http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/00271cd06898f5acf2fde3190a479b21.pdf be056884637c439827949f8d9e7da69f PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 7 SIU Active in Maritime Day Remembrances July 2000 SIU members recently welcomed new job opportunities aboard the Military Sealift Command's latest vessel, the USNS Charlton (top photo). The prepositioning ship was delivered in May. Pictured above are some of the Seafarers composing the Charlton's first full crew. Page 3. New SIU Hall Opens In Baltimore Construction of the union's new hall in Baltimore was ongoing when this photo was snapped in mid-June, but the facility remained on schedule for a July 1 opening. Page 3. STCW 'In Plain English' -------------Page 6 Crews React to SL-7 Pact _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page7 �President's Report Progress In Y2K As we enter the second half of the year 2000, it already has been a fantastic year for the SIU. Consider what we've accomplished during the past six months. New jobs on prepositioning ships, car carriers, tankers and passenger vessels-with many more on the horizon. The ~ · opening of new SIU halls in Guam and Baltimore. Excellent new contracts for the fast sealift and Ready Reserve Force vessels, Michael Sacco the latter of which should come to fruition soon. At the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, new simulators are being installed. They are the best of their kind, and will provide new and experienced Seafarers alike the opportunity to fine-tune their trade. Additionally, members continue to express their strong endorsement of the historic merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU. There is no doubt the merger will benefit both unions, and I appreciate the overwhelming support you have given. All of these developments begin with you, the rank-and-file member. The pride you take in your work, and the safe, professional way you go about your job, bring consistently positive feedback about SIU members from all segments of the industry. In fact, everywhere I go to represent the SIU, I am heart- ened by what others say about our members. But, like a sports team that's riding an impressive winning streak, we can't afford to let down or coast. Because the challenges and the competition do not end. Our industry is heavily regulated by the government, and so we depend on electing representatives who understand the U.S. fleet's vital role in national security. So much of our livelihoods are tied to politics. That's why we all must participate in the upcoming elections. We must throw all of our support behind the candidates who will work to ensure a strong, viable U.S. merchant marine. As we prepare to elect a new president, a new Congress and a third of the Senate, I urge you to be involved. This also is an election year for the SIU. Once again, it's important to participate. Every vote counts, so don't sit back and let others choose the leadership of your union. Get the facts, make an informed decision and cast your ballot. The more members get involved, the stronger the SIU will be. As for gaining even more shipboard jobs for the future, our union prides itself on providing the best-trained mariners in the world- and so we rely on each Seafarer to work safe, work hard and upgrade whenever possible. The best ammunition the SIU possesses when it comes to getting new jobs and keeping the ones we already have, is the reliable performance of Seafarers throughout the industry. The Paul Hall Center is the perfect tool to ensure that the SIU never runs out of that ammunition. Please take advantage of it. · I am proud of the SIU's accomplishments so far this year and, going back further~ throughout the 1990s. We have come a long way. With your continued support and good work, I know we're headed for even better things in the months and years ahead. Uolume 62, Number 7 July 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Glllf: Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Au th 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, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Former MSC Commander Urges New Maritime Policy Adm. Perkins Cites Merchant Marine's Essential Role in U.S. National Defense Editors note: U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, former head of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), stated last month that the nation must take immediate steps to ensure the survival and growth of the American Merchant Marine. Perkins released a paper titled, "Game, Set, Match: The U.S. Merchant Marine and National Defense." In it, he emphasizes the U.S. Merchant Marines crucial role in national security. He also urges continued support for the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference laws, plus various tax incentives, among other steps. Perkins retired in February 1999 after a two-year stint as commander of MSC. Here is his report from last month. The first Independence Day of the new millennium is a good time to remember how much this country's freedom depends on the U.S. Merchant Marine. One major reason: In times of war or international crises, 95 percent of the weapons, supplies and equipment needed by our forces overseas are carried by ships-usually over thousands of miles of ocean. To accomplish this mission, the military uses privately owned commercial vessels, flying the United States flag, and the U.S. Merchant Marine to supplement its own transportation assets. And it's been this way for a long time. The history of the merchant marine in military service is characterized by high heroism and noble sacrifice. Merchant mariners have served in all of America's wars, enduring their finest, but most tragic hour during World War II with a per capita casualty rate second only to the Marines. There is very good reason why the U.S. Merchant Marine is called "the vital fourth arm of national defense." What if our Merchant Marine weren't there? The answer is more important than ever, and as former Commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, I saw it every day, up close, and personal: The U.S. Merchant Marine is absolutely vital to sustain U.S. troops overseas. Today, many merchant mariners are on duty crewing over 100 auxiliary vessels for the Navy, while others stand by for the day when they will be called forward to support military operations abroad. And they most assuredly will be. But the real question is: Will the U.S. commercial fleet and manpower be there in sufficient numbers when the call comes? My crystal ball is a bit cloudy. In recent years, no economic sector has ebbed so dramatically as the U.S. maritime industry. It wasn't always so. In 1945, twothirds of the world's merchant ships flew the U.S. flag. These vessels not only fulfilled crucial wartime missions, but dominated the sea-lanes of international commerce for decades afterward. Those days are over. Except in a few niche markets, the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine has been done U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James B. Perkins, who headed the Military Sealift Command for two years, says the nation cannot do without a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. in by the unlevel playing field of international competition. As a result, our merchant fleet is shrinking rapidly, down more than half since 1981 and facing extinction in international shipping trades. The oceangoing fleet now numbers only 203 ships with military utility-including 114 cargo ships, 86 tankers and one passenger vessel. Meanwhile, the great American economic powerhouse booms to the point where the world catches pneumonia if the U.S. sneezes. This country now generates an astounding 25-30 percent of all international commerce, but less than 3 percent arrives on or leaves our shores aboard U.S.flag ships. Continued on page 5 Another Take on FOC Cruise Ships: LA Times Bares 'Sweatshops at Sea' Runaway-flag cruise lines continue to take a pounding in the U.S. commercial press. The latest piece exposing the conditions on runaway-flag cruise vessels (also called flag-of-convenience or FOC ships) appeared May 30 in the Los Angeles Times and subsequently was reprinted in several affiliated newspapers, including The Tampa Tribune-Times. Written by Christopher Reynolds and Dan Weikel, the 2,500-word article explores some of the difficult and often unsafe conditions faced by crews on FOC cruise ships-such as those operated by Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. The authors cited crews who have sued for millions of dollars in back wages; described questionable medical practices including one scenario in which a crew member lost a hand; and recalled the tragic tale of 31 mariners who died in 1998 when their vessel was ordered to sea "despite an approaching hurricane." They also interviewed crew members who asserted that many of them "plunge into debt" to secure jobs on the vessels. This often involves not only the legitimate job-related expenses, but also illegal payments to recruiters who otherwise may block an individual's employment. Additionally, Reynolds and Weikel pointed out that many of the crews "are recruited from some of the world's poorest nations," and they face "a wage scale that often begins at less than $2 an hour." A minister interviewed for the story described runaway-flag passenger ships as "sweatshops at sea" and "ocean-going maquiladoras." Several anonymous cruise ship workers said they do not complain because they're afraid they will be fired. One said he suffered severe burns because he didn't understand orders given to him in English. Along those lines, the.·writers point out that the language barrier potentially places passengers in harm's way. "Because companies recruit in many countries, plaintiffs' lawyers and U.S. transportation investigators question whether crew members can communicate with crewmates and passengers, especially in emergencies," they noted. Those concerns have been borne out more than once in recent years, beginning with the much-publicized Ecstasy fire in 1998. In fact, that accident touched off an unprecedented flurry of media coverage about runaway-flag shipping that has included a 60 Minutes report, at least two front-page stories in The New York Times and numerous other press accounts. Runaway-flag ships (passenger and cargo vessels alike) are registered in a nation other than the one of ownership. Very often, they carry Third World, multinational crews-some of dubious qualifications. By using the runaway-flag scam, shipowners can avoid paying taxes and hide from labor and environmental laws. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and SIU hiring halls will be closed on · · · Monday, August 21, 2000 for the ob~rvanee of Paul Hell's birthday (unless ,. an ema1gency.arises): Normal business·hot;;rs will resume the following worl<da~ · an July 20DD �Seafarers Crew MSC's Newest RO/RO USNS Charlton Strengthens Prepositioning Fleet U.S. sealift capacity increased with the recent delivery of the SIUcrewed USNS Charlton in San Diego. The U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship has been delivered, and with it comes new jobs for the SIU. Seafarers are sailing aboard the USNS Charlton, a 950-foot roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel that is scheduled to receive its first assignment early this month. Bosun T.C. Oneyear said on June 21 that the crew is anxious to begin its next task. "The ship seems to be very soun~ but right now we have no indication where it's going," he noted. "But no matter what, we '11 be ready." AB Laurentis Colbert said, "It's a huge ship and it's brand new. Overall, everything has been fine so far." Constructed at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard, the Charlton is one of 14 new builds scheduled as part of a government-mandated initiative to improve America's sealift capability. Six converted vessels round out that fleet, known as the strategic sealift program. The next new ship due out is the USNS Watkins, probably in October. It also will be crewed by SIU members. Seafarers composing the initial crew of the Charlton include Bosun Oneyear, ABs Colbert, Johnny Birdwell, Nathaniel Carr, Peri Drew, Michael Mayo and Ferdinand Viniegra, OSs Stephen Gallegos, Greg Baker and Isaac Diaz, Electrician Timothy Pillsworth, QMEDs Alan Nelson and Steven Campbell, OMUs Jeffrey Bukey, Gualberto Salaria and Sergio Ayala, GUDE Ellis Clayborn, Chief Steward Christopher Hale, • • Length: 950 feet Beam: 106 feet • Draft: 34 feet • Displacement: 62)644 long tons • • Speed: 24 knots Cargo space: 390,000 square feet Source: Military Sealift. Command Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer, SAs Tawnia Stucker and George Gauggel, and Storekeeper Kevin Wortman. The Charlton is operated by Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. and is named in memory of U.S. Army Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton, a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during battle in Korea in 1952. New Hall Opens in Baltimore Fallowing nominal delays in construction last month, the SIU's new hall in Baltimore was scheduled to open July 1, after this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press. It is located at 2315 Essex Street. .. It's going to be the most beautiful hall in the SIU. I love it," stated Chief Steward Jose Luaces shortly after seeing the near-finished product. "It's close to the waterfront and it's in a good neighborhood. It's going to have everything we need. Every member should be proud of it." QMED Teddy Wallace and Oiler Loring Callwood also welcomed the move from the old facility on East Baltimore Street, where the hall had been located since November 1954. "The SIU couldn't have picked a better location for the new hall," observed Wallace. "] know the area well and J'm very happy with the change." Callwood noted there is a bus stop directly in front of the hall and said the close access will benefit area members like him by providing transportation options. "I'm happy about that and I'm looking forward to the move," he said. The Essex Street facility is a former art studio that has been completely refurbished inside and substantially modified outside. It is located in Canton near Fell's Point, considered an attractively burgeoning area. The Washington Post, in a major story about Canton in its real estate section of June 10, described the area as "Baltimore's hottest neighborhood these days, the city's own example of gentrification in these times of good housing markets across the country." In its heyday, the expansive hall on East Baltimore Street was considered among the best of its kind. Before that building opened, the SIU's Baltimore hall was located on North Gay Street. Columbia Queen Sails; Patriot Launches Dec. 9 The new SJU-crewed Columbia Queen riverboat made its inaugural voyage last month following a June 3 christening in Portland, Ore. Owned by The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., a New Orleansbased subsidiary of American Classic Voyages, the vessel is 218 feet long and can carry up to 161 passengers. It is scheduled to offer cruises in the Pacific Northwest. Also last month, the first hull for American Classic Voyages' new fleet of coastal passenger The Columbia Queen debuted last month in Portland, Ore. It will offer cruises in the Pacific Northwest (right). July2000 How To Get There The new Baltimore hall is roughly a five-minute drive from the old one on East Baltimore Street. Seafarers going to the new hall from East Baltimore Street can turn right on Patterson Park Avenue, then left on Eastern Avenue, right on Montford and right on Essex. If going to the new hall from the inner harbor, take Pratt Street, turn right on S. Broadway, left on Eastern Avenue, right on S. Chester Street, slightly left on Boston Street, left on Leakin Street and right on Essex. The new hall: 2315 Essex Street Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 ships was successfully launched in Jacksonville, Fla. The Cape May Light is on target to begin sailing in spring 2001. Additionally, United States Lines recently announced that the deep sea cruise ship MS Patriot will debut Dec. 9 in the Hawaiian Formerly Holland Islands. America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam, the