. From the left are Frances Farruggia; her son, Charlie Farruggia; and Lillian A. Daldassari. SIU Baby Bond Program Still Going Strong The SIU Baby Bond Program is entering its 46th year of providing union-member parents with a special gift upon the birth of a child. As has been done since the benefit began in 1952, union members receive from the SIU a U.S. savings bond in the name of the newborn. The $50 bond is issued after confirmation of the birth is sent to the union and processed. An application for the bond may be obtained at any SIU hall or by writing the secretary-treasurer's office at the Seafarers International Union, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Applications also are mailed by the union when it is notified by the Seafarers Welfare Plan that a maternity payment has been filed. Information needed for the application includes the member's name, address and Social Security number as well as the baby's name, date of birth and social security number. (In order for a savings bond to be issued, the Federal Reserve Bank requires the Social Security number of the recipient.) Members also need to send a copy of the child's birth certificate with the application for a bond. Applications are collected by the union and taken monthly to the Federal Reserve Bank. It takes several months for the bank to return the bonds to the union. Once they are received, the bonds, along with a letter from the SIU president, are mailed to the member's house. January 1998 Celebrating the holiday with old friends are (from left) Theresa Madesti; retired Teamster member Rudy Themm; Betty Turner (wife of retired SIU Executive Vice President Ed Turner); retired SIU official Mel Madesti and Walter Chin, a friend of the union. Holiday Spirit in Houston Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families enjoyed a delicious meal and good company at the union hall in Houston one day before Thanksgiving. Retiree Theodore "Beau" James prepared the annual feast, a buffet which featured a traditional holiday menu. Retiree John Clarke (at right) was one of many who sampled dessert. Above, members and retirees dish up the main course. Seafarers LOG 7 �!1119..........................................._________________..._______~--~~~-----~~~·~~~~ --- Looking for a Voyage to a Brighter Future in 1998? ' The start of a new year brings many resolutions to improve ourselves in all sorts of different ways. Some people may wish to stop smoking or lose weight. Others may desire to help others. Still others may wish to better themselves by furthering their education hut don't have the necessary funds. Although no union can help everyone achieve success in all their new year's goals, the SIU can help seven deserving students attend college next fall. All Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children who would like to continue their education are encouraged to apply for one of seven scholarships being awarded in 1998 by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Three of the grants will go to SIU members; the other four will be given to spouses or dependent children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners. The scholarships may be used by the recipients for studies at either two- and four-year institutions of higher learning. Eligibility Requirements Eligibility requirements for Seafarers and their spouses and unmarried dependent children are spelled out in a booklet which contains a scholarship application. The booklet is available by filling out and returning the coupon below to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklet also is available at all SIU halls. Amount of Awards One of the scholarships reserved for SIU members is a $15,000 award to attend a four-year college or university; the other two arc $6,000 two-year awards to study at a vocational school or community college. Four scholarships in the amount of $15,000 each will be awarded to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers and SIU pensioners. Candidates should indicate on the application form whether they are planning to attend a twoyear or a four-year program. The $15,000 college scholarships will be paid at the rate of $3,750 per year over a four-year period. The $6,000 awards will be paid at the rate of $3 ,000 per year. birth certificates. The scholarship application must be completed by all applicants. It is easy to fill out. What may take some time, however, is collecting the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the form, including letters of reference and official copies of high school transcripts and certifications of graduation (which often take time to process) and certified copies of April 15, 1998 is the last day in which applications _are being accepted for this year's scholarship program. If an applicant sent in a form last year and was not selected for one of the awards, he or she should try again in 1998. The new year is here. Start the process going-now-and fulfill your educational goal for 1998. r--------------------------------------------------, I please send me the 1998 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying • and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code COMPLETE THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207 46 8 Seafarers LOG This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completedform to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1/98 L-----------------------------------------------~--~ January 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1997 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SlDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia ·Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville S.an Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico 32 3 16 4 4 8 13 11 14 2 31 5 17 12 12 9 18 0 14 33 . 26 "· 20 28 17 23 9 0 5 4 4 l 3 l 9 11 0 14 7 10 12 0 5 4 23 9 14 33 13 3 11 11 1 5 2 4 13 9 6 2 4 1 22 18 7 17 2 2 0 18 14 41 3 2 0 107 392 2 3 1 8 10 3 4 I 6 17 28 29 22 3 10 ... 2 J 2 3 2 2 Piney Point Algonac Totals 0 0 257 4 J 0 0 2 4 0 154 59 211 3 113 2 0 41 Port Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jack:;onvilfo San Francisco :Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Loui'S 15 5 7 0 5 0 4 6 12 5 3 4 1 14 9 6 5 9 13 I8 7 13 3 6 17 ·1 Totals 4 ·New York Philadelphia Balli more Norfolk Mobile Orleans Jacksonvlile .San Francisco New Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston · SJ. J._Ql)iS . .Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Hom;ton SL Louis t>i ney Point 135 88 36 116 Totals All Departments New Orleans ............Tuesday: February 10, March 10 0 New York ................. Tuesday: February 3, March 3 6 2 2 3 1 2 2 211 0 5 2 6 4 1 6 15 12 13 8 7 12 21 6 13 2 0 0 1 20 so 183 131 25 .· .,. '1 9 .L 4 2 6 ·o 78 STEWARD DEPARTMENT '''".9. '''>7 . .J . 3 0 0 l I 0 0 0 19 1 1 4 J 0 2 15 5 ". t 13 14 7 9 9 I 2 1 25 .S 5 3 44 11 2 0 0 8 4 0 12 4 16 I 0 9 28 42 6 5 7 5 0 2 0 0 6 5 6 6 6 4 to 9 15 0 6 0 0 0 7 J 0 0 0 3 I l 0 45 12 5 2 0 I 150 57 28 0 4 8 17 9 14 23 7 14 7 27 d " 13 5 I 2 12 2 9 9 6 9 0 2 67 8 0 9 l 0 23 0 23 I I 0 52 192 155 594 491 263 0 3 0 100 460 354 164 i 39 9 3 0 4 ~1 0 I 2 0 6 0 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 67 257 94 21 224 Norfolk ..................... Thursday: February 5, March 5 San Francisco ........... Thursda.y: February 12. March 12 San Juan ................... Thursday: February 5, March 5 St. Louis ................... Friday: February 13, March 13 Tacoma .....................Friday: February 20, March 20 Wilmingcon ..............Tuesday: February 17* Monday: March 16 *Change due to President...~ Day holida)~ Personals 22 16 2 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 17 I 0 3 0 2 0 0 I 0 0 0 8 4 0 0 2 8 7 I 0 0 4 2 0 6 0 11 0 3 0 4 7 0 0 5 2 9 0 2 0 0 2 27 64 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 0 14 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 118 91 0 33 Mobile ...................... Wednesday: February 11, March 11 ·· o 4 2 12 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: February 18, March 18 ·' 1r 0 0 i 0 . Jacksonville .............. Thursday: February 5, March 5 Each part'• meeting darls at 10:30 a.m. o· 3 9 17 I& 27 1 3 4 0 10 16 ·3 s 1 Houston .................... Monday: February 9, March 9 11 0 3 5 7 0 LINDSAY EDWARD "JOHN" BASS Mark Scarborough is seeking information about his grandfather, Lindsay Edward "John" Bass, who was born February 25, 1908. He lived in St. Louis, Mo. in the 1930s, working as a merchant mariner for at least part of that time. If anyone has any information about Lindsay Bass, they are requested to contact Mark Scarborough at I 3 I Letendre Avenue, Port Edwards, WI 54469; telephone (715) 422-6728. TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaastad, who sailed as an AB from the port of Honolulu. is presently incarcerated and would love to Mar from some of his former shipmates. His address is TDC #681264, P.O. Box 4500, 7-A-27, Tennessee Colony, TX 75886-4500. TO THOSE WHO SAILED THE BENJAMIN CONTEE Retiree George "Fuuy" Brannan would Like to hear from anyone who was aboard the SS Benjamin Contee (Liberty Ship), the third vessel in line for the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Please give him a call at (610) 485-0691 (Philadelphia area). JAMES FLUKER 12 0 47 24 0 4 2 3 3 1 8 4 20 10 6 15 35 20 4 20 18 8 13 4 20 29 35 20 23 6 IO IO 3 0 0 32 20 4 79 12 0 0 14 3 21 0 84 293 247 916 729 375 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. January 1998 5 2 7 68 0 6 II 0 21 I 0 2 0 7 Honolulu .................. Friday~ February 13, March 13 Philadelphia ............. Wednesday: February 4, March 4 5 5 3 6 3 6 3 0 24 I 0 .. 1 4 4 10 5 New Bedford ............ Tuesday: February 17, March 17 15 4 2 9 2 Algonac Total~ 17 2 2 0 7 0 3 10 18 13 0 6 2 5 21 4 0 3 3 0 7 5 .. '2.'. 0 25 8 9 22 0 ll 0 JI' 47 6 0 4 6 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: February 11, March 11 27 3 3 4 4 Baltimore .................Thursday: February 5, March 5 46 35 2 I 2 6 3 7 13 4 6 1 21 9 6 8 1 8 7 14 0 Algonac .................... Friday: February 6, March 6 50 14 3 .a 5 18 17 I 6 13 25 4 10 32 1 4 13 Port IO 9 15 7 13 .1 4 11 3 4 3 3 · ~ ·. 10 2 60 20 4 2 7 15 18 7 0 ii 16 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 12 6 0 7 3 0 0 5 6 1 5 0 0 Piney Point Algonac 5 7 Membership. Meetings <i' fl:fl!