http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9acc6cfc2ddbe18af2378b1002ef1ace.pdf 1a1cbf507965f5981391da5662e13a96 PDF Text Text American Sealif t, SIU Jobs Expand With New RO/RO Seafarers Will Crew USNS Charlton, MSC1s Latest Prepositioning Ship SIU members soon will sail aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship, the USNS Charlton (pictured at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.). Christened in San Diego, the 950- foot ship is almost complete and is slated for sea trials in April. Page 3. Allied Adds Sea Raven Allied Transportation Co.'s Sea Raven is running, signaling additional opportunities for Seafarers. The articulated tug and barge, recently launched after refurbishment, transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Among the first Seafarers to sign on the Sea Raven are Captain G.W. Urban (left photo) and Chief Engineer Walter Jarvis (right). Page 3. Merger Voting Ends Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union. Balloting began on December 1. Among the Seafarers casting a vote were inland Cook James Runaway-Flag Cruise Lines: Another Fine, More Mishaps Neuner, pictured at the SIU hall in St. Louis. Page 2. Tax Tips for Mariners -----------Page 3 Voter Registration Data _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page14 �Voting Ends on SIU-#MU Merger President's Report Tallying Committee Will Report to Membership Register and Vote This new year has so much potential and possibility for all of us. New ships-with their new jobs for Seafarers-will come on line throughout 2000. As we all know, the addition of these vessels did not appear overnight. For years, the SIU and the rest of labor worked with the maritime industry, government officials and members of Congress to make this happen. Many of you know how long it took for the Maritime Security Program to go from an idea to a law. Original legislation was proposed to the Michael Sacco Senate in 1992. Committee hearings were held. SIU officials met with industry representatives and legislators to craft a measure. The proposal was modified and amended several times before the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the act, then President Clinton signed it in 1996. During that time, one presidential election and two congressional elections were held. The White House went from Republican to Democrat, while the Congress changed from a Democratic majority to one led by Republicans. We kept the Maritime Security Program alive during those five years, thanks to your voluntary donations to SPAD. Those donations helped open doors so SIU officials could meet with members of Congress to discuss the need for maritime legislation and its importance to the citizens of their districts as well as for the whole country. SPAD is just one important factor in this procedure. The other is your participation in the election process. The year 2000 is a presidential and congressional election year. Americans now are deciding whom they want to lead the country over the next four years. The presidential primaries are under way, while races for other elective positions are just getting started. Seafarers, pensioners and their families have always been active in all aspects of politics. They meet with their elected officials, write them, call their offices and get involved in the campaigns of those who stand up for our issues. Seafarers, pensioners and their families also register and vote. Post-election surveys taken in the last couple of years have shown a greater percentage of union households voting than the general population. Union members know the importance of electing men and women who understand their needs and concerns and will fight for them. Concerning this upcoming election, just look at some of the issues already being debated among the presidential candidates: Social Security, education, Medicare, health care and the minimum wage. These are topics that affect all of us. While these issues are making the nightly news shows, Seafarers continue to ask candidates what they think about the vital role the U.S.-flag merchant fleet plays in national defense and the economy. Thanks to you, our concerns continue to be heard. And, because of you, new ships are being built with Seafarers climbing the gangways. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard. Make sure you are registered to vote. On page 14 in this issue of the Seafarers LOG is a chart with a state-by-state breakdown of when registration ends, when primaries are held and when polls are open. Don't wait until the last minute; check your status now. If you aren't registered, do it now. If you are registered, make sure family members and friends are, too. If not, take them to the voter registration office and get them on the rolls. Let them know their vote counts. If they don't believe an individual vote makes a difference, tell them about the pro-labor candidate who was elected to the Virginia state senate last year by fewer than 40 votes out of thousands upon thousands cast. Or recount how union members worked together in California in 1998 to tell their friends and neighbors how Proposition 226's "paycheck deception" wouJd limit the voice of working people in the political process. That measure went from 70 percent of the population in favor of Proposition 226 in February to a 54-46 defeat of the measure in June. The stakes are too high to sit at home (or on ship) and say "my vote doesn't matter." If Seafarers followed that feeling, we wouldn't have the Maritime Security Program and all of these new jobs. I thank those of you for your continued involvement-for voting, writing letters, calling, talking with your elected officials and donating to SPAD. Let's keep up the good work and stay active in 2000. Volume 62, Number 2 February 2000 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. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Edward Tully (left) is ready to vote at the SIU hall in Piney Point, Md., after receiving materials from SIU Port Agent Edd Morris. Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (NMU). Balloting began December 1. The next step is the eJection of an SIU tallying committee consisting of six full book members (two from each of the three departments). They will be elected at the membership meeting February 7 in Piney Point, Md. The committee members then will count the ballots and prepare a report to the rest of the membership. A similar election took place during the same time period in the NMU. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, if the members of both unions accept the resolution, then a merger committee (consisting of officials from the SIU and NMU) will continue its work to draft the specifics regarding seniority, job security, training and other topics. Additionally, as noted on the ballot, the merger would require changes in the SIU constitution. Those amendments would be presented to the membership during the regularly scheduled officers' election in late 2000. SIU members at the New Orleans hall said the mechanics of the balloting went well. "It was very smooth," stated Chief Steward Joseph Birke. "I was given the paperwork to vote with, and the envelopes. I put my vote in one envelope, then sealed it in the other and mailed it myself. It was a good process." Recertified Bosun Hugo Dermody described voting as "easy going. I hope everybody voted. Everything here was well-marked and easy to understand. The decision should be easy, too." MarAd Increases U.S. Vessel Count Change More Accurately Assesses Size of U.S.-Flag Fleet The official U.S.-flag vessel count will better reflect the number of crafts available to handle commerce because the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) will include tugs, barges, ferries and other work vessels. "It is time to reflect in our numbers the true size diversity of the U.S. fleet," MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart told the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club last month in announcing the Department of Transportation agency's new system for figuring the number of vessels sailing under the American flag. In the past, MarAd's "U.S. Merchant Marine Data Sheet" listed only the number of large, self-propelled, deep-draft ships within the U.S.-flag fleet. Effective immediately, the report -which will be issued at least twice a year-will continue to include what had been counted and add many other vessel types, from large oceangoing barges to riverboats and ferries, as long as they are active. The new calculations reflect the changing nature of the industry, including the use of integrated tug/barges in place of cargo vessels. "The new product we are introducing today is more comprehensive, more illuminating and will provide a sounder base for businessmen and analysts to determine trends and act accordingly," Hart noted during his January 13 presentation. The head of MarAd pointed out the U.S.-flag fleet is composed of "about 38,000 vessels that Americans can depend upon to deliver the goods they need and want. The diversity in this fleet is no less amazing. Nearly 37,000 of these vessels are cargo carriers actively engaged on our nation's waterways." The updated figures which reflect the fleet's size as of January 1, 1999 include: l ',~. W,m•rburu .. Ii ;uh: bv \:•·"5~~ frp•· anJ IC\11..L", t->•.Ht MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart explains a chart showing how the Department of Transportation agency will include more vessels and barges in tallying the size of the U.S.-flag fleet. • • • • • • • • 29,545 cargo-carrying vessels of which 2,948 are larger than 1,000 gross tons; 1,491 passenger vessels (including ferries) with the combined capability of carrying more than 410,000 people; 5,446 tugs and towboats; 1,424 crewboats, including oil industry supply and utility vessels; 25,698 barges and 613 powered vessels moving cargo on inland waterways; 409 vessels sailing in foreign trade; 2,443 ships and barges in the domestic coastal trade; and 206 ships and barges operating on the Great Lakes. Jones Act Support While announcing the new system for calculating the fleet's size, Hart touched on several other issues during his 30-minute address. He reaffirmed the agency's strong support for the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act-the nation's cabotage laws. "The Jones Act has been a corner of the U.S. maritime policy in every administration since its passage 80 years ago. In these days of the new century-here, now- it remains relevant for _A merica's economic health and its national security." Hart noted critics of the cabotage laws always ask if the measures are necessary and fair. He answered by pointing out more than 40 nations, including the major economic powers of Europe and Asia, have similar laws to protect the interests of their citizens. "Let me quote [U.S. Air Force] General Charles Robertson, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command. He said, 'Without the laws requiring the use of U.S.owned, -built and ~rewed vessels for cargo movement between U.S. ports, the U.S. maritime industry-a critical member of our defense transportation system-would wither. And maritime readiness would be severely degraded, if not crippled.' "The Jones Act protects U.S. interests and that's ethical enough for me," Hart stated. Continued on page 4 February 2000 �Maritime Agenda Awaits Congress Efforts Being Considered to Strengthen U.S.-Flag Fleet/or New Century Maritime issues are among the many topics on the agenda as legislators return to Capitol Hill for the second session of the 106th Congress. Along with bills dealing with raising the minimum wage, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, providing funds for public school construction and looking at more affordable health care for all Americans will be measures seeking to strengthen the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Late last year, a bipartisan team from the House of Representatives and the Senate proposed legislation to make the U.S.-flag fleet more competitive in international commerce. "The elected officials want to make sure American-flag ships can compete worldwide," noted Terry Turner, SIU director of government relations. "They are looking for a way to level the playing field between U.S.-flag shipping and foreign-flag operations." That measure, known as the National Security Sealift En- hancement Act, addresses several tax issues. One part of the bill would extend the existing income tax exclusion for Americans working overseas to U.S. merchant mariners. Another calls for the owner of a U.S.-flag vessel operating in international trade to be able to fully deduct that ship in the year in which the vessel is acquired and documented under the American flag. Other components would include "alternative minimum tax relief' on shipping income and expand the expense For Runaway-Flag Cruise Workers, It's Anything But Smooth Sailing NY Times Spotlights Crews' Hardships; 2 FOC Lines Make Other Unwanted News Two Miami-based, runawayflag cruise lines seemingly cannot stay out of the news. Since late December, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have racked up more negative publicity, continuing a fairly constant pattern that started with the Ecstasy fire in 1998. The latest fiascoes: • On Christmas Eve, The New York Times published a front-page article examining the working conditions of crew members on runaway-flag passenger ships. The lengthy article-reprinted in several affiliated newspapersdetailed how some of the mariners pay for jobs that often consist of long hours, low wages and little to no recourse. • In mid-January, Royal Caribbean agreed to pay $3 .5 million to Alaska in a settlement to a civil lawsuit. The settlement stemmed from Royal Caribbean's dumping of hazardous materials in Alaskan waters, and it is in addition to the record $18 million in pollution fines that the company last year agreed to pay. • Shortly after midnight on January 12, the Carnival ship Celebration caught fire and drifted for six hours in the Caribbean. According to press reports, the more than 1,500 passengers were told remain in place, due to limited lighting. • Several passengers are threatening legal action in the wake of Carnival's pricey "millennium cruise" aboard the Paradise. Engine problems reportedly forced the ship to change its itinerary, and as a result, many disgusted passengers flew home to the U.S. from the Bahamas. Some of them have posted complaints on the internet, at http://www.starshiptravel.com/co mplaints.htm. One described the Paradise trip as a "floating nightmare." While many news reports in the past 12 months have focused on how runaway-flag cruise lines in the U.S. avoid paying taxes or adhering to this nation's labor or environmental laws, last month's Times piece (written by Douglas Frantz) concentrates on the crews. "Long hours and subsistence wages are part of their contracts, as is the threat of being fired without notice or cause," he wrote. The story mentions that "record number of passengers are packing bigger and grander ships," and the runaway-flag companies are raking in huge financial rewards. Carnival, for instance, pockets $2.8 million per day in profits. Crew members aren't sharing in that windfall. Frantz reported that the mariners, often from Third World nations, "routinely work 80 to 90 hours a week without extra pay" for hours exceeding the contracted amount. Some earn as little as $50 per month, though they can earn more through tips. Inadequate medical treatment is another key issue: "Crew mem- ROIR01s Sea Trials Scheduled for April deductions arisir1g from conferences or other meetings aboard U.S.-flag cruise ships. In introducing the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (S. 1858) to his colleagues, Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) said he did not want to exempt the owners of U.S.