Patriot 1,212 passengers. This issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press more than a week before the Baltimore hall's scheduled July 1 opening. The two photos above, showing parts of the exterior and interior, were taken in midJune while refurbishment of the Essex Street facility was ongoing. Photos of the finished product will be printed in next month's LOG. QMED Teddy Wallace (left) and Oiler Loring Callwood (right) both say the new hall is a positive move for the SIU. Seafarers LOB 3 �Indy Crew to the Rescue Seafare rs' Swift Reactions Save Lives SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi (left) discusses the new contract with Captain Melvin Braddy. Express Marine Crews Approve New Contract SIU members who sail aboard Express Marine tugboats and barges have approved a new three-year contract that includes numerous gains. Approved in early May, the agreement is retroactive to March 16, 2000. It calls for wage increases in each year of the pact and also features a one-time bonus of $1,000 per member. Other highlights include: • Prescription benefits for dependents. • 100-percent coverage of outpatient care for dependents. • Increased optical benefits. • A doubling of the death benefit. • Work-rule improvements. • A pension-credit increase. Serving on the negotiating committee were SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi, Captain James Dixon, Mate Riley Johnson Jr. and AB/Cook Hilton Foster. Seafarers ratified the contract via a mail-in secret ballot. The votes were counted May 2 on the tug Russell B. Murray by Captain Miles Ireland, Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. and AB/Cook Jesse Gardner. Express Marine is based in Pennsauken, N.J. near Camden. The company operates five tugs and barges that move coal along the East Coast. They are the Guardian, Russell B. Murray, Baltimore, Consort and Escort. SIU crew members aboard the SS Independence rescued several people recently in two separate occurrences while underway in the Hawaiian Islands. The actions of Seafarers in both events prevented potential loss of life. In the first incident, SIU Waiter George Dezafra performed the Heimlich Maneuver on Kaye Spargur. Spargur, a passenger on the Independence from Tucson, Ariz., was having dinner in the vessel's dinning room May 15. Her otherwise delightful meal was ruined when food lodged in her throat and cut off her air supply. Luckily for her, Dezafra was close by and hastened to her rescue. The Pearle City, Hawaii native had learned the emergency-response procedure during a shipboard training session earlier this year. Rick Redmond, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., conducted Dezafra's class (and provided the photos accompanying this story). Independence Head Waiter Christyn Nawrot, an SIU member who calls Michigan home, comforted the choking victim once Dezafra bad ensured her air passages were clear. The second episode occurred during the evening of June 5 some five miles south of Oahu. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the vigilant eyes of AB Jessie Bongolan and 3rd Officer Kawika Lucas caught glimpses of what they deemed an emergency situation. By interpreting light signals and flares, they ascertained that a sailboat they saw had no means of power or other communications. What concerned the duo more, however, was the fact that the vessel was pitching and rolling, and continually drifting farther away from the islands. They advised the Independences captain of the situation and ensured notification of the Coast Guard. The Independence then maneuvered within close proximity of the vessel and stood by until the Coast Guard arrived. No lives were lost. The Independence is operated by American Hawaii Cruises. (Editors Note: The foregoing are just two examples of situations encountered by SIU members in the performance of their daily duties. Should you or any SIU member you know have similar experiences, please notify the staffofthe Seafarers LOG at (301) 899-0675; by mail at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; or by email at jbiscardo@worldweb.net) Head Waiter Christyn Nawrot (left) and Waiter George Dezafra (right) join Perry and Kaye Spargur in the dining room of the Independence. The Spargurs, a couple from Tucson, Ariz., were the center of attention recently aboard the vessel when Kaye became ill after having food lodge in her airways. Both waiters, members of the SIU, assisted the victim in her recovery. Training Aboard the Independence-- Above: Pictured aboard the Russell B. Murray are (from left} AB/Cook Jesse Gardner, Captain Miles Ireland, SIU Port Agent Joe Soresi and Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. The three boatmen counted the secret ballots which confirmed ratification of a new three-year contract. Crew members aboard the Independence recently underwent onboard emergency squad firefighting training. Completing the exercise were (left to right) Engine Storekeeper Jonathan Barraca , OS Awadh Abdulla and AB Dave Horton. Left: Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. (left) and AB/Cook Jesse Gardner count the ballots. Steward Maiello Memorialized On May 12, the cremated remains of Chief Steward Robert James Maiello were committed at sea, approximately 50 nautical miles south of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The ceremony took place aboard the Cape Johnson, pictured at right. Brother Maiello passed away Dec. 22, 1999. He was 53 and had been an active SIU member for 10 years. 4 Seafarers LOG July 2000 �Merger Discussed in New York In separate meetings May 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y., members of the SIU (below) and the NMU (left) discussed the merger of the two unions. SIU President Michael Sacco (center) addressed both gatherings. He is joined by NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (right) and NMU VP Charlie Stewart (left). By overwhelming majorities and in separate votes lasting from Dec. 1, 1999 through Jan. 31, 2000, Seafarers and NMU members approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. Next, SIU members will vote during the NovemberDecember SIU general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes. After that, another vote will take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Adm. Perkins States U.S. Needs Merchant Marine Continued from page 2 At the same time, the U.S. Navy has also shrunk dramatically. Since the end of the Cold War, the active duty fleet has been cut almost in half, and is now just over 300 ships- the lowest number since the early 1930s. Current (inadequate) shipbuilding budgets are drawing the fleet down further. This will, of course, make things tougher for the remaining ships and sailors wM provide vital U .S. forwru-d presence around the world . With operating tempo at an unprecedented peacetime high, the Navy faces very difficult recruiting and retention challenges. Still, the Navy must be there when the country calls, and is adapting to the quiet revolution taking place in the way we support America's men and women in uniform overseas. Military logistics strategy is changing from "just in case" to "just in time"-an approach dependent upon rapid, reliable delivery of essential supplies. Massive warehouses are giving way to a transportation-based system constantly on the move through state-of-the-art private sector ports and other transit facilities which speed military supplies from factory to foxhole. The mountains of stock on-hand are gone. The Armed Services now purchase and deploy supplies nearly simultaneously with force movement, synchronized to support maximum momentum for the troops. In other words, essential materiel is flowing through the pipeline to the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount. Continued success depends on the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, both to carry cargo and petroleum, and to provide crews for ships held in reserve status. While the new logistics strategy is both more efficient and necessary, there is less margin for error. With that in mind, the next president and Congress must adopt maritime policies which ensure a U.S.-flag fleet fully capable of providing crucial com- July2000 mercial shipping assets. Without such action, maintaining smaller inventories and moving more supplies via merchant ships exposes military distribution channels to critical shortfallswhich could cost lives. "We simply can't do without ships under the American flag, built in American shipyards, and manned by American crews as a vital part of our national defense" To avoid such an unacceptable possibility, a comprehensive program must be developed to ensure survival and encourage growth of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The economic benefits and enhanced defense capabilities far outweigh incidental and non-recurring costs. I recommend a balance of government promotional programs and private sector competitiveness initiatives that will help level the maritime playing field. As it is, U.S.-flag vessels must compete against foreign stateowned ships, subsidized shippers and shipyards, and the industrial cartels of America's strongest economic competitors. At home, our Merchant Marine operates under the most demanding regulatory regime in the world-which costs more, but assures safety-while foreign shipping interests are subject to minimal regulation, enforcement and taxes. We need a blend of tax incentives, regulatory relief, capital modernization and increased competitiveness, while maintaining the support provided by traditional maritime programs and laws. The most important include: • sustained funding for the Maritime Security Program (MSP). Launched in 1996, MSP underwrites a partnership between the federal government [and ship] operators in which U.S.-flag, U.S. citizen-crewed ships, equipment, terminals and management services are available to the Department of Defense during national emergencies. With 47 vessels currently enrolled, the program is authorized until 2005 and deserves strong support thereafter. • strict compliance with existing cargo preference laws which require that certain U.S. government-impelled cargoes be shipped on U.S.-flag vessels . Preference cargoes are the single most important incentive for American operators in the international trades to remain under the U.S. flag, providing a vital base of guaranteed cargo to offset foreign-flag advantages. Without these cargoes, virtually every U.S.-flag vessel in the international markets would be forced either out of business or out of U.S. registry, [which is] obviously unacceptable; and • a range of corporate tax incentives to grow the fleet and narrow the cost disparity between doing business under the U.S. flag and that of other nations. Like most enterprises, international shipping is an industry where capital pursues the greatest return for the least expense, with a maximum degree of freedom. It must become attractive to investors once more. In this brave new world of just-in-time logistics, we cannot function militarily without a robust marine transportation capability, and it must be grounded on a thriving U.S. Merchant Marine. A solid partnership with the commercial U.S.-flag fleet is not just the best way, it is the only way to get the job done and answer the bell when the next crisis arises- as it will. We simply can't do without ships under the American flag, built in American shipyards, and manned by American crews as a vital part of our national defense arsenal. They need our helir-and quickly. IMO Revising SOLAS Chapter Group Formed to Enhance Passenger-Ship Safety The year 2002 already stands out in the maritime industry because it is a compliance date for the amended STCW convention. Now, another revised treaty is targeted for implementation that year. During a recent meeting of its Maritime Safety Committee in London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began updating Chapter V of the International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. IMO aims to consider "the complete revised draft text" of Chapter V this December and then apply the final version beginning in July 2002. Chapter V concerns shipboard navigational equipment and systems. The proposed revisions include mandates for voyage data recorders ("black boxes"), automatic ship identification systems and ARPA, among others. "Most of the deep sea fleet will easily meet the new requirements, but it may impact heavily on the offshore supply industry," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training, who attended the IM 0 meeting May 15-26. During the same session, IMO Secretary-General William O'Neil called for "global consideration of safety issues pertaining to passenger ships, with particular emphasis on large cruise ships." The safety committee formed a working group that is scheduled to convene later this year, when it will address passenger vessel construction and equipment; crisis and crowd management; crew and passenger training; personnel evacuation; and potential risks large passenger vessels may face in the next few years. O 'Neil said that while the structural integrity of recently built large cruise ships isn't in doubt, it is questionable whether or not maritime treaties including SOLAS and STCW "duly address all the safety aspects of their operation- in particular, in emergency situations.•• SIU Present at Ratings Task Force Meeting The SIU took part in a meeting of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF's) ratings task' force May 23-24 in Auckland, New Zealand. The agenda included examination of a detailed report concerning the worldwide supply of "suitably trained" merchant mariners. Above, SIU Executive VP John Fay (center), who chairs the ITF's Seafarers' Section, hears a breakdown of the report. Below (from left), Fay and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, a guest at the task force session, are pictured with Dave Morgan, national president of the New Zealand Seafarers' Union. Seafarers LOG 5 �STCW in Plain English Vocational Education Director Tackles Segments of Amended '95 Convention Editors note: Bill Eglinton, together in 1978, but the U.S. did director of vocational education not sign onto it until 1991. I at the Paul Hall Center and a won't bore you with the details of regular participant in interna- why we waited so long, but in tional forums pertaining to STCW 1992 we started letting everyone and other regulations impacting know that we were now on board the maritime industry, wrote the with this convention, the requirefollowing article. This is the first ments of which we easily met. in an occasional series intended However, that 1978 convento keep Seafarers updated on the tion was under revision, and we roles governing their trade. stayed tuned for further news Most of the U-8. maritime because who knew what might be industry is familiar with our in store for us. Oh boy, what an nation's rules and regulations understatement! stemming from the U.S. Coast The heart of the 1995 revised Guard which impact our daily STCW Convention puts its lives- anything from pollution emphasis on the training and prevention, to getting our AB or assessment of mariner practical QMED endorsement, to our per- skills (proficiencies). In short, sonal lives ashore (driving, med- taking a multiple-choice examination to become an electrician, ical issues, etc.). But, where did the newest AB, Third Mate/Engineer, won't international treaties and conven- cut it anymore. You must demonstrate that you can do your job. tions come from? Hey, isn't this what we have SIU members most certainly have heard of the STCW Con- been saying for years? Don't ask vention by now. The Seafarers me a bunch of theoretical multiLOG must have published 50 ple-choice questions, give me related articles or more over the that piece of equipment and I'll past several years, but I want to show you how it works! Now~ whom does it affect and put it in everyday terms-language that hopefully will give when does it take place? First, the you both a sense of understanding STCW Convention applies to all mariners working aboard seagoand a sense of urgency. The United Nations has an ing merchant vessels, whether on entity that deals with maritime domestic