~;; $.ila, , .Lakes1:' lnland Waters PineJPoint ............... Monday: February 2, March 2 5 Honolulu Houslon St. Louis NewYork **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port :New York Trip Reliefs February & Wlan:h 1998 Please contact Terrie Overstreet at (757) 382-9228. Welcoming Apprentices on S-L Explorer A key part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's unlicensed apprentice program is a 90day shipboard assignment that provides students with hands-on experience. In the spirit of the Brotherhood of the Sea, Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Explorer recently welcomed two unlicensed apprentices. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Jerry Boruki, Chief Steward William Burdette and students Jason Strickler and Celina Ortega. Seafarers LOG 9 �The Year in Review For the SIU, 1997 stands as a year of substantial progress. The results of that advancement are numerous new job opportunities for SIU members as well as solidified support for the law which deals with the nation's freight cabotage. In another important development, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., overhaukd its curriculum to better serve upgraders and entrylevel mariners. The school also developed and issued a training record book that has been very well -received. The following is a look back on a few of the highlights of the year past. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs When the U .S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) in late July announced the awarding of a contract to Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. for the operation and maintenance of eight new prepositioning ships, it meant hundreds of new jobs for SIU members. Two of the eight roll -on/rolloff (RO/RO) vessels were christened last year at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, while one was brought out at NASSCO in San Diego. The rest of the Bob Hope- and Watson-class shipstwo to be built at Avondale, three at NASSCO-are scheduled for delivery on various dates between 1998 and 2000. Employment opportunities also came to fruition aboard other MSC ships, including three converted RO/ROs operated by Bay Ship Management. The USNS Yano, USNS Gilliland and USNS Soderman rounded out a group of five such ships formerly flying the Danish flag and now serving in prepositioning roles. In Mobile, Ala., Seafarers crewed the Sea Pride, a reflagged containership now serving MSC as an ammunition vessel. Early in the y~ar, SIU members climbed the gangway of the Harry L. Martin, another converted RO/RO that was the first vessel in MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Force (Enhanced) program. More new jobs were gained when Maersk reflagged four modern containerships to the Stars and Stripes and enrolled them in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). In March, Seafarers crewed the Maersk Tennessee and Maersk Texas; by mid-summer, they also had signed on the Maersk Colorado and Maersk California. The year began with APL inking a contract with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) to place nine containerships in the MSP, including four that would be reflagged from the Marshall Islands. Last month, the APL Singapore became the first of the four to hoist Old Glory. with the others slated to follow suit shortly. The SIU-crewed tanker fleet also got a boost in 1997, starting when Seafarers in June crewed two Crowley tankers, the Blue Ridge and the Coast Range. Late summer brought the announcement that Maritrans 10 Seafarers LOG agreed to acquire four tankers and a pair of tug-barge units, all to be crewed by Seafarers. SIU crews signed on the Allegiance and Perseverance in September; the other tankers will be sailing with Seafarers this year. Elsewhere, new Crowley tractor tugs went into service in Southern California, with Seafarers working aboard the boats Guard and Protector. And, there was good news for the U.S.-flag passenger ship industry when Congress approved a program designed to construct two American-flag cruise ships in U.S. shipyards. Additionally, the job security of Seafarers sailing aboard cable ships remained intact as the vessels remained under SIU contract after being sold by AT&T to Tyco. Jones Act Throughout the year, the union joined other backers of the nation's freight cabotage law to ensure it remains undiminished in its requirements that cargo moved between U.S. ports must be transported aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed, U.S.-built vessels. Rank-and-file Seafarers contacted their legislators in Congress and urged them to maintain the Jones Act, which protects America's national and economic security. The SIU also participated in and aided the efforts of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, a broad alliance of labor and industry representatives (including the Seafarers) focused on preserving the 1920 law. Shortly after the August recess on Capitol Hill, a majority of House members had signed on to cosponsor House Concurrent Resolution -65, which calls on Congress to preserve the Jones Act. Because of that majority, which continues to grow, as well as support in the Senate, legislative efforts to undermine the Jones Act-like the so-called Coastal Shipping Competition Act (H.R. 1991) or measures being considered in the Senateare not likely to be enacted during the 105th Congress, which ends this year. Enemies of the Jones Act wili not cease in their efforts to weaken or eliminate the law, however, and the SIU therefore will remain vigilant. SIU Higl Paul Hall Center Anniversaries often are times for reflection, but the Paul Hall Center, with its sights on the future, spent its 30th year making major changes and improvements. Representatives of the school developed and issued a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) designed to help Seafarers comply with new regulations stemming from international maritime treaties. The school also crafted an electronic method for maintaining and updating the training records of each Seafarer. RIGHT: The Coast Guard approval of self-certification courses such as water survival was one of many advancements made by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1997. Seafarers gained new job opportunities when four Maersk ships reflagged American, including the Maersk Colorado (above), the Maersk California (above right) and the Maersk Texas (second photo at right). From coast to coast, Seafarers maintained the unionists. Here, members demonstrate in supp January 1998 �LEFT: In March, the Maersk Tennessee reflags under the Stars and Stripes while the ship is docked in Port Everglades, Fla. BELOW: America's national security receives a boost as the USNS Gilliland is converted and ref lagged in Newport News, Va. ABOVE; Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Challenger meet with SIU President Michael Sacco and other SIU officials to discuss the purpose and proper use of the union's training record book. Boatmen at E.N. Bisso in June overwhelmingly ratified the first union contract in the 117-year history of the New Orleans-based company. Commemorating the pact are (from left) Chief Engineer Charlie Wilkinson, OS Chris Westbrook, SIU President Michael Sacco, Deckhand Robert Roberts and SIU Patrolman Steve Judd. Overall, the center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship rewrote much of its curriculum, in large part, as with the TRB, to help Seafarers meet requirements of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) and the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The school added an LNG recertification class, a tankerman (PIC) barge course and a revamped sealift class, among other new offerings. Also, instructors installed an almost entirely new steward department curriculum highlighted by modular training units designed to make it easier for Seafarers to attend upgrading courses. As has been the case for many years, the school continued providing on-site training for Seafarers. The 1997 sites included Jacksonville, Philadelphia, New Orleans, the SS Independence, the American Queen paddlewheeler, plus other locations. Early in the year, the center announced it had expanded and enhanced its program for entrylevel mariners. The new unlicensed apprentice program features an initial 12-week session in Piney Point, then a 90-day shipboard training assignment, followed by safety and department-specific training at the school. Though very challenging for students, the unlicensed apprentice program has received much praise from its participants, who cited the thorough instruction and practical experience as highlights. Both the TRB and the unlicensed apprentice program were brainchildren originating in meetings of the center's deep sea advisory board, which includes representatives from the union, the school and SIU-contracted companies and also typically features guest participants from the U.S. Coast Guard, MarAd and MSC. Similarly, the school is developing an apprentice program for inland Seafarers, as a result of the 1997 joint meeting of the deep sea and inland advisory boards. Other News ,..ai~. 's long tradition of backing fellow trade f California strawberry workers. January 1998 The ITF continued its fight against runaway-flag shipping which included gaining back wages for the crew of the Skvira. SIU ITF Inspectors Spiro Var~as (pictured here, wearing necktie), Edd Morris and Don Thornton brought a number of such ships under ITF contract while also securing a substantial total of back wages for many crews. Seafarers also were active in many other areas. Members and officials continued supporting the campaign of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) against runaway-flag shipping. Last year, they assisted mistreated crews from the Blue La.goon, Pacific Frost, Skvira, Seorax, Koktebel and many more. Edd Morris, Spiro Varras and Don Thornton, the SIU's ITF inspectors, secured approximately three-quarters of $1 million in back wages on behalf of the various crews. They also helped bring some of the ships under ITF contract, thereby increasing the chances for fair treatment of the crews. For the SIU, the year began with the tallying committee report announcing the results of voting for national officers of the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Michael Sacco was reelected president. In August, delegates to the SIUNA convention also reelected Michael Sacco as president. They charted a course for the union that includes organizing, political action, building a stronger U.S. fleet, and fighting runaways. Officials of other maritime unions speaking at the convention stressed that unified action is one key to the industry's survival and progress. In keeping with tradition, Seafarers repeatedly demonstrated support of fellow trade unionists throughout the nation. They continued their backing of striking newspaper workers rn Detroit; farm workers rn Watsonville, Calif. ; striking Steelworkers at Wheeling (W.Va.)