-tlag ships from paying U.S. income taxes. Rather, he was seeking to "alleviate the tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet. "The Congress must take aggressive action to preserve our fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, while bers sometimes find themselves shipped home or living on a few dollars a day in sick wages while waiting for care." Another concern Frantz noted, is mariners paying for their jobs, such as the Norwegian Cruise Line kitchen worker who paid a month's wages (about $400). "Those at the bottom of the heap are most likely to have paid a fee to get their job, to have paid their own air fare, to know the least about their rights and to have little chance for advancement," Frantz wrote. The writer added that the runaway-flag cruise line issues have caught the attention of some members of Congress. They have described the companies as operating "inside our waters and outside our laws." creating incentives for new, modem ships to be registered under the U.S. flag," added Breaux. The measure also was introduced in the House as H.R. 3225 by Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and William Jefferson (D-La.). While hearings are expected to be held on the bills during 2000, none had been scheduled in either the House or the Senate as the Sea/arers LOG went to press. Another matter of concern to the American maritime industry is the need to find a funding formula that will permit the continued dredging of America's harbors and shipping channels. Congress has been considering how to fund harbor and waterway maintenance projects that will be fair to all who use the nation's waterways. This debate has been going on since the Harbor Maintenance Tax was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1998. Maritime interests will be trying to gain more funds for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, which was used throughout the last decade to construct in U.S. yards commercial vessels sailing under American and foreign registries. In the mid- l 990s, the governContinued on page 4 Union Welcomes Allied's Sea Raven The SIU recently gained new jobs when Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. added the articulated tug and barge Sea Raven to its fleet. The unit carries a crew of eight. It transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Allied acquired the vessel approximately one year ago. The tug underwent "mostly cosmetic" repairs in Norfolk, while the barge "was rebuilt in Baltimore," noted Jeffrey Parker, vessel operations manager at Allied. The Sea Raven has a 24,000-ton carrying capacity. It is 530 feet long, with a 76-foot beam and a 7,200 hp engine. USNS Charlton Signals New Jobs for Seafarers The USNS Charlton, a new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship which soon will be crewed by SIU members, is slated for sea trials in April. The 950-foot vessel was approximately 85 percent complete as of late January. San Diego-based National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in December conducted a ceremony during which the vessel was released into the harbor. One of 14 new builds scheduled as part of an initiative to bolster U.S. sealift capability, the USNS Charlton has 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It will be assigned to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), carrying prepositioned U.S. Army equipment, vehicles and supplies to key locations worldwide. As with most of the other recent new builds in the strategic sealift program, the USNS Charlton is named in memory of a Medal of Honor recipient. U.S. Army Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton is a posthumous recipient of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during battle in Korea in 1952. The keynote speaker at the christening was Major General Mario F. Montero Jr., U.S. Army assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics. Other speakers included Rep. Brian Bilbray, (R-Calif.); Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC; Rear. Admiral Dennis Gilbert Morral, U.S. Navy program executive officer for expeditionary warfare; and Richard H. Vortmann, president of NASSCO. February 2000 Among those crewing the 530foot unit are (above) AB/ Tankerman Gary Reynolds, (below) AB William Hudgins Jr. and (bottom) Cook/OS Robert Mathews. Seafarers will crew the USNS Charlton later this year. The prepositioning ship is the newest vessel in MSC's fleet. The articulated tug and barge Sea Raven, a chemical carrier, represents new employment opportunities for Seafarers. Seafarers LOB 3 �SIU1s Baltimore Nall Relocating to Essex St. Sea-Land Seafarers Welcome Sacco, Tellez Seafarers in Baltimore can look forward to a new SIU hall opening there sometime this spring. The facility, located on Essex Street, will replace the current hall, located on East Baltimore Street. It is a one-story buiJding with a loft office in the back. Most recentJy used as an art studio, the structure is 2,400 square feet. It is situated in a more modem and generally more appealing area than the existing hall. Modifications to the newly acquired property are needed to facilitate efficient operations. They are being scheduled through the Baltimore Building Trades, AFL-CIO. SIU members aboard the Sea-Land Express (top photo) and the Sea-Land Quality (two photos below) recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez aboard the ships in Port Elizabeth, N.J. The union officials and crew members discussed the proposed SIUNMU merger and other issues affecting Seafarers' livelihoods. Sacco is pictured fourth from the left in photo above. Tellez second from left. SMPPP Administrator Provides Plan Update Editors note: The following article was written by Lou Delma, administrator of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It is an update for plan participants. As we begin the new century, the SMPPP is taking steps necessary to send year-end account summaries to all participants. As always, these summaries will be in the mail before the end of March. Meanwhile, we thought it would be a good time to recap exactly how the plan works and, in the process, hopefully answer any questions that still might remain on this plan. As you probably know, the plan has only been around since June 1996. Since its inception, the number of participants has jumped to nearly 5,400 participants at year-end. Plan assets, including both realized and unrealized income, are over $6.2 million. During the 3.5 years that have passed, the plan has received more than $5.8 million in employer contributions with another $52,000 in participant contributions. The plan is pleased to announce once again that our investment manager, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, has reported that annualized earnings on the account are 12.86 percent with a total return from inception through December 31, 1999 of 34.36 percent. Although those numbers are unaudited, they reflect an accurate representation of how the account is doing. While the plan continues to grow, we have been successful in keeping expenses in check as operating expenses directly attributable to the plan are approximately 4.2 percent. Earnings on the account will be distributed to participants based on each individual participant's account total, as it compares to the overall account total on a percentage basis. Expenses directly related to this account are allocated to each participant in the Marine Cooks & Stewards Pension Increases by 14o/o The Board of Trustees of the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MCS) Supplementary Pension Plan recently approved the following benefit improvements, as recommended by the plan actuary: • Effective January 1, 2000, all present and future pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a 14 percent benefit increase. • All current MCS Supplementary Pension Plan pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $500. 4 Seafarers LOB Both the lump sum payment and the 14 percent adjustment will be included with each eligible participant's pension check issued no later than February 2000. The letter sent last month to plan participants noting the aforementioned benefits, also pointed out that "all future applications for the MCS Supplementary Pension Benefit must be submitted to Plan headquarters at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This change will not have any effect on the issuance of monthly benefits in the future." plan equally. For example, let's assume the total account was valued at $5 million and the account was to earn 10 percent or $500,000. Let's further assume that participant Z had $5,000 deposited in his or her name. Since $5,000 is .1 percent of the total account, that participant would earn .1 percent of the $500,000 earned or $500.00. Furthermore, if plan expenses amount to $200,000, based on 5,400 participants, each participant account would be charged approximately $37.00. Direct contributions to the plan for an established account are permissible; however, the plan cannot accept contributions in excess of 10 percent of a participant's gross annual income. For this reason, it is difficult to accept a deposit from an individual without detailed information, because when the payment is received we Likely have no way to tell if the payment exceeds that 10 percent maximum allowable by law. However, payments will be accepted if they are accompanied by a current pay voucher verifying that the contribution is within the guidelines. As always, payments through a vacation deduction can be made by signing the required authorization form which can be obtained at any port or writing to the Plan Office. All participants should have received a Summary Plan Description Booklet. If you do not have one or would Like a new one, please contact the Plan Office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For account balance inqumes please call Basil Castrovinci, Associates at 1-800485-3703. For all other inquiries on the Plan, please contact the Plan at above address or call 301899-0675 . Mobile Of I icial Harold Fischer Passes Away Longtime Mobile, Ala. port official Harold Fischer passed away on September 4, 1999 following an extended illness. He was 83 years old. Brother Fischer joined the SIU as a charter member in December 1938 in his native Mobile. His book number was Fl. After sailing in the engine room, he came ashore in 1943 to work in the Mobile hall. He served in the Army from 1944 to 1946, then returned to the SIU as an official in the southern Alabama port. Except for a stint in San Francisco from 1950 to 1953, Brother Fischer was assigned to Mobile until his retirement in 1978. "He was not just liked by the members of this port, he was revered," recalled SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. "He would do anything for anybody." His widow, Nellie, told the Seafarers LOG how grateful she Harold Fischer was when many Mobile-area attended Brother retirees Fischer's funeral. "There were so many of them, I couldn't believe it. They even wrote a special tribute to him which one member read. He definitely was a union man," Mrs. Fischer said. Besides Mrs. Fischer, he was survived by his daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was buried at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile. MarAd Changes Way of Counting U.S. Vessels Continued from page 2 Other Topics He noted with pride the effort under way to build two new passenger ships in an American yard. (These are the two American Classic Voyages ships announced in the April 1999 issue of the Seafarers LOG, which will sail in the Hawaiian trades under the United States Lines' banner.) He said MarAd is working with the rest of the Transportation Department to implement a blueprint to meet the nation's transportation needs by the year 2020. He reminded the audience, which included his predecessor retired Admiral Albert Herberger, of the many Title XI loan guarantees issued by MarAd during the 1990s for vessel construction and shipyard modernization. Finally, Hart proclaimed safety would remain "our North Star" within the industry. "We should all be proud of the exacting safety and environmental standards that our nation demands of the maritime industry in shipbuilding and repair, in operations on the sea and the waterways. "America has the best mariners and finest ships and shipyard personnel in the world. Maritime Issues on Congressional Agenda Continued from page 3 ment funded the program at $50 million, which equates to $1 billion in new construction. However, the U.S. Maritime Administration budgeted only $6 million for Title XI in Fiscal Year 2000 and is proposing the same amount for FY 2001. Congressional retirements made news during the holiday recess. Among the Legislators announcing they would not run for reelection was Rep. Herbert Bateman. The nine-term Virginia Republican, a longtime supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet, is the chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel within the Armed Services Committee. The chair of the House Merchant Marine Panel, Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-Va.), announced he would retire at the end of this session of Congress. February 2000 �Union Membership Increases Again New Data Shows Largest Growth in 20 Years More and more workers are saying, "Union, yes!" Union membership increased by more than 265,000 in 1999, according to figures released January 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the largest annual membership growth in more than 20 years. The number ofunion members in the U.S. increased from 16.21 million to 16.48 million. In addition, the percentage of U.S. workers who have a union remained steady at 13.9 percent, reversing a trend of decline and despite strong overall job creation. Union membership increased by 112,493 in the private sector, nearly double the size of the only other such annual increase in two decades. The 1999 private sector growth eclipsed the entire 1998 union membership growth of l 01,000 public and private sector workers. The percentage of private sector workers who have a union also remained statistically steady, stopping the decline since 1978. "We're turning the corner, but we're not at our destination yet," said AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. "Today's data indicate that our renewed emphasis on helping working people form unions is having an impact. Our challenge for the future is to remain focused and to broaden our efforts. It's crucial for unions to continue to grow if working men and women are going to have a stronger voice in the issues that matter to them most." Indy Makes History At Pearl Harbor Yard Following two weeks in dry dock, the SS Independence resumes its week-long cruises to five ports of call in the Hawaiian islands. The SIU-crewed SS Independence underwent routine maintenance last month in Hawaii, but in one respect the upkeep proved momentous. The cruise ship became the first commercial vessel ever in a regularly scheduled dry dock at the U.S. Navy's Pearl Harbor complex. In 1985, the SIU-crewed SS Constitution (the sister ship of the Independence) was docked there for emergency repairs. SIU-contracted shipowner American Classic Voyages said the twoweek tune-up benefited the company, the Navy and the State of Hawaii. "A local docking means that the Independence does not lose a week of service in transit to and from the U.S. mainland for repairs, as it did in 1997. The U.S. Navy leases a dock that would otherwise have been idle, and local workers and suppliers benefit from the project's positive economic impact," the company stated in a press release. The inspection and repairs employed 700 Hawaii workers. Launched in 1951, the Independence was refurbished in 1994 and 1997. An American Classic Voyages subsidiary, United States Lines, later this year is scheduled to launch the reflagged and modified Patriot. The company also has contracted for two new l,900-passenger cruise ships slated for service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. All of those vessels will be crewed by Seafarers. Union Squashes Y2K Bug SIU headquarters, which includes the union plans and accounting departments (among others), apparently went unaffected by the once-dreaded Y2K bug. Management information systems (MIS) personnel at the Camp Springs, Md. facility long ago initiated preventive measures aimed at thwarting potential Y2K problems. Those steps included installing various Y2K compliant software, reworking the phone system and modifying the internal mechanics of the medical claims system. "Thus far, we haven't experienced any .Y2K problems whatsoever," said Wally Schmidt, the union's MIS director, in midJanuary. "We're reasonably confident that if anything pops up in February 2000 the next few weeks, it will be very minor." The Y2K bug stems from the widespread use of two digits, rather than four, to signify the year in some software applications, hardware chips and computer databases (for example, 12/22/99). Programmers, information specialists and many others had warned of potential difficulties in the year 2000 when the year is "00" and some computer based systems cannot differentiate it from 1900. According to news reports, most Y2K glitches through early January had been fairly