or international voyissues, the International Maritime ages. Inland and Great Lakes vesOrganization (IMO), which i~ sels are not under the STCW headquartered in London. Mari- Convention. So, if you sail time nations that belong to the aboard near-coastal or deep sea IMO (about 133) agree to fotlow ships, listen up! To better undervarious international agreements, stand when these changes kick in, called treaties or conventions. you should be aware of three Over the year~, the IMO ha.s pro- important dates. February 1, 1997: Various conventions duced several including the Safety of Life a.t requirements of the amended Sea Convention (SOLAS), the 1995 STCW Convention entered Marine Pollution Convention into force, namely: Basic Safety Training (BST); special training (MARPOL) and others. Almost all of these conven- for certain types of ships (tankers tions deal with equipment, con- and RO/RO passenger ships); and struction or operational proce- familiarization instruction when dures. Only one IMO convention joining a new ship. This marks deals with people- the Standards the beginning of what is called of Training, Certification and the transitional period, which Watchkeeping (STCW) Con- means we have five years to put in place all the new requirements vention. This convention was put -that is until Feb. 1, 2002. August 1, 1998: If you started your seagoing career (sailing) before this date, you have until Feb. l, 2002 to comply with the revised 1995 STCW Convention. However, if you started sailing or began maritime training after this date, you must be in full compliance with STCW now. February 1, 2002: The implementation period ends and all seafarers must meet all the requirements of the revised 1995 STCW Convention. The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education saw these new changes coming. In fact, we got involved by sending people to the IMO meetings as part of the U.S. delegations. Immediately we wrote articles in the LOG so the membership could know what was taking place, and practically every month the LOG updated the developments occurring in our industry. So, with that history lesson out of the way, what do YOU have to do? Unlicensed Seafarers must concern themselves with two things: having taken a Coast Guard-approved Basic Safety Training (BST) course or being trained and assessed aboard ship with entries made into your Training Record Book (TRB) and if you are a watchstanding deck or engine department person, you need to have a 1995 STCW certificate. If you do not have Ba.sic Safety Training or the 199 5 STCW certificate, if required, by February 1, 2002, YOU CANNOT SAIL ABOARD DEEP SEA OR NEAR-COASTAL SHIPS! The Paul Hall Center at Piney Point, Md. has been offering the BST classes for some time now. We have many classes scheduled through the end of this year, and next year we will run these classes continuously. So, get scheduled for this course! Here's another incentive to take the BST course as soon as Construction Continues On Simulator Complex GMDSS Component to Augment Training Construction on the simulator complex addition at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., began in mid-April. The facility's exterior has been completed . Construction crews will soon move to the inside to begin finishing the structure's interior. 6 Seafarers LOG U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of May 2000) U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection Office Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle. WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane. Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach. CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Members should not expect same-day service for document renewals or STCW certificates. Please call the REC in advance with your request. possible. If you hold an endorsement for lifeboatman that was issued before August 1, 1998 and you try to renew your MMD before Feb. 1, 2002. then the only way you can keep that lifeboat endorsement when renewing is by providing proof of complying with the Basic Safety requirements of STCW. If you sail as AB, Boatswain's Mate, FOWT or QMED watchstander, you must have a 1995 STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. To get this certificate, go to any U.S. Coast Guard Regional The infrastructure for a new state-ofthe-art simulator complex continues to take shape at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. In addition to the existing Lindsey Williams Building, which has been refurbished, the aggregate structure will feature a five-classroom addition. Construction on the addition began about eight weeks ago, according to J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center. The building's exterior has been completed, and construction crews will soon move to the inside to begin finishing the structure's interior. "Once completed, the addition will contain five classrooms," Wiegman said. "Three of the rooms will be for general purpose use, a fourth for multi-functional applications and the fifth for our crane simulator." The Global Marine Distress Sequencing System simulator (GMDSS) is one of the many training tools that will be housed in the complex (articles were published on the shiphandling and engine room simulators in the May and June editions of the Seafarers LOG, respectively). It will be utilized by Seafarers who seek General Operator Certificates (GOC) or Restricted Examination Center (REC) with the following things: your merchant mariner's document (MMD); Training Record Book (TRB); BST course certificate, and one (1) passport photo. There is no charge for the 1995 STCW certificate. You can also get your certificate through the mail by sending notarized copies of your MMD and BST certificate and the photo to your nearest Coast Guard REC (see listing above of all Regional Examination Centers). Don't wait till the last minute on _this: the clock is ticking! Operator Certificates (ROC). Fully compliant with IMO resolutions and the latest STCW code requirements, the simulator can also be used as a component of the mariner's training and examination for the First Class or Second Class Radio Electronics Certificate. The system will have the capability to accommodate two instructors and 10 students simultaneously in a multi-functional classroom. It also will have the capacity to accurately imitate communication between ships, and among ships and co-stations using terrestrial satellite communications systems. Both types of communication can be accomplished with a high degree of realism. Additionally, unlicensed apprentices can be familiarized with the correct operation of GMDSS equipment for distress and general communication. "We will be training able bodied seamen, the limited license people and the licensed people who need GMDSS," said Russell Levin, an instructor at the center. "We also have quite a few people within the SIU who already have licenses and who will be training on this equipment." Continued on page 11 July2000 �'Vote of ·Thanks' Buoyed by big gains in a new five-year contract covering fast sealift ships, SIU members last month expressed strong satisfaction with the agreement. During three separate shipboard meetings June 8 in Baltimore with SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU crews on the USNS Wright, Cape Washington and Cape May enthusiastically offered votes of thanks for the union's work in securing major improvements in the fast sealift contract. That agreement covers eight vessels which also are known as SL7s. They are the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. As reported last month, the contract keeps the jobs on the eight ships with the SIU. Highlights include substantial wage increases both in full operating status and reduced operating status; Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels; and inclusion of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages. SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) won the pact with the U.S. Military Sealift Command to operate the ships. The new contract "is well-deserved. It's great news/' said Bosun John Toomey aboard the Cape May. On the Wright, Bosun Thomas Moore described the contractual gains as "incredible. This is a big step forward." Several Seafarers stAted that the new agreement is part1cularly satisfying to the numerous members who have spent considerable time working aboard the fast sealift ships. Telle~ reminded them that the union "always has said the hardest thing is to get that first contract, and once we we 're in, things will improve. It doesn't happen overnight, but this contract proves our point." Also last month, Seafarers were cautiously optimistic about the recent contract awards by the U.S. Maritime Administration for operation of 74 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels. Although several companies protested the awards- resulting in a stopgap extension of the existing contract- the SIU secured substantial wage increases and benefit gains aboard the 45 RRF ships awarded to its contracted operators. The union strongly anticipates that when the challenged bids are resolved (tentatively expected by late September), the SIU will end up with a very similar number of ships and an equal or better contract compared to the one used in the original award. 1------ Pictured aboard the USNS Wright are (from left) Bosun Thomas Moore. GUDE Mark Canada, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, (sitting) Chief Steward Richard Mata, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and QMED/Electrician James Weismore. The USNS Denebola is one of eight fast sealift ships covered by the new five-year contract. Pictured on the vessel after reviewing contract highlights are (seated, from left) SA John Weber, Chief Cook Dante Black, Chief Steward Gary Lackey, Bosun Willie Reynolds, AB Donald Gearhart, (standing) Wiper Carlos Perez, AB Ben Shupp, Electrician Ronald Kitlas, Wiper Enrique Nunez and OS C. Salim. Chief Steward Michelle Hopper (left) and QMED Taylor Clear (right) Besides the new contract, Seafarers on the Cape Washington also discussed the expanding U.S.-flag passenger fleet, the Jones Act and other issues. Pictured from the left are Bosun Rick James, Electrician Steve Kafka, QMED Taylor Clear, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Chief Steward Michelle Hopper and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Above: Seafarers meet aboard the Cape May. Left: Pictured from the left are Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, (rear) AB Billy Ray Hanbury, First Engineer William Camacho, Chief Engineer James Wingate, Second Engineer Jim Van Pelt, Bosun John Toomey, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and Steward/Baker John Reid. The officers all are SIU hawsepipers. July2DOO Seafarers LOG 7 �r------.-.----- ------- -~- - - -- - National Maritime Day Nation Honors Merchant Mariners SIU Participates in Several Ceremonies Americans across the nation paid tribute last month to the bravery and sacrifices of the thousands of U.S. merchant mariners who so honorably have served our country, especially those who gave their lives during armed conflict. The occasion was National Maritime Day-an annual observance dating back to 1933 that acknowledges this often forgotten group's contributions. The SIU participated in several ceremonies, including three in Washington, D.C. on May 25 and two West Coast observances earlier that week. The events in and near the nation's capital were conducted by, respectively, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), the Port of Washington Propeller Club and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). MarAd Memorial MarAd's event in Washington, called the Merchant Marine Memorial Service 2000, took plact: at the U.S. Navy Memorial. In his operting remarks, Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart dubbed the gathering as ..a day set aside ti'.'.) hDnor the brave American civilia.ns a.nd merchant mariners who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish. "It i5 al5o a day for rejoicing~" Hart continued, "rejoicing not only for their courage and self· tessness. but for their exuberance and innovation." Noting that th~ event's purpose was to focus on the contributions of seamen, principally those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Hart said, "Their passing is reason for sorrow, their presence reason for joy. We honor them with praise for their maritime skills honed by tough physical work in the seas' unforgiving environment." Keynote speaker Rodney Slater called the nation's merchant fleet "the United States' first Navy." Recounting their contributions during the Revolutionary War, the Secretary of Transportation said, "The U.S. merchant marine, which defeated the British navy to gain America's independence, has served our country- and served it well-in every war since 177 5. There is no more devoted community of professionals than those who serve the nation's marine transportation system." Former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley presents remarks in behalf of Rep. Herb Bateman. Both are strong supporters of the U.S. merchant fleet. B Seafarers LOS After noting that more than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives "for the cause of freedom during World War II," Slater reflected on the admiration President Franklin D. Roosevelt possessed for the men who composed the U.S. fleet. He quoted the late commander-in-chief as having stated: "(Mariners) have written one of its most brilliant chapters. They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant's fleet record during this war (World War II)." He further illustrated the vital importance of the maritime industry today to America, noting that it annually accounts for some threefourths of a trillion dollars of America's gross national product "Our domestic fleet is one of our most productive and costeffective modes of transportation," Slater said, ••moving 24 percent of the nation's cargo at less than 2 percent of America's total freight cost. U.S. commercial ports handle 95 percent of the nation's international trade." He concluded, "Despite the challenges, the future is bright" SIU President Michel Sacco associated the plight of merchant mariners during World War II to that of front line soldier. "The seafarers of World War II were attacked from every angle," Sacco explained. "They were bombed from enemy airplanes, fired upon by enemy ships, torpedoed by enemy submarines. Many did not survive. They died in blazing explosions, in icy waters, in lifeboats that drifted into oblivion. They burned and drowned and starved. "But there has never been any quit in the American merchant marine," the SIU president asserted. "That's why leaders of that era, from Roosevelt to Eisenhower on down, emphatically stated that the merchant marine made all the difference m wmning the war." Representing the Seafarers at the annual wreath-laying ceremony aboard the Jeremiah O'Brien in San Francisco are retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney (right) and SIU Representative Chester Wheeler (second from right). Left and below: Guests observe the presentation of colors at last month's Maritime Day ceremony conducted in Washington, D.C. by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Sacco said that white ceremonies such as the memorial service are important, there is another way we as Americans can pay tribute to the thousands who gave their lives during World War II as well as those who served during other conflicts. "The best way we can honor them and confinn that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high seas, .. Sacco said. Sacco reminded those in attendance (including Seafarers from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.) that America depends on the sealift provided by a strong merchant marine whenever involved in conflict. "I wholeheartedly believe that the young men and women now entering the industry can look forward to a bright future and a National Maritime Memorial Day Proclamation May 22, 2000 Americans have always looked to the sea as a source of prosperity and security. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Great Lakes, the ~int Lawrence Seaway, scores of harbors, ports, and Inlets, and thousands of miles of inland river shorelines, our Nation has been blessed with an unparalleled means of moving passengers and freight, protecting our freedom, and linking our citizens with the world. Today, 95 percent of our imports and exports are moved by water - more than one billion metric tons of cargo - and our waterways currently handle 140 million passengers a year. Our domestic fleet ls one of our most productive and cost-effective modes of transportation, moving 24 percent of the Nation's cargo at less than 2 percent of America's total freight cost. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry have made Immeasurable contributions to our economic strength, standard of living, and leadership in the global marketplace. The U.S. Merchant Marine plays an equally important role in maintaining our national security. In times of con· flict or crisis, the Armed Forces rely upon the Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport critically needed equipment and supplies. Time and again, American mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ablllty to meet ohen daunting challenges. From World War II to Korea to Vietnam, from Desert Storm to the Balkans and in numerous incidents in between, the U.S. Merchant Marine has responded with courage, patriotism, and a steadfast devotion to duty. The 21st century wlll hold new challenges for our maritime industry, including an anticipated doubling of cargo and jUllenger traffic In the next cwo decades. If we are to meet those challenges, we must maintain a robust U.S.flag fleet, crewed by American mariners. Last September, the Secretary of Transportation presented to the Congress a blueprint for modernizing our Marine Transportation System - the wate1Ways, ports, railways, and roads that move people and goods to, from, and on the water. We must build more and better ships, modernize our shipyards, create d@@per ports for today's ever larger containerships and ocean liners, and maintain a skilled maritime workforce. We must also ensure that local, State, and Federal agencies, the U.S. military, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions, environmental groups, and other concerned organlzatlonJ work in partnership to carry out this blueprint. As we celebrate National Maritime Day this year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Maritime Administration. Throughout the past five decades, the dedicated men and women of this agency have worked to improve the competitiveness of our maritime Industry in world markets and to strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and effectively in time1 of crisis. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I salute these outstanding public servants for their commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine and to the shipbuilding, repair services, ports, and intennodal water and land transportation systems they need to function efficiently. In recognition of the Importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to our Nation's prosperity and security, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved Hay 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ~atlonal Maritime Day·" and has authorized and requested the President to Issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2000, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. William J. Clinton lifetime career in the U.S. merchant marine," he concluded. Two other speakers were featured at the MarAd ceremony. Raymond Ebeling, president and chairman, American RollOn/Roll-Off Carriers, urged support for the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. He also called for ..a new comprehensive and aggressive maritime policy." Ebeling said that the beginning point of that new policy must be an agreement by all key stakeholders on the future role of the U.S. merchant marine and of U.S. flag carriers in terms of support of national defense policy. Edward Kelly, vice president, American Maritime Officers, who had just returned from the meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London, reflected on his trip and shared his impressions on how the world views our maritime industry. "At the meetings, the United States is still recognized as a global leader in almost everything," he said. "Included are maritime safety, quality and standards. However we do not measure up in the number of ships we have or in the number of mariners at sea, and certainly not in the number of ships we have under construction." Kelly said that the IMO and the world look to the United States for leadership, and it is essential that we present a stronger maritime trade commitment to them. "In order to live up to our calling," Kelly suggested, "we must have a national maritime policy that promotes the U.S.-flag merchant marine adequate to meet out national and economic security needs." He concluded his remarks by suggesting that "a most fitting memorial for those who have given their lives would be a merchant marine fleet of over 500 ships, a maritime program and more ships capable of functioning as a Navy auxiliary in times of national emergency. In this man- Continued on next page July2000 �Vice Presidential Salute Continued from previous page ~~·~- ner, we would honor those who have gone before us." and supported by the Gulfo] Mexico; AmenCa. ·ts :literally encircled by waters t1w.t reqµ~re us to rnair,itai~ our ~m- , petitive edge. The U.S. Merchant Marine, a fleet that is U.S. built, U.S~ owned, and U.S# crewed, is helping to ensure that success in the 21st century. · A strong America requires a strong merchant marine. I am proud of our administration's record in promoting the development and maintenance of a modem, efficient Backing from Bateman Congressman Herbert H. Bateman (R-Va.), chairman of the Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine of the House Armed Services Committee, was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Propeller Club's annual Maritime Day luncheon. The congressman, however, was unable to attend due to a death in his family. Helen Delich Bentley, former member of Congress from Maryland and former chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, read his prepared speech at the U.S. Navy Yard. In part, Rep. Bateman's remarks were as follows: "We in the Congress are committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the maritime community so that you can continue to perform the outstanding work that has proven so beneficial to our nation. To that end, we share a set of common goals: we must have a strong maritime industry, including a viable and economically competitive U.S.-flag fleet; a strong shipbuilding industrial base; and an economically viable nationwide infrastructure of serviceable SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the MarAd ceremony with students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. harbors on the Great Lakes, inland waterways and seacoasts of the United States .... "The maritime industry, the Congress and the administration must continue to plead our case with the American people. An informed public will allow us to provide the necessary funding to preserve maritime power as the underpinning of our national security .... "I would be remiss if I did not mention several other pillars of our maritime security. The Jones Act, the Passenger Vessel Services Act, and the America's cargo preference laws are keeping our merchant marine afloat. Ships would not be under construction in the U.S. today if it were not for these laws. And ships would not be flying the United States flag for employing American citizen mariners if it were not for these laws. "We must all vigorously enforce the letter and spirit of these statues while bringing new ideas to the table to expand the U.S. fleet by stimulating growth in each pillar of our merchant marine." MSC Ceremony "Today, National Maritime Day, we take time to remember and celebrate the heroic feats of the men and women who have served this nation as merchant mariners . Established in 1933, this special day recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who have served ashore and afloat, going in harm's way when necessary." So stated Adm. Donald Pillingt vice chief of naval operations, during his keynote address at the MSC ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. A wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the American merchant mariners lost to hostile action followed the admiral's address. The event, which attracted merchant fleet, capable of helping our expanding world trade. and meeting the needs of the military in times of conflict, or national emergency. The Jones Act is thefoundation of our American.maritime·ind.tlstry a,nd an essen- . ··tial· part of· the fabric . or our . n,atjO.tt':s . . gcon.q@ic, . an~,;. national security. I am committed to ensutin{f'f°he pres·< more than 300 participants and spectators, was hosted by Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC. Posting the colors and providing music were members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and the U.S. Navy Band, respectively. Also on hand were the master and crew of the ocean-going tug USNS Mohawk who represented MSC ships and America's merchant mariners around the world. Seafarers from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., were also in attendance. Admiral Pilling noted that although the Washington Navy Yard was a fitting place to acknowledge the mammoth contributions of America's men;hant mariners to our nation's very existence, the yard's history isn't as long as that registered by the merchant mariners. "While the yard contains 200 years of history, that number falls 25 years short of the service given by these gallant men and women," the admiral said. "Their history is full of courageous deeds and selfless sacrifice." After tracing their record from the Revolutionary War to the present, Admiral Pilling commented on the historically close relationship merchant seamen have always shared with their uniformed comrades. "It is vital that the partnership between the U.S. merchant marine and the U.S. Navy remains strong, especially in these days of 'rightsizing' and shrinking budgets," Admiral Pilling offered. "At the same time, the modem global market requires a powerful maritime force to protect our interests and prevent hostilities. Our maritime forces must be able to prevail in conflict. "As we move into a new millennium, I have complete faith in the men and women of our merchant marine," he continued. "I know they will be there, whenever the nation calls, a crucial part of our maritime force." Admiral Pilling concluded his remarks with a statement of gratitude to all merchant mariners who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. "I extend a heartfelt thanks and the appreciation of the nation to the men and women of America's merchant marine, for your heroism, your sacrifices, your undaunted service." July2000 SIU President Michael Sacco Seafarers LOS 9 �Maersk Sealand Opens New Houston Terminal New York's 30-Year Lease Approved Maersk Sealand has expanded its operations in Houston with the recent opening of a 71-acre terminal. The Terminal Six facility, ceremonially opened by the company and the port of Houston May 17, includes four cranes. a dozen receiving/delivering lanes, six scales plus an additional 16 acres being developed. It features 2000-foot berths and dockside rail. A number of SIU members and officials attended the kickoff at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal. Two weeks later, Maersk Sealand welcomed news from the northeast that the governors of New York and New Jersey finally cleared the way for implementa- tion of a 30-year lease between the port and the company. New Jersey's Christie Whitman and New York's George Pataki ended a 17-month stalemate that had delayed the shipping line's expansion at Port Elizabeth, N.J. According to press reports, the governors had been at odds regarding which state benefits more from its Port Authority revenues. They approved the lease after agreeing to earmark $250 million for New York transportation projects, allow privatization of the World Trade Center and study a possible increase in fares for the commuter rail linking the two states. Attending the ceremonial opening at the Barbours Cut facility are (from left) Recertified Steward Fernando Urias, AB Travis Corgey, Bosun John Cain, SIU Safety Director Kenneth Moore, Bosun's Mate Gilbert Rodriguez, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee and Electrician Randy Clark. Allied Tug Falcon Awaits New Charter Seafarers met with SIU officials aboard the Allied Towing tug Falcon (below) recently in the port of Norfolk, Va. The vessel was in the shipyard getting prepared for a new charter. In addition to distributing copies of the most recent Seafarers LOG and other union forms, officials also discussed the new contract, pensions and the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Chief Cook Donald Lee Jones The new terminal already spans 71 acres and will expand by another 16 currently being developed. USNS Soderman Ties Up In Norfolk Captain R. C. Morris and Port Captain Andy Higbee Chief Engineer Hugh L Gibbs Jr. and Utility Man Richard E. Hamilton. Mate Thomas B. Mercer and Port Engineer SIU officials recently greeted the crew of the USNS Soderman as it tied up in the Port of Norfolk, Va. Officials passed out the latest edition of the Seafarers LOG as well as other SIU forms to crew members. Pictured above (from left) are Chief Steward Ron Jones, SA Herman Stith and Chief Cook Thomas Johnson. Pictured below (from left) are AB Tim Kacer, SIU Representative Pat Vandergrift, Bosun Jeff Saxon and OS Paul Hennessey. Wiggins to Seafarers LOG July2000 �Front-Gate Facelift Almost Finished Dredging With the Manhattan Island Two NATCO dredges-the Dodge Island and the Manhattan Island-currently are working in San Juan Bay, P.R. on a nearly year-long project to deepen the shipping channel. At left is the dredging process in operation and (below) the Manhattan Island enters San Juan bay for its first week of work. The front gate at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is being refurbished. It is scheduled for completion this month. The center is located in Piney Point, Md. Hart Goes to New Department; Graykowsld Fiiis MarAd Post Simulator Complex Under Construction Continued from page 6 Levin said the center's original GMDSS system was radiooperator Morse Code-based, or ship-to-ship. However, things have changed tremendously where communications are concerned, he added. With the advent of satellite communications and the ability of satellites to detect signals, communications developers decided that rather than retaining a ship-to-ship-based system, a better approach would be to go ship-to-shore. "They decided on this approach because the shore folks could manage communication input much better by using a rescue coordinating center," Levin offered. "As a result, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an IMO subcommittee, and other working groups in various countries developed the GMDSS. They also developed equipment requirements, operating procedures and examinations." Levin said GMDSS training in the United States, and in most other countries today, is standardized. Signatory nations must comply with Standards of Training Certification and Watcbkeeping (STCW) laws. These prerequisites, the same that exist for other countries, presently are satisfied in the U.S. through a 70-hour course. One requirement in that course is the demonstrated ability (for assessment) of actually operating the equipment. The instructor concluded that the GMDSS simulators should help students at the Paul Hall Center learn communications systems quicker and hone their ability to interact with them. When completed, the simulator complex addition will contain five classrooms. Three of the rooms will be for general purpose use, a fourth for multi-functional applications and the fifth for a crane simulator. July2000 The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart will serve as the acting deputy administrator of the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). During Hart's leave of absence from MarAd, Deputy Administrator John