-Pitt Steel; striking UPS workers across the country; and Sprint workers in fired Washington, D.C., among others. Another tradition ably upheld by SIU members in 1997 was executing rescues at sea. Seafarers aboard the Sea Wolf, Gulf Star, USNS Kilauea, Niagara Falls, Osprey and Global link each helped save people in distress. So did the SIU crew aboard the tug Jesse B. Gunstream, which arguably took part in the strangest rescue of the year. They saved a woman in Port Arthur, Texas, after she was bitten by an alligator. The woman reportedly had attempted to swim across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway after a spat with her boyfriend. Most SIU contracts were ratified in 1996, but a few also were negotiated and approved in 1997. Boatmen at E.N. Bisso ratified an agreement after a long struggle to secure their first contract. Also approving pacts were Seafarers at Express Marine and Orgulf. To meet the growing needs of members from America's Last Frontier, the union opened a hall in Anchorage, Alaska on May 20. The opening coincided with the start of a ·program designed to facilitate entry of Alaskan youth into the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. In New Orleans and Houston, the Seafarers Welfare Plan opened new clinics for members and their families. Additionally, the union made its debut on the internet, starting a site on the world wide web located at seafarers.org. On the legislative front, the SIU opposed extending fast-track negotiating authority for international trade pacts. The union also continued its support of a bill designed to extend the cutoff date for veterans' benefits for World War II merchant mariners. At . the AFL-CIO convention, the national federation of trade unions reaffirmed its support for maritime. And, at the MTD conrepresentatives of vention, Congress, the administration and the armed forces reiterated that a strong U.S. fleet is vital to the nation's national security and economic stability. Seafarers LOG 11 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematianal Union Directory NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1997 Michael Sacco Presidem CL - John Fay E~ecutive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts George McCartney Vice President West Coast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Govemrnent Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron KeUey Vice President Lakes and lnland Waters Vice Dean Corgey Gulf Coast Pre~idenl ~ .. . HEADQUARTERS 520 I Auth Way Camp Sprfrt~. MD 20746 (301) 899~0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Or. Algonac, Ml 48001 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 10 0 10 5 0 5 0 0 27 21 Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 0 10 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 10 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 16 5 0 13 7 0 0 3 0 0 0 11 Totals All Depts 0 65 36 0 40 10 0 25 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 16 26 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorag~, AK 99SO:J (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters .BALTIMORE NOVEMBER 16 - lll6 E. B~ltimore St. Baltimore. MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 DECEMBER 15, 1997 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C (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 (994) 353-09&7 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 0730Z .~20l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 D{luphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 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 6 5 Fouttb Av~, Bmoklyn. NY 11232 (7 lS) 499-6600 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 Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 4 26 2 0 2 0 0 32 2 6 0 3 9 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 l 17 0 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 3 6 10 0 0 5 8 17 4 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 J 0 3. 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 ~ 0 4 37 0 3 0 0 15 8 I 13 29 4 28 0 I 0 0 4 .12 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 4 0 0 8 0 8 --- 0 1 Totals All Depts 59 3 11 22 4 16 50 5 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 33 NORFOLK l 15 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (7:57) 622~1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. PhiladeJphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 I) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTUKCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave,, Stop 16Yi Samurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Salvatore A. (Joe) DiMaggio of Scranton, Pa., was taken aboard the Steel Vendor (Isthmian Lines) in 1948 at Christmas time. In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying the photo, DiMaggio wrote, 'We were in Hilo, Hawaii on the 'pineapple run' at the time. I was the deck maintenance on the ship. ''This picture was taken in the crew's mess. Most of the ship's crew is in it." (DiMaggio, however, says he was sleeping when the photo was taken.) Pensioner DiMaggio joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Before rntiring in 1975, he sailed as a bosun aboard Sea Transport's Eagle Traveler. Brother DiMaggio, now 72, also is a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He would like to hear from some of his old shipmates. They may call him at (717) 346-8119. January 1998 �-------------------------------------------~---- · ~-·~ -~- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. wo recertified stewards and one recertified bosun are among the 16 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing more than 100 years of active union membership, Recertified Stewards Cleo Jones and Sek G. Wong and Recertified Bosun Gerald J. Corelli are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 12 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division and four navigated the inland T wati:rways. Of the retiring Seafarers, seven served in the U.S. military - four in the Navy and three in the Army. The oldest retiring members this month are Emilio F. Madara at age 72 and Jimmy Shuey Wong at age 70. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA BAYARDW. BALDWIN, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1963. During his union career, he served on both inland and deep sea vessels as a member of the deck department. Brother Baldwin's last sign-off was aboard the Liberty Sea, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. The Oklahoma native served in the U. S. Navy from 1953 to 1955. He makes his home in Houston. JUAN J. BARRERA, 48, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 in Port Arthur, Texas. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. A native of Texas, the deck department member upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Barrera signed off the Eric G. Gibson, operated by Maersk Lines, Ltd. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Naples, Fla. ROYL. CARR. 57, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of Houston . Born in Kentucky, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Arctic. From 1958 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Carr has retired to Williamsburg, Ky. .---=-------. GERALD J. CORELLI, JERSONI. TORO, 65, Sherwood, operated by Moore McCormack. A native of Florida, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the USNS Antares as a chief electrician. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1964. Brother Hart calls Lakeland, Fla. home. WILMER JACK. 47, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Mississippi, he sailed in ====== both the engine and steward departments and upgraded to cook/baker at the Lundeberg School. Brother Jack last sailed aboard OMI Corp.'s Hudson. He has retired to Mobile, Ala. 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and =====joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. Brother Corelli began his career in the steward department but later transferred to the deck department. The New York native frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1979. His last ship was the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in Zephyrhills, Fla. KENNETH L. HART, 56, started his career with the SIU in SIU member Ahmed Sharif (right) not only took after his father when the time arrived to choose a career, but also enjoyed the opportunity to work with him on the same vessel. OMU Omar A. Sharif (left) and son recently sailed together aboard the Great Land, a Seafarers-contracted ship operated by lnterocean Ugland Management (IUM) for Totem Ocean Trailer Express. "It is not uncommon to have children follow their parents into a seagoing career, but it is somewhat unusual to have a father and son team working on the same vessel, and in the same department," observed IUM Assistant Vice President Bob Rogers. "The chief engineer, Don Clarke, reports that both are excellent workers and a pleasure to have aboard," he added. January 1998 ment. Brother Perez last sailed aboard the Overseas Boston. He calls Covina, Calif. home. 1966 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Robin CLEO JONES, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Polaris. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the steward recertification course in 1982. Brother Jones makes his home in Houston. .-------~ LUIS PEREZ, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York. His first ====~~ ship was the Cantigny, operated by Cities Service Transport Corp. Born in Puerto Rico, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck depart- began sailing with the SIU in 1984 from the port of Honolulu. His first ship was .____ _ _ ____, the S.S. Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Ecuador, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Toro signed off the Overseas Harriette and has retired to Guayaquil, Ecuador. ANGEL TOUCET, 65, first sailed with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in China, he became a U.S. citizen in 1969. Brother Wong upgraded his skiJls at the Lundeberg School and successfully completed the steward recertification program there in 1987. He makes his home in Emeryville, Calif. INLAND EARLH. CANNON, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1949. Born in Virginia, he last sailed in 1986 ' - - - - - - - - - ' as a captain aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. Boatman Cannon has retired to Tampa, Fla. CHARLESF. HODGES, with the SIU in 1967 aboard the Houston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. ====== A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department and was last aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Toucet has retired to Carolina, P.R. JIMMY SHUEY WONG, 70, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Steward (MC&S) Training School in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1966 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The California native last sailed as a chief cook aboard the President Washington, operated by APL. Brother Wong calls San Francisco home. ...