minor. But that success came at a costworldwide, literally billions of dollars were spent on preventive Y2K efforts. The federation of trade unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, pointed out that much of the growth was due to more workers forming unions in the last few years, and some was due to growth in the economy. At least 600,000 workers organized unions in 1999, according to internal AFL-CIO and affiliate union data-an increase of more than 25 percent over 1998. Some unions had their best organizing year in recent history. Nearly 50,000 workers joined both the UAW and the IBEW, for example, and more than 150,000 joined SEIU. Some of those gains are offset by retirements, plant relocations or closures, and other factors. Similarly, AFL-CIO Organizing Director Kirk Adams pointed out that in order to continue growing (as a percentage of the work force) in a rapidly expanding economy, unions must organize between 500,000 and a million workers per year. In some sectors, last year's growth represents a combination of organizing and an increase in union jobs. In construction, for instance, union density has been dropping since the 1960s, but showed an increase from 17 .8 to 19.1. Union membership in the public sector also grew by 152,788. The percentage of public sector workers who have a union decreased slightly, from 37.5 percent to 37.3 percent. More workers are forming unions because they want a say in issues that affect them at work, such as wages, benefits and working conditions, according to recent polling and reports from organizing campaigns. "As low-wage, service and temporary jobs increase, many Americans find themselves without benefits or a steady paycheck," the federation noted. "Unions are a way for workers to tum that trend around and ensure they gain in prosperous times." Census Will Impact Congress, States At Stake: Assigning $185 Billion in Annual Federal Funds Election Day isn't the only period this year that promises a deep and broad impact on American politics. The 2000 census, commencing April I, will be the basis for reapportionment next year of seats in the U.S. Congress and in state and local legislative districts. Based on population shifts, some states as well as their legislative districts may gain or lose representation. Census data also is used in allocating approximately $185 billion in federal funds each year -money earmarked for such projects as road and transportation planning, school construetion, housing development and dozens more. Additionally, local governments and businesses use the information. The U.S. Constitution requires a nationwide census every 10 years. All census information submitted by individuals is confidential and is not shared with any other agencies. There are two types of census forms: short and long. The short form asks seven questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete, according to the Census Bureau. Approximately 83 percent of households receive the short form. The rest receive the long form, covering 34 subjects and requiring 40 minutes or so to complete. Census Schedule* Mid-March: Deliver census questionnaires April 1: Census Day March-May 2000: census takers visit housing units in rural and remote areas to drop off and/or pick up forms Late April-Early July 2000: census takers visit housing units that did not return census forms October-November 2000: All field work completed December 31, 2000: Apportionment counts delivered to the president April 1, 2001: All$tates receive redistricting counts *Source: U.S. Census Bureau Shipboard Seatarers Can Be Counted As was the case IO years ago, SIU members who are aboard ship on Census Day (April 1) may identify "home" as a place ashore or the vessel itself. According to the Census Bureau, "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels engaged in inland waterway transportation are counted at their usual onshore residence (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore). "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels docked in a U.S. port or sailing from one U.S. port to another U.S. port are counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore) or otherwise on the vessel." I Unlike in 1990, however, mariners aboard ships sailing to, from or between foreign ports will not be counted as part of the U.S. overseas population. This change essentially was made because of logistical difficulties in counting all U.S. citizens overseas (not just mariners). Those mariners sailing to, from or between foreign ports will be counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one, or otherwise on the vessel. The bureau was scheduled to mail census materials by late January or early this month to U.S.-flag shipping lines, in sufficient quantities . to provide every mariner (and passenger) with a chance to be counted. Former SUP President Dempster Passes Away Paul Dempster, former president of the Seafarers- affi 1i a ted Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP), passed away December 17 in a Concord, Calif. hospital. He was 71. Paul Dempster Dempster served as SUP president from 1978 to 1990. He also had been president of the San Francisco Central Labor Council and the San Francisco AFL-CIO Port Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department. He joined the SUP in 1949 and sailed as a bosun and AB. "Paul was a down-to-earth, reliable guy who was very strong in negotiations," stated retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. Dempster, a native of Hawaii, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He is survived by his wife of37 years; his daughter; two sisters; and three grandchildren. According to Dempster's wishes, his Retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney (right) ashes were scattered at sea from the deck serves as a pallbearer at Paul Dempster's funeral December 23 in Concord, Calif. of the Matsonia. Seafarers LOG 5 �Quam Connects with Apprentice Program Territory's Gov't Seeks Employment Boost Residents of the westernmost United States territory will have an enhanced opportunity to begin a career in the U.S. merchant manne. The government of Guam, working with the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is establishing a recruitment system designed to facilitate Guamanians' enrollment in the center's unlicensed apprentice program. This endeavor is very similar to one in which Alaska has participated since 1997. In carefully examining the benefits of such a partnership between the territory, the union and the school (located in Piney Point, Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez- along with several other Guam officials--extensively toured the Paul Hall Center in late December. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), whose district includes the training facility, also took part in the tour. In mid-January, an estimated 1,000 Guamanians attended a seminar on the island about the unlicensed apprentice program. (Guam's population is approximately 155,000.) The program's curriculum is divided into three phases. During the first segment, which lasts 12 weeks and takes place at the school , students receive classroom and hands-on training that covers basic seamanship and familiarization skills. During the second phase, apprentices serve aboard US.flag merchant vessels for a mini- mum of 90 days. That span is divided into thirds, allowing students to work in all three departments. Finally, students return to the school for the third stage, which involves department-specific training. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. Open since 1967, the school offers not only entry-level training, but also more advanced vocational upgrading courses for experienced mariners. It also provides academic support and features a college degree program. The Paul Hall Center last year opened a state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school near the main campus. Among those accompanying Governor Gutierrez last month to Piney Point were the following Guam officials: Attorney General John Tarantino; Senator Eloy Bermudes (a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former executive manager of the Guam Port Authority); Joe T. San Agustin, administrator of base realignment and closure; and Jerry Yingling, executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority. Discussing the school's 33-year history as a major employer in southern Maryland are (from left facing camera) Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) during a late December tour. The opening last year of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (below), part of the Paul Hall Center, has proven extremely beneficial for numerous classes, including the unlicensed apprentice curriculum. Observing a demonstration December 27 at the modern campus are (from left) U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson and Guam Senator Eloy Bermudes. THEY SHOULD KNOW: While researching the program, Guam officials chatted with students enrolled in the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. Reminder As part of the existing standard freightship and tanker contracts, Seafarers may qualify for an extra vacation day per month. However, the contracts department reminds SIU members that in order to obtain this benefit, they must secure and compfete a "tour of duty" form when signing off the vessel. This one-page form, available aboard the ship, should be signed by the master with the ship's seal. It is the member's responsibility to keep the form until filing for vacation benefits. The extra vacation day will be paid to any eligible SIU member who successfully completes his or her tour of duty without injury or illness and who files the correct paperwork. If the Seafarer already has collected some vacation pay prior to successfully completing his or her tour, then the extra day will be awarded on the last vacation check, once he or she completes the assignment and meets the verification requirements. Notice Mobile Hosts Feb. 25 Ceremony Honoring Memory of Leon Hall CG Sets Drug Test Rate At 50 Percent for Y2K The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it will maintain a minimum random drug testing rate of 50 percent for merchant vessel crew members throughout this year. The agency reported that the 1998 results (the most recent available when determining the 2000 standard) were positive 1.68 percent of the time. Federal regulations require marine employers to conduct random drug testing programs for covered crew members on inspected and uninspected vessels. 6 Seafarers LOG Leon Hall Active and retired Seafarers along with their families and friends are invited to a February 25 dedication at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. in memory of the late SIU Vice President Leon Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Hall passed away in 1992 at age 72. The ceremony's starting time had not been determined as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Please check with the Mobile hall at (205) 4 78-0916 for more information. February 2000 �Among those pictured aboard the LNG Aquarius in Japan are Chief Cook G. Williams, SA Joseph Welle, P. Kasim, SA C. Washington, AB J. O'Shaughnessy and Bosun Zaine Basir. Applying muscle to their task are Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller (right) and two ABs aboard the USNS Sisler. Servicing Se0;[arers Overseas Crews Discuss Merger, Otherl01portantlssues The proposed merger of the SIU and NMU was a hot topic aboard the LNG Taurus during a recent shipboard meeting. Among those attending are (from left) QMED M. Hill, QMED J. Orr, GUDE Norman Barbosa, Recertified Steward Judi Chester, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and AB D. Bates. SIU crews in Japan, Singapore, Diego Garcia and other overseas ports welcomed SIU Representative Steve Ruiz to their respective ships throughout the month of December. Ruiz met with Seafarers aboard the eight LNG ships (Aquarius, Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Taurus and Virgo); on the Buffalo Soldier, American Cormorant and Cape Jacob; and aboard the USNS vessels Potomac, Anderson, Phillips, Watson, Baugh, Yano, Sisler, Shughart and Gilliland "The main thing on the crews' minds was the merger, and an overwhelming majority gave a very As was the case aboard many other SIUcontracted ships, the steward department on the James Anderson worked to create a homey holiday atmosphere at sea. Helping get the job done are SA B. Fermin, SA Ibrahim Taha, SA E. Alaa, Chief Steward M. Watts, Assistant Cook M. Walter and GUDE A. Mohamed. Prepositioned in Diego Garcia, the Pvt. Franklin Phillips is a good feeder thanks to the galley gang that includes Chief Steward James Kidd, Chief Cook A. Mohammed, Cook/Baker C. Jones, SA C. Nunez-Avila, SAM. Thomas and others. February 2000 positive response," noted Ruiz, referring to the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (see story, page 2). "They all seemed very happy to see a union official on the ships," he added. Other subjects discussed among Ruiz and the crews included the Alaska Tanker Co., the reflagging of the LNG ships, and the various new vessels coming under SIU contract. "The LNG crews gave a vote of thanks" to SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Ruiz added. Posing for a photo aboard ttie USNS Potomac in Singapore are SA Liana McKinney, SA Luis Gonzalez, Chief Steward Norman Cox, Bosun Sean Ryan and Chief Cook Pamala Hagler. Left: Chief Electrician Ronald Paradise (left) and Bosun Edwin Rivera attend the meeting aboard the Phillips. SIU Representative Steve Ruiz answers Seafarers' questions aboard the Cape Jacob. Listening are Chief Cook Marco Guevara, Oiler Gregory Carroll, ABT. O'Brien and AB R. Trainor. SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Aboard the LNG Capricorn (from left), Chief Cook Rafael Cardenas, SA Gloria Melluish and SA Antonio Perez welcome a camera-toting guest. Seafarers LOS 7 �Sea -arers Celebrate Holidays Steward Departments HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM STEWARD DEPT MN MARlNE COLUMBIA THUR NOV 25 1999 COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT JOHN T SCOGGINS ME N U B R E A K F A S T CHILLED FRUI JUICES SLICED FRESH FRUITS ASSORTED COLD CEREALS BREAKFAST POTATOES BREAKFAST PASTRIES EGGS COOKED TO ORDER FRENCH TOAST HOT CAKES GRJLLED BACON GRJLLED HAM HOT GRITS HOT OATMEAL CHOICE OF OMELETTES EGGS BENEDICT (HAM BAC CHEESE ONIO PEPPER CRAB) EGGNOG Pictured from left to right, SA Othman Saleh, Steward/Baker James Dunne and Chief Cook John Huyett offer a Thanksgiving meal featuring traditional dishes and more. Marine Col11mbia Give Extra Effort To Provide U NCH AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS FROM JOHN &JIM &OTTMAN Scrumptious Shipboard Fare As Thanksgiving gave way to Christmas and New Year's Day, SIU steward departments continually utilized their skills, creativity and enthusiasm in preparing holiday feasts for fellow crew members. Several of those vessels contacted the Seafarers LOG to commend the respective galley gangs. Some of the photos they submitted, along with others from the holidays, are shown on this page and the next one. L FRENCH ONION SOUP W/CH/ CROUTONS ASSORTED COLD SALADS&MIXED RELISHES SHRIMP & CRAB COCTAILS ROASTED TURKEY W/DRESSING & GRAVY BAKED HAM W/FRUIT SAUCE RICE PILAFF GLAZED YAMS MASHED POTATO GREEN PEAS SUMMER SQUASH BROCCOLI HOT COFFEE COLD MILK FRUIT DRINK HOT TEA PECAN PIE PUMPKIN PIE JELLO PUDDING PETITS FOURS HARD CANDY ASSORTED NUTS DINNER LEFT OVERS FROM LUNCH PLUS ROASTED PRIME RIB WIAU JUS Pictured on deck is Bosun Greg Hamilton. Chief Pumpman Ron Gordon works up an appetite while helping keep the equipment operating. Steward/Baker Dunne (right photo) is in a dicey situation while SA Saleh has an idea for decorating the treetop. Sulphur Enterprise SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT: Bosun Tony Sabatini enjoys Thanksgiving dinner. Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro lends a hand during meal preparation. Fist-size shrimp were on the Thanksgiving menu. D< "'J..r•·f'·p fTtLn'K,~GIV!;VG l5 :>iOVEMllF.R Jm !SULi'RL'R F..~IU'IUSE .4P :um~. • CltABCAU. ~~~~, • m.in:u onn"l..'t Wll'iG. OA• HUT1tAtt"GOO.'l. " ·~ ~.:r-o~kOIL ~ ~:® GNGLR.&OU., T£1UYAKJcmt.~. ::::::~ C:Ol'Ol>it(>~ . • AVOCAD05ltllf..L .. ~"-WRDll:OU.. • cv.111u1aou. ~ SUFOOb CllOWnM ilM 'ift'O:.'ft'O.!I 1110UP. L'TRHS ~JlT.\U,\lilTHilOLU..'\"•.US&. OkllUO llUJ'ftUCOfil TO OttDPW111! ~ acruw.. S'fn:C'T.-SlH:Ta !W)Tf&rfUl'.CJtA& ~lJlt.:£."l'l.f.&!'RLU~J'RJ'QJUCi, .OASTTOMTl'ftkl!'YWml~~GC-...VY:_.