http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/67055866d2ab42ca61786791a4a12143.pdf b61109a3146b6237bb7ccf99554474b5 PDF Text Text February 2001 Volume 63, Number 2 Launch of 'Rocket Ship' Signals New Jobs I or SIU From the vessel's run to its cargo to its appearance, the SIU-crewed Delta Mariner is anything but typical. The ship carries space equipment between Alabama, Florida and California. Page 2. Philly Boatmen Crew New Tug SIU boatmen in the Philadelphia area, including Manolo Salinel (right photo), late last year welcomed the new tugboat Z-One to the McAllister fleet. Page 4. SIU Tallying Committee Announces Election Results The SIU's rank-and-file tallying committee last month released its calculation of the ballots cast by Seafarers. Voting for national officers of the union took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. The ballot also included five proposed constitutional amendments. The committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU, along with other results. The tallying committee's report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings next month. Page 3. GMDSS Course Approved - Page 3 Crowley Refurbishes 25 Tugs Restoration of the 25 Crowley tugs includes rebuilding the engines. Page 4. Health ID Cards Planned - Page 3 TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS -Pages12-13 �President's Report STCW Countdown The deadline for full compliance with the amended STCW convention is one year away. To all SIU members who will need an STCW certificate, basic safety training or any other STCW-related endorsements by Feb. 1, 2002, I urge you to take the necessary steps now. If you're still uncertain about the requirements, there are several good sources of information. You can start by calling the toll-free STCW hotline at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: 1-877-2353275. Please, don't put it off. The deadline is quite Michael Sacco real, as are the potential consequences from port state control officials for mariners who fail to comply with the STCW regulations. Also, if you think you' ll need STCW basic safety training between now and the deadline, please contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office immediately-even if you don't plan to attend until much later this year. That will help give the school, located in Piney Point, Md., a better handle on how many students to expect for the next 11 months. It also may enlighten any callers who have been putting off their STCW training, because classes are limited. Again, for your own good, please get moving! Protecting Our Interests At monthly membership meetings, shipboard meetings and in the Seafarers LOG, the SIU regularly has been reporting on the STCW 1995 amendments since well before their adoption that summer. But, in conjunction with the Paul Hall Center, we've done a lot more than just report the news about STCW. We've helped make it. The SIU and the school consistently have participated in the international meetings before and after the amendments passed. We have been vigilant in speaking out for the interests of U.S. mariners, beating back attempts by other nations to cut manning levels and reduce mariner training requirements. We also won a significant battle against the suggestion of solo bridge watch at night, among other accomplishments. In 1997, we became the first organization to publish a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB), a pocket-size document designed to help Seafarers keep track of-and prove-their various STCW certifications. This was an important development, not just because the TRB is a lot more convenient than carrying dozens of certificates, but also because the amended STCW convention heavily relies on practical demonstrations of skills. The TRB aids Seafarers in getting appropriate, needed credit for their shipboard work and safety drills. STCW's impact on the SIU also is very evident at the Paul Hall Center. During the past several years, the school has totally revamped its curriculums to help ensure students' compliance with the new regulations, including an overhaul of the unlicensed apprentice program. Old classes have been restructured, and new ones have been added. Working closely with the Coast Guard, Paul Hall Center personnel have painstakingly taken the steps to enable the school to become a self-certifying facility. And of course, the school has added a pair of world-class facilities in the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the new simulator building. STCW requirements were a driving force in the opening of both. Suffice it to say, we have not been spectators in this lengthy and sometimes complex scenario. We will continue to help protect U.S. mariners' rights well beyond the arrival of the final STCW deadline. Historic Votes The March membership meetings will mark the next phase of the merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU-truly an historic occasion. The final stage will take place when the merger agreement itself is negotiated, finalized and then presented to the memberships of both unions for approval during membership meetings. As many of you know, merger talks between our unions date back many decades. For the longest time, it seemed as if the amalgamation never would happen. But, as evidenced by the absolutely overwhelming support nowadays of both the SIU and NMU memberships, the time is right for the merger. I invite SIU members to be part of history at the March meetings by approving the next phase of the unification. Volume 63, Number 2 February 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hines; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor: Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB 'Rocket Ship' Signifies Afore llew Jobs for SIU From its cargo to its design, the SIU-crewed Delta Mariner has a futuristic feel. But the newest addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet isn't science fiction. The 312-foot vessel, designed to transport rocket boosters and other space hardware, entered service several months ago. The Delta Mariner mainly sails between Alabama, Florida and California. Thanks to a variable ballast design, the vessel operates on rivers as well as oceans. "Out of all my 33 years going to sea with the SIU, this is the most unique ship I have sailed on," stated Recertified Steward Lonnie Gamble. "It's a small ship, but the crew is just like family. It's easy to work together." Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell noted, "I'm excited about being one of the first SIU members to take a ship from one end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the other. ... It's a challenge, helping operate a new vessel and The Delta Mariner transports rocket boosters and other equipment for Boeing's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. a new concept. I'm glad to be part of it." Built at Halter Marine in Gulfport, Miss. and designed by Foss Maritime, the Delta Mariner's main mission is hauling Boeing's Delta IV flight hardware stowed on a custom secur- ing system. In addition to the rocket boosters, the ship can transport upper-stage rocket motors, satellites and more. Typically, the ship will travel between Decatur, Ala., Cape Canaveral, Fla. and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The dual- Continued on page 8 Dena Mariner At A Glance Welcoming SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (third from left) aboard the vessel are (front row, from left) Seafarers Lonnie Gamble, Joseph Kadak, David Dinnes, Johnny O'Ferrell, Fortune Mccants, (second row) Jerome Smith, J.W. Watkins and Alvin Dinkins. • ••• • • •• Length: 312' -7" Beam: 82' Depth (main deck): 20' Ocean displacement: 5,600 LT River displacement: 3,300 LT Power (total installed): 8,000 HP Speed: 15 knots Maximum cargo DWT capacity: 4,620 ST Source: Foss Maritime Co. Census Data Lead to Changes In U.S. House Representation New numbers from the U .S. Census 2000 released in late December show which states will gain seats in the U.S . House of Representatives and which states likely will lose representatives after redistricting. According to the U.S. Censu Bureau, 18 states will have to add or reduce the number of members in the U.S. House. State legislatures will redraw district lines in the coming year to address these changes. Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas will gain two U.S. House seats. California, Colorado, Nevada and North Carolina will gain one. New York and Pennsylvania will lose two seats apiece and Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wisconsin will lose one. All other states have no change in their number of representatives. In all states, legislatures can redraw congressional district lines based upon local census data, which are expected to be released in March. Last year, according to published AFL-CIO reports, unions working with civil rights and community organizations helped build coalitions to make sure an accurate and complete census was conducted. The1990 census missed 4.5 million people, including more than 2 million children. U.S. Census data is used to distribute federal dollars-especially those targeted toward low- and moderate-income families and their communities. Apportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 1oath Congress ,(J, ........ u,crns c sac !t ~ t.u ~ February 2001 �Seafarers Pass Constitutional Amendments Committee Announces Election Results; Michael Sacco Is Reelected President The SIU's tallying committee recently released its tabulation of the ballots cast by union members in the voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District as well as five constitutional amendments, which took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. Composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the Sill's IO constitutional halls), the rank-and-file committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; election of John Fay as the union's executive vice president; and election of David Heindel as secretary-treasurer. Fay and Heindel already had served in those respective positions since 1997, shortly after the Sill's 1996 elections. They were appointed in 1997 because of a vacancy created by the death of then-SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco. Meanwhile, the tallying committee's report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings next month (March). The committee reported that each of the five proposed constitutional amendments was approved- by overwhelming majorities. The amendments pertained to a dues increase and payment of dues; membership meeting quorums; a name change to reflect the merger of the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the SIU; and the addition of two executive board slots, also in consider- ation of the SIU-NMU merger. Similarly, none of the races for office was close. In addition to Sacco, Fay and Heindel, the committee reported the election of the following officers, who also will serve four-year terms (2001-2004): • Augie Tellez, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; •Jack Caffey, Atlantic Coast vice president; • Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; • Thomas Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; •Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; • Kennett Mangram, government services and fishing industries vice president; • George Tricker, assistant vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; • Nick Celona, assistant vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; • Ambrose L. Cucinotta, assistant vice president in charge of the Gulf Coast; • Don Anderson, assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast; • James McGee, assistant vice president in charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters; • Robert Hall, assistant vice president in charge of government services and fishing industries; •Leo Bonser, headquarters representa- Members of the tallying committee met last month at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to tabulate ballots cast by union members. Serving on the tallying committee following their election by fellow SIU members are (seated, from left) Louella Sproul, Joe Barry, Charlie Clausen, John Cain, Ernest Hoitt, (second row) David Salentre, Jimmy Simms, Joseph Birke, John Wozunk, Jamie Miller, Gregory Stone, Pat Farley, Joey Gallo, (third row) James Bening, Mike Sutton, Terry Mouton, Walter Harris, Tom Casey, Kendra Savage and Dave Wierschem. tive; • Carl Peth, headquarters representative; • Edward "Edd" Morris, Piney Point port agent; •Robert Selzer, New York port agent; • Joe Soresi, Philadelphia port agent; • Dennis Metz, Baltimore port agent; • Ed Kelley, Mobile port agent; •Steve Judd, New Orleans port agent; • Tony McQuay, Houston port agent; • Vince Coss, San Francisco port agent; •Becky Sleeper, St. Louis port agent; • Don Thornton, Algonac port agent. The committee met during the week of Jan. 2 at the union's headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to receive the ballots from the bank where they were kept, count the votes in the contested races and for the amendments, and determine the status of void or challenged ballots. (In accordance with Article XIII of the union's constitution, unopposed candidates were considered elected to their respective positions once nominations closed and the membership approved the report of the credentials committee, which took place last fall.) The committee also reconvened Jan. 12 at headquarters, after being advised that the post office had failed to deliver to the bank depository 152 ballots. Of those, 139 were eligible to be counted, and they are included in the committee's final tallies. In concluding the report, the committee wrote, "All of the members of the committee wi.sh to express their deep appreciation for the cooperation and assistance given to us by the union's legal department and its technical and clerical staff. "Finally, the members of the union tallying committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our union and advance the strength of the maritime industry." The committee elected as co-chairmen Recertified Bosun John Cain (from the Port of Houston) and QMED Charlie Clausen (Piney Point). Also serving on the committee from the Gulf Coast were Chief Electrician Joe Barry and AB Mike Sutton from Mobile, Recertified Bosun Kendra Savage from Houston, and Recertified Steward Ernest Hoitt and Chief Steward Joseph Birke from New Orleans. Representing the constitutional ports on the Atlantic Coast were Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller from Piney Point, QMED Terry Mouton and Chief Cook Joey Gallo from New York, FOWT John Wozunk and Mechanic Pat Farley from Philadelphia, and AB Walter Harris and Cook/Baker Jimmy Simms from Baltimore. Elected to the committee from Algonac were AB James Bening and Mate David Salentre. Attending from St. Louis were Bosun Tom Casey and Cook/Baker Dave Wierschem. Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and QMED Gregory Stone served on the committee after being elected from the port of San Francisco. Paul Hall Center's 6MDSS Course Approved by Coast 6uard The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a 70-hour GMDSS course offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The first class is scheduled for this month (see box). This will mark the first time that the Paul Hall Center has offered GMDSS training. GMDSS stands for global marine distress and safety system. Under amendments to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all cargo ships and passenger vessels greater than 300 gross tons that ~ail on international voyages must be fitted with GMDSS equipment. Applicants for the course must possess the regular qualifications for upgrading, plus hold a 200 ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. Mariners who currently hold U.$. Coast Guard-Approved Courses ,. Available at Paul Hal Center Atiie seaman·~ urmi~ '~mat!Q Ra$rPiotting Aids (ARPA} i/Sasic Safety 1'ratnlng . Basic safety Tfainlng Refr6$her ,, Bfidge Re$00roe Manag~nt . . , · ¢rlsh; Managemeot & Human Behavior · Crowd Management · ·Fke Fighting Advanced ,J=ire Fighting Basic {16-hour) · Fite l=ighting Basic (30~hour} ·• fire ff9htfng Basic Refresher •,Fll'.e Fighting Combined first Aid {$-hour) · First Aid Refresher fWT/Oller . GMDSS ·.· Me'dicat Care Provider . Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities ·•· Petsenaf 8afety & Social Responsibilities ·". 'Refresher .(Personal Survival Techniq®s February 2001 · Personal Survival Techniques Refresher Proficiency fn Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques .·. QMEO ·My Rating Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Observer Recertification Radar Observer Ref!esher Ratings Forming Part of a Navigatfonat Watch/Able Seaman Social Responsibilities SpeciaUy Trained Ordinary Seaman Tani< Barge Dangerous Liquids Tank Ship Famutarization {Dangerous Liquids} Tank Ship Fam!fiaritatiaon {Liquefied Gases) Third Mate Unlicensed Apprentice Program Vessel FamlliariZation Vtsuat Communications {Flashing Light} Weter Survival GMDSS certification but who haven't passed a Coast Guardapproved, 70-hour course, must do so by Feb. 1, 2002 in order to receive GMDSS credentials on their STCW certificate. (Alternatively, they may use a "challenge" course, though that route is considered quite difficult, partly because GMDSS equipment is fairly complex.) "The key for SIU members who take the 70-hour course at Piney Point is that they will be enrolled in a U.S. Coast Guardapproved class that also is STCW compliant," noted J.C. Weigman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "There is a widespread need for the course to meet the STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002, and this school is prepared to fulfill that need." The course will utilize the new simulator at Piney Point, which was installed last year. It is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of GMDSS communication, distress alerting and operational proceVHF DSC, dures for INMARSAT-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. For more information on the class, contact the Paul Hall Center at (301) 994-0010. For more information on GMDSS in general, there are numerous internet sites of interest, including the following U.S. Coast Guard site: http://www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/gmdss/. GMDSS Course Dates • Feb. 17-March 2 • March 17-March 30 • April 14-April 27 • May 12-May 25 SIU Health Plan To Issue ID Cards Participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (formerly the Seafarers Welfare Plan) will receive medical identification cards sometime later this year. Plan Administrator Lou Delma last month announced preliminary information about the new ID cards, which will contain routine data such as bearers' names, Social Security numbers, and insurance contacts. Such information typically is required by health care providers in order for them to verify coverage. Last month's announcement coincided with the name change from Seafarers Welfare Plan .to Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Delma said the cards are intended "to better serve the needs of eligible members and their families." The Seafarers LOG will publish more details about the new identification cards as they become available. Seafarers LOG 3 �Crowley Refurbishes 25 SIU-Crewed Tugs Crowley Maritime Corporation late last year launched a multi-million dollar project to refurbish 25 U.S.-flagged, SIUcrewed seagoing tugs. The restoration effort includes rebuilding the tugs' engines, which effectively starts them off at zero hours. Crowley officials say the engine upgrades will provide a marked improvement in the tug fleet's overall performance and reliability. Each vessel's engine will now be capable of generating a powerful 150,000 pounds of bollard pull ahead and 7 ,200 maximum continuous BHP. ln addition to engine restorations, the tugs received numerous other improvements. Many were the result of suggestions from SIU crew members and operations personnel who were interviewed and asked for their input about the tugs' strengths and weaknesses. Even seemingly minor information gathered during this process made a major difference in the overall functionality of the refurbished tugs, officials said. Further, it gave everyone concerned a sense of involvement in the renovation effort. Among improvements which resulted from crew input were: • A small light was added over chart tables. This addition meant that the master would no longer have to tum on the overhead light on the bridge-a problem that previously caused him to lose night visibility. • Stairs and ladder stripping were replaced with a more effective, non-skid coating to reduce the risk of injury. • Ethernet connections were installed in the tug interiors in anticipation of a future LAN sys- Philly Boatmen Welcome Z-One Welcoming guests to a ceremony Dec. 11 in Camden, N.J. marking the new tug's launch are Deckhand Walter Ott, AMO Engineer Sam Shellinger, Captain Rob Torres and Mate Sean Taylor. SIU-contracted McAllister Towing of Philadelphia has added a new Z-drive tugboat to its ship docking services. The Z-One joined McAllister's fleet late last year. "It's nimble and has quick response," noted Captain Guy Del Greco. Mate Dave Steckel pointed out that the modem boat "definitely is different. This is the tug of the future ." The Z-One is 94 feet long, 32 feet wide and has 4,400 hp. "The crews seem happy because the Z-drives can do more than the conventional tugs," said SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi. "They have better maneuverability." The SIU represents captains, mates and deckhands at McAllister in Philadelphia and also represents McAllister crews in Baltimore and Norfolk, Va. Pictured at left, also at the ceremony, are (from left) SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski, SIU Port ·· Agent Joe Soresi, Shellinger, Torres and Ott. •· Among the first Seafarers to sail aboard the new tug Z-One are (from left) Captain Guy Del Greco, Deckhand Walter Ott and Mate Dave Steckel. 4 Seafarers LOii tern to support PC-based Integrated Vessel Management Solution (IVMS) systems. • Interior portholes were trimmed with stainless steel to prevent water from intruding behind the bulkheads. • Wood panels in the cabins and galleys were replaced with lighter colored, more durable paneling that can be easily removed for access. • Wheelhouse control consoles in pilothouses were redesigned and enlarged. This upgrade affords the operator improved visibility during maneuvering and docking operations. To date, five tugs have been refurbished. Five more are scheduled to undergo the process during the next 11 months. The work is being done at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville, Fla., under the supervision of Crowley engineers. "The long-term investment made in the refurbishment of these tugs is of great benefit to our customers because it helps us to maintain the service reliability and schedule integrity they have come to expect," said Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. These "invader class" vessels, each of which is crewed by six Seafarers, handle a variety of jobs throughout the Crowley system including the ocean towing of the company's triple-deck RO/RO barges between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. \ ~\ Five of Crowley's 25 SIU-crewed seagoing tugs already have been refurbished. In photo above, the work is being done at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville under the watchful eyes of Crowley engineers. Below, an engine, which will be rebuilt, is pulled from one of the tugs. NY Ferry Crew Rescues Man from Icy Water Three Seafarers who sail aboard NY Waterway commuter ferries saved a man from the icy Hudson River on Dec. 20. Captain Mike Baranok and Deckhands Mike Leon and Jermaine Coakley executed the nighttime rescue from the ferry Thomas Jefferson after Queens resident Ron Bertozzi fell overboard from the pleasure boat Mystique. Bertozzi landed in the water approximately a quarter-mile from the Harborside Ferry Terminal in Jersey City, according to news reports. He remained there for about 15 minutes, until the SIU trio arrived in response to a distress call. Coakley told The Jersey Journal that Bertozzi appeared "frantic, scared and losing control. He was so cold that he couldn't hold on (to a life ring from the ferry) ." Leon entered the water and retrieved Bertozzi, who later was treated for hypothermia. "I was only in there for two or three minutes up to my waist, but it felt like needles all over my legs. And the victim was totally stiff, stiff as a board," Leon told the newspaper. More than 100 SIU members sail aboard NY Watson Saves 2 The training of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Watson paid huge dividends during the early evening hours of Dec. 12 when they saved the lives of two U.S. Navy personnel. The Watson was situated just off shore near Diego Garcia when a crew member noticed a motorized boat doing continuous high speed turns in a lagoon. The lagoon was located about two nautical miles from the USNS Watson. Word immediately was passed to the bridge where Chief Mate Michael Ross was on duty as watch officer. Ross notified Captain G.W. Hynes, who came to the bridge to evaluate the situation. Photo by Kathleen KellylThe Jersey Journal SIU TO THE RESCUE: Seafarers aboard the NY Waterway commuter ferry Thomas Jefferson rescued a local man from the Hudson River in late December. From left to right are Deckhands Mike Leon and Jermaine Coakley and Captain Mike Baranok. Waterway ferries. The company operates 22 boats covering 10 routes between New York and New Jersey. Crew members recently approved a new four-year contract. It appeared that no one was driving the boat, but from their position neither Ross nor Hynes was certain. Therefore, they notified port officials and launched a lifeboat and rescue crew from the Watson to investigate. Ross, Third Assistant Engineer Philip G. Brand and AB William J ohnson comprised the crew. Upon reaching the scene, they saw two Navy personnel in the water some 300 yards away from the pleasure craft. Apparently, they had lost control of the craft and fallen off. Both were suffering from exhaustion and minor shock, and one had minor injuries and was on the verge of drowning. The rescue crew expeditiously recovered both victims and attended to their first aid needs. The two sailors were later transported to port where emergency medical personnel and equipment were on standby. Hynes praised the professionalism displayed by his crew during the entire incident and singled out members of the deck department for "remembering every bit of training we put them through and putting it to work today." Bosun James Marchiano was lauded for his organization on deck which led to the safe and prompt launching and recovery of the lifeboat and rescue crew. "The training and maintenance we conducted in the past proved its worth today when we were called to the task and two lives were saved," the captain said. Feblllary 2001 �Mineta Heads DOT; Chao Tapped for DOL Senate Commerce Committee Finalized The Senate on Jan. 24 unanimously confirmed former U.S. Commerce Secretary Norman Mineta as the new transportation secretary, as President Bush's administration and the 107th Congress continued talcing shape. That same day, Elaine Chao, the president's nominee for U.S. Labor Secretary and a former deputy maritime administrator, fared extremely well during her four-hour confirmation hearing before the Senate Labor Committee. Her confirmation appeared certain as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Earlier in the month, panel assignments were completed for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committeewhich has primary jurisdiction over marine transportation legislation. The committee is composed of 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats, reflecting the Senate's even split (see box). In other moves of interest to the maritime industry, Rep. Don Young CD-Alaska) is chairing the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, while Rep. Bob Stump (R-Ariz.) heads the House Armed Services Committee. Decisions were pending for the leadership of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Armed Services Committee's Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine. SIU President Michael Sacco welcomed the nominations of both Mineta and Chao. In a congratulatory note to the new transportation secretary, he wrote, "The unanimous approval of your nomination by the U.S. Senate reflects the high regard in which you are held by the Congress, the transportation community, and the American people. We appreciate the strong support you gave to the U.S.-flag merchant marine during your many years of service in the U.S . House of Representatives. We now look forward to working with you as you develop initiatives to further strengthen the various tran portation sectors and, in particular, the U.S. maritime industry." The only Democrat to serve in President Bush's cabinet, Mineta during his confirmation hearing faced questions mostly related to air transportation. He answered a few queries concerning maritime and expressed support for "adequate" funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. "Transportation is vital to our national well-being, whether measured as economic growth, as international competitiveness, or as quality of life, and I look forward to working with the Senate in implementing President Bush's agenda for transportation," he stated. Mineta from 1975 to 1995 served as a member of U.S. House of Representatives, representing the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Chao was Bush's second selection for labor secretary. The first, Linda Chavez, withdrew from consideration following the disclosure that she had housed an illegal immigrant. The labor movement strongly oppo ed Chavez's nomination. Chao is a familiar face in maritime. In addition to serving at MarAd, she chaired the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and subsequently worked as deputy ecretary of transportation. Additionally, she was the director of the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1992 and headed the United Way from 1992 to 1996. Upon learning of Chao's nomination, Sacco on Jan. 11 wrote to Vice President Richard Cheney supporting the selection. When the SIU worked with Chao during her time with MarAd, the FMC and the transportation department, "We found her to be dedicated to a strong U.S. transportation system, knowledgeable of the complex issues facing the various transportation modes, and an innovative leader in carrying out the transportation program of President Bush," the SIU president wrote. "We welcome her addition to the Bush/Cheney Administration." At her confirmation hearing, Chao emphasized the need to train U.S. workers to meet today's job opportunities. "There are tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of high-tech jobs that cannot be filled while, at the same time, there are millions of Americans who cannot currently Union Settles Grievance With MSC After a two-year disagreement, the SIU has settled a major grievance with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) involving mariners who sailed aboard the USNS Walter Diehl in January 1999. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler Sr. played crucial roles to ensure victory for civil service mariners. "In the end, both sides deserve credit for keeping the lines of communication open and agreeing to a fair settlement," Tellez stated. "Overall, our union has a great working relationship with MSC, but we differed on this particular situation. Fortunately, because of that excellent relationship, we were able to arrive at a fair conclusion." In January 1999, the Diehl was scheduled for a major overhaul at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore. Typically, such an operation involves taking apart a ship 's operating systems for maintenance, repair or replacement. Often, the vessel's decks are repaired, sandblasted and repainted. Correction An article on page 4 of the January 2001 Seafarers LOG incorrectly reported that American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) was awarded a contract to operate the USNS Roy Wheat. The contract has not yet been awarded to any operator. February 2001 The union proposed that crew members stay in shoreside living quarters during the overhaul, strictly due to health considerations. Such arrangements have been made in the past when MSC ships were overhauled. However, in the Diehl case, the agency did not grant the union's request. As a result, the mariners endured very difficult shipboard circumstances with the vessel in a tropical climate. Poor ventilation (because the crew had to close vents to keep out residual sandblasting dust), various sanitation issues, air conditioning and interrupted water services were some of the many concerns. Finally, when the time arrived to shut down the entire electrical panel, MSC allowed the crew to go ashore to other living quarters. The union took a two-pronged approach to protect the crew's rights. Ultimately, those efforts led to an agreement in which each unlicensed mariner receives a substantial monetary settlement and two days of leave. Additionally, MSC agreed that Wheeler will join the agency's Operational and Planning Committee. That group rules on issue regarding maintenance and overhaul work, so the union will have a strong voice to protect the mariners who are aboard vessels slated for shipyard work. As for the leave, in accordance with government regulations, mariners must use this time off within one year or they will lose this part of the award. Eligible mariners are encouraged to use their leave award at the earliest opportunity. The award will be noted on their LES statements. Diehl crew members should send in their LES statements with their request-for-leave form. Crew members may check the "other" box when filling out the leave form. "The union kept in close contact with the members on the Diehl throughout this ordeal, and they provided important information," noted Wheeler. ''This is a great victory for our civil service mariners." Members of u. s. Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation CommHtee Republicans John McCain (Ariz.), Chafrman Ted Stevens (Alaska) Conrad Bums (Mont.) Trent Lott (Miss.) Kay Balley Hutchison {Texas) Olympia Snowe (Maine) Sam Brownback (Kan.) Gordon Smith (Ore.) Peter Fitzgerald (Ill.) John Ensign {Nev.) George Allen (Va.) fill them," she stated. Another familiar figure to the industry is serving as the new White House chief of staff. Andrew Card was the transporta- John Breaux (La.) Byron Dorgan {N.0,} Ron Wyden {Ore.) Max Cleland (Ga.) Barbara Boxer {Calif.) John Edwards (N.C.) Jean Carnahan (Mo.) tion secretary in June 1992 when he introduced legislation for maritime revitalization-a proposal which eventually evolved into the Maritime Security Program. 50 Die in Pali Sinking Vessel Carried Illegal Immigrants A Georgian-flagged cargo vessel carrying illegal immigrants from Turkey to Greece collided with rocks and sank off Turkey's southern coast Jan. 1, killing an estimated 50 of the 83 people on board. Most or all of the 73 passengers reportedly were in the Pati's cargo hold when the vessel ran into rocks near Antalya. Among them were people from Iran, Afghanistan, Palcistan, Morocco and Bangladesh. Thousands of illegal immigrants sneak into Turkey each year, using it as a sort of staging area before attempting to move to promising European countries. One survivor of the Pati sinking told news reporters he had paid $500 before the trip and promised to pay another $1,500 upon arrival in Greece. According to port records, the Pati had registered as carrying neither cargo nor passengers when it left Turkey. After the vessel broke apart, rescuers initially saved 32 people (including the captain and five other crew members). Two days later, they retrieved a refugee who had survived by clinging to a piece of wood. The scene along the coast was gruesome, with body parts washing up on shore. Houston Company Accused of Polluting Federal environmental police in Houston last month delivered a criminal warrant accusing Western Towing and parent company Kirby Corporation with repeatedly polluting the Houston Ship Channel, according to news reports. KHOU-TV in Houston broadcast footage of the 40 police officers simultaneously arriving at the Western Towing and Kirby offices. The federal officials confiscated various records and computer disk drives. According to the television station, members of the Houston Police Department Environmental Unit took four samples of discharges-starting in September 2000-of untreated water from Western Towing barges that had been pumped directly into the channel. The dirty discharges represent violations of the Federal Clean Water Act, according to the warrant. "This is a federal felony. Somebody could go to jail," stated one of the environmental police, KHOU reported. The officer added that the company had been notified of earlier alleged violations. Seamen's House Honors Tellez Augie Tellez, vice president of the SIU's contracts department, recently received a Person of the Year Award from the Seamen's Democrats Ernest Haltings (S.C.) Dan!et Inouye John D. Roekefeller VJ (W.Va,) John Kerry (Mass.) House of the Prospect Park (N.Y.) YMCA. Dozens of officials from throughout the maritime industry SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (third from left) recently was honored in New York City for his efforts in behalf of mariners and the overall maritime industry. Pictured at the Nov. 16 awards ceremony are (from left) Nelson Louis, executive director of the Prospect Park YMCA; Bruce Paulsen of the Seamen's House Committee; Tellez; Robert E. Boyle, co-honoree and executive director the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Frank Duffy of the Seamen's House Committee; and Jacob Shisha, chairman of the Seamen's House Committee. attended the Nov. 16 awards ceremony in New York City. Robert E. Boyle, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was the other honoree. The organization giving the award noted that the annual tributes "are presented to recognize outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life for seafarers and expand maritime commerce in New York and New Jersey ... As a vice president of the Seafarers International Union, Augie Tellez has been a tireless advocate for seafarer and the maritime indu try." The Seamen's House of the Prospect Park YMCA assists retired mariners in need of housing and also aids crews who are stranded in port or who face other crises. The organization also provides a wide range of services and activities for visiting mariners at the Red Hook Terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y. and at other port locations. Seafarers LOG 5 �- - - -- -------- ITF Secures Back Wages for Crew on FOC Vessel The SIU's inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) recently secured $35,000 in back wages for crew members aboard a Malta-flagged bulk carrier. Although the runaway-flag MIV Grant Carrier is covered by an ITF agreement, the shipowner (based in Kotor, Yugoslavia) was paying less than the amounts stipulated by the contract, and also improperly was charging mariners for medical insurance. "The crew hadn't been paid in two months, and they weren't being paid the [specified] rate," noted Don Thornton, who assist- ed the crew last November while the Grant Carrier was docked in Ashtabula, Ohio. "Plus, the company supposedly was purchasing the crew's insurance, and they had them (the mariners) sign withdrawal slips for money that the crew never received." It took the threat of arresting the ship on Nov. 9 to spur action, but the crew received its back wages early the following morning. "That wasn't the crew's only problem," Thornton added. "They gave me a tour of the ship, and it truly was appalling-very dirty and lacking stores .... " A quick tour of the runaway-flag Grant Carrier shows (clockwise, from top left) dirty living conditions, lack of stores, fire fighting equipment held together by duct tape, and a shortage of running water. Dangerous Foreign-Flag Tankers Ripped By San Francisco Paper Runaway-Flag Ship Fined $2.5 Million The newspaper piece describes certain foreign-flag tankers that sail into San Francisco as "danger on the water . . . rust-bucket tankers ... oil spills waiting to happen." And that's just in the headline. In its Sunday edition of Dec. 31, the San Francisco Chronicle published a lengthy, riveting article identifying many of the safety hazards posed by runaway-flag tankers and other foreign-flag vessels calling on that West Coast port. The report also points out that foreign-flag tankers entering San Francisco Bay outnumbered their U.S. counterparts in 1999 by a 4 to 3 ratio-a big shift from earlier in the 1990s, when 70 percent flew the Stars and Stripes. The writer, Bernadette Tansey, focuses on the runaway-flag Neptune Dorado as one example of the potentially hazardous ships docking in San Francisco. That ship "is owned by a Singapore corporation set up for the sole purpose of owning the vessel. It is operated by a Greek crew on behalf of a Liberian corporation," she writes. When Coast Guard inspectors boarded the ship last year, they discovered "raw sewage oozing from the ship's sanitation system. Leaking oil coated boilers. The main engine was leaking fuel, and blowers designed to vent the volatile fumes didn't work," Tansey reports. The article further describes the Neptune Dorado s contaminated ballast tanks as holding "the equivalent of three bombs. A stray spark could have touched off an explosion and unleashed an environmental disaster that would have lingered in the bay for decades." No such catastrophe occurred, but the captain, shipowner and operator pled guilty Dec. 19 to federal felony charges stemming from the vessel's dozens of safety violations and agreed to pay $2.5 million fines, the newspaper reported. With the percentage increase of foreign-flag tankers arriving in San Francisco, safety advocates "see a rising threat of a major oil spill in San Francisco Bay," the writer asserts. "With more and more foreign-registered tankers -monitored by a shaky network of international regulatorssteaming under the Golden Gate, the bay has become vulnerable to rust buckets loaded with crude." Much of the article examines the complexities of oil-spill liability, including safety inspection procedures. The Neptune Dorado s condition, for instance, reportedly caught U.S. Coast Guard inspectors off-guard because the vessel "had been vouched for" by two reputable classification societies. As Tansey points out, foreign ships' compliance with certain safety provisions "is monitored not (exclusively) by the Coast Guard, but by a network of forprofit companies hired by overseas flag states that have no governmental maritime safety agencies." Federation Pledges $1 Millian Far Mariner Communications ITF's Aim: Easier Connections With Families The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) sees the importance of mariners keeping in touch with their families during ocean voyages. That became quite apparent late last year, when the federation announced it is investing more than $1 million to help crews keep in touch with their loved ones. The ITF's charitable arm, the Seafarers' Trust, in late December "signed an agreement with service providers GN Comtext and Stratos under which it guarantees the investment costs of the [plan]," the federation noted in a prepared statement. "The investment will enable seafarers to buy pre-paid cards at preferential rates that will give them access to genuinely affordable communications, either by voice or e-mail. They will be able to make low cost voice calls using either the ship's Subway Station Opens Near SIU Headquarters Seafarers now have a new option for traveling to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. The Washington, D.C. area subway system last month opened five new stations along its Green Line, including the Branch Ave. stop next to the SIU building. Known as Metrorail, the Washington subway generally is considered among the nation's safest and cleanest. SIU members traveling to headquarters via Washington's National Airport and then Metrorail should take the Yellow Line subway from the airport, then transfer to the Green Line. The subway fare currently varies from $2.10 to $2.35 (one way), depending on the time of day. Lower rates are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities. The distance from the airport to headquarters is slightly more than 10 miles, and the subway trip takes about half an hour, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Rail stations operate every day, opening at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and at 8 a.m. on weekends. Metrorail closes at midnight during the week and at 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. 6 Seafarers LOG main communications equipment or via a dedicated INMARSAT Mini-M terminal located in the crew quarters. "The e-mail cards will provide access to a dedicated satellite social communications terminal for use by the crew," the statement continued. "This operates independently of the vessel's own communications systems. Combined voice and email units are planned for the near future." ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft, commented, "This is a step towards eliminating isolation among seafarers. It will pro- vide them with facilities that are taken for granted by shore-based workers, and will help owners recruit and retain qualified seafarers." Ocean-Mail was launched by GN Comtext in September. The shipboard facility is a Class 1 INMARSAT C transceiver. Ocean-Mail text messages are automatically delivered, via Stratos satellite earth stations, to dedicated servers. The ITF represents approximately five million members of 570 affiliated transport workers' trade unions in 132 countries worldwide, including the SIU. Transportation Workers Get Increased Protection from Revised Drug, Alcohol Testing Additional safeguards have been included in the revised drug and alcohol regulations for the testing of employees of transportation companies-including marine transportation- who occupy sensitive safety positions. The new rules, issued at the end of last year by U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater, amend the department's regulations, first issued in 1988, to require drug testing of employees in sensitive safety positions in the aviation, motor carrier, rail, transit, maritime and pipeline industries. Alcohol testing was added to the requirements in 1994. Among the changes to existing regulations is a requirement that aims to ensure fairness to all tested employees. A medical review officer (MRO) hired by the employer, who is a physician, will analyze the test results when a laboratory indicates that an employee's specimen may have been adulterated or substituted. In addition, workers will have the right to demand that a second sample of their specimen be tested at a certified laboratory different from the original. Also, to ensure accurate tests, the new rules provide for enhanced training for drug and alcohol testing personnel. Some of the revised drug testing regulations took effect last month, although most of the new rules won ' t be implemented until Aug. 1, 2001 . The Department of Transportation noted that validity testing-a relatively new procedure to determine whether a urine specimen is legitimate- would not become mandatory until next summer, pending further review by the Department of Health and Human Services. February 2001 �Neither Drought nor Ice Deter S..,......... ~o~ Shipping Season on the I . In spite of low water levels on the Lakes this summer and an early winter icing, which caught many by surprise, it was a good season for shipping on the Great Lakes. Heavy ice caused many delays as the final loads were being delivered. SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton noted it was one-way traffic for a time between Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, and Coast Guard cutters were called in to assist with icebreaking operations. With the exception of a few tugs, all the SIU-crewed lakers are now laid up for the winter and are expected to fit out in the spring, when the ice has melted. The photos on this page were taken earlier in the shipping season aboard inland and Great Lakes vessels. AB Bill Hermes works on the engine of the Great Lakes Towing tug Virginia in Milwaukee. SIU Safety Rep. Todd Brdak (right) updates Great Lakes members on union and industry matters at the office of Great Lakes Towing Co. in South Chicago, Ill. From the left are ABs Grant Hult and Stathis Kourtis. Conveyorman Mike Kelley operates the conveyor system controls of the ITB Susan W Hannah/ Conquest while offloading in Detroit. SIU Rep. Lonnie Partridge (right) services the Ed Renshaw. From the left are Cook Paul Christianson and Deckhands Shane Isbell and Michael Cousin. Tied up in Burns Harbor, Ind. are The Great Lakes Towing Co. tugs Massachusetts and Arizona. Right: Prepared for a fire boat drill on the Ed Renshaw are (from left) Utility Robert Jaspers, SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski and Deckhand Michael Cousin. Right: Performing maintenance work on the deck of the tug Superior in Milwaukee is Great Lakes Towing Employee Dave Plunkett. Left: OS Robert Parker and OS Cory Johnson prepare the ITB Susan W Hannah/ Conquest for offloading in Detroit, Mich. February 2001 Helping the captain (left) paint the tug Massachusetts while tied up in Burns Harbor, Ind. are AB Grant Hult (center) and AB Joseph Violante. Seafarers LOB 7 �Sen. Ted Stevens Receives Prestigious Maritime Award American Classlc Voyages Relocates to Florida SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages (AMCV), the largest U.S. cruise company, will relocate its New Orleans and Chicago corporate headquarters to Sunrise, Fla., later this year. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new headquarters facility took place Jan. 16. The announcement of the move came Dec. 26 when company officials learned that the state of Florida had approved economic incentives of up to $2.2 million as part of a package deal to persuade the relocation. Upon occupancy of the new headquarters facility, American Classic reportedly will receive the incentives in the form of annual $543,750 tax refunds for four years. The tax refunds, slated to commence in fiscal 2002 and continue through 2003, are part of a total economic incentive package of more than $4.2 million, which includes state job training funds, and cash grants. "The state and local incentives were a key motivation in AMCV's decision to relocate to Florida, and to Sunrise, and will help the company create 725 new jobs in Florida," said Philip C. Calian, AMCV chief executive officer. The new headquarters facility, a six-story, 240,000-square-foot complex, will be located at the comer of NW 136th Avenue and NW gth Street in the Sawgrass Commerce Center in Sunrise. AMCV is the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed passenger vessels. Texas DOT Seeks $1 Mllllon Followlng FOC Accident An estimated $1 million in damages is being sought by the Texas Department of Transportation following a Dec. 21 accident involving a ship's crane and a bridge over the Houston Ship Channel, according to published reports. U.S. Coast Guard officials say a crane on the M/V Rickmers Tianjin, a 574-foot Bahamian-flagged freighter, struck the underside of the Loop 610 of bridge over the channel. The resulting damage, a 30-foot long, 8-foot wide hole in the structure, closed the northbound side of the loop to motor vehicle traffic for two weeks. The southbound side was not affected. Ship channel traffic underneath the structure was also immediately halted. At least seven barges and tows, five harbor tugs, one outbound bulk freight ship and two inbound bulk freight ships were awaiting movement at the time of the incident, the Coast Guard said. Only minor injuries to two motorists who were driving on the bridge at the time of the accident were reported, Texas highway department officials said. The Coast Guard and the U.S. Corps of Engineers are investigating the incident. Crown Lockout Ends After nearly five years, the bitter dispute at Crown Central Petroleum Corp. ended when the 252 members of PACE International Union Local 4-227 in Pasadena, Texas ratified a new agreement with the company Jan. 17. "It is time to put rancor aside and work with Crown to improve the operation of the refinery and its environmental compliance while ensuring long-term job security and fundamental rights for our members," said PACE President Boyd Young. The pact provides wage increases of about 11.5 percent in the first 13 months, protects seniority rights and preserves jobs and the union contract if the refinery is sold. The lockout began Feb. 5, 1996. U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska), longtime advocate for the American Merchant Marine, will be the 2001 recipient of the prestigious Maritime Industry Salute to Congress Award, sponsored by the Propeller Club of the United States. Stevens will receive the award May 1 in Bethesda, Md. In announcing Stevens' selection for the honor, the national Propeller Club noted the annual tribute goes to "a member of Congress who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting a strong American-flag Merchant Marine, a United States shipbuilding capability and other allied industries. "Senator Stevens has been an active an ardent supporter of the American Merchant Marine and maritime industries during his long tenure in the Senate," the statement continued. His recent accomplishments include key work in support of the Maritime Security Program, the Title XI shipbuilding program, and legislation leading to contracts for the construction of U.S.-flag cruise ships; overseeing management of scarce marine resources and fisheries; and working to ensure the U.S. Coast Guard "has the resources necessary to perform its vital functions." Stevens also "has long been a proponent of permitting limited, environmentally sound exploration for, and development of, natural resources within the State of Alaska, including with ANWR," noted the Propeller Club. Stevens ranks sixth in seniority in the Senate, having served since 1968. In the 107th Congress, he chairs the Appropriations Committee and serves on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; the Rules and Administration Committee and the Governmental Affairs Committee. Additionally, he chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and is vice-chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library. The past recipients of the award are: 1985 - Speaker of the House Hon. Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. (D-Mass.) 1986 - Senator Russell B. Long (D-La.) 1987 - Hon. Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.) 1988 - Hon. Charles E. Bennett (D-Fla.) 1989 - Hon. Walter B. Jones (DN.C.) 1990 - Senator John B. Breaux (D-La.) Sen. Ted Stevens 1991 - Senator Thad Cockran (R-Miss.) 1992 - Hon. John Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.) 1993 - Hon. Jack M. Fields Jr. (R-Texas) 1994 - Hon. Gerry Studds (DMass.) 1995 - Hon. Herbert H. Bateman (R-Va.) 1996 - Hon. Robert L. (Bob) Livingston (R-La.) 1997 - Senator Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) 1998 - Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) 1999 - Hon. Don Young (RAlaska) 2000 - Hon. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) The U.S. Propeller Club was founded in 1927. Today, in addition to the national organization, there are dozens of chapters throughout the nation and its territories. Seal arers Gain Jobs on New 'Rocket Ship' Continued from page 2 mode ballast design enables the vessel to sail with an 8-foot draft in the river and a 12-foot draft in the sea. The Delta Mariner has a l 9person crew. It is equipped with a stem ramp and a helicopter pad. It supports forklift operations in port. OS Fortune Mccants pointed out an unusual, but welcome aspect of sailing aboard the Delta Mariner. "I've been a member of the SIU for 34 years and I've never before had the chance to stay close to home. "Also, when I found out we would be carrying rockets or rocket boosters, I knew I had to take this job!" ~ Lurllne Sinks A vessel that once was part of Matson 's famous White Fleet has sunk. The Lurline (also called Belofin 1) went down off the coast of Cape Town in late October 2000, according to published reports. The old luxury liner once took vacationers back and forth from San Francisco to Hawaii. No one was aboard the 68-year-old vessel when it went down in deep water some 50 nautical miles from the shoreline, port officials in South Africa said. Tim McAteer, a San Francisco developer, had hoped to return the old ship to San Francisco and convert it into a floating hotel. He was negotiating with the vessel's owner, Belfin A.G. Corporation, in an effort to return it to the United States when it sank. The vessel was en route to India where it was to be scrapped, but McAteer reportedly was holding out hope to finalize a deal with another buyer. Multitude of Mannerly Messages Carries Retirees' Thanks for Bonus Older folks sometimes joke about failing memories, but SIU pensioners apparently have no trouble whatsoever remembering to say "thank you." Following the issuance late last year of a $500 bonus to eligible SIU retirees, the Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees received numerous thank-you B Seafarers LOG notes and cards from pensioners and their families. "Thanks so much for the bonus check. It will be a big help in my shopping for my family," wrote Perfecto Amper. "It will certainly come in useful," noted Louis Bunker. As Jutta Miller put it, "Thanks for this wonderful Pictured aboard the newly contracted vessel are (from left) Oiler Kevin Samuels, AB Jamie Hall and Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell. bonus. It makes my holiday much brighter." Joseph Snyder summarized his feelings when he wrote, "It made my day." Similar notes were sent by many other SIU retirees. Seafarers Pension Administrator Lou Delma said the response "truly was tremendous. It's gratifying to know that the bonus helped so many SIU pensioners and their families." Chatting in the galley are (from left) Recertified Steward Lonnie Gamble, Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell, OS Fortune Mccants and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. Febmary 2001 �Aboard the Robert E. Lee - The above photo was snapped during a quick coffee break on the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From the left are AB William Soto, Deck Maintenance William Edwards, Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez and DEU Spencer Curtis. Below, left, Curtis repairs the gangway net while , below right, Edwards does some touch-up stenciling. Aboard the Sea-Land Defender While the vessel was tied up in the port of Pusan , South Korea , deck department members (from left) Bosun Jerry Borucki, AB Paul Matson and AB Isa Nasir broke for a quick photo. '-----=i~.....1 Aboard the Sea-Land Endurance - In photo at left, Recertified Steward Russell B. Beyschau (left) and Chief Cook Wiley C. Owens prepare Thanksgiving Day dinner for the ship's crew. Below: Crew members gather on deck with Captain Kevin J. McHugh for burial at sea services for Pensioner Elbert J. Blackburn. Brother Blackburn's ashes were scattered over the sea as the vessel sailed off the coast of Baja, California on a run from the Panama Canal to Long Beach, Calif. With the Tacoma Shoregang - AB Don Rundblad (seated) enjoys a ?Oth birthday luncheon with fellow workers (from left) Chief Cook Woody Woodruff, Bosun Vern Poulsen and AB Gil Manipon. Brother Rundblad, who joined the SIU in 1947 following a stint in the U.S. Navy, came aboard with the SeaLand Tacoma shoregang in 1989. Aboard the Sagamore - Raising Old Glory for the first time on the 300-ft. container/general cargo ship are (from left) Third Mate Dan Parks, AB David A. Miller, Recertified Bosun David J. Garoutte, AB Duane Wallace and (kneeling) Second Mate Marion Kabat. Febmary 2001 Aboard the Cape Isabel - GUDE Jerry Diaz (left) keeps the galley spotless while AB Mark Wain works on deck. Seafarers LOG 9 �West Coast SIU Crews Meet With Sacco, Tellez From Tacoma, Wash. to Southern California, SIU members aboard tankers and containerships welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez during a series of informal shipboard meetings in 2000. The get-togethers took place in late summer and fall. The officials and crew members discussed many important topics, including union and national elections, training opportunities, SIU job growth and more. Of particular interest to numerous Seafarers were the new simulators at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md.; and the debut of the passenger boat Columbia Queen, which sails in the Pacific Northwest. Sacco, Tellez and the crews also discussed the various requirements of the amended STCW convention, the Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for full compliance and the steps that the union and the Paul Hall Center have taken to help Seafarers fulfill their respective prerequisites. For instance, they reviewed the union's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) and touched on some of the STCWrelated classes offered in Piney Point, such as STCW basic safety, crowd management, proficiency in survival craft and many others. CSX ANCHORAGE: Pictured from left to right are SIU President Michael Sacco, AB Ken Kramlich and Bosun Dan Fleehearty. OVERSEAS BOSTON: Discussing the recent order for construction of new, SIU-crewed tankers for the Jones Act fleet are (from left) Chief Steward A. Davis, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, AB Mitch French, Chief Cook Dennis Skretta and SIU President Michael Sacco. CSX TACOMA: Reviewing the latest union news are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Chief Cook Jioia de Leon, QMED M. Bower, Bosun Terry Murphy and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. PATRIOT: Meeting in Wilmington, Calif. are (above left, from left) SA P. Cadiz, Recertified Steward Peter Ciddio, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Port Agent John Cox. Above right, Bosun Shawn Evans welcomes Sacco aboard the U.S. Ship Management, Inc. vessel. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND: Chatting with the SIU officials in the galley are (from left) Pumpmen Linton Acliese and Clarence Verdun. McAH Helps Retirees Stay in Touch Although he last went to sea more than 15 years ago, SIU Pensioner Richard McAU says the union remains a big part of his life. Since retiring in 1985, he has dedicated much time and effort to retaining some facsimile of the Seafarers camaraderie he came to love during his seagoing days. After joining the SIU in 1947, McAll sailed for 38 years in the deep sea division. Along the way, he shipped in all three departments. Now 71, he heads up a group of SIU retirees who collectively are known as the Association of Retired Merchant Seamen in Mobile, Ala. Founded by McAll and . the late Brother "Big Ed" Morris, the group is an oasis of sorts for Mobile-area SIU retirees. It helps them stay in touch with former shipmates who live in the same region. "When Big Ed and I started the group back in the mid-'80s, we did it so we'd have a reason and a way to get together other than when attending funerals," shared McAll. "Prior to forming the group, most of us saw one another only while paying our respects to departed brothers. Many times, you'd run into someone who you had not seen in years." The group now numbers upwards of 7 5 members. They regularly get together and conduct social functions at least four times a year at the SIU Hall in Mobile. McAll does the groundwork for these events including setting dates and times. He also manages all funds collected by the group to offset the events' costs. The menu was packed with choices at the Mobile Christmas party. Here, guests enjoy their selections. 10 Seafarers LOG cou·;~ ~;{f:: ~~u head of the group because I make most of the decisions," McAll said. "But I get an awful lot of help from a number of other guys and also from my wife of 51 years, Frances," he said. "Frances is my chief baker, but she also helps in many other areas." Mrs. McAll specializes in pies, cakes, and banana pudding. "I have been baking for the group since they got started," she said. "It's a bit time-consuming, but I love baking for them. I also love meeting and Pensioner Richard McAll, left, his wife, being around all the nice people." Frances, and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly prepare a warmer to keep food piping hot. McAll named Devon Harrison, Ralph Smith, G.W. Williamson, George W. Dean, M.J. Danzy, Bill Robinson, Henry Miller and Leslie Guillot as some void I feel because of not going to sea anymore, but in a way, it makes it easier. of the retired SIU brothers on whom he "Sometimes I think about going back depends to help with the association. again, just one more time," McAll contin"Countless others have also helped me ued. "But I guess I am just dreaming." over the years, but because of health reasons, they aren't able to lend a hand like they once did," he said. "It just makes me feel great to see the guys and members of their families somewhere besides the mortuaries," McAll reiterated. "I admit that it (the association) Pensioner Richard McAll, wearing apron in center, sees how the does not satisfy that food supply is holding up during the SIU Christmas party in Mobile. Febnlary 2001 �SEALAND ACHIEVER With its strategic mid-Atlantic location and natural deepwater harbor, it is no wonder that Norfolk, Va. is one of the country's most diverse ports. These three photos were snapped during a recent stopover in Norfolk by the containership SeaLand Achiever, operated by U.S. Ship Management, Inc. In the above photo are AB Kenneth L. Mclamb (seated) and AB Brad D. Brunette. At top right is Chief Cook Robert T. Seim, and at right are (from left) AB Mark J. Butler and GUDE Tyrone J. Matthews. - - - USNS STALWART--- Taking a quick break on the TAGOS vessel are (from left) OS/ Storekeeper De Gutenberg Poitevien, AB Roderick Hall, OS Centino Angel and Bosun Ray Wilkes. Norfolk is a base of operations for the TAGOS fleet. . - 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS The 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, a prepositioning ship operated by American Overseas Marine, was getting ready to lay up in the Newport News shipyard when these photos were taken. Above, Bosun Richard Hilbert and below, SAs Daniel T. Mergillano and Edward Ellis prepare to leave the vessel. Checking the medical stores are MDRs Edward Levenson (left) and Mark Pearson. The galley gang is comprised of (from left) SA Jose Roman, Chief Steward Rich Wythe and Chief Cook Rudy Catahan. The Sta/wart's engine department members include Hussein Kirkland (left) and Russell English. MARYLAND PILOTS - - - - USNS YANO - - Working in the steward department aboard the USNS Yano, a roll-on/roll-off vessel, are Steward/Baker Gualberto M. Mirador and Chief Cook Marie P. Mitchell. February 2001 - USNS GORDON Launch Operator Joe Rollins (right) works for Maryland Pilots, which comes under the jurisdiction of the port of Norfolk. Below are Station Engineer Rob Beckett (left) and Launch Operator Kevin Pankake. The USNS Gordon is one of several ships crewed by members from the SIU, MFOW and SUP. Above, in the galley, is SIU member Chief Steward Winston E. Marchman. Seafarers LOG 11 �gages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Oub Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Presented on these two pages of the Seafarers LOG are handy tax tips-some of which are intended specifically for mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts for 2000 as well as where to get additional information. HOW TO PREPARE ATAXREI'URN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 2000 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form STANDARD DEDUCI10N This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($850 for a married couple or $400 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemp- tion deduction is $2,800. Filing Status Standard Deduction Single . . . . . . . . . . . .