-------. SEK G. WONG,67, graduated from the MC&S Training School in 1968 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged ==::.___J 62, joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Texas native sailed as a captain and signed off the Philip K, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Hodges makes his home in Port Aransas, Texas. .----------. EMILIO F. ,---2 MACLARA, 72, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988. Born in Puerto Rico, he ==---=___.:== sailed in the deck department. Boatman Madara is a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. He calls Carolina, P.R. home. CONNIE O'NEAL PETERS, 57, began his career with the SIU in 1963. He · sailed as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He last served aboard the Marrero. Boatman Peters has retired to Iota, La. Red Cross Thanks SIU When Hurricane Danny struck Mobile, Ala. last summer, the American Red Cross quickly began disaster-relief operations. The SIU immediately pitched in by donating use of the Mobile union hall to the Red Cross, which turned the facility into an administrative emergency headquarters. While the agency utilized the building to aid storm victims, the union's operations continued unimpeded. Seafarers took care of their business at the hall's counter, and job calls were held on schedule. Recently, the Red Cross thanked the union when Edward K. Patrick (left) of the AFL-CIO Community Services Department presented a plaque of appreciation to SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey during a membership meeting. . Seafarers LOG 13 - �Final Departures DEEP SEA VIRGIL S. ALFORD Pensioner Virgil S. Alford, 71 , passed away November 2, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the pan of New Orleans. Brother Alford sailed in the deck department. From 1951 co 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. He began receiving his pension in December 1987. L _ __ _ _ _ __ _ . JOHN CECERON .r Pensioner John Ceceron, 97. died November 5, 1997. He joined the Marine Cooh & Stewards (MC&S) , before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in the Philippine:>, Brother Ceceron was a resident of Sun City, Calif. He began receiving his pension in August 197 I . AMADA FELICIANO Pensioner Amada Feliciano, 90, passed away November 25. 1997. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his career with the L . - - - - - - - - - ' Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Feliciano sailed in the steward department. During his career, he wirn active in union organizing drives and beefs. The New Orleans resident retired in December I 972. JAMES M. FOSTER Pensioner James M. Foster, 74, died November 22, 1997. Brother Foster joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He ..____ _ _ _ ___, sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He was a veteran of World War IL having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1943. A native of Alabama and a resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in December 1977. STANLEY A. FREEMAN SR. Pensioner Stanley A. Freeman Sr., 69, passed away November 20, 1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952 from the <--..;...:;..-=::;.__;"--_ _J port of New Orleans aboard the William H. Carruth. Brother Freeman sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the steward recertification course in 1981 . A resident of Woodville, Texas, he retired in September 1989. EFRAIN GARCIA Pensioner Efrain Garcia, 66, died November 20, 1997. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of San 14 Seafarers LOG Juan. His first ship was the Gateway City, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Garcia sailed as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in September 1996. He was a resident of Rio Piedras, P.R. MIKAL K. OVERGAARD Augusta Johnson, 77, passed away November 15, 1997. Born in Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1966 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Johnson, a resident of Gretna, La., retired in February 1984. Pensioner Mikal K. Overgaard, 63, passed away September 8, 1997. He began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of New York. His '-----=--=----=---' first ship was the Rebecca, operated by Maritime Overseas Corp. He sailed in the engine depanment and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Overgaard made his home in Chile and retired in January 1996. ARTEMI KANITS JOSEPH A. ROBERTSON Pensioner .- Artemi Kanits, 82, died November 6, 1997. Brother Kanits started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port ....____ _ _ _ ____, of New York. Born in Estonia, he sailed in the engine department. During his union career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Kanits, a resident of Long Island, N.Y, began receiving his pension in August 1980. Pensioner Joseph A. Robertson, 81 , died November 26, 1997. Born in Virginia, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Robertson sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1936 to I 938, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Robertson was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. and began receiving his pension in May 1981. AUGUSTA JOHNSON JOHN J. LESKUN Pensioner John J. Leskun, 71 , passed away November 28, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Brother Leskun sailed in the deck department and retired in July 1982. He was a resident of Pasadena, Texas. ROBERT P. MARION Pensioner Robert P. Marion, 73, died September 5, 1997. A native of Pennsylvania . he started his career with the ~~--=~~~!!!!!!::!Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Marion sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1983. A resident of Delisle, Miss .. he began receiving his pension in September 1984. FIDENCIO V. MARTINEZ Fidencio V. Martinez, 52, passed away November 25, 1997. Born in Honduras, he began sailing with the SIU in 1980 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Overseas Ulla, a Maritime Overseas Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Martinez was a resident of Kenner, La. JOHNW.NUSS Pensioner John W. Nuss, 80, died November 19, 1997. Brother Nuss joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the steward department. The Louisiana native was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Diamondhead, S.C., he began receiving his pension in June 198 I. DAVID B. SACHER Pensioner David B. Sacher, 69, passed away October 3 I, 1997. Brother Sacher joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of '-----==-=~_J New York. A native of Connecticut, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1983. A resident of Las Vegas, he retired in April 1985. WALTER L. SWEDBERG Pensioner Walter L. Swedberg, 95, died December 1, 1997. Born in Illinois, he joined the MC&S , before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Swedberg lived in West Lafayette, Ind. and began receiving his pension in fay 1966. JACKM.SYMS November 8, I 997. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's =------==-i AGLIWD. Brother Wong, a resident of San Francisco, retired in January I 978. INLAND DEWEY C. SMITH INSLEY W. COFFEY fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii•iiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner Dewey C. Smith, 91, passed away July31.1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers from the port of < - - ---== = = - _ J Norfolk, Va. in 1963. Born in North Carolina, he sailed as a tugboat captain. A resident of Wilmington, N.C., he retired in September 1970. Pensioner Insley W. Coffey, 85, passed away December 3, I 997. A native of Texas , he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. Boatman Coffey last sailed as a chief engineer. He was a resident of Galveston, Texas and began receiving his pension in June 1977. . _ __ _ _ _ __ _ i GENARO A. DECOLA Pensioner Genaro A. Decola, 73, died October 22, 1997. Born in Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1946. During his career, Boatman Decola attended several educational conferences at the Lundeberg School. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments. A resident of Philadelphia, he retired in May 1993. WILLIAM MITCHELL Pensioner William Mitchell, 7 I. passed away November 17, 1997. Boatman Mitchell first sailed with the Seafarers in __::_.:_i 1943. Starting out as a deckhand, he worked · way up to captai · e of Pennsylvania. he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From I 944 to 1946, he served in the U.S . Navy. Boatman Mitchell began receiving his pension in February 1988. Pensioner Robert E. Parker, 79, died July 4, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck ---~~==-----' department. A resident of Perdido, Ala., Boatman Parker began receiving his pension in February 1984. ROBERT H. VOGT QUILLER D. RAGAN Pensioner Robert H. Vogt, 76, died November 21, 1997. He began his career with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of San Francisco. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in New York. he made his home in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in October 1978. Pensioner Quiller D. Ragan, 77, passed away August 9, I 997. Born in Georgia, he started his career with the ..!!!~11111!!!!!111!!~~~ Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked as a barge repairer for Radcliff Materials from 1968 to 1984. Boatman Ragan, a resident of Mobile, retired in February 1984. __;;;,;;;.c ;.;;;;....__...;_____. JAMES H. WARD Pensioner James H. Ward. 85. passed away October 25 , 1997. A resident of Oakland, Calif., he joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Ward started receiving his pension in July 1971. NGAOWONG Pensioner Ngao Wong, 68, died HENRY J. TULEWICZ Pensioner Henry J. Tulewicz, 70, died July 25 , 1997. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Tulewicz sailed in the deck department and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1978. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Clementon, N.J ., he began receiving his pension in January 1990. JESSE E. WILLIAMS P..msioner Jesse E. Williams, 79, passed away July 27, 1997. Born in Maryland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port I..!!!!!!!;___::::.......:~=~= of Philadelphia. Boatman Williams sailed as a tug- · boat captain and retired in F ary m Cape 1983. He made his h Coral , Fla. L _ __ _ _ _ Pensioner Jack M . Syms. 75, passed away November 17, 1997. A native of South Carolina, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Savannah, Ga. He sailed as a member of the deck department and retired in October 1975. Brother Syms was a resident of Spartanburg, S.C. L _ __ Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed as a chief engineer. The World War JI veteran served in the U.S. Army from I 943 to I 945. L........:!~~::::___:.._=--:.J He made his home in Denton, Texas and began receiving his pension in March 1973. ROBERT E. PARKER WILLIAM J. SIMS Pensioner William J. Sims, 92, died September 26, 1997. Boatman Sims joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of DONALD M. MAY Donald M. May, 63, died July 5, I 997 . Brother May began his SIU career in 1969 from his native Alpena, Mich., where he made = --!..-.....1 his home. Brother May sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. ARANTIC FISHERMEN STEPHEN BIONDO Pensioner Stephen Biondo, 70, died November 14, 1997. Born in Detroit, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in I 981. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., he began receiving his pension in December I 988. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH J. FINLEY Pensioner Joseph J. Finley, 67. passed away November 13, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. During his union career, he sailed as a mate/deckhand and tloatman. From 195 l to 1953, the New York native served in the U.S. Army. Brother Finley, a resident of Brook· lyn, N.Y., retired in January 1991. January 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the unions contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Macrsk Lines), July 25- Chairman Mauriliu Zepeda, Si.:crdary Jose A. Rivera, Deck Delegate Ralph Kirby, Engine Dcli.:gatc Abdulla Mohsin, Steward Delegate Jose Guzman. Chairman stated ship scheduled to arrive in port of Houi-,ton on June 26. Crew requested patrolman tu 1111.:ct vessel upon arrival. Educational director urged mcmhcrs to take advantage or upgrntJing opportunides availnhlc al Lundcbcrg School. Deck, engine and Hteward delegates reported Lli:ipulcd OT. No Ot;Ofo reported. Crew rcquc:;tcd ice machine for mctiti hall. Crcwmcmbcr~ ex.tended vote or thanks to gal Icy gang for joh well done. Steward reminded crew to keep mess room clean. HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hv1uc Marine). October 30-Chairman Thomas Banks, Secretary Luis Escobar, Educational Director Nelson Lazo, Deck Delegate V. Beata, Engine Delegate Randell Porter. Chairman read letter from SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez to crewmemhcrs. who, in turn, thanked contracts department for quick reply to their questions. Chairman reminded member~ they arc required to have Training Record Books (TRBs) and noted TRBs soon will be mandatory for shipping. Bosun, secretary and educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundchcrg School. No hccfa or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested SIU apprentices he given copy of working rules before signing onto vessel so they can familianzc themselves with rl.!gulations. Chairman announced vessd scheduled for shipyard first week of December. Crew asked engine department members to refrain from using door on starboard side because noise disturbs those deck department members trying to sleep. Crew thanked steward department for "outstanding perfonnancc." Next ports: Guyama, P.R.; Freeport and Corpu Christi, Tcxa.. /TB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation). October 28Chai rm an Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Rayfield Crawford, Educational Director Stanley Sporna, Engine Delegate Shawn Tapp, Steward Delegate Alfonso Olguin. Chairman reported payoff in port of New York on October 31. Secretary urged memben; to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or di puted OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. OVERSEAS ARCTIC (Maritime Overseas), October 29-Chairman Roger J. Reinke. Secretary John M. Rapoza, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Deck Delegate Thames Solomon, Engine Delegate W.R. Hutchinson, Steward Delegate Purnell Cook. Chairman reported discussion with captain concerning new mattresses and furniture for crew members. He announced ship due to arrive in Valdez, Alaska on November 3. Bosun advised crew of Alaska's alcohol policy and noted port officials have authority to request breathalyzcr tests for crewmembers entering oil terminal whom they suspect may have been drinking. Educational director discussed upgrading at Paul Hall Center and advised members to submit applications for Training Record Books (TRBs ). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reminded crewmembers to contact chief steward for insect-control devices for their rooms. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Tacoma, Wash. OVERSEAS BOSTON (Maritime Overseas), October 24-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, HMI Astra chem Calls on Guayama, P.A. Aboard the HM/ Astrachem, AB Ronnie Norwood (left) and AB Lou Teferi lower the pilot ladder and make final preparations to secure the deck upon arrival in the port of Guayama, P.R. Santurce Patrolman Amancio Crespo met with the crew following payoff and sent the above photo to the Seafarers LOG. January 1998 Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Luong Ngo, Deck Delegate Jim Cunningham, Engine Delegate John Groom, Steward Delegate Heather Stilwell. Chairman announced new captain signing on and payoff scheduled upon arrival in next port. Bosun asked crewmembers to be respectfu I of one another, carefully dividing work fairly. He also reminded members to separate plastic items from other trash for proper disposal. He stressed importance of SPAD and discussed efforts by union to create more jobs and maintain job security. Crew requested repairs for toaster and Lwo l~aky faucels. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point Treasurer announced $250 in ship's fund. Engine delegate reponed disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Deck delegate requested additional coveralls for crewmembers who clean bilges. Chairman read letter from SIU headquarters concerning deck department duties during bunkering. Crew requested copy of company work rules. Crewmembers ex.tended special vote of thanks to Second Pumpman Kevin Hall for organizing movie fund. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Ferndale, Wash.; and Richmond, Calif. SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (SeaLand Service), October 26Chairman William Stoltz, Secretary Jonny Cruz. Crew noted TV sti II needs repair. Chairman praised crew for good trip between France and Boston and reported ship scheduled for shipyard in April 1998. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) booklets received. Members asked contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits in next contract. Crew asked for three mattresses and new TV and noted chairs in mess hall need to be reupholstered. from movie fund. He discussed new government vessels course now offered at Piney Point and new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked galley gang for good food. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), October 31Chairman Jimmie Scheck, Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Dan John- OT reported. Crew asked that lounge refrigerator and freezer be fully stocked at all times. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND QUALITY (SeaLand Service), October 12Chairman Mike Carrano, Secretary Terry Smith, Educational Director Angel Hernandez. Bosun noted he will sign off for vacation following current voyage. Educational director discussed Crossing the Equator on the Julius Hammer if Crewmembers aboard Ocean Chemical's Julius Hammer adhered to the traditional "shellback ceremony" as they crossed the equator en route to Australia. They then settled down to a delicious deckside cookout, pictured above. son. Chairman announced payoff on Saturday, November 1 and advised crewmembers to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs). He also encouraged upgrading at Lundeberg School. Secretary asked crew to take dirty linens to third deck. Educational director noted purchase of new movies and discussed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Deck delegates reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Crewmembers reminded to place plastic items in separate disposal containers from other trash. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), October 26Chairman Terry Reynolds, Secretary Gregory Keene, Educational Director Rhonda Koski. Chairman thanked crewmembers for working well together and making voyage enjoyable. Educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Pau I Hall Center. Treasurer announced $900 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crewmembers to return all movies to movie locker after use and separate plastic garbage from regular trash. Crew requested LOG publish union hall fax numbers. Chairman urged members to submit applications for Training Record Books (TRBs) before January I, 1998. Crew asked contracts department for clarification of sick and emergency leave. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), October 22Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Doug Greiner. Chairman reported payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. on October 24. He announced sailing schedule change from Rio Haina to Freeport, Bahamas and back to Jacksonville for two days. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point. He also noted many Christmas activities taking place in Washington, D.C., only a short drive from Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward extended best wishes for wonderful vacation to Bosun Edwards and Chief Cook Willie Grant. Bosun thanked galley gang for great meals, "Pizza Night" and shipboard barbecue. The deck day crew praised bosun for "his knowledge and professionalism. He is the best bosun sailing today." Steward reminded crewmembers to lock mess hall doors while docked in port. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), October 5Chai rman Willie Marsh, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore. Chairman reported new chairs ordered for crew lounge are scheduled to be delivered to ship in port of Houston. He advised crewmembers captain promised an early morning payoff in port of Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director noted new movies will be purchased in Houston using money SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Service), October 22-Chairman Joe Artis. Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Jioia DeLeon. Chairman informed crewmembers payoff will take place upon arrival in next port. Educational director stressed importance of all crewmembers applying for a Training Record Books (TRBs). Deck delegate asked crewmembers to keep accurate record of scheduled days off. No beefs or disputed benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crewmembers addressed OT issues during month of September. Steward delegate and crew talked about ways to improve menu and quality of stores. He noted top grade steak and lobster are not sent to vessel. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Houston; and Jacksonville, Fla. CHAMPION (Kirby Tankships), November 11-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director James McDaniel, Deck Delegate Kirk Jenkins, Engine Delegate Ismael Manley, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman noted the ship may go into layup after two more trips. He stated he was aware of shipboard pest problem and asked crewmembers to help keep mess room clean. Educational director requested members return movies before anival in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. Bosun reminded crewmembers signing off to change linens prior to departing _vessel. Next port: Lake Charles, La. LNG AQUARIUS (ETC), November I-Chairman John Thompson, Secretary Jill Prescott, Educational Director M. Freeman, Deck Delegate William Steels, Engine Delegate Stephen Roberts, Steward Delegate Rafael Cardenas. Chairman noted letter received from union concerning questions raised by members during last union meeting. Bosun commended deck department for outstanding performance and for no lost time due to injuries during last two consecutive tours. Secretary advised crewmembers to make sure staterooms are in good order before signing off vessel. Educational director urged members to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs) as soon as possible. Treasurer announced $1,000 in ship's fund. Beefs reported by deck and engine delegates. No beefs or disputed OT reported by steward delegate. Crew noted concerns about timeliness of receiving mail while aboard ship. Next port: Arun, Indonesia. Seafarers LOG 15 -- �TRBs Are for All Seal arers r-------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application School Continues Issuing Booklets Last While priority for the issuance of training record books (TRBs) in 1997 hy the Paul Hall Center was initially given to Seafarers sailing in international waters, all SIU members need the U.S. Coast Guardapproved hooklet. ..The training record hook is not just for deep sea members," stated Byron Kelly, SIU Lakes and Inland Waters vice president. "Seafarers who sail on the Great Lakes, inland waters and harbors also need the hook to document their training and experience. That means that every Seafarer who has not already done so needs to fill out a TRB application as soon as possible." The SIU and the Paul Hall Center began issuing TRBs early last year. Initially, the TRB wa distributed to deep sea members. After those Seafarers were sent the booklet, the s<;;hool began processing the TRB apr>lications alphaheti<;;ally. TRBs contain personal identification as well as list all relevant training, drilL and exercises completed by individual Seafarers during their entire maritime career. The union developed the booklets to effi~icntly ~omply with existing and pending international maritime regulations demanding proof of an individual mariner's training and qualifications. The TRB helps standardize proof of documentation for pon state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Curlilicalion and Watc,;hkeeping for mariners (STCW). The TRB iti a member's personal propeny and is to be carried by the individual to hi:-; or her respective ships. The SIU is providing these hooks so members will not have to carry individual documents, certi firntc~ and other paperwork when they repon to their vessels. Original TRBs arc issued at no charge to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their applications. (There is a $25 charge for replacement hook5 if lost.) TRBs arc distributed via SIU halls and the Paul Hall Center to whichever port is designated by an individual Seafarer as his or her home port. Memhers will sign a receipt indicating they have received the booklet. Section I of the TRB is used to document training records. Sections 2 and ~ consist of tables indicating demonstration of job-related competencies. Training is verified hy certified instructors and assessors for the ~chool, while practical demonstration of skills is validated by the appropriate shipboard personnel. Any false information entered in the TRB will he considered falsification of a document. As reported in past issues of the Seafarers LOG, at this time there is no fixed date by which time SIU members must carry a TRB in order to sign on a ship. However, every Seafarer who sails deep sea, inland or Great Lakes should have a TRB. All members who have not submitted an application should do so as soon as possible. (Seafarers may use the application on this page.) - . SUMMARYANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN . ... This i$ a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001, for the period June 16, 1996 through December 31. 1996. The annual report has been filed with the Internal RevenuQ $Qrvice, as required under the Employee Retirement Jncome Security Act of 1974 (EAISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $7,615. These expenses included $7 r615 in administrative expenses. A total o1 3,255 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $568,467 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $0 as of June 16, 1996. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $568,467. Thjs increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $576,082, including employer contributions of $573,054 and earn· ings from investments of $3,028 First Date of Birth _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Home Phone N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Street City 16 Seafarers LOG Hair Color _ _ __ Weight _ __ 0 Yes D No Have you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? 0 Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SH LSS entry level program? Book Number _ _ __ Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Eye Color _ _ __ Department (where you want book sent to) Along with your completed application, please send the following information: 1. Copy of USMMD (Z-card) front and back 2. Two (2) passport size photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate {if applicable} 4. Copy of your SH LSS school card (if applicable) 5. Proof of any training received other than at SHLSS (certificates, cards, DD-214, etc.) (if applicable) Signature: ______ __ _ _____~~-~~ Send application to: SHLSS - ADMISSIONS Attn: TRB P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 ~ or give completed application to port agent If the above application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the application will be considered invalid and void. This blank form may be copied. L-------------------------------------~ Mariners Reminded to Ren-In order to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, all z-cards need to be updated by the end of 1999. Z-cards, also known as merchant mariner's documents (MMDs), may be renewed up to one year before they expire, and also may be renewed up to one year after they expire. The z-cards, however, are not valid for shipping once they expire. The renewal date depends on when the document was first issued. The renewal date is five years after the date the document was issued. If, for example, the z-card was issued in 1993, it will need to be renewed this year-1998. If a mariner's z-card expired in June 1997, he or she has until June 1998 to renew-although the person wiJI not be permitted to sail after June 1997 if the document has not been renewed. Moreover, if that mariner doe not renew his or her zcard by June 1998, he or she would lose the endorsements listed on the card. For example, if the person sailed as an AB, he or she would have to sit for the AB endorsement if the document was not renewed within a year after its expiration date. Renewal Date Date of 1997 1998 1999 1992 1987 1982 1977 1972 1993 1988 1983 1978 1994 1989 1984 1958 1959 1952 1953 1948 1943 1938 1954 Issue 1947 1942 1937 1949 1944 1939 Unlicensed Apprentices Join Their First Ships To help new seafaring students develop skills and identify the department for which they are best suited, the unlicensed apprentice program-including a 90-day shipboard training and assessment period-was developed at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. At left, SIU Honolulu Patrolman Jim Storm indicates on the shipping board that unlicensed apprentice Kyotaro Lopez has just been assigned to the Overseas Washington. Lopez is from a seafaring family living on "The Big Island" of Hawaii. Your Rights to Additional Information will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are turnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine ths annual report at the main office of the pfan (Board of Trustees, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor {DOL) in Washington, D.C.• or to obtain a copy from the U.S, Department of Labor upon payment ot copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Zip Code State Height (inches) _ __ You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1 . an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; and 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets;. To obtain a copy of the fuli annual report. or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees. Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Spring~~ MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The chargo to cover copying costs will M $2.10 for the full annual report. or 30 cents for any part thereof. You also have the right to rtiCQivg from the plan administrator. on request an,d at no charge. a statement of the asse1s and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expMMS of tM plan and accompanying no1es, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator. these two statement:;; and accompanying notes Middle SSN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ At right, Timothy Baldt (third from left) is the first unlicensed apprentice to join the MV Faust. Prior to the ship's departure from the Charleston, S.C. naval base, Baldt posed for this picture with (from left) Faust Captain Dean Kalumkos, Steward Stephen Bird and SIU Safety Director Pat Vandergrift. January 1998 �(Editor's Note: The Seafarers LOG resetves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Seafarers LOG Shows How Times Have Changed I received my first copy of the Seafarers LOG and want to thank you for putting me on the mailing list. I read it twice before I put it down. The contents were very different 40-50 years ago. for the SIU was the Archers Hope, a Cities Service tanker running to Australia. Capt. Johnson received his full book in 1957. He sailed continuously through I 967 until retiring his book after receiving his mate's license. His last SIU ship was the Azalea City, a Sea-Land vessel on which he sailed as bosun. Capt. Johnson has been with Navieras de Puerto Rico for many years. He has the admiration and respect of all of us who have been fortunate enough to have sailed with him during the last 46 years. Henry G. Alder Arlington, Texas ... ... Mayaguez Crew Praises Retiring Captain Johnson Captain John Johnson is Mayaguez '.inilor who cnmc up through the hawscpipc. He tJtartcd going to sM in 1948 ns on ordinary seaman with the Army Trnnsportation Service (ATS). which is now the Military Sealift Command. He joined the SIU in 1951 when the union hall was still on Beaver Stn:ct in New York. His nm ship SUMllABY>IJNllll/~~ . llEPORT ·~; ......·:: FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUNBAND SUBSJDI. ,........... .., \(,,,.,,, .,., .. ,.,,,, ...,,.,,,.... . . This i~ ~ summary .of .the annual report for the SeafarQr~[~N9!@r~ .;tYIJ<!t. Sub~ld;ary, t::IN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, tor the penoo Jan~ry •:lr· ,1~§J,ryrgµgh Qep~mber 31. 1996- The annual report has been fifed wiP). . th~ , lnternfi! ·R~yenue S~l'\lice, ~s required under the Employee Retirement . . · ,,. ·. : lncome:.secufitY Act of197~f'(t:FUSAh · , Basic finan'Gi~t$tatement ·· . ...The value of plan assets1 .after-,subtfacting . liabilities of the ptan; was .:~~9·?11-,9.85. .as., qf,Jan_uaf.}'·:·,1.; .. 1. ~~9~·, PDf.lh{jth,~· plan ysar,_Jhe pl~n e)Cperi· . enced an increase in its net assets of $5,083,992. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $43, 726,063 including employer contributions of $42,672,895, realized losses of $156,950 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,196,517 and other · income of $13,601 . Plan expenses were $38,642,071. These expenses included $4,345,067 in administrative expenses and $34,297,004 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets hefd for investment; 3. loans or other obligations in default; and part 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call ths Board of Trustees, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover ·copying costs wm be .$1.80 for the full annual report, or 1o cents per page for ;:' any.part.thornof, · . ····: ::·:. Yo,~ i_il.~9. hc,iv~ th~ rl9hf t.o. ~ecehf@ from the plan administrator, on request . ~t:id at· np ,,ctiarg~. a statement qf.. the assets and iiabilities of the ptan and .,. a9c~mp~yto9 notes, or a $taUiment ot income and expenses of the plan and .·. ac.co.mpanying notes, or both. ·tf .you requet>t a copy of the full annual report ·: ;Jr.?m.!h~"pfan a9rryirii~trator. ,th;~s~ two siat@ments and accompanying notes ·:)~•U:.be. ·in¢1u<JGct as part of ttl~t report. The charge to cover costs givon above .: . do.es·:·hot incttide :a charge for the copying of these portions of the report be-cause portions are furnished without charge. ,you also have the tegaffy protected right to examine the annual report at the main-Office of the ptan {BQard ofTrustees, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL} in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W,, Washington, DC 20210. January 1998 Fashion for a Good Cause Six Seafarers found a philanthropic way to take a break from recent studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Bosun Richard Higgins, ABs Ray Henderson, David House, Claudio Romano and Bobby Gaudreau and QMED Bruce Freitas took part in a charity fashion show intended to benefit a southern Maryland elementary school for handicapped children. Good-naturedly dubbed "Beauty and the Beast" by its local organizers, the show took place in late October in Lexington Park, Md. Pictured here are SIU fashion plates (standing, from left) Romano, Henderson, House, Higgins, Freitas and (kneeling) Gaudreau. Know Your Rights In top photo, John Johnson poses on the deck of the SS Transeastern in 1960. Thirty-seven years later, Capt. Johnson (left) thanks AB Frank Caceres (center) and Bosun Al (Gyrene) Caulder for building a new movie cabinet, book shelf and enclosed dart and game cabinet (in backgrouna) for the crew aboard the Mayaguez. ....and He has always been a sailor at heart, giving the same respect to licensed and unlicensed aboard his ships. His wonderful wife, Mary Beth, would often accompany him on his voyages. This was a treat for the crew as she was always cheerful and pleasant with encouraging words or compliments. They would often walk the deck at sundown, reminding us all someone is waiting for us at home. Capt. Johnson will be missed by all. We thank him for the many years he has been an SIU member and the years he has been there for us as captain. He has encouraged and pushed several SIU men to upgrade and get a license. Captain Johnson, the crew of the Mayaguez and all the SIU sailors everywhere want to say, "Bless you and your family, and have a wonderful retirement. Your leadership has been an inspriation to us all." Bosun Al (Gyrene) Caulder FINANCIAL REPORTS. The an SIU member works and lives constitution of the SIU Atlantic. aboard a ship or boat. Members Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters should know their contract rights. District makes specific provision as well as their obligations, such as for safeguarding the membership's filing for overtime (OT) on the money and union finances. The proper sheets and in the proper constitution requires a detailed manner. If, at any time, a member audit by certified public accoun- believes that an SIU patrolman or tants every year, which is to be sub- other union official fails to protect mitted to the membership by the their contractual rights properly, he secretary-treasurer. A yearly or she should contact the nearest finance committee of rank-and-file SIU port agent. members, elected by the memberEDITORIAL POLICY - THE ship, each year examines the finances of the union and reports SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers fully their finding and recommen- LOG traditionally has refrained dations. Members of this commit- from publishing any article serving tee may make dissenting reports, the political purposes of any indispecific recommendations and sep- vidual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from pubarate findings. lishing articles deemed harmful to TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds the union or its collective memberof the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes ship. This established policy has and Inland Waters District are been reaffirmed by membership administered in accordance with action at the September 1960 meetthe provisions of various trust fund ings in all constitutional ports. The agreements. All these agreements responsibility for Seafarers LOG specify that the trustees in charge of policy is vested in an editorial these funds shall equally consist of board which consists of the execuunion and management representative board of the union. The executives and their alternates. All expen- tive board may delegate, from ditures and disbursements of trust among its ranks, one individual to funds are made only upon approval carry out this responsibility. by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are PAYMENT OF MONIES. No available at the headquarters of the monies are to be paid to anyone in various trust funds. any official capacity in the SIU SHIPPING RIGHTS. A mem- unless an official union receipt is ber's shipping rights and seniority given for same. Under no circumare protected exclusively by con- stances should any member pay any tracts between the union and the money for any reason unless he is employers. Members should get to given such receipt. In the event anyknow their shipping rights. Copies one attempts to require any such of these contracts are posted and payment be made without supplyavailable in all union halls. If mem- ing a receipt, or if a member is bers believe there have been viola- required to make a payment and is tions of their shipping or seniority given an official receipt, but feels rights as contained in the contracts that he or she should not have been between the union and the employ- required to make such payment, ers, they should notify the Seafarers this should immediately be reportAppeals Board by certified mail, ed to union headquarters. return receipt requested. The propCONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS er address for this is: AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of Augustin Tellez, Chairman the SIU constitution are available in Seafarers Appeals Board all union halls. All members should 520 I Au th Way obtain copies of this constitution so Camp Springs, MD 20746 as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels Full copies of contracts as any other member or officer is referred to are available to mem- attempting to deprive him or her of bers at all times, either by writing any constitutional right or obligadirectly to the union or to the tion by any methods, such as dealSeafarers Appeals Board. ing with charges, trials, etc., as well CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU as all other details, the member so contracts are available in all SIU affected should immediately notify halls. These contracts specify the headquarters. wages and conditions under which EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, c>"r threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 17 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes S EAFARERS HARRY LUNOEBERG J 0): ~::~ ~ 1 ~~i ... -~i~~- SCHOOL LI FEBOAT CLASS 570 Trainee Lifeboat Class 570-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 570 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Jose Villafane, Brad Mohica, Raynd Lopez, Jesse Cornelison. Rohmy Butler, (second row) Larry Rich . Russell Horton, Michael Bowers, Sven Bigg , William Krostek, Dhati Baugh and Daryl Stewart. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant DL-Upgrading graduates of the November 4 tanker familiarization/assistant DL class are (from left, kneeling) Richard Hitchcock, Bartow Bridges, Kim Higgins, Lovell Smith, LaRon James, (second row) Norman Lund, Maurice Baptiste, Erik Bradshaw, Arthur Outlaw, Kenneth Wells, Jonathan Weaver, (third row) Mark Jones (instructor), Richard Higgins, Bruce Freitas, Donald Lumpkins and Allen Hamond . 1 l Advanced Firefighting-Receiving their advanced firefighting endorsements on November 6 are (from left, front row) Rick Redman (instructor) , Walter Ritvalsky, James Anderson, Mark Bosse, Robert Kendrick, (second row) John Leeter, John Dean , Steven Chapin, Sidney Horton , Dale Kirsch and Donnie Collins. Able Seaman-Marking their graduation from the able seaman class on November 12 are (from left, kneeling) Robert Etheridge, Wallace William, Teodoro Martinez, Tom Gilliland (instructor), Keith May, (second row) Raymond Henderson, Kevin Newsome, David Steinberg, Laurentis Colbert, David House and Stephen Roell. Advanced Firefighting-A second group receiving their advanced firefighting endorsements on November 6 are (from left, kneeling) Bobby Javier, Liberato Viray, Shawn Fujiwara, John Rawley, Michael Rueter, John Smith (instructor), (second row) Charles Williams, Jesus Gonzaga, Everette Sanders, Joseph Colangelo, Christopher Edyvean, Silvio Lino, Johnny Holmes, Christopher Kalinowski and Thomas Wybo. Hydraulics-SIU members completing the hydraulics class on November 13 are (from left, kneeling) Jeffrey Levie, Tesfaye Gebregziabher, (second row) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor) , Rogelio Ybarra and Michael Brennan. - LNG Recertification-The four-day LNG recertification course was completed on November 6 by the following upgrading students: (from left, first row) Michael Amador, Jon Beard, Les Farrell , Stephanie Hendrick, James White, (second row) Claudell Blakely Jr., Thalis Ealy, Gary Frazier, Sal Brahim, Stormie Combs (instructor), (third row) John Arnold , Kevin Conklin, Doyle Cornelius, Wagner Pellerin and Marcos Hill. 18 Seafarers LOG January 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the $Chedule for classes beginning in February, March and April at the Seafarers Harry Lundcberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime indu try. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict- the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lund\;bt;rg School ~ay call the adm i ions office at (30 l) 994-00 l 0. Safety Specialty Courses Start Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) February 2 March 2 March 30 April 27 February 21 March 21 AJ!ril 18 May16 LNG Familiarization April 20 April 24 Basic Firefighting February 9 February 23 Mar~h 23 April 20 February 13 February 28 March 28 April 25 Advanced Firefighting March2 April 6 April 20 March 14 April 18 March 9 March 30 April 20 March 27 April 17 May8 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date of Contpletion Date February 9 March9 April 6 March 6 April 3 March 23 April 3 . Marth 2 April 10 May 15 '• Mays . ~~b~uaryl6 February 20 March 7 April 4 May2 February 23 March 23 April 20 F\lbnuJry 16 ... ../JeJ;qqitication Programs Start . ·::.·F.ir~ma0/Watfl'J!?t.~11d~. r ·.::: Date of Completion Bosun Recertification February 23 April 6 LNG Recertification F~btua:ry February 13 April 3 February 23 & Oiler Refrigeration Systems ·& ·Main.tenance·· · · March27 May8 Po\\-Qr Plant Maintenance 9 Academic Department Courses April 24 March 30 Advanced Refrigerated Containers Date Start Course Date Date of Completion General Edu.caiton Courses March30 May8 Introduction to Computers Self-study March 27 February 16 ~teward Upgrading Courses Course ·.start ·{ )ates On y , February 9; · Fe·brtiar~r:: z3, . :i\f:are:h·:· 9; . . : . .~:. ~-.:~:<:.. ·· · · Certified Chief CookfChtef · Steward/Galley Operations March 23, April 6, Ap'ril 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the · year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient time to qualify yourself for the course( s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of each of the following: the first page of your union book indicatif}g your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your z-card as well as your Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member · BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book#----------- S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen : Yes 0 No D Horne Port Endorscrncnt(s) or Liccnsc(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ _ __ Arc you a graduaLe of Lhe SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo Date On : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYcs Do you hold •.he U.S. Coast Guard Lifehoatman Endorsement? No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 1998 DATE DNo If yes, coursc(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 1/98 Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan -page 16 Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary -page 17 Roger Horton Captures His Love of the Sea At Work, at Home and on Canvas For Captain Roger Horton, the sea has been a major part of his life. A Seafarer since 1971, the Crow Jey captain actually has been working on the water for all but 15 of his 55 years. His first job was as a commercial fohennan before serving in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during the Vietnam War. After seeing time in Southeast Asia, Horton was assigned as an instructor in the Anny's deck officers' course at Fon Eustis, Va. because of his background aboard vessels. Union ROMI When his tour with the Army was completed, Horton headed back to the Gulf region and assisted in the SIU's effort to organize Moran of Texas. "I became involved and have stayed involved with the union because of the benefits and pay and because my father was a union member in the auto industry," Horton recalled. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, who has known Horton since their youth, said the boatman was instrumental in the Moran drive. "He was very active and able to talk to many of his fellow workers. He knew what unions are about, how they work and how they could help." After sailing with Moran until 1985, Horton moved on. and now is working aboard Crowley tugboats. Some of his assignments, including one late last year, have taken him across the Atlantic. "We just completed a 16,000-mile round-trip tow with oil rigs on the El Lobo Grande II," Horton noted. "We were at sea for 91 days and never were off the vessel . We even fueled offshore." The voyage took the SIU crew from November Surprise Russell was surprised in November to discover his father was upgrading at the Hall Center at the same time he was in the first trimester of the unlicensed apprentice program. "He told me he would come up to visit while I was in the school, but I didn't expect him to be a student." Captain Horton took advantage of time off his vessel to enroll in a oneday radar refresher course. He remarked on how much the facility had changed since his last visit to Piney Point, Md. about 15 years ago Captain Roger Horton (left) tours the Paul Hall Center's shiphandling si~~latcr with .his s~n. Russell, a st~oent in the unlicensed appren.tice program. The elder Horton surprised when, as fleet delegate for Moran his son by upgrading at the center at the same time Russell was training there during the Seafarers, he participated in contract month of November. --"°'~,,.,+,· ations. Jacksonville, Fla. to Corpus Christi, The subjects of his artwork range Both o aid they would like Texas to pick up the equipment. From from Viking and New World explothe opportunity to sat the other the Gulf of Mexico, the tug sailed to ration vessels to Revolutionary Warshould their career paths allow . Nigeria. era armadas to World War II battle Despite the many days he has spent scenes to modem day tugs and aboard vessels for work, Horton's love tankers. of the sea extends to his personal life Family of Seafarers as well. Several times his family has called a yacht, tug or houseboat home, As noted above, Captain Horton is according to his son, Russell, who is not the only member of the family training in the Paul Hall Center's unli- interested in working aboard tugs and censed apprentice program. There ships. Besides Russell, another son, even were times when the family Scott, has sailed as an AB with the would sail to a location in the Gulf or union and an uncle, Jimmy Cor.. •••r•L-Caribbean to meet the elder Horton also is an SIU a . while he was working. While he is preparing to be shipped aboard a deep sea vessel in the unliNautical Painter censed apprentice program, Russell Captain Horton also is an accomsaid he hopes to follow in his father's plished painter of maritime scenes. footsteps and become a tugboat capSeveral of his works hang in the tain. Houston SIU hall. "I know it will take a while, but I "I paint ships, tugs-anything on want to learn as much as I can," the the water," he said. "I'll paint while younger Horton stated. I'm home. I have done it at sea during He already has some shipboard my time off." experience, having worked on tugs in His work is so highly regarded that The photo above and two below are black his hometown of Pensacola, Fla. And, some of his original paintings have and white reproductions of some of the as a youngster, he sailed once with his nautical scenes painted by Captain Roger sold for several thousand dollars each. Horton over the years. Several of his works father from Florida to Columbia and hang in the SIU hall in Houston. back. � 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 January 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CONGRESSIONAL RECESS HALTS ACTION ON CARGO, PASSENGER CABOTAGE LAWS FTC UPHOLDS ‘MADE IN USA’ STANDARD U.S. FLAG RAISED ABOVE APL SINGAPORE MARAD PRAISES SIU-CREWED RO/ROS WASHINGTON IMPLEMENTS STRICT TANKER REGULATIONS PHILADEPHIA SHIPYARD DEAL SETTLED SIU PROTESTS VIRTUAL KIDNAPPING OF FOREIGNERS BANNER SHIPPING SEASON SETS ON GREAT LAKES SEAFARERS CONTINUE TRAINING ON AMERICAN QUEEN HUNDREDS GATHER TO GIVE THANKS AT SAN FRANCISCO’S ANNUAL FEAST ROGER HORTON CAPTURES HIS LOVE OF THE SEA AT WORK, AT HOME AND ON CANVAS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/1998 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. 60, No. 1 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log