~-U\JC'S. ~RA.~Jr--~·UA~!ioTIUWt:nll!{t.Awa_~ SfiV"'1'SlLClroAHSTYLE. ~E~°'A'~-'"(Lsno°':~~o. Credit for the Thanksgiving goodies on the Sulphur Enterprise goes to (from left) Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova, Steward/Baker Nee Tran and SA Trinidad Sanchez. 8 Seafarers LOG :;R! Mn..PKf!Th. :~~ •WG~OG. ~n\ll'i.-Ab DDART~i"-"'158Jfll(; ==~~ Cla'!W Jl.~lio"f. A '!l!)('K 80 __, M..lL'TJn"l.. 1ll''\JGC1Vf'fr.. Eyeing the menu choices are DEU Justin Ravnell (left) and Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro. February 2000 �Wilmington Sharing holiday sentiments aboard Matson's Manulani are (from left) SA Tim Ellis, Port Agent John Cox and Chief Steward Lorraine Brayman. Each Christmas, a large, bearded man in a red and white hat visits Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif.-usually several hours after Santa makes his rounds. Port Agent John Cox (pictured in these four shots) continued the tradition in 1999. Pictured from left to right are AB Herman Moningka, Port Agent John Cox and Captain Bruno Kalmeta. Crowley Seafarers Engine Utility Deso Hrboka, AB Mike Privette, Mate Hank Scott and Mate Barry Schuffels welcome their jolly visitor. On the Sea-Land Patriot are (from left) Electrician Bozidar Baul, AB John Emrich, AB Mitchell Santana, AB Matt Bevak, Port Agent John Cox, Bosun Bobby Garcia, AB Ray Vicari and AB Don Hamrick. GI bal Mariner More than 100 people, including crew members, company officials and guests, turned out for the Christmas luncheon aboard the cable ship Global Mariner. Chief Steward Lanette Lopez (behind the camera) worked with (from left) SA Syed Murtaza, Chief Cook Antony Bach, SA Suzanne Santora, SA Husain Salah and Cook/Baker Walter Schoppe as well as Bosun Thor Young and Splicer/Joiner Nelson Poe in readying the succulent cuisine. ITB Philadelphia No SIU-crewed ship may have faced more difficult circumstances near the holidays than the !TB Philadelphia. As noted in letters from AB John Bellinger and Captain Nicholas Colavito (see page 20), the vessel engaged in a challenging voyage delivering food aid (37,000 tons of grain) from Portland to two ports in North Korea. Because of various unforeseen difficulties, "the disBosun Terry Cowans (left) and charge took 30 days, longer AB John Bellinger eagerly anticiby far than was projected," pate the Thanksgiving spread. noted Bellinger, who provided these photos. "During the entire stay, communication was severely restricted. The strain was especially great on the steward department, as the Philadelphia carried seven extra people to operate the machinery for the discharge. "Additionally, large groups of customs and immigration officials as well as officials from the port often arrived with little notice, and expected to be Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein fed." (right) and Chief Steward The ship left Korea a few Thurman Johnson ready the days before Thanksgiving, meal. and crew members "enjoyed a spectacular Thanksgiving dinner, due in large part to the creativity and squirreling ability of Chief Steward Thurman Johnson and Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein, wrote Bellinger. "This will be Mohamed's last voyage. The officers and crew presented him with a certificate of appreciation and a modest cash gift to express their gratitude for his fine work under trying circumstances. Mr. Hussein is such a fine baker that when the bread from shore finally ran out, the quality of life aboard actually improved, as delicious fresh breads, rolls, pastries and cookies rolled forth from Mo's oven. Lucky are we who sailed with him, and we wish him happiness on the beach. "Also, the entire crew has shown once again that long hours and difficult straits do not slow down American merchant mariners." Sea-Land Patriot Beef Wellington is one of many holiday menu choices on the SeaLand Patriot. RUDOLPH'S GOT NOTHIN' ON THIS ONE: Unlicensed Apprentice Justin Baker (class No. 597) puts the final touch on temporarily rednosed Brooke Dement at a holiday gathering inside the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Md. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �Pensioner James M Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore in August 1939, right out of the l"YT.......,,--.r.........,,......,...TT""".._ Marine Corps as a corporal and as an expert of 50caliber machine guns. He sailed during WWII, the Korean conJ. Melford Smith flict and the early part of the Vietnam war and upgraded at the union s school in Brooklyn to third assistant engineer. This article recounts a voyage he took in 1942 aboard the SS Alcoa Pathfinder. alking down the dimly lit dock at midnight, I could hear the hum of the generators through the steel hull of the ship while I was still 100 yards away. The ship was loaded down almost to her plimsol marks, so the gangway had only a slight incline. Carrying my sea bag and tool kit, I went up the narrow gangway to the deck. At the top of the gangway, the mate had posted the sailing board with a sailing time of 0500 and the date: 2/28/42. Stepping onto the deck, I was stopped short by a strong odor that had been long forgotten- the smell of horse manure! I must be dreaming, I thought. With a war going on, we couldn't possibly be carrying a load of horse manure to some port overseas. Maybe some general or admiral had started a rose garden somewhere and was using his clout to get some fertilizer. Casting aside such disrespectful thoughts about our fearless leaders, I walked aft on the port side and discovered the farm-like odor was coming from a dozen wooden stalls lashed securely on deck. They contained four thoroughbred horses and eight cows. For an old Ohio farm boy, this was truly a sight to behold! I had milked my share of cows and spent more time than I cared to admit looking at the south end of horses going north. I never expected to be so closely associated with them while plying my trade as a seagoing electrician in the U.S. merchant marine. I had signed on at the United States Shipping Commissioner's office the previous afternoon, but this was my first time aboard this new type of vessel. It was called a C-1 A cargo ship and was just a year old. The ship had no guns, and her only defense against attack was a speed of 16 knots. On this run there were no armed escorts available. Although America at times has prided herself on being a major maritime nation, we have never had a national maritime policy. Except during periods when our nation was at war, our leaders have allowed our merchant marine to deteriorate almost to the point of non-existence. But in 1942, we were in a state of national emergency, and there was a mad scramble to build and crew ships to supply the armed forces. The enemy was sinking them far faster than they could be built, and we were losing the experienced seamen to man them. Along the East Coast, the lights of the cities were being used by German submarine crews to silhouette our ships, making them easy targets. Our losses were appalling. Locating the electrician's cabin, I found it was well furnished but W 10 Seafarers LOG like that!" We both dashed for the was taking care of the animals, had only one 18-inch port that making sure they had food and engine room. I flipped the main opened on the after deck and a water and cleaning their stalls. He lighting breakers and the ship went small electric fan. I thought, this had an endorsement on his seadark. son-of-a-gun is going to be a hot The German U-boat lay off the man's certificate that I had never one! heard of: Cattleman. A seagoing harbor and fired at us for 15 minutes I had been told at the union hall before the local armed forces got cowboy! It was something he did that the ship was hauling bauxite their coast defense guns in action from Dutch Guiana on the coast of "off watch" and was paid overtime and drove them off. The Nazi gun accordingly. South America to the port of I felt very uneasy about sailing crew was aiming primarily at the Mobile, Ala. Bauxite is a gray, oil tanks and refinery at the edge of in those submarine-infested waters dusty, gritty mineral that is the with the animals. One look at their town and except for that first round, main ingredient in making alularge brown, trusting eyes and the none of them came close. By late minum. When loading and disthought of what would happen if the next afternoon, the local longcharging bauxite, the dust covers shoremen had gotten the cargo the entire ship. The ventilation fans we got hit made me first angry, then sad. We humans were responashore, we had cast off the mooring must be shut down to protect the lines and were sailing around the sible for the present conditions and machinery, but the bauxite gets in Venezuelan coast to La Guaira. your food, your hair and your nose. could take care of ourselves. For As we rounded the peninsula, the horses and cows confined in If you are sweating, you soon look staying close inshore, I was like a gray ghost. their stalls, their terror and panic would be ended only by their death informed by the engineer on watch It was a miserable cargo to that there was a smell of burning transport but a vital one for the war by drowning. I vowed that if we insulation near the main switcheffort. I had never refused a job survived this voyage, I would get another ship as I did not want to be board. I soon located the problem becau e of the conditions or danand found a circuit breaker that gers, and I had sailed on some real around when that happened. was overheated. It was one of the rust buckets, so I stowed my gear Captain Dumke, who had made breakers for the steering gear and crawled into the comfortable this trip several times, said the motors, which bunk for a few was a vital piece hours sleep. of equipment. I It seemed decided to only a moment change the ciruntil the oiler on cuit breaker watch was immediately, knocking on my even though I door saying "It's would have to zero four thirty work it "hot," Elec, we're getwhich was 240 ting underway in a half hour volts. -and the cofI removed the defective fee's ready." I breaker and mumbled thanks installed the and got dressed, Often sailing unarmed, U.S.-flag cargo ships were at great risk through- new one. buckled on my tool belt, shoved out World War II-as evidenced in this 1942 photograph of an American Tightening the ammo ship whose entire crew perished. last nut, the a flashlight in my back pocket wrench slipped, and headed to flew out of my worst danger lay in our passage sweating hand and landed across the engine room to make sure the through the Yucatan Channel, the the bus bars which carries the main circuit breakers for the anchor load from the generators. The eyewindlass and the aft warping winch narrow waterway between Cuba searing flash from the short circuit were in the "on" position on the and the Yucatan Peninsula. He timed our passage through there at blinded me temporarily and main switchboard. They are used night. We would go to maximum knocked the generators off line. by the deck gang to pull in the speed, zigzag wildly in the dark The ship drifted without power, mooring lines securing the vessel night and stay as close to shore as and an onshore wind pushed us to the dock. I introduced myself to the l st possible without running aground. toward the rocks less than a mile And with the fathometer offi Its away. Our engine crew reacted assistant engineer, who was warmquickly to the emergency, and we ing up the engine, grabbed a cup of pinging would be heard by enemy coffee and went up to the bow to sound gear. soon had the generators back on stand by the anchor windlass conline and the ship underway again. I Though he was a grouchy old trols in case something should hap- cuss with never a kind word for had almost accomplished by accipen while the ship was docking or dent what Adm. Doenitz's subany of the mates, he stayed on the undocking. It's a part of the job I marines had failed to do. bridge all night and saw us safely enjoyed- unless it was raining. a Guaira was a pretty little through. Before getting my marine electritown nestled at the foot of Our first port of call was the coastal mountain range. cian's certificate, I had sailed in the Maracaibo in the Gulf of Venezuela, where we had some It serves as the seaport for Caracas, deck gang as an AB after putting general cargo to discharge. To the capital, which is about I 0 miles in my time as OS. Those ratings are a holdover from the days of enter the port, there is a narrow by road over the steep and rugged channel with a swinging sail but are still used. mountains. The Venezuelan people bridge/gate which opens on a large awn was breaking, and the were very friendly toward us lake with many oil platforms dotcity was coming to life as "Norte Americanos." we moved slowly out of the ting its surface. The gate is pulled After I finished work for the dock area and into Mobile Bay. open and closed by a small tugday, I walked uptown to the city Soon we were passing Fort boat. The port was closed from square. There was the usual catheMorgan on the tip of Dauphin dusk to dawn because of possible dral on one side and a small park Island, whose huge cannon had enemy action. in the center. Many of the townsfired at Admiral Farragut's fleet of people were enjoying the evening It was late evening and already gunboats in 1864 when he made dark by the time we got our ship in the square, including some strikthat famous remark "Damn the toringly beautiful girls, most of whom moored to the dock alongside a pedoes, full speed ahead." Now, as were accompanied by a chaperone. warehouse just inside the gate. My walk around the square was Chief Engineer Hardwick and I we entered the Gulf of Mexico where the submarines of Hitler's interrupted by a really Lovely girl were sitting on a bench on the aft "Thousand Year Reich" were lying who flashed me a big smile as I side of the deckhouse. We were having an after-dinner smoke and in wait for us, we could say the strolled by. Since there was not a talking when there was a bright same thing. chaperone in sight, I stopped to We brought our ship up to full flash of light in the outer harbor. talk, though my Spanish was very speed and started a zigzag course The chief said, "I wonder what limited. to Maracaibo and La Guaira, idiot is signaling to get inside the "Hola! Senorita, Que pasa? Venezuela. While making the fiveharbor this late at night." Como se llama? (Hi, miss, what's day voyage, I learned that some Before I had a chance to reply, happening? What's your name?) wealthy businessman in Venezuela there was a terrific explosion and "Elita" she said with a sweet the end of the warehouse disintesmile, followed by a long string of was starting a ranch and had Spanish. I hadn't the faintest idea grated. The animals were crying ordered the finest breed of animals from the States. This was the secwhat she had said after her name, with fear, and some shrapnel hit ond shipment, and there were two the stem of the ship. I said, "Chief, so I asked "Habla Englais?" more on order. One of the sailors She shook her head no, then I've never heard a ship enter a port L D said, "Ah leetle," and held up her fingers pinched together. We were soon sitting at a sidewalk cafe drinking coffee and laughing while struggling with the language barrier and enjoying each other's company. After about an hour, I indicated that it was time for me to go (we were sailing at dawn.) When I stood up to leave, Elita, still chattering in Spanish, took my arm. I caught the word "paseo" (walk), so we started to walk east along the beach road. It was a beautiful spring night with a full moon and a cool breeze from the Caribbean. When we came to the edge of town I said to myself, Elita must be a country girl if she Lives this far out of town. After about a quarter mile she asked me something in Spanish that I didn't understand. We continued strolling down the road hand in hand with Elita asking the same question every hundred yards or so. Finally, while I could still see the lights of the town, I stopped and sat down on a stone culvert while I figured out what she was saying. At last it became clear to me that she did not understand that I was a seafaring person on a ship! Elita was asking "How much farther is it?" When we met the next time, we laughed about it. The next morning, heading down the coast to Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, I thought, how frustrating to not be bilingual in a hemisphere where 21 out of 23 countries speak Spanish. In India I had Learned a little Bengali and in the Philippines a little Tagalog along with their Spanish. I decided