Graykowski will be its acting administrator. The FMCSA was established Jan. 1. Its mission is to improve roadway safety by preventing commercial motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. Graykowski previously served as acting head of MarAd from 1997 to 1998. Port Waives Rent For Lane Victory Los Angeles harbor commissioners last month approved a five-year rent-free agreement with the group operating the historic vessel SS Lane Victory. The lease is expected to save an estimated $270,000 for the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, the volunteer association in charge of the ship. The Lane Victory-which served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War- has been berthed in Los Angeles for the past 11 years. It is a floating memorial but remains fully operational, offering a half-dozen or so one-day cruises to Catalina during the summer. Maintenance and operation of the vessel costs an estimated $200,000 even without any rent, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. ITF Dellvers For Crews On Runaway-Flag Ships The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) recently reported that in 1999 it recovered more than $23 million in back pay owed to crews on 551 runaway-flag and other substandard ships. The ITF is composed of 570 affiliate unionsincluding the SIU-in more than 130 countries. Those unions represent more than five million members. In addition to securing back wages for the crews, the ITF through its 100-plus inspectors last year arrested numerous unsafe ships and ensured that proper repairs were made. With St. Louis AMMV Chapter SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from right) and Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan (fifth from right) greet members of the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans during this year's St. Louis Port Council dinner. The event took place April 8. Pictured from left to right are Donald Adams, SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper, Edward Dierkes, George Ward, Donald Witte, Mike Congardi, Carnahan, Sacco, Michael Buckley, John Ludwig and Jack Grothe. Seafarers LOG 11 �With th At the llall In and Right: Port Agent Anthony McQuay conducts a membership meeting at the Jacksonville hall with the help of VP Dean Corgey (left) and Patrolman Bryan Powell. Catching up on union news during a monthly membership meeting are (from left) OMU Gary Doyen, OMU Patrick McPherson, Chief Cook Jack Hart, Steward/Baker Floyd Bishop and OMU Milton Israel Jr. During a recent union meeting at the Jacksonvil Chief Cook Rob Seim, QEE Hardin Chancey Payne review the Seafarers LOG and discuss t trends in the maritime industry. Recertified Bosun David Campbell addresses the membership at a recent union meeting. Brother Campbell stressed the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center and the need to bring new recruits into the union. (Campbell completed the bosun recertification course at the school in May.) Port Agent Anthony McQuay presides over the voting booths while Recertified Bosun William "Scotty" Byrne receives his ballot. Brother Byrne cast the first vote at the Jacksonville hall in the SIU-NMU proposed merger. Left: Full book members raise their hands to be counted at the Jacksonville membership meeting. 12 Seafarers LOG July2000 �,Memben: ~()UDdthe ri\'llle liall Recertified Steward Milton Yournett reads about new and upcoming SIU job opportunities while aboard the Atlantic. The Jacksonville hall has the largest jurisdictional area as well as the largest coastal area of any of the SIU ports-spanning the region from the North Carolina border to Key West, Fla. to Panama City. Needless to say, shipping is very good in Jacksonville1 making many job calls quite competi· tive and action at the counter fast and furious. Serving the membership throughout the region are Port Agent Anthony McQuay along with Patrolmen Bryan Powell (who provided the photos on these two pages) and Harmando Salazar. They meet the ships, tugs and dredges that hit port any· where In their jurlsdlaion and also help the members with any business they need to take care of in the hall. Deckhand Derek Dragon unpacks and mixes paint for maintenance work at the docks of Crescent Towing and Salvage in Savannah, Ga. SIU Patrolman Bryan Powell (center) meets with two unlicensed apprentices-Ryan Smith {left) and Randolph Cash-aboard the Atlantic, a U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel. Since December, the port of Jacksonville has taken delivery of four new contrainer cranes (like the one at left), for a total of 14. The new cranes help the port keep pace with the growing container trade and are part of a $150 million investment in terminal improvements over the past three years. Two members of the dock crew at Crowley are OSs Mario Morante and Jason Powell. Also at Crowley. Port Agent Anthony McQuay (left) stops to chat with AB Gilberto Chamorro. any of the SIU-contracted ships, tugs and dredges come through or are stationed in the port of Jacksonville. The above vessels are just four of a larger number serviced by port officials ecently. From the left are the El Mo"o (Sea Star}; the dredge Dodge Island on the job in Georgetown, S.C.; the PFC William B. Baugh offloading at Blount Island Marine Terminal; and the tug enera/ Oglethorpe of Crescent Towing & Salvage in Savannah, Ga. July2000 Seafarers LOS 13 . J �A VOYAGETOINDIA-1940 Last April, the Seafarers LOG published part of Pensioner James M. Smith's journal of his trip to India in 1940 as an ordinary seaman aboard the SS Steel Age. The vessel had steamed past the Rock of Gibraltar, through the Suez Canal and called on the ports of Alexandria, Egypt and Jidda, Saudi Arabia. This second segment continues in Jidda. This evening, Bud, Bill and I went ashore ($5 for round-trip in launch) and were escorted around the city by an Arabian government official who could speak fairly good English. Jidda has no electric lights, using gas as its means of illumination. There are no paved streets and no sidewalks. The streets are hardpacked dirt, even in the "shopping district." There is an abundance of goats, donkeys (which are painted all colors of the rainbow), dirty dogs, cats and camels. The Arabs, however, are most kindly and not at all aggressive. I much prefer them to my late Egyptian fiends, er, friends. My guide and interpreter was well dressed in the native garb of flowing silken robes, leather sandals and a blue silk sash. His headdress was the customary turban with a one-inch diameter black cord wrapped twice around. It is the badge of authority for government officials. We walked through the dark streets flanked by buildings that were ornate but centuries old _ There was a distinctly oriental odor that I could Mt define, and I saw no women except two or three shrouded black creatures that somehow didn't resemble in any way the female of the species. From a minaret came the wail of a muezzin: plaintive, lonesome and searchingly thin, calling the faithful to evening prayer. The Moslems pray five times a day, and the muezzins, or priests, have the "good fortune" to be blinded while still young babies "so that they may see no evil." We went through the east gate in the walled city and were on the road to Mecca for about 100 yards. There was a camel caravan camped alongside the road with the camels tethered nearby. Being an old farm boy from the midwest, I couldn't resist trying to make friends with one of the animals. When I went to pat him (her?) on the nose, the beast made a swipe at me with huge yellow teeth, and I fell over backward, much to the merriment of the bedouins, who were rolling on the ground with laughter. Returning to the center of the town, the government chap invited us to his house for tea. More dark alleys. On the floor in the entrance hall lay about a dozen ragged pilgrims, one of whom had a dangerous looking dagger. I stepped over them all very carefully. Up five short flights of stairs and into a well-furnished room with a platform bed built around two sides. There were about two dozen pillows of varying and beautiful design and a 14 Seafarers LOG by J. Melford Smith thick rug on the floor that would harbor. Had a drink with a couple Somewhere east of Suez cost a fortune in the States. British soldiers, then the three of Where the best is like the The windows were of wood us went to the cinema. worst The movie was in an ancient Where there ain 't no ten comand pointed at the top. On the wall was a picture of King Farouk amphitheater open to the starry mandments And a man can raise a thirst and his Egyptian queen. There night sky. I asked one of my comwas a small table of teak or panions about not having a roof. mahogany on which were small He said, "What for? It hasn't Saturday, March 23glasses, ash trays that were never rained here for 105 years!" In Underway at dawn yesterday for meant for use and similar articles Aden, I used five kinds of money Karachi, India. The Arabs in of beautiful but useless design. -American, English, Arabian, Rastanura stole everything that wasn't bolted to the deck. They The tea was thick, very sweet Egyptian and Indian. Wednesday, March 13- even stole the flag halyard! Today and very good. We chatted about Arabia and Egypt and T. E. Underway at 1700 for Rastanura the weather is warm with calm Lawrence before leaving to visit in the Persian Gulf. At sunset we seas as we cross the Gulf of the Americans' residence. were pushing our bow into the Oman. I am drawing 100 rupees, There are seven Americans East Indian Ocean, a flat lazy sea which I hope will last until here working for Standard Oil of turned to blue and gold by the set- Calcutta. Sunday, March 24--Easter California. We were welcomed ting sun. In the east, the first of with open arms (and scotch and the evening stars was twinkling in Sunday. Fine weather and calm sodas). We blue seas. There were the first is a full moon Americans to these nights, making it very visit them, and they were genbeautiful on the uinely glad to midwatch. While off watch, if I'm see us. Everyone got slightly not working with tipsy, and we the deck gang under superviarrived at the dock at midsion of the bonight in a Ford sun, I lie on deck touring sedan and read. At prein high humor sent am reading "History of the and noisy song. Saturday, United States" March 9by Emerson Fite. Woke up this ,.........."":-Am surprised at how much I still morning with a hangover. and -~~11".a• have to learn my mouth felt about American like the Russian ~....-:o~-------------~~:...__.~:::::J history. Army had been marching through a deep blue sky. Tuesday, Macch 26-Arrivcd it in their stocking feet _Too many Thursday, March 14--Was in Karachi, which is at the mouth scotch and sodas, no doubt. really warm on deck today. of the Indus River. Went ashore in Blistering hot today. Underway Didn't get up 'til noon. This is the afternoon. Found the place really splendid cruising compared very interesting and the prices for Aden at 1600. Sunday, March 10--Got up to my two years as a Marine on lDw. Underway for Bombay on at noon. Have been reading the USS Houston. There has been Wednesday. "Beau Geste" by P.C. Wren. a ship in sight all day with guns Friday, March 29- We which I finished after getting off mounted aft and no flag. We arrived in Bombay about noon. Went to a movie in the evening. watch. Very good story. Played ~hanged course just in case. "quoits" this afternoon. It's like Friday, March l~Fish on Saw "Balalaika," then had dinner horseshoes but with eight-inch the menu today. Nothing of inter- at the Taj Mahal Hotel-"The rings made of rope. The sea is est to write about. 1380 miles to Gateway to India." smooth as glass and it's hotter our next port of call. Weather than hell. We pass a ship every very hot-am getting a good tan. Bombay Nights two or three hours. ETA at Aden Tuesday, March 19-For the Englishmen and ladies in is Tuesday morning. past three days we have been evening clothes, beggars everyMonday, March. 11-The cruising steadily northeast at 10 where crying "Bakshish, Sahib," weather is very hot but we have a knots through the Indian Ocean. gharreys (horse-drawn carriages) strong wind and a choppy sea. Today we entered the Persian and rickshaws, Indian girl prostiThis wind is called a "khamsin," Gulf from the Gulf of Oman. tutes, some not more than chilwhich means "50" in Arabic, Both countries are in sight. On dren, Anglo-Indians called because it blows 50 days a year. the port side, the high, desolate "Chichi's," and some of the most Passed two islands near the and rugged mountains of the beautiful architecture in the entrance to the Red Sea. We stand Arabian Peninsula; to starboard, world. The locals wear class watches only since it's too hot to the low rolling coastal plain of marks on their foreheads and in work on deck. Persia (Iran). We will be arriving their noses. Colorful saris on the in Rastanura Thursday morning. women. And people, people GuH of Aden This evening there is a yellow everywhere. Tuesday, March 12-Entered moon lying low over the East The weather was bot and the the Gulf of Aden this morning. Indian Sea, reminding me of nights beautiful. Sitting on the Raised land at 1400 and tied up to more romantic moments. Just one veranda with my British friends buoys in Aden harbor at 1600. year since Palm Beach. Ah, and a lovely Chichi girl named Went ashore after dinner. There romance! Perhaps things will Terry. Thought of "The Romance isn't much of interest here work out better in the future. of the East" Can't remember the although Aden is the fueling port Read "Half a Loaf' by Grace author: for all ships going to and from the A. Lewis, a tenderly romantic The lilt of liquid Malay tunes Far East. This is a British military novel of the trials and tribulations Azure tropic skies post where duty should be avoid- of a young author and his wife. The warmth of sunlight on ed if possible. It is incredibly barThursday, March 21lagoons ren, consisting of huge rugged- Arrived at Rastanura this momLaughter in dark eyes. looking mountains of volcanic ing. A most desolate place with From distant lands these magrock and, incidentally, one of the nothing to signify its existence ics come hottest places on earth, with tem- but a few oil tanks. Flat desert, no Where love and fragrance peratures running to 130 degrees. trees. The British pilot who meet There are a few Allied mer- brought the ship in said, "When The lute and zithers gentle chant ships in the harbor, all the wind isn't blowing like hell strum armed. While ashore, I walked from the north, it's blowing like Is stilled by desert heat. around the English settlement. hell from the south." It is so hot From many a visioned then down through the native and dry we are thirsty all the unknown land quarter and back to the Crescent, time. I wonder if Kipling was in a A mystic world afar which is a tree-lined street run- situation like this in northern Mongolia, Tibet, Samarkand ning along the shoreline of the India when he wrote: And fabled 'Zanzibar! On Sunday I went to the race track with my British friends, dressed in my new khaki shorts and pith helmet. Won a whole bunch of rupees but didn't realize how much until I returned to the hotel, emptied all my pockets and the ones I had stuffed in my shirt. Almost $500 ! The most money I have ever had! On Monday I stopped at the bank and changed it to American dollars before returning to the ship and had Capt. Jones put it in the ship's safe. We left Bombay this morning at dawn. As we made our way across the harbor through the heavy traffic, the sun rose out of the ocean to touch the rounded, pointed domes of the Taj Mahal Hotel and slowly flood the city with light, chasing the early morning mist before it. And so farewell to this great city of the East, where east is east and west is also east. We are now bound for Columbo, Ceylon with an ETA for Thursday. There is a rumor going around that we will go to Singapore from Calcutta and back to the States via Honolulu. Around the world cruise! Columbo, Ceylon Friday, April S-Arrived in Columbo early Wednesday evening. We moored the ship to a buoy in the polluted harbor. My watch partner, Bill Marks, had bought a tailored white sharkskin suit in Bombay and was wearing it for the first time. There were three bum.boats tied up at the foot of the gangway. Bill went tripping merrily down the gangway. He jumped into the first boat, which tipped dangerously. Off balance, he jumped into the second boat with the same result. The third boat was a complete miss, and poor Bill wound up in the oily harbor water with his white sharkskin suit A comical performance but a real loss for Bill. I went ashore in a bumboat at a cost of one-half rupee. Columbo is a singularly beautiful town and has a fine European-style business district, elegant English tea rooms and the Grand Oriental hotel. The city is clean, and the native housing districts are a mile or more from the main shopping area. The native Ceylonese are not so ragged as elsewhere in the East. Transportation is by rickshaw or trams and also fast motor buses. The dock where I landed is a very modem one with a moneychanging place at the entrance. Opposite the dock is the Grand Oriental, so I stopped in. There was dancing in the ballroom with some rather bored-looking British colonials dressed in evening clothes and their very, very snobbish women. The atmosphere was a bit dull so I left. Perhaps Kipling had it right when he wrote about some girls back home in merry old England: Beefy face and grubby hand Law, what do they understand? I've a sweeter, neater maiden In a cleaner, greener land On the road to Mandalay. To·be continued in a future issue of the Seafare-rs LOG. . July 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C · Baltimore Norfolk Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Tuesday: September 5* DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York : Philadelphia JUNE 15, 2000 29 7 .. 