then and there to start studying Spanish as soon as I could find a good study book. But as Robert Bums, the Scot poet, said, "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley." Due to the exigencies of the war, I soon found myself in the islands of the South Pacific for the duration. Studying Spanish had a very low priority where each voyage was a matter of survival. I regret that I never did learn it. ... aramaribo is the capital of Surinam, which is a Dutch colony. The buildings are Dutch style and though English is spoken, the main language is Dutch. We didn't have time to go ashore as the mine where we were to load bauxite was 25 miles up the Surinam River, and the river pilot was waiting. As we wound our way up the river through the dense jungle, branches and vines would sometimes scrape alongside. Monkeys and colorful birds of all kinds screeched and yelled at us for disturbing their habitat. It was a unique experience for us deep sea sailors. The mine had a conveyor system that was extended over the ship's holds. The powdery bauxite poured off the concave conveyor belt into the hold, throwing up clouds of choking dust. The heat was almost unbearable, but there was a little breeze blowing up the river so I turned in that night with my fan sucking some of that air into my room. During the night the wind shifted and I awoke with a choking sensation, unable to breathe. Turning on a light, I discovered myself and my room completely covered with a heavy coating of bauxite dust and my fan making it look like a Sahara dust storm. Bauxite dust does not taste good. P Continued on page 17 February 2000 �.,, .... i ·.IIIi , ~ . Leap at the Chance for a College Scholarship • COMPLETE THE COUPON AT RIGHT AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FebTuary 2~0 Are you putting off applying for college because you just don't have the time-or the money? Well, this month both those problems may be solved! Since this is a leap year, which means February has an extra day, it will give you more time to do all those things you wished you had more time to do. And one of those things is to sit down and apply for an SIU scholarship. Since the union began its scholarship program in 1952, many Seafarers and their family members have been awarded higher education grants and gone on to realize their educational goals. This year, as in the past, the Seafarers Welfare Plan will present seven scholarships. Three of the awards will go directly to Seafarers. One of these grants is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. The other two awards designated specifically for SIU members are $6,000 each for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four grants will be presented to spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Each of these scholarships is for $15,000 to study at a four-year college or university. quired of all applicants in order to be considered for a scholarship. Who Is Eligible? Materials Needed Scholarships are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children (pensioners are not eligible). Additional eligibility information may be found in the 2000 SIU scholarship program booklet. Just fill out the coupon below and mail it to the address listed. Program booklets also are available at all SIU halls. In addition to the application form itself, other items are re- Transcripts and certificates of graduation are needed, as are letters of recommendation from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals; scores from the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) exams; a photograph of the applicant; and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Deadline Nears The completed applications MUST be mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE April 15, 2000. Those who have applied for an SIU scholarship in the past and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. So ... don't let a Jack of time or money prevent you from furthering your education. You have an extra day this month to leap for the chance at a scholarship. Don't let it pass you by. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, P lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 2100 L---------------------------------------------------------------------------SeafaTel'S LOG 11 �TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS HOWTO PREPARE ATAXRETURN Step I. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1999 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 66b, 66c and 66d on their Form 1040. Line 66b is for the STANDARD DEDUCIION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions. (Note that the personal exemption deduction is $2,750.) Filing Status Standard Deduction Single ........... $4,300 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children ........ $7,200 Married filing separate return ....$3,600 Head of household ..$6,350 bank's routing number. Line 66c indicates the type of account, and line 66d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax retnrn electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption-for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,750 per person. In 1999, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. s.andardl>eWdim.Hmlncraad: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1999, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. Hthey do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Oub Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Groa Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting WOik-Reiated &penses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Tiavel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related C',ar Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost On the tax return due April 17 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile (for 1/1-3/31) and 31 cents per mile (for 4/112/31). Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When 'Ihlveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Tiavel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. Limit on Itetni7.ed Deductions: In 1999, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $126,600 of federal adjusted gross income (or $63,300 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1999, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,200 and no qualifying children - $347 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $26,928 and with 1 qualifying child $2,312 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,580 and with 2 or more qualifying children $3,816 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EI C to see if they are eligible for the credit Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 1999, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit The amount of the credit is $500 per child. Credit for Higher Education 'IWtion: Individuals may be able to take the "H0 PE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 1999, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Leaming Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student's expenses. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $1,500 of interest paid after December 31, 1998 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs-Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a coµtribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributlons-The additional 10 percent t.ax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS 12 Seafarers LOG TAXTIPSFO Presented on these two p handy tax tips that have mariners. Included are th 1999 and where to get WHERETO GE General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called ti questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order curr publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are availabl try to help with tax questions that c: To find the location of an IRS office States Government, Internal Reven Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer qu taxpayer information service, public can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system h about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 i When calling from a touch tone ph repeat the topic and the letter "C" To listen to a directory of topics aftet 123. You can also check the status This telephone service is availabl time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS 's Internet Web Si forms, instructions and publication questions; search publications on-1' withholding allowances using their requests for help via e-mail; and si news by e-mail from the IRS Digita Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the District Director (listed on the tax with the letter. Federal law prohibits employers from the wages of mariners workin Specifically, the law [46 USCA wages due or accruing to a master, member of the crew on a vessel e coastal, interstate or non-contiguous provisions of the tax laws of any wealth, or a subdivision of any of th hibit any such withholding of the w the coastwise trade between ports · pursuant to a voluntary agreement The law, however, does not exe taxes. Mariners, just like any other their obligations to the government Each state has a set of criteria resident of that state. A seaman sho she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California d California State Board of Eq seaman-despite the fact that he year-was a resident of the state fi consideration the fact that the se tained a bank account in a Califo Additionally, each state has es residents of that state must pay a ual earned income from a source Many states allo~ a credit in the if that person has already paid taxes If any questions arise rega niariners should telephone t state in which they reside. TAXTIPSFO February 2000 �RSEAFARERS ges of the Seafarers LOG are een prepared especially for new deduction amounts for additional information. apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. nt and prior year fonns, instructions and Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can in many IRS offices around the counot be answered easily by telephone. look in the phone book under "United in return for services) . • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). OTHER TAX INFORMATION INFQRMATION r general information. IRS staff answer TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS! pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. • Accumulation distributions from trusts. • Prizes and awards {contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). • Earned income from sources outside the United States. • Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. • Embezzled or other illegal income. stions by phone. Through the agency's tions covering all aspects of tax-filing WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP s recorded tax infonnation covering Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax retum, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. ne, the letter "R" or number "7" will r number "2" will cancel the message. the introductory message finishes, dial f your refund. from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local e at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download ; see answers to frequently asked tax e by topic or keyword; figure your -4 caJculator, send them comments or up to receive the latest tax issues and Dispatch. returns can be sent directly to an IRS rm). Include a social security number , 'RS MUST PAY COME TAX from withholding state and local taxes aboard U.S.-flag ships. 1108(11)] provides that "no part of the officer or any other seaman who is a gaged in the foreign, coastwise, intertrade shall be withheld pursuant to the , territory, possession or commonm, but nothing in this section shall pros of any seaman who is employed in the same state if such withholding is tween such seaman and his employer." pt seamen from paying state and local citizens of any given state, must meet f the area in which they live. determine whether an individual is a d check with a state tax office if he or g the early 1970s, a case before the alization stated that a merchant was on a ship for 210 days of the r tax purposes. The board took into owned a home in California and main.a-based bank. blished conditions under which nonortion of state tax if such an individased in that state. ount an individual must pay the state in another state. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person's last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 1999, the taxpayer's personal representative {and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: • Benefits from government welfare programs. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. • Disability retirement payments {and other benefits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Amounts received :from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income {fair-market value of goods or services received SEAFARERS February 2000 WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2000 to file his or her 1999 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. TAX PLANNING TIPS Selling Your Home'? The tax law gives homeowners a special tax break on capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence. If you have owned and used a home as your principal residence for periods totaling at least two years out of the last five years before selling, you generally can take advantage of this break to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). People who fail to meet the ownership or use test or have claimed the exclusion for another home within two years of the sale may qualify for a partial exclusion. Don't forget capital improvements. H you find yourself with unexpected taxable gains on your home sale, check your records for overlooked capital improvement expenses you've paid over the years. The costs of capital improvements, such as adding another bath, garage or family room, are added to your basis in the home and, thus, reduce your taxable gain. Reinvesting Your Dividends Make sure you count any reinvested dividends as part of your tax basis when you sell the stock you bought through a dividend reinvestment plan. The dividends were taxed to you when they were originally paid. You don't want to pay tax on them twice. The same holds true for mutual fund dividends you had automatically reinvest.eel. State Taxes Many state income tax laws are based on federal tax rules. So, the strategies you use for your federal tax planning may work with your state tax planning as well. Be aware that Some states allow two-earner couples who file joint federal returns to file separate state returns when it is advantageous. Check your state's rules. If you have a choice, calculate your tax both ways and use the method that produces the lower tax. Also, you may be considered a resident of-and owe taxes to-two states if you own two residences in different states. If you sell a property in another state at a profit, generally you owe that state taxes on your gain. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as "Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's tollfree number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is im.portant to bear in m.ind that th.£ filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off th.£ hook from. having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, m.ust be accompanied by all tax monies due th.£ U.S. governnumt frmn th.£ individual filing the extension. OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should a Seafarer find himself or herself overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: • Berlin, Germany • Caracas, Venezuela • London, England • Mexico City, Mexico • Nassau, Bahamas • Ottawa, Canada • Paris, France • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • Rome, Italy • Sao Paulo, Brazil • Sydney, Australia • Tokyo, Japan. / TAXES DUE APRIL 17, 2000 TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS Seafarers LOG 13 �---------------------------------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- - ~ - ••II State l'tl•ar1 Dates rater legistratio• leadll•es tot Be•eral Electlo•: Taesd111, llore•bet 1, 2100 State Registration Deadline(s) Primary Date (Presidential I Congressional) 2000 promises to be a very exciting election year. The president of the U.S., as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be determined this November 7. In order to vote, you must be registered. The chart below lists some important dates and times you need to know in order to register and to exercise your right to vote. Polling Hours 8 am- 6/8 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 27) 10 days before an election 7 am - 8 pm Conventions May 19 (R); May 20 (D) I Aug. 22 30 days before an election ALASKA 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 22; March 11 (Dl/ Sept. 12 29 days before an election ARIZONA 7:30 am - 7:30 pm May 23 (Cong. runoff date June 13) 30 days before an election ARKANSAS March 7 · 7 am8 pm 29 days before an election CALIFORNIA 7 am 7 pm March 10 I Aug. 8 29 days before an election COLORADO 6 am 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 12# 14 days before an election CONNECTICUT 7 am 8 pm Feb. 5; Feb. 8 (R) I Sept. 9 20 days prior to general election; DELAWARE 21 days prior to primary election 7 am - 8 pm May2 30 days before an election DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Sept. 5 (runoff date - Oct. 3) 29 days before an election FLORIDA 7 am - 7 pm March 7IJuly18 (runoff date - Aug. 8) The 5th Monday before a general primary, general GEORGIA election or presidential preference primary. The 5th day after the date of the call for all other special primaries and special elections 7 am - 6 pm Caucus March 7 (D); May 19 (R) I Sept. 23 30 days before an election HAWAII 8 am - 8 pm May23 25 days before an election by mail; 24 days before IDAHO an election in person, or election day at the polls 6 am - 7 pm March 21 29 days before primary; 28 days before general election ILLINOIS 6 am - 6 pm May2 29 days before an election IN DIANA 7 am - 9 pm Caucus Jan. 24 I June 6 Delivered by 5 pm 10 days before state primary or general IOWA election; 11 days before all others. A postmark 15 or more days before an election is on time 617 am - 718 pm April 4 I Aug. 1 Delivered 15 days before an election KANSAS 6 am - 6 pm May 23 28 days before an election KENTUCKY 6 am - 8 pm March 14 I Nov. 7 (runoff date - Dec. 9) 24 days before an election LOUISIANA 6/10 am* - 8 pm March 7 I June 13 10 business days before an election or delivered MAINE in person up to and including election day 7 am - 8 pm March 7 9 pm on the 5111 Monday before an election MARYLAND 7 am - 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 19 20 days before an election MASSACHUSETIS 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 22 [Caucus March 11 (D)] I Aug. 8 30 days before an election MICHIGAN 7 am - 8 pm * Caucus March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered by 5 pm 21 days before an election; MINNESOTA also election day registration at polling places 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 4) 30 days before an election MISSISSIPPI 6 am - 7 pm March 7 I Aug. 8 28 days before an election MISSOURI 7 am/noon* - 8 pm* June 6 30 days before an election MONTANA 718 am - 718 pm May 9 The 41h Tuesday before an election or delivered NEBRASKA by 6 p.m. on 2nd Friday before an election 7 am - 7 pm Conventions May 19-21 (D), May 25 (R) I Sept. 5 9 pm on the 5th Sat. before any primary or general NEVADA election. 9 pm on the 3rd Sat. before any recall or special election unless held on same day as primary or general election. Then it remains the 5th Saturday. 11 am - 7 pm Feb. 1 I Sept. 12 10 days before an election, or registration at polls NEW HAMPSHIRE on election day 7 am - 8 pm June 6 29 days before an election NEW JERSEY 7 am - 8 pm June 6 28 days before an election NEW MEXICO 6 am - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 25 days before an election NEW YORK 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May 2 (Cong. runoff date May 30) Postmarked 25 days before an election or received NORTH CAROLINA in elections office or voter registry agency by 5 pm 719 am - 7/9 pm* Conventions Feb. 29 (R), March 7 (D) I June 13 North Dakota does not have voter registration NORTH DAKOTA 6:30 am - 7:30 pm March 7 30 days before an election OHIO 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Aug. 22 (runoff date - Sept. 19) 25 days before an election OKLAHOMA 7 am - 8 pm May 16 21 days before an election OREGON 7 am - 8 pm April 4 30 days before an election PENNSYLVANIA 7 am/noon - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 30 days before an election RHODE ISLAND 7 am - 7 pm Feb. 19 (R), March 9 (D) I June 13 (runoff dat - June 27) 30 days before an election SOUTH CAROLINA 718 am - 718 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 20) Delivered 15 days before an election SOUTH DAKOTA 6/8 am - 7/8 pm** March 14 I Aug. 3 30 days before an election TENNESSEE 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 11) 30 days before an election TEXAS 7 am - Bpm March 10 I June 27# 20 days before an election UTAH 6/10 am - 7 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered to town clerk before noon, postmarked or VERMONT submitted to OMV on 2nd Saturday before an election 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 29 (R); Convention June 3 (0) I June 13# Delivered 29 days before an election VlRGINfA 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 29 I Sept. 19 30 days before an election or delivered in person up to WASHINGTON 15 days before an election 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May9 30 days before an election WEST VIRGINIA 719 am - 8 pm April 4 I Sept. 12 13 days before an election or completed in the local WISCONSIN voter registration office 1 day before an election or completed at polling place on election day 7 am - 7 pm March 1OI Aug. 22 30 days before an election or register at polling place WYOMING on election day * Depends on size of jurisdiction; * * 7 pm CST - 8 pm EST;# In Connecticut and Utah, conventions are held by the parties prior to the primary. In Virginia, parties may choose to nominate candidates by convention rather than by primary. SOURCE: U.S. Federal Election Commission. ALABAMA 14 Seafarers LOG Febl'Uary 2000 �·~--- ·- - - --- Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 30 San Francisco 24 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 25 27 11 8 3 6 16 10 14 36 29 3 0 243 17 3 4 14 4 11 13 11 16 7 3 8 12 4 2 130 10 2 2 10 20 9 4 7 15 2 8 16 4 6 19 28 3 18 7 6 4 2 20 20 8 4 0 0 87 7 10 14 2 0 0 189 2 13 4 14 14 6 11 7 3 6 6 5 6 0 2 8 1 0 8 5 9 11 2 3 12 4 6 5 5 2 I 0 0 0 100 78 52 10 11 21 20 18 8 4 6 3 5 22 18 6 71 12 29 45 18 12 21 8 1 6 40 59 16 23 2 1 0 97 23 10 2 6 10 4 5 7 5 5 16 3 13 7 17 1 0 12 4 2 2 4 3 2 0 1 445 183 90 15 53 16 l 7 5 8 7 14 7 7 13 2 8 17 4 0 2 118 11 3 3 5 7 1 2 7 9 9 8 9 3 2 5 4 2 3 0 87 16 1 6 3 0 5 4 5 2 7 3 19 7 6 3 12 2 3 1 0 0 37 5 0 4 16 2 1 2 105 5 4 7 10 3 8 8 4 9 3 3 5 1 5 0 76 0 0 2 4 0 3 l 0 6 3 2 2 0 2 0 26 'Deep sea, takes, 1n1a11d waters Piney Point ............. Monday: March 6, April 3 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 HonoJulu ................. Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston ..................Monday: March 13. April IO Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 9, April 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: March 22, April 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Bedford ...•......Tuesday: March 2 l t April 18 New Orteans ...........Tuesday; March 14, April 11 New York................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: March 8, April 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port -iliiSbj ,,.,,,. Algonac ..................Friday: March 1O.. April 7 DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Trip Reliefs • • • & ~I 2111JO 5 24 0 4 3 3 6 6 18 15 36 18 12 19 11 13 4 2 4 6 0 1 7 0 0 0 38 26 3 I 0 211 13 3 2 7 6 16 17 10 11 8 12 6 2 3 0 117 3 l 2 4 3 3 11 2 6 4 0 San Francisco ......... Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 91! April 6 St. Louis .................Friday: March 17~ April 14 Tacoma ................... Friday: March 24, April :21 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 20, April 17 Each potf's meeting starts at 1g..311 a.m. 5 Personals 6 3 0 2 Please call you brother, Joe Engbrock, in Houston at (713) 946-6162. He is very anxious to talk with you. 55 HERMAN COLLIER DEREK MACKAY Please call you wife at (757) 559-6952. Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 12 1 6 6 8 8 21 29 21 22 2 13 11 0 162 4 1 3 7 2 0 0 2 1 0 5 2 6 2 4 0 6 3 4 9 3 2 3 0 53 0 16 0 0 2 0 36 Port 4 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 0 5 5 11 2 8 5 16 2 0 0 1 62 Totals All Departments 585 20 14 0 0 2 16 1 4 15 8 9 11 8 14 13 11 19 17 9 1 45 6 0 17 0 183 4 120 3 3 14 0 222 453 382 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 2 1 6 I 0 0 I 1 2 3 l 9 4 8 13 18 13 5 1 4 2 0 2 6 1 2 5 2 4 1 10 4 4 2 12 46 33 0 14 0 34 3 4 8 0 20 20 2 0 69 6 0 267 21 1 6 10 l 0 0 116 2 2 0 35 0 0 0 0 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 14 17 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 31 8 0 120 112 0 0 0 0 0 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 441 331 231 204 4 6 8 16 1 5 0 0 1 11 0 11 5 6 7 16 3 9 15 7 3 0 16 0 0 3 5 2 0 0 31 5 6 13 16 5 10 IO 11 1 12 10 26 1 9 2 10 7 7 5 4 2 11 6 1 6 2 2 1 5 1 3 0 0 24 1 1 0 2 0 83 45 26 8 0 2 2 42 3 3 20 20 9 11 5 7 22 8 13 5 3 0 3 15 12 10 15 4 21 20 20 PIDLIP REYNOLDS Bridget Booker would like you to give her a call. She is at 1 (800) 375-0060, ext. 5647. CREW MEMBERS FROM THE 1940s Thomas W Hardeman is seeking to contact former crew members who sailed aboard the Richard Montgomery in 1943, the Jacob H. Gallinger in 1943-44, the Joseph H. Hollister in 1944, the William Terry Howell in 1945 and the Tyson Lykes in 1945. Hardeman can be reached at 821 Indigo Avenue, Casey, SC 29033 SURVIVORS OF THE SS ALCOA PILGRIM Retired Seafarer James C. Huffmaster would like to get in touch with fellow crew members who survived the sinking of the SS Alcoa Pi/gram (May 25, 1942). Please contact him via the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. at (205) 478-0916. Corrections In a photograph published in the November 1999 issue of the LOG, page 13, QMED-Electrician Saro Koumashian of the MFOW was misidentified. In the January 2000 issue, page 5, the article about the late SIU VP Bob Matthews should have stated that he came ashore during the union's formation in the late 1930s and worked as an official from that time until his retirement. 8 9 3 157 2 0 0 1 72 13 0 13 0 98 268 285 1,021 651 475 20 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. February 2000 2 8 3 11 Brotherly Encounter at School The SIU's motto, "Brotherhood of the Sea," may ' mean a bit more to some members than others. For ~ · instance, DEU Abdulsalam Mohamed (left) and AB Fadhl Mohamed are ' brothers who recently caught up on family news while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. They hadn't seen each other in four years, and were happy to finally renew acquaintance at the school. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 1999 MchaeJ Sacco '" President CL - +· .. , ;Jobnfay :&eeutive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer ;;,< . . ,,A,~g~s#.n Tellez ·. . Vice President Contracts .Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vlce President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone VIce President West Coast Kermett .Mangram Vice President Government Services • )I' Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 18 0 13 5 0 5 10 0 40 33 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class CL Class L Class NP h ;{~~~i!Wiit!ii£i;.@J'; if" r;; Company/Lakes JANUARY 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 10 10 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 7 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 21 11 0 0 12 7 0 7 4 0 3 3 0 21 11 HEADQUARTERS 520l Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 2-0746 (101} 899~0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4&001 (&lO) 194-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) SQJ-4988 27 27 0 0 39 78 69 Totals All Depts 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Disp~chers' _/ BALTIMORE Report for Inland Waters DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 1216 E. Baltimore St. *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, I;Jl .96& 19 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houst<Jn, TX 7'§002 (713) 659..5152 J JEBSEYCITY 99 Montgomery·St Hersey Cio/{Nl 0'?302 (201) 435-9424 ',J»;OBILE .y t 640bauphin lslallii PkWy. Mobile, AL 36605 . (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 99M404 NEW ORLEANS 39ll Lapako 81vd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 32S-7545 .NEW YORK 635Fourth Ave. Broo.klyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 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 1 30 3 0 3 0 1 34 4 0 0 17 0 0 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 10 0 3 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 20 0 0 2 10 0 30 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 3 10 6 0 18 2 5 0 18 0 14 32 0 0 0 14 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 15 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 13 0 0 14 0 6 4 47 37 0 5 14 60 Totals All Depts *"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. 0 36 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 .PHILADELPHJA 2604 S.4 St. .Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PlNEYPOlNT P,0.Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 {301) 994-00 l 0 J?ORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN Ji'RANCJSCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco~ CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Govemment Servjces Division (4 l 5) 861 ·3400 SA.NTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave.. Stop 16}'2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 45&1 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South UuionAve. Tacoma, WA 93409 (253) 272-7774 WlLM.INGTON 51() N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 0 l 0) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Mary Geiling, the widow of pensioner Richard Geiling of Shoreline, Wash. It was taken during the Christmas season in 1955 aboard the hopper dredge Sand Captain in Venezuela. Geiling is the tallest member of the galley gang in this photo. Other identified members are "Andy Messina, Tom, Frank, Jim and Frenchy." Mrs. Geiling notes that her husband, who was an active member for 40 years (from 1951 until his retirement in 1991 ), died this past June. His ashes were scattered at sea from the deck of the Sea-Land Reliance-and he is greatly missed. February 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 12 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 46 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Hubert C. Cain is a graduate of the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Cain, nine of the retiring Seafarers shipped in the deep sea division, two sailed on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, five sailed in the engine department and one shipped in the steward department. Seven of the pensioners served in the U.S. military-six in the Army and one in the Navy. This month, half of the pensioners have retired to the Gulf states and two each have chosen to live on the East Coast, Midwest and Puerto Rico. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA JOSE A. BERDIEL, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bienville, operated by Sea-Land Service. The Puerto Rico native worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Humacao, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Berdiel makes his home in Cleveland, Ohio. RAMON BONAFONT, 60, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Colorado, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Bonafont last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. GEORGE BRUER, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1959 from the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Germany, he became a U.S. citizen and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. February 2000 Brother Bruer has retired to Indian Harbor, Fla. HUBERTC. CAIN, 65 first sailed with the SIU in 1952 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Polaris. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. From 1963 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Cain last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He calls Mobile home. WALTERW. CHANCEY, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Chancey's first ship was the Alcoa Partner. Born in Florida, he worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Express. He makes his home in Seffner, Fla. ARTHURR. LANG, 62, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Longview Victory. A native of Florida, he worked in the deck department. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Lang last sailed aboard the Galveston Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Jacksonville. ANGELL. O'NEILL, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. He was active in union organizing drives during his career. Brother O'Neill last sailed aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. LARRIE L. PROFFITT, 88, began his career with the SIU in 1955. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the engine depart- . ~. . - ment as a chief electrician. Brother Proffitt last sailed in 1978 aboard the Newark, a SeaLand Service vessel. He makes his home in Baltimore. DONAL RAY SWANNER, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Houston. Born in Oklahoma, he started his sailing career in the deck department aboard inland vessels. Brother Swanner later transferred to the deep sea division and worked in the engine department. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Paul Buck, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. He has retired to Channelview, Texas. INLAND TERRYR. LeBLANC, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Houston. The Texas native began working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman LeBlanc last sailed aboard the Manta, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Aransas Pass, Texas is where he calls home. From 1956 to 1958 he served in the U.S. Army. MICHAELJ. POWELL, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he worked as a captain. Boatman Powell last sailed in 1997 aboard the Escort, operated by Express Marine. He makes his home in Poquoson, Va. GREAT LAKES TIMOTHY W. WALLACE, 52, began his career with the Seafarers in 1971. The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Wallace last sailed in 1998 aboard the Buffalo, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Alpena, Mich. is where he calls home. Aboard the Pathftnder Continued from page 10 Due to the shallow depth of the Surinam River, we could take only a partial load of the ore. We were to stop at Port of Spain, Trinidad for the remainder of the cargo. The deck gang used our high pressure fire hoses to wash down the ship as we made good time down the river. We were glad to see the open ocean and escape the heat, even if it did mean there was a danger of running afoul of one of Der Fuehrer's submarines. In Port of Spain, there was frantic construction. They were building an airbase that could be used for aircraft to protect shipping, and as a ferry base for flights to Africa and Europe. As I walked up the street, a catchy little tune called "Rum and Coca Cola" blasted at maximum volume from every cantina's open doorway. "Go down Point Cumana - both Motha an' Dahta -workin' fo' the Yankee dollah." Point Cumana happened to be the red light district. It was war time, and some of the people were destitute. As we sailed back to Mobile with our full load of aluminum ore, we heard reports of ships being sunk near our intended route. Capt. Dumke changed course frequently to keep us well clear of the latest enemy action. I had asked for a relief on arrival in Mobile, but much to my disappointment, none was available. I had to make a second voyage with the horses and cows. During the final week of that second voyage in early May 1942, Adm. Doenitz, commander of the German navy, moved a wolf pack of his submarines into the Gulf of Mexico. Our Navy was helpless to combat this maneuver, and ships were being sunk even at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Like the run up the East Coast, the Gulf became a shooting gallery for the enemy. The radioed cries for help from torpedoed ships were heartwrenching, but there was nothing we could do except try to make it into Mobile Bay- where my relief was waiting. Five days after I signed off the ship in Mobile, the German submarine U-181 slammed a torpedo into the Pathfinder as she crossed the Gulf. Six months later at an island in the South Pacific called Guadalcanal, I received a report that the survivors had taken to the lifeboats and were picked up days later by a ship bound for Laurenco Marques, Mozambique, where they were put ashore. The animals did not survive. JMS SS Alcoa Pathfinder 20,000 seamen. In response to the demonstration, Adm. John Harllee, chairman of the federal Maritime 1947 In a stirring demonstration of inter-union supCommission, promised a "confident, deterport, the Seafarers International Union took to mined and aggressive effort" to aid in the solvthe streets of downtown New York in support ing of the Puerto Rico freight rates controver· rr;:::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::==m sy. He said that such of the strike of the United Financial a solution should be Employees, Local 205, found without having AFL. More than 200 to resort to the use white-capped Seafarers Aj tt a~ of foreign-flag vessels joined the picket lines l "f _ _V - l ' .ft f ' in Puerto Rican and distributed more trade. than 25,000 leaflets, prepared by the SIU,. to 1992 inform the public of the need for organizing The MV R.]. Pfeiffer, the only large commerthe underpaid workers in the brokerage busicial ship under construction in the United ness. States, was christened February 15 at a ship· yard in San Diego. The new 71 4-foot contain· 1965 At a joint demonstration in San Juan, the SIU ership is owned by Matson Navigation strongly protested attempts by the government Company and is named for the company's chief executive officer and chairman of the and certain industry leaders on the island to board. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for allow foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rico trade. The SIU warned that the introduc- June, with service commencing in August .... The cost for the Pfeiffer is $ 129 million and tion of foreign-flag shipping into the island does not include government subsidies. trade could result in the unemployment of Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THJS MO TH J· SJ HJS?,O, Seafarers LOS 11 �Final DeparturesDEEP SEA LEON A. ACOSTA Pensioner Leon A. Acosta, 74, passed away December 7, 1999. Born in Colombia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967 aboard the Falmouth. Brother Acosta sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician. Prior to retiring in June 1991, he signed off the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL J. BARROW Michael J. Barrow, 49, died November 22, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1981 from the port of San Francisco. His L---....:.!J=...-.....lllZ..---l first SIU ship was the Santa Maria, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. During his career, he sailed in all three departments. Brother Barrow last sailed aboard the Global Link. Born in Jamaica, he made his home in Richmond, Va. CASIMIR BOGUCKI Pensioner Casimir Bogucki, 74, died November 11, 1999. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Bogucki sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Prior to retiring in September 1987, he signed off the Overseas Alice. Reno, Nev. was his home. MILTON G. BROUSSARD Pensioner MiltonG. Broussard, 85, passed away November 11 , 1999. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed with the Seafarers in t 1956 aboard the Antinous, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Broussard worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Banner, operated by International Ocean Transport Corp. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1933 to 1940. He was a resident of Yardley, Pa. and began receiving his pension in 1979. RICHARD S. BYNUM Pensioner Richard S. Bynum, 68, died November 14, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1978, first sailing on the Del Sol, """"""""""'----"' operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Bynum sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. , where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. He made his home in Seattle and retired in December 1997. His last ship was the Global Sentinel, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. SALVATOR CANDELA Pensioner Salvator Candela, 73, 18 Seafarers LOG passed away May 25, 1999. Brother Candela joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. During his career, he L__.....,L"'""'""...__ _ _ J worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in August 1986, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Producer. New Orleans was his home. GUILLERMO S. CASTRO SR. Pensioner Guillermo Castro Sr., 78, died November 24, 1999. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the SIU in 1945 from the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member was active in union organizing drives and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. Brother Castro last sailed aboard the Boston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Ludowici, Ga., he began receiving his pension in 1983. LEONG CHUN Pensioner Leong Chun, 89, passed away November 22, 1999. Brother Chun joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards. He sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in June 1970. He was a resident of San Francisco. WILLIAM HUNTER =-,,,..--~ Pensioner William Hunter, 73, passed away October 29, 1999. Brother Hunter joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the OMI Sacramento. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in April 1990. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH KRISTOF Pensioner Joseph Kristof, 83, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1978. Brother Kristof was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. HERIBERTO MIRANDA Pensioner Heriberto Miranda, 74, passed away November 29, 1999. A native of Cuba, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1953. Brother Miranda worked in the engine department and started receiving his pension in July 1990. He made his home in Miami. JOSEPH COLLINS LIN SUEYONG Pensioner Joseph Collins, 52, died December 15, 1999. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the SIU's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the union in the port of New Orleans. Brother Collins worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he began receiving his pension in April 1994. Pensioner Lin Suey Ong, 87, died October 10, 1999. Brother Ong began sailing with the MC&S in 1946 from the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he worked in the steward department and retired in August 1973. San Francisco was his home. WILLIAM J. DUNNIGAN Pensioner William J. Dunnigan, 92, passed away December 1, 1999. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. He worked in the engine department as a chief electrician. Brother Dunnigan last sailed aboard the Kainalu and started receiving his pension in December 1985. He was a resident of Bel Air, Md. ANGEL GARCIA Pensioner Angel Garcia, 85, died recently. He began his career with the SIU in 1948 from the port of New York. Born in Florida, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in October 1979, he worked aboard the Guayama, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. Tampa, Fla. is where he called home. GENE A. PASCHALL Pensioner Gene A. Paschall, 74, passed away November 28, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1946 aboard the Joseph I. Kemp. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1979. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in April 1992, Brother Paschall worked aboard the Star of Texas, operated by Seahawk Management, Inc. He was a resident of Eagle Lake, Texas. THOMAS R. READING Pensioner Thomas R. Reading, 80, died October 18, 1999. Born in California, he started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Beloit Victory. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU 's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring in September 1985, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Independence. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1946. During the Persian Gulf War, Brother Reading came out of retirement and sailed aboard the USNS DeSteiguer. He made his home in Central, Utah. EMIL H. RIUTTA Pensioner Emil H. Riutta, 78, passed away November 14, 1999. A native of Oregon, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Seattle. During his career, he worked in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Riutta last sailed aboard the SeaLand Philadelphia and began receiving his pension in November 1986. Astoria, Ore. was his home. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. RUDOLPH ROMA Pensioner Rudolph Roma, 67, died December 7, 1999. Brother Roma began his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston, first sailing aboard the Santa Emilia. The Texas native worked in the engine department. He retired in May 1995, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alice. Brother Roma was a resident of Spring, Texas. PETER SERNYK Pensioner Peter Sernyk, 78, passed away October 31, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. Born in Poland, he L----=.~......... . . : L - - - l worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to retiring in December 1987, Brother Sernyk sailed aboard the !TB Mobile. He made his home in Ringwood, NJ. sailed in the deck department and attended an education conference in 1978 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, L - - - - = . . ; ; . . . . . ; ; . - - - - ' Md. A resident of Mathews, Va., he last sailed in 1985 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. SIDNEY JACKSON Pensioner Sidney Jackson, 89, passed away November 16, 1999. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May 1976. Boatman Jackson was a resident of Carlton, Ala. GREAT LAKES HENRY J. BENTON Pensioner Henry J. Benton, 84, passed away November 19, 1999. Brother Benton began sailing with the Seafarers in L--~~~-__. 1950 from the port of Chicago. The Michigan native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of North Muskegon, Mich., he began receiving his pension in March 1977. VANDELIN P. KOVALIK Pensioner Vandelin P. Kovalik, 82, died November 2, 1999. Born in Ohio, he first sailed with the S 1948 in the port of I-arta. He started in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Brother Kovalik last worked aboard the Lakewood, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Richmond Heights, Ohio and retired in April 1982. INLAND DONALD L. MASKELL ROYCE M. CARAWAN Pensioner Donald L. Maskell, 62, passed away November 16, 1999. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Brother Maskell began working in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. A resident of Alpena, Mich., he started receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Royce M. Carawan, 64, died November 27, 1999. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with SIU in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Carawan worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last sailed aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel and retired in February 1997. Boatman Carawan was a resident of Scranton, N.C. HENRY S. GEORGE Pensioner Henry S. George, 84, passed away November 23, 1999. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. '--.i.L..-"""L...o......1...L.---' The Virginia native worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Whitestone, Va., Boatman George began receiving his pension in February 1979. ROBERT F. HUDGINS Robert F. Hudgins, 54, died December 3, 1999. Boatman Hudgins started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native HOWARD N. NEGARD Pensioner Howard N. N egard, 86, died November 4, 1999. He started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. A native of Minnesota, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Negard made his home in Duluth and retired in November 1978. RAILROAD MARINE JAMES J. MONTENES Pensioner James J. "'• Montenes, 78, passed away November 27, 1999. Brother Montenes joined the Seafarers in I 960 in the port of New York. The ?-W York native sailed as a deckhand and started receiving his pension in December 1981. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He was a resident of Waterloo, N.Y. February 2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Sealare~s LOG attemptJ to print as many digests of onion shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes li~t are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues ~equmng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are lmposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secre~ James E. Harper, Educattonal Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deckjobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28-Chairman John O. Glenn,. Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24--Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up wtth current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D~nald C. Spangler, Educational Drrector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. c.hairman noted everything runnmg smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31-Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to ~e repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. EL MORRO (IUM), November 29-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Gina Lightfoot, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks given to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November I I-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted rega;ding new ships' meetings. Chairman also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary sug~est~d all members going on vacatton m December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs signed off by chief mate for any training and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14--Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Packnett. Ship to pay offNovember 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questlons on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at frrst opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November I 0 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestlons made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to engine room for keepmg ship running. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �Digest of Shipboard . Union Meetings The Seafare'? LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes 11~1 are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those rssues !"'qumng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships mmutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volk.art Secretary William E. Bragg, ' Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are imposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secret3!Y James E. Harper, Educational Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. M_AERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lmes), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deck jobs. No beefs or. disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28--Chairman John O. Glenn,_ Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24-Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up with current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D?nald C. Spangler, Educational DITector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. ~hairman noted everything runmng smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and _ reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif. ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31--Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. ?e EL MORRO (IUM), November 29--Chairman William J. Card Secretary Gina Lightfoot, ' Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo Steward Delegate Robert Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks ~iven to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. G. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 11-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21--Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted reg~ding new ships' ~eetings . Chamnan also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary suggested all members going on vacation in December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs si~~d off by chief mate for any trammg and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT r~ported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14-Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Pack.nett. Ship to pay off November 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questions on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at fust opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November 10 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestions made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to ~ngine room for keepmg ship runnmg. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning between February through June 2000 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 industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 7 March 6 April 3 May 1 May 29 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting February 28 March 27 April 24 May22 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 Advanced Fire Fighting February 14 March 6 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels February 28 March 27 May 1 May 22 March 17 April 14 May 19 June 9 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* March 13 April 3 May22 March 17 April 7 May26 February 28 March 20 March 3 March 24 February 28 March 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman February 21 March 20 April 17 March 17 April 28 May26 February 7 March 20 April 17 Feb. 19 (pre-AB) March 31 (pre-AB) April 28 (pre-AB) Life boatman Radar March 6 April 3 March 17 April 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* March 20 April 17 March 24 April 21 Mayl June 23 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Limited License (*must have basic fire fighting) LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler April 3 May12 Welding February 14 March 13 April 17 May26 March 3 March 31 May5 June 9 Designated Du General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. June 23 ay 5 E gineer (DDE) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward (Every other week) February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 17, 24 February 7, 21 March 6, 20 April 3, 17 ~ . -·-·:.,).·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ---------------------------~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The oavment should he made with a money order onlv. pavahle to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ __ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# - - -- - - - - - - Seniority _ __ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ Department _ _ __ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes 0 No 0 Home Port - - - - - - -- - - - - Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ February 2000 SIGNATURE _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2100 Seafarers L06 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes .:.. - ~~._.......,~1sEAFARERS PAUL Hlll CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS t~:_?> ~9,.5_ =-~,- -- Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 595 - Unlicensed apprentice class 595 graduating from the water survival course are (from left, kneeling) Randolph Cash, Gregorio Abalos, Christopher Cummings, Ronel Guerzon, Keyshon Foote, (second row) Tyrone Brown , Montroes Fulton, Michael Bull, Eli Ade, Benny Perez, Carlos Castillo, Walter Kyles, (third row) Charles Walker, Jonathan Aichs, Christopher Todd, Guy Todd II and Ian Ferguson. Government Vessels - Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels course on December 17 include (in no specific order) Steve Roquemore, Charles Sadler, Greg Cherry, Robert Forrest, Frank Patrick, Tim Graham, Edward Milstead, James Tyson, William Kelley, Benjamin Ines, Roderick Clay, Ahmed Sharif, Justin Seybert, Michael Joel, John Palughi, John Petushin , Timothy Horger, James McCarthy, Brandon Maeda and Keith Kowaleski. PAUL LIFEBOAT CLASS 591 Unlicensed Apprentice Basic Fire Fighting Class 596 - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 596 graduating from the basic fire fighting class are (in no particular order) Kyle Bailey, Spencer Randall , Sherrod Frazier, Armando Garayua-Gonzalez, Edward Joyal Ill, Harry McKever, Terrell McMillian, Felix Medina-Vidal, Andres Morin, Marquel Sapp, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Walter, Raymond Elsner Jr. and Randall Sachs. Their instructor, John Smith, is at far left. GED - Academic - Ursel (Buddy) Barber receives a certificate of achievement from instructor Peggy Densford for completing a college-level course in developmental math. Barber is a Class I QMED who sails from the port of Houston. It was a proud day for Justin Germain, a Phase Ill unlicensed apprentice , as he receives his Maryland high school diploma through the Paul Hall Center. With him are (from left) Academic Department Coordinator Ed Fitzgerald and Academic instructors Peggy Densford and Joan Miles. Advanced Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Larry Pugh , William Mohica, Kim Gardner and Chef/Instructor Ed White . Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on December 10 are Allan Gorman, llavia Amaya , Daniel Figge, Daniel Gish, Clarence Sampay, Clovis Pomare, Ali Rhoufiry, Frank Iverson, Gheorghe Savencu, David St. Onge and David Hinson. Their instructor, Anthony Hammett, stands at far left. 22 Seafarers LOS February 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge CourseGraduating from the tankerman (PIC) barge course in the port of Jacksonville on August 12 are Crowley boatmen Aitzgorri Gastanaga (left) and Ernest Williams (right) . With them is instructor Mitch Oakley. Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - G&H Towing boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course in September are (from left, kneeling) Jesse Alaniz, T.J . Snead, Roy Wick, Richard Johnson, Adam Simon, Martin Almanza , (second row) Matt Hargrove, Brian Taylor, Kevin Casler, Ted Sliter, Jaime Brown, Steve Williams, Leo Barron and G&H trainer Sabrina Matteson . Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. Phase I Unlicensed Apprentices - For members of unlicensed apprentice class 595, this visit to the USNS Antares in Baltimore is their first time on a vessel before they will actually ship out. Unlicensed Apprentice Class 596 - In the steward culinary lab, members from class 596, nd h perv· · of ·n T' · g, po y show the fruits of their labors in preparing breakfast. Phase III Unlicensed Apprentices - Phase Ill unlicensed apprentices tour the SL-7 USNS Antares in Baltimore to gain a better understanding of the work that goes on in the deck and engine departments. They are (in no specific order) Brett Parkins, Lane Schroeder, Roger Steward, DeMichael Dews, Andrew Straka Jr. , Bruce Weathers, Ramon Thomas, Christopher Gen , Raheem Owens, Jess Chalker, Mitchell Gustafson, Kevin Johnson, Brent Morris, Anthony Cruz Vergara , Kristopher Anderson , Paul Weil , Donaldo Arevalo, John Allan , James Miller Jr. and Chad Partridge. Upgraders Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who completed the water survival class on November 12 are (from left, kneeling) Helen Mitchell, Spencer Moxley Sr., (second row) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Ellis Jones, Ali Rhoufiry, Wilfred Scales, Carlos Julio, Marcial Avila, Francisco Harry, (third row) Mohamed Abdulsalam , Ali Naser, Sidney Jenkins, Velly Marquez, (fourth row) George Johnson, Julian Lacuesta Jr., Edgardo Ong , Virgilio Managbanag, Romeo Rivera and William Bruce. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)-Among those completing the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on October 15 are (in no particular order) Nestor Montoya Jr., Misti Thornbrugh , Martin Vargas, Shatonn Fowler, Antonio Watson , William Rozier, Salvatore Migliara, Chris Daniels, Jeffrey Smith, James Brown, Samuel Giles, Marion Collins, Joshua Weir, Chad Warren , Fahd Alsoofi, Melvin Hill 111 , Paul Flores, Pedro Ortiz Jr. and Jarian Hutchinson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far right. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 62 Number 2 Attention Seafaren: This year is a leap year. Take advantage of the extra day to work on your SIU scholarship application. See page 11 for additional information. 'Head Reci1•iter' Honored at Meeting Annamarie Haller Is the Proud Mother of Four Seafarers She has gone from "Special SIU Dispatcher" to "Head SIU Recruiter." But whatever title is awarded to Annamarie Haller, it cannot top the one of which she is most proud-the mother of four SIU members. Seafarers showed their gratitude during the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. when SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez recognized her in the audience. She received a solid round of applause from all those in attendance. Tellez called her the "head recruiter" in the union. As proof, he added, she was attending the meeting with two of her four maritime sons: OMV Mike Haller and Chief Electrician John Haller. (The other two are Chuck, a hawsepiper who sails as an engineer, and QMED Robert. A fifth brother, Joey, pursued a shoreside career.) Mrs. Haller, a resident of Summit, Miss., had spent Christmas and New Year's with her sons in the Philadelphia area. They told her they were planning to attend the union meeting and invited her to join them. Ten years ago, the Hallers were featured in the Seafarers LOG as one of the large number of families with more than one member sailing with the SIU. In December 1989, the LOG noted that when manpower needed to fill a position in the engine room, they would call Mrs. Haller to help locate one of her sons. In the same article, Chuck said he would hate to hear the phone ring when he was at home because his mother would be honest and tell manpower where he was. Left: Two of Annamarie Hailer's four seafaring sons join her on the stage in Piney Point. From the left are OMU Mike Haller, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Mrs. Haller, CE John Haller, his wife, Marlene, and SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. ~ Below: Annamarie Haller stands before the SIU membership during the January meeting in Piney Point after being recognized as the union's "head recruiter." Since then, she has moved to Mississippi, but she still keeps up with the happenings in the union. When asked what it took to raise all of her sons, she responded, "A lot of prayers." She quickly added she is proud of all of them: "We made it and it has worked." Three of the four brothers graduated from the trainee program at Piney Point. John was the first, completing the program in 1972. Robert followed two years later. Mike came through in 1995. Several of them have sailed together. John recalled trips with Chuck aboard the USNS Antilles, Overseas Anchorage and SeaLand San Juan. Tellez remembered that Robert and John were involved in organizing Crowley tugs on the West Coast. that following the meeting they were taking their mother on a trip to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Haller added she was looking forward to seeing the White House, the Vietnam Memorial and some art museums. Chief Cooks Chat with SIU President During a break in their recent studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Chief Cooks Eddie Ong (right) and Marie Mitchell spoke with SIU President Michael Sacco concerning the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Visiting the Paul Hall Center And Starboard Means.... Part of the vessel familiarization training at the Paul Hall Center is learning wheel commands for steering a vessel. Here, students at the Piney Point, Md. facility receive instruction from Larry Malone aboard the training vessel Osprey. Eager to take the wheel are Tim Manes, Earnesto Brandon, Jose Echeverria and John Barrington. Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (left) brought his wife, Winifred, to the January membership meeting in Piney Point. While touring the center, they posed with SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION WELCOMES ALLIED’S SEA RAVEN RO/RO’S SEA TRIALS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL USNS CHARLTON SIGNALS NEW JOBS FOR SEAFARERS SIU’S BALTIMORE HALL RELOCATING TO ESSEX ST. MOBILE OFFICE HAROLD FISCHER PASSES AWAY SMPPP ADMINISTRATOR PROVIDES PLAN UPDATE MARINE COOKS AND STEWARDS PENSION INCREASES BY 14% UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES AGAIN NEW DATA SHOWS LARGEST GROWTH IN 20 YEARS CENSUS WILL IMPACT CONGRESS, STATES INDY MAKES HISTORY AT PEARL HARBOR UNION SQUASHES Y2K BUG GUAM CONNECTS WITH APPRENTICE PROGRAM CREWS DISCUSS MERGER, OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES THE PATHFINDER BY J. MELFORD SMITH, CH. ENGR. USMM, RET. ‘HEAD RECRUITER’ HONORED AT MEETING ANNAMARIE HALLER IS THE PROUD MOTHER OF FOUR SEAFARERS 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 02/01/2000 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. 62, No. 2 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log