6 21 IO 4 5 3 4 2 1 9 11 7 12 5 12 24 10 17 9 12 13 12 2 0 11 11 8 9 7 6 s 3 .} 6 4 11 17 4 5 7 2 1 254 2 143 87 6 Mobile New Orleans s 23 25 3 0 6 1 l I 0 0 8 · o ..... 0 2 0 26 4 4 120 22 18 32 59 . : :·:::.·: ..43 10 26 11 39 18 23 3 43 11 108 420 3 8 2 184 . 20 12 4 10 3 0 6 17 5 10 7 2 5 4 2 . 5 8 7 7 3 ··.29 3 6 ·7 5 10 13 ••••••••••••••• .Friday: August 11, September S Baltimore .......-.o.....Tuursday: August 10, September 7 Duluth .......• + •••••••••••• Honolulu .•. n ••• ~~; Wednesday; August 16, September 13 ...... Friday: AriguSt 18,. Septembet lS 2 1 71 4 0 2 4 5 2 2 0 0 3 3 9 . . '13 0 4 1 7 8 12 0 3 1 6 12 2 5 7 2 4 1 1 32 6 10 10 11 4 35 3 4 0 0 12 38 42 8 I Personals FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from shipmates who served with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. His address is 410 East Oak Ave., Apt. 7, Tampa, FL 33602. 6 Crusader Pays Off in New York 0 5 0 112 2 58 0 259 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 20 .. ,. . 16'' 0 0 0 2 0 10 0 1 10 0 0 0 21 38 0 .. 0 77 43 .2 .3. :·:. l4 17 16 4 5 38 43 .... 2 . Totals All Departments 8 7 18 u 3 8 6 3 ll 18 Algonac 9 6 5 7 19 5 10 3 2 . *change created by Labor Day holiday 2 15 2 2 These photos were snapped aboard the Crusader (CSX) during a recent stop in New York. Above (from left) Electrician Kevin Cooper and AB John Walsh enjoy a late dinner. Below (left) Bosun Roberto Diaz meets with SIU New York Safety Director Jack Sheehan, and (right) Steward Joe Emidy finishes up his galley duties for the evening . 19 3 21 0 0 0 0 2 41 199 171 25 109 126 0 85 290 290 608 493 337 434 356 258 224 970 655 504 0 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. July2000 Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 2000 CL - Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Port 0 . Algonac 0 A~gonac NP-Non Priority TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port L-Lakes 0 17 4 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT ·: 0 .:7~.:. . ·: ·:· . °() . 0 : .: .:!:,,,.::. ::s·.·.;:x·}:x•:r:.f Port Algonae Totals All Depts 0 53 48 0 32 18 0 19 *"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. 21 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 11 7 2 7 12 0 Totals All Depts 4 2 *"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. 5 31 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PfilLAl>ELPIDA .. 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19'148' {215). 336-3818 . . · P,INB.Y llO~T eo. Bmc 1s. Piriey Point. MD ...'. . :.:· ....: {'.!PD t)94-00l~ 16 Seafarers LOS . . 20674 This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Arthur Longuet of Carson City, Nev. The picture was snapped in the summer of 1947 aboard the Governor Graves, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel, which was en route to France. Longuet is in the second row, fourth from right (marked with an "X"). He sent this photo to the LOG. hoping someone might recognize himself. Brother Longuet, now 72, joined the SIU in 1945 in his native New York. He sailed in the deck department and retired in 1991. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she sould like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July2000 �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. recertified bosun who upgraded his skills several times at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., is among the six Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Brother Walter W. LeClair has some 30 years of service with the SIU in addition to his tenure with the U.S. Army. In addition to Brother LeClair, each of the five other retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three of the retirees were members of the steward department, two shipped in the engine department and one sailed in the deck department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA PEDRO A. ALICEA, 66, joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York and first sailed aboard the Westchesteroperated Charle,ston. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Alicea worked in the steward department. He last sailed this year aboard the Producer, operated by CSX Lines. Brother Alicea resides in Ponce, P.R. PAULT. BABBIN, 62, hails from Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Boston, Brother Babbin joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Seattle. He worked as a member of the Steamship Lines, Inc. Brother Rosich last sailed in 1999 aboard the Cape Gibson, operated by Patriot. He currently resides in San Bruno, Calif. engine department, first sailing aboard the Transyork, a Trans Western Associates vessel. The Jacksonville resident last sailed this year aboard the NPR Inc.operated Mayaguez. CLIFFORD A MELROSE, 75, began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Seattle. A member of the steward department, Brother Melrose 's first ship was the Sea-Land Galloway. The Deadwood, S.D. native last sailed in 1984 aboard the Weschester-operated Arcon. Brother Melrose currently resides in Rapid City, S.D. FRANCISCO M. ROSICH, 59, joined the MC&S in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Rosich is a native of Peuto Rico. His first ship was the Santa Mariana, operated by Delta YUSEF SALAHI, 71, hails from Astoria, N. Y. Brother Salahi joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Yemen, his first ship was the Noon Day, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a member of the engine department, last sailing this year aboard the Green Island, also operated by Waterman. Brother Salahi calls Lackawanna, N. Y. home. WALTERW. Le CLAIR, 64, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. A native of New Hampshire, Brother LeClair was a member of the deck department. He first sailed aboard an Interocean Ugland-Management Corp.vessel. An honorably discharged veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. Brother LeClair upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun recertification program there in 1974. The Chatham, Mass. resident last sailed in 1976 aboard the Anchorage, operated by Sea-Land Services. Mayaguez Incident Recalled In Television Shaw, Letter The 1975 ordeal of the SS Mayaguez, one of the most famous SIUcrewed ships ever, recently was recalled in a one-hour feature on the Discovery Channel. "Seized at Sea" aired May 14. The show focused mainly on rescue efforts by the U.S. Marine Corps. Navy and Air Force that followed the Mayaguez capture by Cambodian rebels (the Khmer Rouge) off that country's coast. It featured recently declassified film footage of the mission and included interviews with President Gerald F Drd, Mayagui!z crew members and military personnel. Additionally, Charles G. Raymond, president of CSX Lines (formerly Sea-Land, which operated the Mayaguez), sent a letter to the U.S. Ambassador in Cambodia concerning the 25-year anniversary of the incident and a related ceremony. The letter is reprinted here: s The Honorable Kent Wiedemann Ambassador Embassy of the United States of America 27 EO Street 240 Phnom Penh Cambodia Re: Ceremony Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Mayaguez incident l!~~-J~~~~··' Dear Ambassador Wiedemann: ·,;.itJ~!fng ·ai heati(fuaitil-$;J~i.,g4ent Paul Hall -~~~~!r··ia~;::tnt=~=an ..pdj~i:·.(i.q-i:·;~ij~i;::;. . =a~\~ " · ·: .Pf . ·. POint':· ~d·....;.,. . at . . ney . " ·~• ...•. ·:;_:.~9. ~tain yo~ng' l;nei(·.··y fJQi.:. entf'Y#-vid. JOb.s . . . . cation,, training ~nd... THJS MONTH JN SJU HISTORY :::0~· . uu __..minated ra~ ~loo ·: flionth at a diplomat• ..·i.(:.(Onf~rtPC.e. ..CQn.- . , : . :aucte<I J~ . ~dii.d6~·:;\. : :-: : ·. ;:ships;"'; ,D ts<Wlll . .be·:1n·. . . · . ..... wJth the ·adop&n·of : : '. :~a4.1ij;«;~!f.' ·YP8r~~i~$:. .!rainia,~· ~· en~bl~· . :: i.:i:.: .>~;·:,:•.; ~·; ~~~~r:. ~f. $lgnifkant:· ~eviiio11s. .ai~~d ~· . ·. . <~~~?lm~(t~q~™g .:wot!dfil<~~ameri:w ·:qualifY· f0r promotions <. . ,. :·: . .·Improving shipboard safet)t. · ·. ~ft!!i';;$~@fit•:<f ·training.....:· ;.;f~~j;,;;·'.~.jfk!·•••• ! ; ···••;\;cj:J;.;·y; ;_;;/· ;'.•·;• J;::i{:~; ~e~wa:~~~ ~.:U':n· L~#!~~~;·o.µ.·"the. $1\.P~J>rand .>stol!:·: ~~'°arters. buildlnr".in ·new. siX· . .. . that the safety'.:.of seamen was the primari. camp Springs, consideration .in the updating of the .:.: M4~/~/~~tf.~g::. c,Omi>t.e.tio'-1· · The buildfitr.ls ... lntematk>nal. Con\fei1don of the Standards of ·Training#' Certification and Watchkeeping ·':W.~J~~@1:. .Q~C. All of.Jhe ~erior wo~k (STCW),. a 17-year-old pact that has t 13 :. J\~· tiien.:completed; "and·interior·work is signatory countries whose fleets represent tld~~·'-~:aJ(.!1Jg· rapidly. nearly 95 percent of the world's merchant'i:;Xi!i;:5~J14irir ·should be ready for occupation ~Ip tonnage.. · IObted just' minutes by car from downtown July2DOO Twenty-five years ago this morning, the United States Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps launched a military rescue effort against the forces of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge. Their sole mission was to free the forty officers and crew members of the U.S.-flag merchant vessel Mayaguez. The ship, operated by our company, Sea-Land Service, had been seized by a Cambodian gunboat four days earlier while on a routine commercial voyage from Hong Kong to Thailand . The crew was taken forcibly from the ship and held in an unknown location. This action represented a direct attack by the Khmer Rouge on the sovereign territory of the United States of America and the illegal detention of its citizens . Tragically, forty-one American servicemen lost their lives during the successful completion of the mission . As a result of the courage and sacrifice of the members of the rescue team, the Mayaguez's crew was released by their captors, reunited with their ship and returned safely to their voyage. The statement made by the United States on May 15, 1975 was heard loud and clear around the world. U.S.-flag merchant ships and American seamen will be protected on the high seas with the same vigor and determination as our borders and citizens would be defended at home. The brave men who died during this mission left a legacy which has and will continue to instill pride in the men and women who choose to go to sea on our ships. The American merchant marine will always be grateful. Mr. Ambassador, please pass on our thanks and lasting gratitude to the members of the United States' armed forces attending your ceremony today for their service to our country and for the ultimate sacrifice of their comrades twenty-five years ago. They gave their lives to protect not just the men of the Mayaguez, but the American merchant marine and its crews wherever they sail. Sincerely, Charles G. Raymond President Seafarers LOB ., 7 �DEEP SEA BLEWETT DAVIS ~~= Pensioner Blewett Davis, 76, passed away April 13. Born in Texas, he began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the Sreel Flyer. Brother Davis worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in October 1988, he sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. The Abernathy, Texas resident was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. JEROME J. FAHEY Jerome J. Fahey, 58, died November 10, 1999. A native of New York, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1986 aboard the USNS Assurance, operated by Sea Mobility, Inc. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Fahey last sailed in 1997 aboard the Cpl. Louis J Hauge Jr., operated by Maersk Line. He was a resident of Ingleside, Texas. NORMAN L. FERGUSON Pensioner N6rman L Fergu~(')t1, 82, passed away February 27. Brother Ferguson joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1943. Born in Mississippi, he sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pens.Qn in May 1973. H., made his home in Suison City, Calif passed away April 9. He began his career with the MC&S in 1942 aboard the Oliver Wendell Holmes. Born in Idaho, he worked as a chief steward, last sailing aboard the President Roosevelt, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Johnston was a ·resident of Manzanita, Ore. and retired in May 1983 . DAVID KNIGHT Pensioner David Knight, 89, died April 6. Brother Knight joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in October 1972. He made his home in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. JOSEPH J. KUNDRAT Pensioner Joseph J. Kundrat, 84, passed away March 22. Born in Pennsylvania, be began his career in 1944. Brother ~~;;;;.;;;.;;;.;;;..;;;;;;;;;;.:;;.:.;;;;;i Kundrat worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring in December 1982, he sailed as a chief steward aboard the Osprey. Westminster, Md. was his home. sru KANE K. LEETEG Pensioner Kane PETER GONSALVES Pensioner Peter Gonsalves, 68, died April 9. He started his ~areer with th~ MC&S in 1961 aboard the Sierra, an Oceanic Steamship Co. vessel. The Hawaii native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1986. Prior to retiring in June 1994, he sailed as a chief steward aboard the Manulani, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Gonsalves was a resident of Honolulu. ALEXANDER N. GONZALES Pensioner Alexander N. Gonzales, 85, passed away April 8. Born in the Philippine Islands, he joined the MC&S, sailing as a member of the steward department. A resident of Daly City, Calif., he started receiving his pension in July 1974. JOHN L. HUBBARD Pensioner John L. Hubbard, 80, died March 31 . A rtative of . Canada, he .Jr joined the Sea·'% farers in 1949 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in June 1982, he worked aboard the Baltimore, operated by Sea-Land Service. Linwood, Mass. was his home. ROBERT W. JOHNSTON Pensioner Robert W. Johnston, 87, 18 Seafarers LOG L.J. MAY Pensioner L.J. May, 72, died February 27. He started his career with the MC&S in 1945, sailing aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother May worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in February 1969. He was a resident of San Jose, Calif. WILLIAM NEAL Pensioner William Neal, 83, died March 17. After a 20year career in the U.S. Navy, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of --"-"-' Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Andrew Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Kentucky, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU 's training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Neal last sailed aboard the Santa Lucia, operated by Delta Steamship Lines and began receiving his pension in September 1983. He made his home in Chesapeake, Va. SAMUEL PAPPAS Pensioner Samuel Pappas, 72, passed away recently. Born in Illinois, he started his career with the Seafarers in 194 7 in the pon of Mobile, Ala. Brother Pappas worked in the deck K. Leeteg, 67, department, last sailing aboard a died February 22. Brother Leeteg joined the Seafarers in Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A resident of New Orleans, he stan@d r@c@iving his pension in June 1993. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. 1952. A native of Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce and began receiving his pension in July 1997. Tacoma, Wash. was his home. CHARLES F. LONG · to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. Mobile, Ala. was his home. Pensioner Charles F. Long, 87, passed away February 7. A native of Montana, he joined the SIU in 1962. Brother Long worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in October 1977, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He made his home in Okeechobee, Fla. ~-· MORTIMER T. MORRIS Pensioner Mortimer T. Morris, 72, passed away March 30. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1948. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in June 1988, Brother Morris worked aboard the Aurora, operated by Westchester Marine. From 1944 ANGEL PEDROSA Pensioner Angel Pedrosa, 77, died March 20. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his SIU career in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in June 1984, he worked aboard the Ponce, a Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Pedrosa lived in Orlando, Fla. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1942. JUAN RIOS Pensioner Juan Rios, 86, passed away March 23 . A charter mem~ ber of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department and was active in union affairs and organizing drives. Brother Rios last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel and started receiving his pension in May 1980. He was a resident of San Juan, P.R. JAMES L. SANDERS Pensioner James L. Sanders, 70, died April 12. Brother Sanders started his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Overseas Joyce. Born in Kentucky, 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 1982. His last ship was the Samuel L. Cobb. A resident of Camden, NJ., he retired in May 1991. EDWARD J. SMITH Pensioner Edward J. Smith, 89, passed away March 14. He joined the MC&S, sailing as a member of the steward department. Brother Smith resided in Weymouth, Mass. and started receiving his pension in October 1973. TERRELL J. STAFFORD Pensioner Terrell J. Stafford, 87, died April 6. A native of Louisiana, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 194 7 from the port of Galveston, Texas. Brother Stafford worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Jefferson Davis , a Waterman Steam.ship Corp. vessel. A resident of Lecompte, La., he retired in September 1978. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. STEVE SZANTO Pensioner Steve Szanto, 73, passed away March 5. Brother Szanto joined the in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the deck departn1ent and began receiving his pension in August 1980. Virginia Beach, Va. was his home. sru RALPH G. TURNER Pensi<mer Ralph G. Turner, 71, died recently. Born in Nebraska, he graduated from theMC&S training School in 1966 and joined that union in the port of San Francisco. Brother Turner worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard an American President Lines vessel. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. and retired in May 1982. DAVID W. VELANDRA Pensioner David W. Velandra, 70, passed away March 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Losmar, a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Michigan, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1984. Prior to retiring in January 1993, Brother Velandra sailed aboard the Liberty Star. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He resided in Las Vegas. ALAN F. WEESE Alan F. Weese, 53, died March 18. Brother Weese started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Seattle. A native of California, he sailed as an electrician and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. His first and last vessels were operated by Sea-Land Service. From 1963 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Puyallup, Wash. was his home. GILBERT T. WOLFE ! Pensioner · Gilbert T. Wolfe, 70, passed away March 16. A native of Maryland, he :.. began his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Wolfe sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in July 1984. Towson, Md. was his home. SAUL F. ZAMBRANO Pensioner Saul F. Zambrano, 87, died recent.. ly. Born in · · Ecuador, he started his career with the SIU in 1969, sailing aboard the Beatrice Victory. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring in September 1980, Brother Zambrano worked aboard the Arecibo, a Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. vessel. He made his home in Manta Manabi, Ecuador. ROBERT E. ZIMMERMAN Pensioner RobertE. , Zimmerman, 87, passed away March 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Indiana, Brother Zimmerman worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the SeaLand Portland. He was a resident of Bremen, Ind. and started receiving his pension in October 1980. INLAND GEORGE T. LEMAIRE Pensioner George T. Lemaire, 61, passed away March 4. Born in Pennsylvania, he began his career in 1956 in the port of with the Baltimore, sailing aboard a Baker Whiteley Co. vessel. Boatman Lemaire worked in the deck department and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel and began receiving his pension in July 1993. He was a resident of Edgewood, Md . sru JOSEPH S. SIMONE Pensioner Joseph S. Simone, 74, died March 14. · He started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia, Continued on page 20 July2000 �~~, DiEfllllll~lr~ ·,iiffh11,St1afaretS LOG attemji~{tiijrliJI '$Jnifnt digasts ol anlOR shlpboanl !Jii "' minute8·a&/J0$8ibl~...'{!nt~~~tlt1h; ;becausa ttl $/Ja" ..\\ft)/. ,. .,.,. ····p1Jmltatto11f.' · $iiiii11;wlllbe'omltted. "" · .,.,,. . . I · ,.. · , .; "10,ffsbi,,, minutes 11rs1:are 'le;;sweit by the union'S contract department. ffi!Ji11se Issues requifing afhlntjlJn or resolution are addressed by the union 1 +lff;~;;ttpon receipt o~t/Jeshlps minutes. The minutes gre then forwarded >;@~/!!: . . . . :.: . :.:: t'1.the.S.eafarers LOG tor publication. . . ·.· . . '" . ... .. ·:-·.. :: ·, ·;';', --~·' " .' ,, "·. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship Corp.). March 26Chairman Mark S. Downey, Secretary Roderick K. Bright, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Gregory Hickman, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Ovidio Crespo. Chairman expressed thanks from captain for putting out engine room fire in Charleston before shoreside help arrived. Job well done. Treasurer announced $450 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate requested clarification on pay for daymen standing watch. Suggestion made to form credit union. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. AMBROSE CHANNEL (IUM), April 2-Chairman Mario M. Romero, Secretary Elena R. Curley, Educational Din;ctor Stephen R. Treece, Deck Delegate R@jlinnld A. Watkins, Engine Deltgate Jerome • Dooms, Steward Delegate Jimmy White Jr. Recently recertified bosun Romero s.aid h~ is aboard ship to help solve problems in all three depanments. but crew should first talce complaints to department delega.te. Education diri:ctor encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for better wages and job securicy. Sug2estion made for crew to donate money for purchase of videotapes. Crew members requested ship address for receipt of mail and LOGs. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. ATC OHIO (ATC), April 23Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate Jess F. Chalker, Steward Delegate Tommy E. Belvin. Chairman spoke about new direct deposit option in place and said he would inform crew members when ATC course to be offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification received from headquarters regarding weekend shift work. Suggestion made for contracts department to negotiate with ATC to return to option of receiving cash for transportation after successful completion of work tour. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Ferndale, Wash. EL YUNQUE (IUM), April 28Chairman Ronald Mena, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Deck Delegate Blair C. Baker, Engine Delegate Jimmie R. Graydon. Chairman announced payoff in Puerto Rico at 1O a.m. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Seafarers informed of dock change in Jacksonville. Next port: San Juan, P.R. HM/ DEFENDER (IUM), April 9--Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Charles J. Brockhaus, Deck Delegate Robert July2000 C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Roderick Frazier, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Payoff set for Corpus Christi, Texas. Ship to load gasoline for Perth Amboy, N.J. and then return on Citgo charter to Florida. Secretary reminded crew members leaving ship to get clean linen for reliefs. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received stating company headquarters moving to old Kirby/Sabine location in Port Arthur, Texas. New dryer requested for crew laundry as well as stationary bike in exercise room (or access to officers' exercise room). Microwave in crew mess also needed. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into being able to call for relief after 90 days instead of 120 and receiving vacation after completing 60-da.y relief job. Insurance cards requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM). April L9-Chnirman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Engine Delegate Victor Quloto. Chairman went over old business, noting receipt of new washer dryer and TV, thllllk to Capt. Jose Leonard. He announced payoff May l in Lake Charles, La. and reminded crew members to check expiration date on z-cards and other documents before it's too late. Secretary advised everyone to check pay vouchers and see captain or delegate as soon as possible for changes. Treasurer welcomes donations of all amounts for movie, satellite and gym equipment funds. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into raising vacation pay and including extra incentives in next contract. Also requested cost of living increases for pensioners and coverage for prescription drugs for dependents. Everyone asked to help keep lounge and crew laundry clean and separate plastic items from regular trash. After Lake Charles, ship heading to Port Everglades, Fla. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 16-Chairman John E. Stout, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Klaus E. Tammler, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Andy N. Campollo. Chainnan announced ship going into yard in Korea in June for about three weeks. He thanked everyone for keeping ship clean and separating garbage. Educa.tion.al director urged crew members to take advantage of educational and upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $709 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing time needed for vacation from 120 days to 90 days. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Panama Canal; Manzanillo, P.R.; and Freeport, Bahamas. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 9-Chairman Felix A. -· Santiago, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Clay Brown, Engine Delegate· Michael C. McNally, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman thanked crew for working together and maintaining ship's lounge. Educational director advised everyone to check expiration dates on documents. Renewals can take several days to weeks. Treasurer announced $40 in movie fund. Three movies purchased last trip; all contributions welcomed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to raise maintenance and cure rates and furnish prescription coverage for dependents. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious baked goods and menu variety. Suggestion made for company to supply refrigerators to all crew members. Request made for LOG to publish addresses of senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill (see page 20~ June issue). Next ports: Boston, Mass. and Elizabeth, N.J. KODIAK (CSX Lines), April 9Chainnan Garry D. Walker, Secretary Michael F. Meany. Payoff scheduled April 11 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Day off for all hands April 12; check with boarding patrolman. Old business taken care of. including heat in rooms and condition of linen locker. Treasurer announced $4,300 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter of thanks received from company regarding securing of 7,000-gallon propane tank that broke loose in a storm. Special meals (lobster and t-bone steak) provided by company a.s thank you for avoiding disaster with no injuries. Vote of thanks given to bosun's wife, Letty Jo Walker1 for dona.ting homemade jams and jellies to crew. Thanks also given to chief steward and his department for job very well done. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), April 23-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Jeffery T. Field, Engine Delegate Carl L. Turner. Bosun announced payoff in New Orleans April 25. Vessel will then return to Haifa, Israel. Secretary asked crew members to clean rooms and reefer boxes and turn in keys before leaving ship. Educational director suggested everyone take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification needed on DEU's cleaning of lounge and laundry areas. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk), April 16-Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director James T. McParland, Deck Delegate Dirk W. Adams, Steward Delegate Ivan R. Salis. Chairman noted. AB James Rose taken ill April 15 in Panama Canal. Will be gone at least until ship arrives in Charleston, S.C. April 19. Treasurer Jeffrey A. Lagana announced $728 in ship's fund. Two new vacuum cleaners purchased in Peru. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed for pension. Another suggestion made to have one person to a room when upgrading at Piney Point. Sincere thanks given to steward department for job well done and to deck department for wire change on crane. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), April 16-Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Ray A. Garcia, Deck Delegate David J. Joseph, Engine Delegate Ray Avie Jr., Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman reported payoff April 20 in Long Beach, Calif. Coast Guard inspection to take place at that time. He noted safe voyage with good crew and read schedule of courses available at Paul Hall Center. Relief steward I 1 dental program and prescription coverage for dependents. New toaster needed in crew messhall as well as first-aid kits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (OSG Ship Mgmt.), April 9--Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Pablo P. Lopez, Educational Director Murray W. Roberson. Everything going well, according to chairman. Stopover in South America While at anchor in the port of Guayaquil, Ecuador recently, crew members aboard the Maersk Tennessee wait at the bow for bunkers to be loaded . From the left are Chief Mate Kurt Breitfeller, Bosun Jerry Borucki. ABM John Wagner and Second Mate Deborah Hennen. The vessel is on a San Antonio, Texas to Guayaquil to Long Beach, Calif. run. stated regular steward to return in Long Beach. This was his first time on Maersk ship and he enjoyed trip. He reminded crew members to check seamen's documents and STCW for expiration and suggested upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Educ~tional director advised crew to think and practice safety at all times. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for refrigerators for crew rooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department, especially Chief Cook Bright. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), April 16-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Steward Delegate Clancy T. Hennigan. Chairman noted repair of ice machine, but part still on order for washer. Ship will dock on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. April 10. Everything running smoothly. Secretary thanked his department members, especially Chief Cook Hennigan, for excellent job. Educational director urged all to upgrade at Piney Point and to be aware of z-card expiration (every five years). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to reinstate time off on freighters. Request information as to Money Purchase Pension Plan. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Mgmt.), April 9-Chairman Gary L. Dates, Secretary Mark A. Flores, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate Michael Gay, Steward Delegate Marco Guity. Chairman thanked everyone for job well done. Separate pay vouchers to be issued for Saturday and OT work due to lack of cash on board ship. Secretary noted trip to North Korea very educational. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into being able to leave ship after six months and receive transportation and unemployment. Also suggested upgraded Payoff scheduled in New Orleans after clearing immigration and customs. Galley gang to have cookout/barbecue every Sunday. Secretary suggested crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and get necessary endorsements for higher jobs. Better ratings mean more money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to chief cook and his crew for job well done. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), April 11-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary David A. Cuningham, Educational Director Alan A. Rogers II, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Terry J. Mouton, Steward Delegate Cecilio E. Suarez. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Elizabeth, NJ. April 14. Vessel stores to be delivered at that time. Chairman also noted captain put out revised schedule of vessel's arrival on West Coast but is subject to change. He reminded crew members to check STCWs and zcards for expiration dates. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. He will check class offerings for those getting off and wanting to attend courses there. Treasurer stated $750 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read several articles from LOG and reminded everyone to keep updated on new information about union and maritime industry. Recommendations made for contracts department to look into increasing pension due to rising cost of living, and lowering seatime and age requirement for pension. Bosun thanked steward department for great food and keeping areas clean. Chief steward commented to bosun and deck gang about great new paint job on aft house. New mattresses to be ordered for everyone by end of month. Entire crew thanked Messman Suarez for keeping messhalls spotlessly clean and well stocked. Next ports: Elizabeth; San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SID Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the plan. Plan expenses were $13,560,893. These expenses included $892,001 in administrative expenses and $12,668,892 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4,560 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $147,907,172 as of July 31, 1999, compared to $156,888, l 93 as of July 31, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $8,981,021. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets, which is the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $4,579,872, including employer contributions of $29,212, and earnings from investments of $4,549,539, and other income of $1,121. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information - You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of the administrator of the SID Pacific District Pension Plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104 and the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5507, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Thailand in Seattle Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Steward department members on the APL Thailand recently met with SIU Tacoma Safety Director Jamie Overby aboard the vessel in Seattle. They discussed the latest union news including the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Pictured from left to right are ACU Tim Ellis, Chief Cook Enrique Garrido and Chief Steward Cynthia Caster. FRANCIS X. THOMAS ltiJ!~I Dep~rtures· . .· ·:co~tbi~~d ftom p~ge i a sailing aboard the P.F. Martin, a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Simone worked in the deck departmertt and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. The Pennsylvania native last sailed as a pilot aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Dover, Tenn., he retired in August 1988. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946. HERBERT I. SWARTZ Pensioner Herbert I. Swartz, 71, passed away January 25. A native of New Jersey, he joined the SIU irt 1972 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training center in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in March 1990, Brother Swartz sailed aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. from 1942 to 1947. He was a resident of Clifton, Heights, Pa. 20 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Francis X. Thomas, 72, died February 18. After 22 years in the U.S. Navy, he began his Seafarers career in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Thomas sailed as a captain and attended an education conference at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. The Pennsylvania native last worked aboard an Atlantic Towing Co. vessel and began receiving his pension in October 1989. Portsmouth, Va. was his home. ROBERT A. WATSON Pensioner Rohen A. Watson, 70, passed away February 25. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Watson sailed primarily aboard Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessels as a member of the deck department. A resident of Philadelphia, he started receiving his pension in February 1992. PAULG. WEST Paul G. West, 58, died February 3. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1979. Boatman West worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he sailed primarily aboard Allied Towing Co. vessels. GREAT LAKES RAYMONDE. SALMI Pensioner Raymond E. Salmi, 79, died March 28. The Ohio native joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Salmi worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. A resident of Parma, Ohio, he began receiving his pension in June 1982. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1945. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (On on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July2000 �With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: Documents proving 120 days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of you_.r union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED anlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their allJllication. The payment should be made with a money order only. oavable to UPGRADING APPLICATION LMSS. Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member 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 D No [J Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? [J Yes D No If yes, ~lass#-----------------------­ 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - July2000 - - - - - - - - -- - Date Off: 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 HaU Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex.. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Able Seaman Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 601 - Unlicensed apprentices in class 601 graduating from the water survival course are (from left, kneeling) Nathaniel Miller, Malik Hunt, Bryan Hill, Ole Olesen, David Provost, Kenneth Green, (second row) Deshawn Stephenson, Patrick McAlpin, Stiles Anderson, Gilberto Figueroa Jr., William Yurick, Joshua Ellerbee, Jerramy McNeil and Bryan Mccallum Jr. SIU members successfully completing the AB curriculum May 26 are (in alphabetical order) Adel Alameri, Robert Arneel, Benjamin Barnes, Ronald Burris Jr., Jimmie Casey, Deronja Clark, Antony Cruzvergara, Carey Hatch, David Heindel Jr., Ausberto Laspinas, Lito Mariano, Brian McLamon, Royal Mobley, Nestor Montoya Jr., Lawrence Richardson Jr., Russell Roberts and Ziting Xu. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is in the back row, fifth from left. Liillittd L -CtDH - Graduate5 of the 6-week limitecJ licen$e ¢:0urs~ ar~ (in alphaMtieal l'.lrder) Billy Barletto, Robert Boudreaux, Shane Boudreaux, William Bruce, Michael Cascio, Victor DiGiorgio, Troy Gros. Gregory Jarvis. s~ott Morton and Blaine Tompson. This course includes inland and international rules of the road, piloting in coastal waters, weather observations and forecasting, among other topics. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course May 19 are (from left, kneeling) Michael McErlean, Benny Perez, Carlos Castillo, Dorothy Carter, Kameron Kamaunu, Elpidio Toyco, (second row) Guy Todd II, Brian Guiry, Gregorio Abalos Jr., Karl Roy Jr. Angel Perez, Crista Arnold, James Reily, Thomas Powe, Cuthbert Forbes, (third row) Chris Todd, Tyrone Brown, Christopher Cummings, Lawrence Rose, Clinton Gillins, Timothy Kotsis, Shauntay Shavies, Sherrod Frazier, Steven Ruiz, William Harris, Kyle Bailey, Michael Repko, Bernard Baker, Eric Bridges and Charles James. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Unlicensed Apprentice Graduation - After all the hard work and studying, unlicensed apprentices completing their third and final phase of study are (in no particular order) Dwayne Brock, Roderick French, Phillip Hartline, Richard Huffman, L.G. Johnson, Charles Joswiak, Travis Kirchhofer, Steven Pollard, Chad Reynolds and Joseph Rutter. 22 Seafarers LOB Upgraders Water Survival - SIU members graduating from the water survival class April 28 are (from left, kneeling) Radfan Alkamlani. Joseph Ashworth, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Ziting Xu, Ausberto Laspinas, (second row) Michael Joel, Faustino Onato, Alberto lnsong, Jimmie Casey, Joel Rosete, Lito Mariano, Carey Hatch, Russell Roberts, Bakr Elbana, (third row) Benjamin Barnes, Gregory Baker, Gerry Querubin, Michael Repko, Royal Mobley and Scott Brady. July2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements May 12 (and giving the thumbs-up sign) are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, John Alicea, Charles Billips, Daniel Borden, Michael Bragdon, Louis Champa Jr., Christopher Corpuz, Byron Harris, Thomas Hawkins, Orlando Herrera, Michael Jarvi, Robert Kane, Cornell Knox, Paul Kucan II, Louis Nickerson, Rocky Olds, Ramon Sanchez, Joseph Schrack, Al Seay, Edgar Shrode, Dana Thomas, Jason Tracey, Donald Tye, Jevon Vontoure and David Watkins. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Jones. ,) Steward Department Skills Guvernment Vessels - With instructor Greg Thompson (standing, fourth from right) are students who completed the government vessels \;Ourse April 14. ln\;luded in the group are Corinthis Thomas, Dulip Sookhiram, Michael Davis, Clinton Gillins, Joao Cordeiro. John Kolodziej, Gerry Querubin, Bakr Elbana, Adeeb Saleh, Joel Rosete, Luis Lopez and Jacob Scott. Learning specific culinary skills which will prepare them to sail as a chief cook are (left) Chef/Instructor John Dobson with Simone Solomon, (above) Dana Washington and Chris Amlgable, and (below) Breon Lucas and Jonathan Gibson. CPR/First Aid - Instructor Jennifer Langford (kneeling, left) joins graduates of the CPR/first aid course, including Dorothy Carter, Jioia deLeon, Heather Frizzelle, Romeo Rivera. Faustino Onato. Wendelyn Sugui, (second row) Bill Churney, J.D. Berger, Greg Baker, Tom Woerner, Kameron Kamaunu, Scott Brady and Derrick Sullivan. Advanced Galley Operations Able Seaman - Instructor Larry Malone (standing, right) works closely with AB students in the April 28 graduating class. They include Efrain Collazo, Alvin Clark, Nathaniel Salter, Bernard Beof, Cornelio Villaflor, Dionisio Baldevia and Clifton Doon is. July2000 Ready to cook aboard any ship following completion of the advanced galley operations course are (from left, front row) Gregory Blaylock, Elida Miguel, Joel Ramos, Jack Savin, Dulip Sookhiram, Vincente Molina, (second row) Instructor Ed White, Gerry Querubin, Radfan Alkamlani, Bianca Bennett, Robert Dillinger and John Leahey. Seafarers LOB 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT SIU Pacific District Pension Plan -page20 Seafarers Welcome MSC Commander Admiral Holder Visits SIU-Crewed Gopher Stat.e SIU members aboard the prepositioning ship Gopher State recently welcomed a trio of special visitors, led by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC). Holder toured the ship in Guam. He was accompanied by Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, base commander of U.S. Navy Forces Marianas in Guam; and Captain Philip Briscoe, commander of MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron (MPSRON) Three. The Gopher State is a crane ship owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration and operated by Interocean Ugland Management. It is one of eight ships currently serving in MPSRON Three. The others are the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Sgt. William R. Button, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams. SP5 Eric G. Gibson, Ltc. Calvin P. Titus and the SS Petersburg. "The squadron's mission is to provide swift and effective sea transportation of vital equipment and supplies to a designated area of operations," notes MSC. The vessels "can leave port and sail literally anywhere in the world and bring combat support and equipment the U.S. Marines and Army need to accomplish their missions .... Since its inception, the squadron has operated in support of operations Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and Restore Hope in Somalia, as well as other numerous exercises and operations from California to Korea." AB Jonathan Davis OS Rodolfo Zena, OS Louis Anderson Left: OS Dionce Bright Bosun Nathaniel Leary '% AB Ronald Makowiecki Left: Seafarers also welcomed aboard Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, base commander of U.S. Navy Forces Marianas in Guam (fourth from left); and Captain Philip Briscoe, commander of MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three (third from left). Pictured from left to right are Chief Steward Herbert Davis (rear), AB Philip Perry, Capt. Briscoe, Radm. Fellin, AB James McCarthy, Gopher State Capt. Tim McGeein, OS Dionce Bright, AB Jonathan Davis and AB Jesus Olbes. Admiral Gordon s. Holder, MSC commander (fifth from left), recently was welcomed aboard the Gopher State in Guam. Pictured on the ship (from left) are A6 Roncild Makowiecki, AB Jonathan Davis, SA Adele George, OS Louis Anderson, Adm. Holder, AB Jesus Olbes, Bosun Nathaniel Leary, AB Charles Corley, AB Philip Perry and OS Dionce Bright. "· Keeping their fellow crew members well fed are (from left) Chief Steward Herbert Davis, SA Adele George, SA Jeffrey Mitchell, Chief Cook Wayne Webb and SA Anthony Grant. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES FORMER MSC COMMANDER URGES NEW MARITIME POLICY ADM. PERKINS CITES MERCHANT MARINE’S ESSENTIAL ROLE IN U.S. NATIONAL DEFENSE ANOTHER TAKE ON FOC CRUISE SHIPS: LA TIMES BARES ‘SWEATSHOPS AT SEA’ SEAFARERS CREW MSC’S NEWEST RO/RO USNS CHARLTON STRENGTHENS PREPOSITIONING FLEET NEW HALL OPENS IN BALTIMORE COLUMBIA QUEEN SAILS; PATRIOT LAUNCHES DEC. 9 INDY CREW TO THE RESCUE SEAFARERS’ SWIFT REACTIONS SAVE LIVES EXPRESS MARINE CREWS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT IMO REVISING SOLAS CHAPTER STCW IN PLAIN ENGLISH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR TACKLES SEGMENTS OF AMENDED ’95 CONVENTION CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON SIMULATOR COMPLEX ‘VOTE OF THANKS’ CREWS COMMEND CONTRACT IMPROVEMENTS NATION HONORS MERCHANT MARINERS MAERSK SEALAND OPENS NEW HOUSTON TERMINAL NEW YORK’S 30-YEAR LEASE APPROVED WITH THE MEMBERS IN AND AROUND THE JACKSON HALL A VOYAGE TO INDIA-1940 BY J. MELFORD SMITH SEAFARERS WELCOME MSC COMMANDER ADMIRAL HOLDER VISITS SIU-CREWED GOPHER STATE 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 07/01/2000 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. 7 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log