$4, 400 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children ......... $7 ,350 Married filing separate return .... $3,675 Head of household . .$6,450 12 Seafarers LOG 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-2729829 or 1-888-255-8299. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 67b, 67c and 67d on their Form 1040. Line 67b is for the bank's routing number. Line 67c indicates the type of account, and line 67d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount The deduction for each exemption- for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,800 per person. In 2000, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Stmdard Dedwrion Im Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2000, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mort- Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting Work-ReJat.ed Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 16 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile for all miles driven in 2000. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When 'Iraveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. There has been a recent tax court case (Johnson v. Comm. TC No. 5114-98) where a merchant seaman was denied a full deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situations where meals are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $2 (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from $1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: WHERE TO GE!' INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under "United States Government, Internal Revenue Service." Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency's taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the letter "R" or number "7" will repeat the topic and the letter "C" or number "2" will cancel the message. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS's Internet Web Site at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, send them comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive the latest tax issues and news by e-mail from the IRS Digital Dispatch. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a social security number with the letter. In 2000, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $128,950 of federal adjusted gross income (or $64, 4 75 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2000, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,380 and no qualifying children- $353 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $2 7, 413 and with 1 qualifying child- $2,353 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $31, 152 and with 2 or more qualifying children- $3,888 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EIC to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 2000, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $500 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross In- come (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $5,500 for married taxpayers filing separately. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the "HOPE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 2000, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Learning Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student's expenses. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phaseout of the credits begins for most taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $40,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $50,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $80,000 to $100,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,000 of interest paid after December 31, 1999 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs- Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribu- February 2001 �tion will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming Credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a contribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributions-The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, D HL - worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person's last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2000, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Endowments. • In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of TAX PLANNING TIPS Selling Your Home? The tax law gives homeowners a special tax break on capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence. If you have owned and used a home as your principal residence for periods totaling at least two years out of the last five years before selling, you generally can take advantage of this break to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). People who fail to meet the ownership or use test or have claimed the exclusion for another home within two years of the sale may qualify for a partial exclusion. Don't forget capital improvements. If you find yourself with unexpected taxable gains on your home sale, check your records for overlooked capital improvement expenses you've paid over the years. The cost.s of capital improvement.s, such as adding another bath, garage or family room, are added to your basis in the home and, thus, reduce your taxable gain. Reinvesting Your Dividends Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • Accumulation distributions from trust.s. • Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). • Earned income from sources outside the United States. • WHICH INCOME TO REPORT Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. • Embezzled income. or other illegal WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: • Benefit.s from government welfare programs. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical cost.s. • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. • Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. Make sure you count any reinvested dividends as part of your tax basis when you sell the stock you bought through a dividend reinvestment plan. The dividends were taxed to you when they were originally paid. You don't want to pay tax on them twice. The same holds true for mutual fund dividends you had automatically reinvested. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. State Tax.es • Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. Many state income tax laws are based on federal tax rules. So, the strategies you use for your federal tax planning may work with your state tax planning as well. Be aware that: Some states allow two-earner couples who file joint federal returns to file eparate state returns when it is advantageous. Check your state's rules. If ou have a choice, calculate your tax both ways and use the method that produces the lower tax. Also, you may be considered a resident of-and owe taxes to--two states if you own two residences in different states. If you sell a property in another state at a profit, generally you owe that state taxes on your gain. College Savings Programs . fany states have established college savings programs to assist families in reparing for the rising cost of post-secondary education. There are terrift. tax advantages in contributing to these programs. Many states provide for an income tax deduction at the state level, tax deferral of the earnings, proional money management and easy, convenient ways to make regular . ayments to the program. Your state may be found at wvvw.collegesavngs.org or telephone 1-877-CSPN-4-YOU. February 2001 TAXES DU.E • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2001 to file his or her 2000 federal WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibit.s employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108( 11) ] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer." The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman-despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year--was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. Late last year, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing "equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels." The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilot.sand other mariners "who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State" shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as '~pplication for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is im.portant to bear in m.ind that the filing of Form. 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from. having to pay any taxes due. Form. 4868, when sent in, m.ust be accom.panied by all tax 1n0nies due the U.S. government from. the individual filing the extension. OVERSBASATTAX TIME Should a Seafarer find himself or herself overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: • Berlin, Germany • Caracas, Venezuela • London, England • Mexico City, Mexico • Nassau, Bahamas • Ottawa, Canada • Paris, France • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • Rome, Italy • Sao Paulo, Brazil • Sydney, Australia Seafarers LOG 13 �Sea:tarers STCW: The Clock Is Ticking! Scliol.anhips ReacbAllTime High With the recent expansion of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program, a record $132,000 in grants will be awarded this year. The breakdown is as follows: • Five scholarships for SIU dependents, for $20,000 apiece; • Three scholarships for SIU members-one for $20,000, two each for $6,000. The deadline for receipt of Seafarers scholarship applications is April 15, 2001. The first step in the application process is obtaining a scholarship program booklet which lists eligibility requirements and application procedures. It includes the application form and is available in any SIU hall. You also may get the booklet by filling out the coupon on this page and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. Previous applicants who were not selected for a scholarship remain eligible. r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P Name Make sure you meet the requirements! After Feb. 1, 2002, your job may be at stake! For more information: • Contact the Paul Hall Center toll-free at 877-235-3275, or • See page 10 of the November 2000 issue of the Seafarers LOG, or • Visit the U.S. Coast Guard's STCW web site at http://uscg.mil/stcw/ If you need STCW training, apply now to the Paul Hall Center. Mariner's Social Security Number Street Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 L-------------------------------------------------- Watkins Crew Spreads Holiday Cheer Sea/arers Volunteer at San Diego Veterans Center FOR A GOOD CAUSE: USNS Watkins crew members pause for a snapshot on Christmas, a day they spent helping others. Pictured from left to right are (seated) OMU Antuan Barnes, Second Mate John Herget, AB Clinton "Brian" Gillins, (standing) Third Mate Stephen Barry1 SA Shelly Womble, AB Trawn Gooch, NMU retiree H. George Diaz, 1sr Asst. Engineer Ted Elmendorf, Storekeeper Gary Bruber and Chief Engineer Gary McGrath. 14 Seafarers LOG Seafarers and officers aboard the USNS Watkins perked up the holiday spirits of some Southern California citizens by volunteering for Christmas activities both at a San Diego rehabilitation center for homeless war veterans and at a separate, nearby homeless shelter. Unlicensed and licensed mariners from the Watkins "helped set up and decorate. We helped feed ... and then we helped clean up," noted Third Mate Stephen Barry, a former SIU Serving meals at a shelter in San Diego are (from left) Storekeeper Gary Bruber, OMU Antuan Barnes and AB representative. Clinton "Brian" Gillins. Barry said the volunteers were compensated with "the reward of giving, the company of others on a special day and a home-cooked meal to warm our bellies. Ironically, the meals preparation was overseen by retired NMU chef of 23 years, H. George Diaz." Afterward, the Watkins' personnel returned to the vessel-<::urrently based at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard- and resumed their task of preparing the new ship for its first assignment, in Diego Garcia. The 950-foot vessel will carry a wide range of equipment for the U.S. Army, including tanks and armored personnel carriers. It's a roll-on/roll-off ship that can travel at 24 knots. February 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 3 0 I 6 3 12 12 11 2 IO 19 26 3 7 3 12 20 .9 5 2 13. 1 0 2 3' 9 8 1 15 3 3 1 6 6 . 6 28 6 ·,f:i 12 23 229 9 7 107 71 11 22 Honolulu 4 l 3 3 0 IO 13 14 l& Totals 3 28 34 Tacoma Wilmington 2 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 6 4 2 Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 2 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 4 4 0 2 0 9 5· 2 9 4 3 6 2 2 18 13 4 19 5 20 11 3 189 107 47 75 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 l 5 6 1 12 37 5 45 37 404 25 21 5 8 15 . 13 . J7 .··.·. > 7 .. 23 6 3 3 5 2 0 3 5 3 9 4 13 14 169 12 12 20 18 16 10 6 11 2 8 13 7 1 90 54 23 33 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 192 140 47 7 0 0 0 18 5 8 6 12 7 1 6 100 77 28 5 4 5 2 Wednesday: March 14, April 11 Honolulu .................Friday: March 16., April 13 Houston .................•Monday: March 12, April 9 Jackstinville ...... " ...,Thursday: March 8, April 5 . ··._ ··: Jer~e; City :.L:........Wednesday: March 21, April 18 Mobile .............. ¥ ••••• Wednesd?:y: Marc.h 14, April 11 ...... >::· . . New York................Tuesday: March 6, April 3 l 3 ¥ .......... 111 13 24 30 6 Duluth .......... 17 10 0 5 6 3 5 14 18 Port 5 4 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 8, April 5 5 6 l 2 0 7 3 2 3 2 1 4 21 2 l 11 5 3 Algonac .................. Friday: March 9~ April 6 19 5 6 6 Piney Point ............. Monday, March 5, April 2 2 16 63 21 32 . 4() 30 waters · 0 51 7 12 9 7 2 6 0 5 10 2 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 5 8 11 10 0 Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs !.tfarch &Apn12001 . . lfl!emljerslJ,'1 Mlidlap . . ·Deep ·&;a, takes; Inland li 5 19 4 () Personal 8 11 18 2 5 o. ···. ,., . , , . , ,. . . ~""'•' WALTER KEANE 9 2 3 l f .:. 5 1 2 15 9 119 5 0 3 i '.'.' . . Totals All Departments 6 5 0 0 6 4 0 4 8 39 0 ·1 7 33 27 241 9 0 0 l l 13 3 4. Q 2· IS .. 7 4 d 4 11 2. 19 3 5 . 5 .· ..• .1$ ,···. l_Q . 2 6 11 l 0 9 17 0 0 5 5 5 0 3 0 8 0 10 0 0 0 8 10 5 29 15 12 5 15 10 38 . < 37 15 13 0 5 8 14 2 19 L3 l 8 0 0 0 3 4 7 5 15 11 7 3 27 61 244 20 28 266 898 631 474 2 8 18 129 178 2 24 109 144 498 361 305 422 300 237 157 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 16 Steward Michael H. Watts (right) and Chief Cook Ramont Jackson are all smiles after a busy day preparing and serving the crew of the Pfc. James Anderson Jr. a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. 5 7 2 0 29 February 2001 A Day of Thanksgiving on the Anderson 22 11 5 Totals 3 l 2· . 2 14 5 3 3 0 0 2H'.ii.' ti%<'Hf:Y''iKJWt":· 3 1 1 30 23 49 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 32 7 14 2 ··· Tacoma Wilmington 3 4 0 Walter Keane shipped out of Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1965. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact his daughter, Doreen Keane, at P.O. Box 176, Palm Harbor, FL 34682; or call (727) 772-1643. Alphonse Thomas (inset), who has sailed as a QMED for more than 25 years, provided a beautiful cake for the Thanksgiving Day holiday at the hall in New Orleans. His generosity was appreciated by all. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 CL - JolinF•y £4ecutive Vice President David !Uilldel Secretary-Treasurer Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP V,ke President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom. OfUC.howski Vice President Lakes and Wand Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nkholas J. M4rro.ne Vice President West Coast KumettM.angram Vice .President Oovemtnent Services . .. Port Algonac Port 0 19 5 Algonac Port 0 8 1 Algonac 0 6 7 Port Algonac 0 13 24 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 2 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 5 6 0 17 4 0 3 0 0 5 7 19 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair Rive- Or.• Algonac~ MI 48001 (Sto) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., # 1C, Anehorage.AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Totals All Depts 46 0 37 0 14 0 7 32 *"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. Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters :BALTIMORE DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 2315 Essex St., Baltimore.MD 21224 (410).327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUm 7-05 Medical Arts :Building, Duluth, MN $5802 (218} 7224110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30 l ~E Tun Jesus Crisostorno St. Tamuning. -Ouam 969t 1 · ••·· {~TH647-1350 NEW ORL.EANS <., · · ·· ·· NEWYORK .. , · 635 Fourtb,Me.. Btooklyni NY.: H2l2 (71S)499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Noffolk, VA GulfCoaSt .. 2m 0 o Atlantic·coast o Gulf Coast 0 O . Lake$;ilnJa.tidWaters ,0 0 0 .(} 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PINEY.POINT Bog 15, Piney 'Point, MD 20674 (301) 994--001-0 f()ltl' 1$\Jf;RGLADES 1221 S.Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL .33316 .· ' (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO .. 3.50 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 ·.· . Government Services DMsion (415) 861-3400 SANTuRCE . 1057 Femandez Jimcos Ave., Stop 16Vl Stmturce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Grav<>is Ave., St. Louis, MO 63ll6 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA WILMINGTON 5 l 0 N. Broad Av~., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 5494000 . Seafarers LOB 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 25 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 0 0 Totals All Depts 0 2 7 1 2 15 2 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. (757) 622-1892 16 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C . L$esll Inland vnu~.t;·;:). :\tt:\,f i§J§E!S><iA!\.'>.h/d!iW· J:h:>.)i:JY;;::c.,3~;;.g;;.KQW: .;;,,,. ,ii·••c·•:.•,,.,.y West Coast 0 0 6 Totals 0 2 7 Region 3911 Lapa.loo Blvd.; Harve)i LA 7005& . P~O. TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic:coast West Coast Totals {504) 3zs;..1s4s 30 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would 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. The photo at left was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Andrew H. Reasko of San Francisco, Calif. It was taken in Baltimore in 1947 while waiting for a ship. From the left are AB Joseph Gaziak, AB Ralph Vall and Messman Reasko. Brother Reasko, 74, sailed with the SIU for 42 years, retiring in 1988 at the age of 62. He upgraded his skills at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md., attaining the rating of recertified steward. In inset, Reasko (second from left) and two retired Seafarers join former SIU West Coast VP George McCartney (right) at the Thanksgiving Day festivities held at the SIU hall in San Francisco. Febnla'I 2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-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. ~ An Inland captain is among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. James Rider navigated the inland waterways as a captain for nearly 30 years. Along the way, he upgraded his seafaring skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Rider, four of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Four plied the Great Lakes, and the remaining five navigated the inland waterways. Seven of the retirees worked in the deck department, two shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA SAMUEL CAPRO, 64, ment, he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Demourelle resides in Houston. SMAIL HARIRI, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Seattle. Born in Yemen, Brother Hariri .__~~~""""---·.....J, shipped as a member of the steward department. He first worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Adela. Brother Hariri upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Hariri lives in Seattle. ~------. JULIO REYES, 65, hails from New Orleans. Brother Capro started his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of New Orleans. A member of the steward dep.iu1ment, he first shipped ard Delta Steam · in es' Del Sol. Brother C last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Jeb Stuart. He lives in St. Bernard, La. joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of New York. Brother Reyes sailed as a member of the engine department. He first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1976. A native of Puerto Rico, he last shipped aboard the CSX Spirit. Brother Reyes resides in Fajardo, P.R. CHARLESS. DEMOURLLE, 64, is a na · of GREAT LAKES JOHND. APPELT, 65, New Ore He began his career with the SIU in 1965, joining in the port of Houston. Brother Demourelle first shipped aboard a Wall Street Traders, Inc. vessel. A member of the engine depart- joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Prior to joining the '""""-"'...........---'-' SIU, Brother Appelt served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. Born in Enjoying Thanksgiving Aboard the Ambrose Channel GILBERTO O.GARCIA, 70, began his SIU career in 1968. He first sailed aboard the Ann Arbor RR Cord, operated by Michigan Interstate Railway. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Garcia shipped as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Co. 's H. Lee White. Brother Garcia calls Philadelphia home. ----.ABDOL GHANI MOHSSEN, 61, hails from Yemen. Brother Mohssen started his career with the SIU in 1969, joining in the port of Detroit. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard the Wacosta, operated by SeaLand Service. Brother Mohssen upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md in 1989. He last shipped aboard American Steamship Co. 's Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Mohssen calls Dearborn, Mich. home. lives in Brush Prairie, Wash. JAMES A RIDER, 62, was born in Benzoma, Mich. He joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Detroit. Sailing as a captain, he worked primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering vessels. Brother Rider upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1992. He lives in Arcadia, Fla. JOHN J. WALSH, 61, started his SIU career m 1961, joining in the port of Cleveland. Born in Ohio, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Walsh worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge & Dock's Lemmerhirt. He calls Marblehead, Ohio home. RUSSELLF. RHODA, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1972, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rhoda sailed primarily aboard Interstate Oil Transport Company vessels. The Pennsylvania native shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Rhoda calls Cape May Court House, N.J. home. CARMELO SALAMAN, 61, joined the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. A member of the steward department, Boatman Salaman worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. He lives in Juanita Bay, P.R. PATRICKW. THOMAS JR., 43, hails INLAND FREDERICK C.MOUNTFORD, 62 started his SIU career in 1985. He joined in the port of Wilmington, Calif. and sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in England, Boatman Mountford worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG · 1946 from Texas. He began his career with the SIU in 1976, joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Thomas shipped as a member of the deck department, first sailing aboard a Marine Fueling, Inc. vessel. He last worked for Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Thomas lives in Vidor, Texas. since Jan. 1, 1951 were rated Class "B" and men who had no time aboard SIU 1~~pf/Qted.~lm!J}gly, · ' . ~~~~:i::~ ~:.~:i: !Cr~:r:e~e~!s fOO'a:resolution that authorized-the efeCtion Pof,~Jf~ommittee to inve41gate\~1Je . p9~sibili~ · · . ties and advisability of establishing an, upgrading school in the Port of New In Orleans. The mem.. bership felt very strongly that the union should establish ·and operate its · owti training schools ratber than have schools controlled and operated by the government. An additional reason is that there is a shortage of qualified ratings in all departments. to cover classes A and B received a ''C'' rating. In the future, seamen with A 11 rat.. ings will receive preference over the ?UJS M0 ,M?t..i I~ I n JN SJU HJSTORY Crew members who were working aboard the Ambrose Channel last Nov. 23 were treated to a Thanksgiving Day feast. In top photo, GVA Marcos Guity, Chief Steward Elena Curley and Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova begin preparations. At left, Bosun Mario Romero starts with the appetizers, while other crew mem"' bers (below) enjoy their meal. Februarr 2001 Detroit, he first sailed aboard Bob-Lo Island Company vessels. Brother Appelt shipped as a member of the deck department, last working aboard American Steamship Co. 's H. Lee White. Brother Appelt calls Croswell, Mich. home. other two categories for job calls and the u9 11 rated seamen will receive prefer~ ence over "C" men. 1970 Members of the SIU, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District have voted overwhelmingly, in a secret (ballot) refer· endum, to adopt proposed amendments to the constitution. This marks the first time in almost 10 years that significant 1955 changes have been made in the union's constitution. Three propositions were on ,. The membei::s~ip of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic & Gulf the ballot, and each passed. They covered District, ratified a newly negotiated contract the proposed new consdtution itself, clause establishing a seniority hiring provi- changes on initiation fees, and changes in sion with contracted companies. The new the method of paying dues. None of the hiring system involves three classes of changes had any bearing on job rights of seniority. Men sailing before Dec. 31, 19 50 Seafarers. Constitutional changes deal only got "A" ratings; men sailing regularly with [members' rights within the union]. Seafarers LOii 17 �Final Dcpaitura · DEEP SEA KASIMIRS ABARONS Pensioner Kasimirs Abarons, 84, died Oct. 23, 2000. Brother Abarons started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of """-"""""""-----·w··.,~. Seattle. A membe! of the engine department, he first sailed aboard ~e Mankato Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, Inc. Brother Abarons last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. He began receiving his pension in 1981 . Brother Abarons lived in Spanaway Wash. ' JAMES BERGSTROM Aug. 31 , 2000. Brother Correll started his career with the SIU in 1960 joining in the port of New York. ' Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he sailed primarily aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Cru~a~er. ~rather Correll began rece1vmg his pension in 1999. He lived in his native Brooklyn. VINCENT D' AMELIA Brother Vincent D'Amelia, 39, passed away Oct. 16, 2000. Born in Binghamton, N.Y., Brother D ' Amelia started his SIU career in 1997, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the Duchess, operated by Ocean Duchess, Inc. He last worked aboard the LNG Capricorn. Brother D' Amelia lived in New York. of New York. Born in Massachusetts, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Gallagher first shipped aboard an Interocean Management vessel. He last sailed aboard the HMI Dync:c_hem .. Brother Gallagher began receivmg his pension in 1989. He called Port Neches, Texas home. DYKE GARDNER Brother Dyke Gardner, 54, died Oct. 2, 2000 and was buried at sea. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1962, joining in the port of Houston . He shipped as a member of the engine department. A native of California, Brother Gardner first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Arizona. He last worked aboard the USNS Algol, operated by Bay Ship Management. He Jived in Derry, N.H. Pensioner James Bergstrom, 72, died Oct. 29, 2000. Born in Davis, W. Va., he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Bergstrom first shipped aboard an Emerson Steamship Company vessel. A member of the steward department, he last sailed on Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Rosa. Brother Bergstrom served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. He beg~n receiving his pension in 1985. He hved in Mt. Storm, W.Va. LEROY DOTY KENNETH HARDER Pensioner Leroy Doty, 79, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. Brother Doty began his SIU career in 1947, joining in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Pan Atlantic. A member of the deck department, Brother Doty last sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The ~on, <?hio native began receiving his pens10n in 1978. Brother Doty lived in Lakewood, N.J. Pensioner Kenneth Harder, 62, passed away Aug. 20, 2000. Brother Harder started his SIU career in 1970, joining in the ·.. port ofNew York. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Born in San Francisco, Brother Harder sailed as a member of the engine department. His last ship was the Sea-Land Ente.rP_rise. _Brother Harder began receivmg his pension in 1999. He resided in his native California. PRESTON BRIDGEFORTH THOMAS DOWDELL Pensioner Preston Bridgeforth, 72, passed away Sept. 6, 2000. The Virginia native graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school and joined that union in 1959. Brother Bridgeforth shipped in the steward dep~ent, first sailing aboard an Amencan President Lines vessel. He last worked on a Crowley vessel. B_rother _Bri~geforth began receiving his pension m 1993. He lived in Baltimore. Brother Thomas Dowdell, 41, died Sept. 8, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1978, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. A member of the dec_k dep~ent, the New York City native shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first worked aboard a National Marine Service vessel. Brother Dowde11 last shipped aboard the 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. He lived in New York. WARDELL BROWN Brother Wardell Brown, 33, passed away Nov. 11 , 1999. He began his SIU career in 1988. Born in Norfolk Va., Brother Brown first shipped ' aboard Ocean Ships' Paul Buck. A member of the steward department, he last sailed aboard the Cornhusker State, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Brown called Chesapeake, Va. home. RONALD CARRAWAY Pensioner Ronald Carraway, 70, died Nov. 1, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1957, joining in the I*port of Seattle. ' A member of the deck department, Brother Carraway first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He last .worked ab?ard the cable ship Long Lmes. A native of Detroit Brother Carraway served in the'u.s. Army from 1946 to 1951. He also was a member of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1954. Brother ~arr~way began receiving his pension m 1990. He lived in Roseville Mich. ' THOMAS CORRELL Pensioner Thomas Correll, 64, died 18 Seafarers LOii LOUIS DURACKER Pensioner Louis Duracker, 66, died Oct. 21, 2000. Brother Duracker began his SIU career in 1951 , joining in the port of New Orleans. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Partner, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. The Louisiana native last worked aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. B.rother ~ur~cker began receiving his pension m 1984. He resided in Metairie, La. JAMES FLEMING Pensioner James Fleming, 84, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. He began his career with the SIU in 1942. Brother Fleming · shipped as a member of both the deck and steward departments. The Mobile, Ala. native last worked aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Sailor. Brother Fleming served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1982. Brother Fleming lived in Grand Bay, Ala. CHARLES GALLAGHER Pensioner Charles Gallagher, 69, passed away Aug. 31, 2000. Brother Gallagher started his career with the Seafarers in 1960, joining in the port ALBARO HERNANDEZ Pensioner Albaro Hernandez 72 died Oct. 31, 2000. Brother ' ' Hernandez began his career with the SIU in 1952, joining in the port of New Orleans. Born in Texas be served in the U.S. Marine C~rps from 1944 to 1945. Brother Hernandez sailed as a member of the deck department. His first ship was the Transatlantic. Brother Hernandez last worked aboard the Overseas Valdez. He began receiving his pension in 1993. Brother Hernandez resided in Corpus Christi, Texas. REMINGTON HURLSTONE Pensioner Remington Hurlstone, 86, passed away Nov. 5, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in the Cayman Islands, Brother Hurlstone shipped as a member of the deck department. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Hurlstone last worked on the SeaLc:nd Co_nsw.ner. He began receiving his pension m 1979. He lived in Inverness, Fla. HUGO JEFFCOAT Pensioner Hugo Jeffcoat, 85, died Oct. 31, 2000. Brother Jeffcoat started his SIU career in 1950, joining in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the City ofAlma, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Jeffcoat last sailed aboard the JB. White, another Waterman vessel. Born in Lexington, S.C., he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Bro~er ~effcoat began receiving his pension m 1977. He lived in Livingston, Texas. ARMANDO LUPARI Pensioner Armando Lupari, 77, passed away \'> Oct. 27, 2000. He began his career with the SIU in 1963, . joining in the . · ·•· ·· port of Baltunore. Brother Lupari shipped as a member of the engine department. His last vessel was the SeaLand Consumer. Born in McKeesport, Pa., Brother Lupari served in the U.S. Army from 1948 t? 19.52. He began receiving his pension m 1986. Brother Lupari called Kenner, La. home. ROBERT MICHAEL Pensioner Robert Michael, 70, died Oct. 17, 2000. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1951, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Florida, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Michael last worked aboard Seahawk Management's Falcon Chan:pi~n. He began receiving his pension m 1989. Brother Michael Jived in his native Jacksonville. JOSE ROSS Pensioner Jose Ross, 79, passed away Nov. 10, 2000. Brother Ross started his career with the Seafarers in 1952. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel and last shipped aboard Puerto Rico Marine Man_a~eme~t's Mayaquez. He began rece1vmg his pension in 1987. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Ross called Clearwater, Fla. home. away Nov. 20, 2000. Born in Virginia, Boatman White started his career with the Seafarers in 1961, joining in the port of . Norfolk, Va. He sailed as a captain, working primarily aboard Allied Towing Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 194~ t_ o 19~5 . Boatman White began rece1vmg his pension in 1985. He lived in his native Virginia. GREAT LAKES SAM DYER Pensioner Sam Dyer, 90, passed away Nov. 23, 2000. Born in Harrisburg, Pa., Brother Dyer began his career with the SIU in 1960, joining in the port of Detroit. A member of the deck department, he sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessels. Brother Dyer served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1976. Brother Dyer lived in Hampton, Mich. WILLIAM GALLAGHER Pensioner William Gallagher, 74 passed away Nov. &, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of '"""--..:;....;._,,;_::.;,,;_.____,'.;..J Cleveland. Brother Gallagher served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Born in Ohio, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Gallagher sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. vessels. His last ship was the Lemmerhirt. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Gallagher lived in Norwalk Ohi~ ' CHARLES WATSON NATHAN HAURING Pensioner Charles Watson, 80, died Oct. 10, 2000. Brother Watson joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Born ,___....;;.;..~--l11. · __i· a ~'· ·113 in Atlanta, he sailed primarily aboard Matson Navigation Co. vessels. Brother ~atson began receiving his pension m 1970. He lived in Riverside, Calif. Pensioner Nathan Hauring, 57, died Nov. 1, 2000. Brother Hauring started his career with the SIU in 1973, joining in the port of Duluth, Minn. A member of the deck department, Brother Hauring first shipped aboard a Great Lakes Associates vessel. Born in Ahmeek Mich., Brother Hauring last worked aboard the Saint Clair. He served in the U.S . Navy from 1960 to 1964 '.lld began receiving his SIU pension m 1997. Brother Hauring lived in Portage, Mich. !!:li '· .. INLAND SAMUEL JACKSON Pensioner Samuel Jackson, 62, passed away Sept. 27, 2000. Born in South Carolina, Boatman Jackson joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Houston. A member of the engi?e department, he worked primanly aboard Marine Contracting & Towing Co. vessels. He began receiving his pension in 2000. Boatman Jackson lived in Awenden, S.C. CLAUDE JACOBS Boatman Claude Jacobs, 45, died Sept. 20, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in the port of Norfolk, Va. He last worked aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Jacobs lived in Virginia Beach, Va. ELWOOD WHITE Pensioner Elwood White, 79, passed ""'* RAILROAD MARINE ARTHUR MARTINI Pensioner Arthur Martini, 85, died Nov. 22, 2000. A native of Brooklyn, he joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. The deck department member first sailed aboard an Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessel. He last worked on New York Dock Railway Co. vessels. Brother Martini began receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in New York. February 2001 �'JJigest of Shil)b9~.,t Union 'JM•t~•r f/h~. S'"afarers LOG attempts to;p(li11 as.infny.dfge~ itiqn{i111§1Jjpboard ,minutes as possible. On occpsi~n, becauiJI o( sf{~c~ limitatitms, so111e wiil be omlltBd~ · '· .· · ··~~ .·; AL Ships minutes first are nvlewed /Jy the anion1s contract department. ;''i/lfJ.ose (ssues requiring attention or resolution are addrsssed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minute$ are then forwarded ';y> to the Seafarers LOG torpublleation. ;\]);iiC AMERICAN MERLIN (OspreyAcomarit Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 12Chairman James V. Triassi Jr., Secretary Steven M. Dickson, Educational Director Jason M. Crist, Deck Delegate Duane R. Costello, Engine Delegate John W. Robinson Jr., Steward Delegate Hamin Sialana. Chairman asked everyone to report any unsafe conditions. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on company policy of holding percentage of income on foreign voyages for repatriation. New movies requested (24 per quarter as per company agreement) as well as news and sports programs. Crew members reminded to separate plastic items from garbage. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 31--Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Tom dom, Deck Delegate Tan J , Engine Delegate Edwa ebs, Steward Delegate Crum. Chairman ann Cl payoff scheduled Nov. Lake Charles, La. Everything running smoothly in all departments. Crew members reminded to put in for relief several weeks before time up. New chairs and couch purchased for crew lounge. veryone asked to try and keep t · good condition. Secretary asked t etting off to have clean linen for r · Educational director reminded crew members of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to review pension plan to enable Seafarers to retire at any age with full benefits after 20 years seatime. Steward department and rest of crew given vote of thanks. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. HMI PETROCHEM (IUM), Oct. 31--Chairman Michael E. Brown, Secretary William Perry, Educational Director William H. Day, Engine Delegate C. Foster Jr., Steward Delegate Joseph Jones. Chairman announced ship scheduled for Port Arthur, Texas shipyard in mid-November in preparation for possible Alaska run. No layoff expected. Entire crew looking forward to spending Christmas at home. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center, try new simulators there, and keep all shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider reduction of tour of duty from 120 days to 90 to earn transportation, and for relief requests to be sent to manpower in timely fashion. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt), Oct. 29--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore. Chairman talked about need for bus service to and from main gate in Genoa and Malta. Steward asked crew members to inform cook if they will not be eat- February 2001 ing aboard ship while in port. Educational director reminded crew to leave clean linen in rooms when departing ship. Treasurer announced $113 in ship's movie fund. Thanks given to John Rodriguez for organizing video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items discussed from current LOG, including progress made by SIU aboard military ships. Request made for health ID cards for members and dependents to show proof of insurance. Suggestion made for crew members to have transportation provided by company to place of residence. Steward department complimented by crew for culinary skills. Wiper Tony Rosario given vote of thanks for sharing his artistic talents in making crafts from tin cans. Beautiiful work! Bosun thanked entire crew for working well together. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Freeport, Bahamas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Oct. 28Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Abraham Martinez, Educational Director John Binpong, Deck Delegate Anthony Heinoidt, Engine Delegate Jared Lee, Steward Delegate Ali Muther. Chairman thanked everyone for help in separating plastic items from trash. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration date on STCW and upgrade at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Still no TV reception, not even in port. Suggestion made for next contract to include day off for every 30 worked. Next ports: Lakes Charles, La.; Port Everglades, Fla. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 29-Chairman Ronald Owens, Secretary Henry E. Manning, Steward Delegate Jorge Bernardez. Chairman talked about STCW requirements and urged everyone to have necessary endorsements. Educational director reminded crew members about training benefits at Paul Hall Center and about importance of contributing to SPAD. Engine delegate brought up some problems in his department; no disputed OT reported. Request made for new TV and VCR in crew lounge. LNG GEMINI (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 29-Chairman Charles H. Kahl, Secretary Ronald E. Aubuchon, Educational Director Mark A. Freeman, Deck Delegate David D. Freeman, Engine Delegate Kevin W. Conklin, Steward Delegate John D. Bukowsky. Chairman talked about working together, with each crew member trying to make a better and safer tour for everyone. He noted that if any problems arise, they should first go through proper channels within SIU. Secretary led discussion on relevance of social values. He stated all Seafarers, regardless of gender, should be treated with respect at all times. Educational director reminded crew of importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. "You have to learn more in order to earn more," he stated. He also urged any member who wants to attend college to apply for an SIU scholarship. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund to be used for videos, magazine subscriptions, pool parties, gym equipment, etc. Deck delegate reminded crew of safety factors in their work-wearing ear protection, safety goggles and safety belts. Engine delegate expressed gratitude to deck/maintenance department for assistance tying up ship. Clarification requested on money purchase pension plan, new contract, and Marshall Island discharges. Compliments given to steward department for job well done and for maintaining high standards of SIU. Next port: Osaka, Japan. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 29--Chairman Marco A. Galiano, Secretary Darren C. Weatherspoon, Engine Delegate Guadalupe Campbell, Steward Delegate Stanley C. Washington. Chairman reported ship returning from round-theworld voyage and going into shipyard for a few days before loading cargo for North Korea. Secretary stated it was a long trip, but quite an experience for most of crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into obtaining prescription coverage for dependents, reducing eligibility time for vacation benefits and reinstating transportation to port of engagement. Next port: Portland, Ore. PETERSB URG (IUM), Oct. 2Chairman Eddie Hall, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director Ronald Day, Steward Delegate George Burgos. Vessel reactivated from shipyard in Singapore, now stationed in Guam. One QMED day worker on emergency leave. Chairman reminded crew members about mandatory attendance at fire and boat drills. He said no news yet about pay increase. Educational director and ship's secretary talked about compliance of STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002, including need for endorsements in damage control, tankerman assistant/cargo (DL) and fire fighting. Wendy Fearing elected ship's treasurer. She ' ll speak with master regarding balance of ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to try to negotiate reduction of eligibility time for vacation benefits and better insurance coverage. USNS HEEZEN (Dyn Marine), Oct. 15--Chairman Edward Nels on, Secretary Eric Johnson, Educational Director Pat Yarborough, Deck Delegate Shane HilJer, Steward Delegate Julio Arzu. Number of important issues were discussed, including vacation, penalty meal hour, health plan, union dues, holiday and weekend pay, separation of trash and STCW qualifications. Secretary also advised everyone to make sure clinic card is current. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $200 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Ship heading to New Jersey. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Nov. 5--Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Hardin C. Chancey, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Jerome E. Dooms, Steward Delegate Angel B. Correa. Chairman read president's report from LOG and informed crew of planned payoff Nov. 14. Ship will be on weekly service between Jacksonville and San Juan at least until shipyard period in midJanuary 2001. Secretary passed on word from master regarding advance notice of travel destination when transportation is due. Discussion held on SIU voting procedures and sample ballot. Educational director led discussion about STCW requirements and basic English testing. He reminded crew to update training skills and not wait until last minute. Treasur- Lines), Nov. 7--Chairman Kevin A. Kellum, Secretary Cirilo S. Centeno, Educational Director David W. King. Secretary reported ship due Nov. 12 in Mombasa, Kenya. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point and complete required courses for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $24 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made to On the Picket Line Against Verizon Before joining the Cape Jacob in Diego Garcia, Chief Steward Lauren Oram (holding SIU sign) showed her support for striking IBEW Local 2322 members in her hometown of Hyannis, Mass. er announced $40 in ship's fund after purchase of TVs and VCRs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed to file for vacation benefits. Ship's committee will discuss with captain feasability of installing radio and TV antennae during shipyard period. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), Nov. 16--Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Ray L. Chapman, Deck Delegate George D. Vukmir, Engine Delegate Vernon Edwards, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich . Chairman reminded crew of STCW deadline Feb. 1, 2002. Members will not be able to sai 1 without proper endorsements. Secretary urged everyone to try and recruit new members into school 's unlicensed apprentice program to help keep union and U.S. maritime industry strong. She stressed need to be involved in all safety and fire drills aboard ship. Educational director suggested crew members update fire fighting endorsements early to avoid lastminute rush before STCW deadline. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for heating and air conditioning to be fixed while ship is in yard. KODIAK (CSX Lines), Nov. 6Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Mohamed N. Sani, Educational Director Thomas Hogan. Chairman announced late ship arrival in Tacoma Nov. 8 due to heavy weather. Blanket day off postponed until crew can get maximum time off. He urged all members to vote in SIU election. He also told crew that following recent Coast Guard inspection, USCG remarked that Kodiak crew was most professional and well trained they observed all year. Great job! Educational director recommended attending Paul Hall Center for upgrading skills. Crew also advised to check out scholarship opportunities for themselves and dependents. No beefs or di sputed OT reported. Suggestion made to get prescription coverage for spouses and children. Crew also would like to see more effo rt by rank-and-file to increase input into next contract negotiations. s MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk increase vacation and order another radio for crew 's lounge. Next port: New Orleans. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), Nov. 16--Chairman John 0. Glenn, Secretary Travis R. Jefferson, Educational Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Stephen W. Grier, Engine Delegate Randall Story. Chairman led discussion on taking care of older members by raising pension benefits. Secretary advised everyone to check expiration date on z-cards and clinic cards. Ship going into dry dock ov. 22. Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of educational facilities at Piney Point and having necessary endorsements for STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Request made for new radio and TV antenna. Ship 's crew congratulated President Mike Sacco for good job. Thanks also given to steward department for job well done and to entire crew for helping keep clean ship. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. CAPE JACOB (Amsea), Dec. 5 --Chairman Robert Johnson, Secretary Lauren Oram, Educational Director Lawrence T. French III, Deck Delegate John S. Zabielski, Engine Delegate James Van Dyke, Steward Delegate Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman noted crew rotations beginning to straighten out and said crew members seem happy with new contract and pay raise. He reminded everyone to call the company about relief 10 days before end of 120-day rotation. Secretary reported $700 in ship's fund to be used for movies, ship's hats, etc. Educational director talked about need to comply with STCW by Feb. 1, 2002 and noted good article in November LOG about it. He also mentioned stateof-the-art simulators for training at the Paul Hall Center and reminded everyone to have TRBs updated and signed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read and discussed. Members agreed headquarters working hard to get good jobs. Cape Jacob will be 40 years old Jan. 16. Captain thinking about celebration. Crew wishes to send holiday greetings from Diego Garcia to all SIU brothers and sisters . Seafarers LOG 19 �Enchilada Sauce "We have to think fast and be creative when cooking aboard ship, especially when we run out of a specific ingredient. That is how this sauce was created. " Yi chicken (washed and cleaned) SUMMAR'(4NNUAt REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION FlJND This is a summary of the annual report of theSeafarerS'. Vaoatio1t!~Ul1~BlN 135602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January l, 1999 through Dec~lhber3lt1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Setviceras required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ElUSA). .. / , The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. 3 Yi cups water GALLEY CORNER Basic Financial Statement 4 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons chicken base 2 teaspoons cilantro, fresh or dried 3 diced tomatoes (or 2 diced tomatillos) 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped Yi cup green pepper, chopped Yi cup minced garlic. ;,?The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15~,if~.7S5 as of December 31~ 1999, compared to $14,965,512 as of January 1,J999(asrestated). Dury9g the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its n~t ~~ of $454,273.. ~is increase includes unrealized appreciation and depredatio#:ih the value of pfan assets; th,at is, the difference between the -value of th~ plan's ai$ets at the end of the year and the.value of the assets at the beginning of the year p£.J~e cost of assets acquired duri~th~y~ar'. Puring the plan year, the plan had;t~aJ. P1P~!l!:e;of · $4l,S12,13S including empfo~ei contributions of $41,56(),397, realized (,i<;)ss) of ${78~297) from the sale ofass~earnings from investments of$1,43J.87J a?~\iJ~ alized (depteciation) of assets oU(l,l{)~t,~3,~): ··..\. . . . . X(!;ff.;.> . , \ Plan expenses were $4 l ,3 57,865. ,rtieS:~ ~~~esJncluded $4,418~70liii ~~inij, istrative expenses and $36,939,164 in benefits paig to J.)articipants and benetici~est'. . . . y Your Rights to AddfttO...i}IJifOf-tJOa ., ,. <i?!xi .; /'ii:You pave the right to receive a copy ofth~ttllannual te~rt. ox~yp;ttl(r~~ 011 requ~t+ T~e items listed below are included in that repb!1: .J:1;~ ·. :.;' ,.,. . . · ·< 1) An acco'~t'~ report; << · 2) ' ' ,;3) 4) Combine all the ingredients and boil until soft (about 25 minutes). Strain the ingredients and return to stove. Make paste of flour and water to thicken ingredients. This makes a good Mexican sauce for enchiladas or breakfast burritos. Chief Cook/Chief Steward Saundra Jean Leonard If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P. 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Note of Appreciation For Pension Bonus Just a thanks to all at the SIU Pension Fund for the year-end bonus. It is very much appreciated. A very Merry Christmas to all brothers and sisters in the SIU. Horace Wiltshire Norfolk, VA . ... Just Doing a Job; No Reward Expected I just finished reading an article in the December 2000 LOG that reminded me of something that happened many years ago [page 5, "Lakes Seafarers, Gordon Crew Honored for Dramatic Rescues"]. During the season of 193 5, I was an AB watchman aboard the Frank Billings. The Billings was tied up for the evening, as the grain scoopers did not unload at night. The watchmen stood a ladder watch by the after ladder. Mine was the 8-to-12 watch. It was a dark night, and at 10:00 I saw the headlights of a car coming down to the dock. The car let a man out and then drove away. As soon as the man got out, I knew there was trouble. I could see that the man was loaded and would probably fall in the water. 20 Seafarers LOG I knew there was no time to spare. I grabbed a life ring off the after cabins and hurried down the ladder. When I reached the bottom, the man fell in. I dropped the life ring in the water and jumped in after it. A person drowning will grab anything they can to keep from sinking. Just as he was ready to go down for the second time, I grabbed an arm and pulled it through the life ring. I did not worry anymore as I had him pinned. Someone called the cops, and a short time later they came down with the necessary equipment. I watched as they worked on the man, pumping out booze and polluted water. When he came to, he said "thank you," and that was reward enough. I've heard of people getting medals for saving someone. I did not receive any, nor did I expect any. I had a job to do and I did it. At the time I was 27 years old. Now I am 92. That winter I got married, and we have been together ever since. I don't want to appear a braggart, just saying what happened 65 years ago. Andrew Aspseter Exeland, Wis. 111( ~ Liberty Sea Captain Proud of Shipmate Walker As captain of the vessel MN Liberty Sea, I take great honor and pride in writing this letter regarding SIU member Thomas W. Walker. It has been my pleasure and privilege to sail with Mr. Walker over the past few years. Every day that Mr. Walker is on board, his performance and ability have been outstanding. Mr. Walker has one of the highest work ethics and productivity of any unlicensed-or licensedpersonnel I have sailed with. His comments, actions and lifestyle have always been in a gentlemanly manner. Mr. Walker has always displayed and shown a great pride and respect for his family, shipmates and union affiliation. He brings true meaning to the term "Able Bodied Seaman." During the present voyage to Haifa, Israel, the vessel's boatswain was given a medical repatriation on our last day prior to sailing for the United States. Due to the fact I felt the position of boatswain should be filled for the continuity of operations and continuity of union leadership, Mr. Walker was promoted into this all important billet. Without any hesitation, he filled the void of the missing boatswain, and has completed the task with the highest ability. Mr. Walker led by example and gained a type of respect that few in a position of leadership have ever received. At this time I would like to commend the Seafarers International Union for having Thomas Walker as a rank-and-file member. He is the type of Seafarer that should be made an example of throughout the SIU and throughout the industry. I can only hope that Mr. Walker's experience this voyage will improve his chances within the SIU to become a fully certified boatswain. Mr. Walker will well represent the shipping industry and the SIU into the future. I am Assetsheld forinVestment; . . ' jransactioii in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and < •• ];.§ /' '.''r.1l~i>·. Financial information and ll)f{m:.nation on payments to seNiee pt(i~f~¢rs. ·· ; 'fo obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or cal};~·oard of Trustees Seafar~~,yacati(}n Fund, 5201 AJtt11>.yJ'ay, Camp Springs, ~i~nd 20746 (301) 899--0675i·'Thec4arge to oover copyll)g costs will be $4.50 forthe'. filll annual report, or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. ;.;.;yyY?u. ~1,~,~ay~J.~~.right to receive &Q'w ~e plan adminis~tot~,?n request ~d ~t· · rip diarge¥a'stat®ient of the assets and liabilities of the ·phul al1d accompanying . note~ or a·statement of income and expenses of the plan and aceom~t\p}'ing notes, or 1?g~· Jf you request a copy of the full annual report from the ~fan adt91n!s~~~fr..~se W<> statements apd ~~oin,pay~~~ ,P9~~s{Vill be inyluded as part o{o.ttfe.;iei;9~fih'Th~ charge to cover c<>pying costs given aoov~ dOes rtot include a charge'fotihe ¢0,pying. of these P9£lions g~~e ~eport ~ause these portion$ are ~giished without c&~g~ L YQu al~.g;Jl..av~~*i~~gt!llY protected f~~! t() examine th~~~4~l.r~port at tfofma.in office of tll~iplan (~29l Auth Way, Canip Sprin~&.!\·farylafi~ 2~14<i)~ at the 0,$•. .l?7Partment.,o f ~Pe7. fo Washington D.C., or io,obtai11a- copY.t?in.the u,s. :~1il~~Jttii~~~r~:r:~j~~~::~:~t~~t~:J~~11~•~1, Benefits Administration. U.S. Department of Labot, 200 Con$titu1ioiy'*"'eJ1~..~1~.jii Washington D.C. 20216. ·.·,· >' ·.::,;:.,,.;:)>• i::>i: proud to call Thomas Walker my boatswain, and my shipmate. Captain C.R. Balomenos Master, Liberty Sea ... ... Remembering the War And Help from Union I wish I were 18 years old again and going to sea. I first shipped out Feb. 6, 1942 aboard the SS Republic from the NMU hall in New Orleans. There were no modem simulators back then or any formal training. The ship was torpedoed. It was the start of the coastwise slaughter known as Torpedo Junction. More than 259 ships were sunk on the eastern seaboard. If 20 years makes a generation, we were the fourth arm of defense three generations ago. There has been a big change since then. We were the unarmed and unprotected seamen who kept the ships and cargoes sailing through the wolf packs, delivering the valu- able cargoes wherever needed. There were five fatalities aboard the Republic, and eacl1 subsequent torpedo w0111d take its toll. Like today, the unions were trying to help their own members and still help our nation at war. Marie C. Durand Lydia, La. 'Ill( ... Pfeiffer Crew Salutes Steward Dept. The three-man steward department aboard the MN R.J. Pfeiffer has done an excellent job [see photo below]. From scratch cakes, homemade bagels and pastries to eggs benedict and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, these Seafarers have done a first-rate job. This galley puts out five-star cuisine every meal. On behalf of myself and the entire crew of the Pfeiffer, we salute them. J. W. Bert Master, R.J. Pfeiffer The galley gang on the Pfeiffer consists of (from left) Chief Steward Sonny Moe, Chief Cook Sue Moe and Assistant Cook Henry Wright Jr. February 2001 �Sailing Witla tlae Cnmder Crew When the CSX Crusader paid off in Houston last month, SIU Patrolman Frank Cottongin (second from right) was on hand to meet with the crew. From the left are AB Isaac Vega Mercado, AB Francisco Caceres, Cottongin and AB Angel Velez. Steward Gwendolyn Shinholster ladles out some freshly made soup. Joseph Mele sailed as bosun during this voyage of the Crusader. DEU Eusebio Zapata (left) poses for a photo with Chief Cook Bill Blees on deck. Left: SA Antonio Colon makes sure the juice dispensers aboard the container ship are always full. Awaiting the start of the shipboard union meeting are (from left) AB Francisco Caceres, AB Isaac Vega Mercado, Electrician Kevin Cooper, AB Angel Velez, Steward Gwendolyn Shinholster and DEU Eusebio Zapata. ·- 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. 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. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by con- February 2001 tracts 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 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 (OT) 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. 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. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of · 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. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights m 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 oppor- tunities 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 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes --··--·s ········· · Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 611 Unlicensed apprentices from class 611 who graduated from the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Jason Caylor, Jose Cuevas Rivera, Lance Cutchember, William Devoe, Rodney Dupree, Trent Enoch, David Gulick, James Hall, Miguel Hernandez-Pacheco, Derek Ivory, Aubrey Leon-Guerrero, Brandon Lovejoy, Michael McClendon, Kevini Quitugua, Kelvin Riddick, Brian Rosario, Joshua Rosario, Pete San Nicolas Jr., Jesse Solangon Jr., Richard Striverson, Daniel Thompson and April Tryck. STCW Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic Voyages' new cruise ships recently completed required classes for STCW compliance. In no specific order, the course roster includes Kathleen Cade, Tyrone Bailey, Rondi Bucknot, Matthew Wilson, Jason Francis, Michelle Spinneweber, Giles Kingsley, Lincoln Nixon, Joyce Mason, Craig Ballard, Christopher Love, Paula McGlumphy, Candy Donnelly, Valerie Graham, Keshia McKnight, Maria Smith, Olive Stewart and Catrease Wilson. QMED Working toward their QMED ratings are (in alphabetical order) Moses Adegunwa, Mark Ciciulla, John Conn, Sylvester Crawford Jr., Elvin Fontanmc.. Jean Horne, Scott Lucero, Florencio Marfa Jr., Ronald Miller Jr., Sammy Montana, Adam Nvor and Cle Popperwill. They are scheduled to complete the training next month. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Instructor Chef Ed White, Charles Carroll, Instructor Anitra Mcleod, Lloyd Hall Sr. , Adry Libra and Asst. Instructor Jeff Radcliffe-Nelson. ChiefCookPracticing in the culinary lab with Instructor Chef John Dobson (center) are Lolita Sanchez (left) and Linda McPhetridge. Radar - Under the instruction of Herb Wallen (standing, right), students completing the radar course Jan. 19 work in the classroom and also enjoy using the new simulators. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are Douglas Buchanan, Noel Camacho, Rodney Miller and Woodrow Shelton Jr. Upgraders Lifeboat/Water Survival - Marking the Jan. 19 completion of the upgraders lifeboaUwater survival class are (in no specific order) Wayne Simpkins, Gary Mann, Donald Stickens, Abdulwali Suwaileh, James Bening, Eric Meier, Lee McMillan, Patrick Chalmers, Israel Watson, Benjamin LaPointe, Jason Tucker, Lafe Fraley, Walter Sipper Jr., Gerald Young, James Poole Jr., Clovis Pomare, Yamira Colon , Francisco Bravo, David Wardingley and Frank Donaldson. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon , is standing (with white jacket). Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 22 Seafarers LOB GED-Taking advantage of the training offered at the Paul Hall Center, Unlicensed Apprentice William Schuchardt earns his GED. Presenting him with his diploma at the membership meeting in Piney Point are SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. February 2001 �·• SEAFARE. PAUL NALL CENTER UP6RADIN6 COURSE SCHEDULE '.fhe·. r~it~~ins ts the.schedulefof classes for the months of February through June 2001 at. th.eJ,la~tifJ_all Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All pro- Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting February 17 March 17 Februaey'U Advanced Fire Fighting February 10 February 24 Governm¢ntVessels February 3 February 24 Marcb3 March24 March 31 February 23 March 16 April 14 May4 April28 May12 May18 Junel 'May 26 June 15 . . J~ne9 >J'une23 . . . June 29 July 13 grams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. ... Safety Specialty Courses <· March24 .·. ; ·.· Please note that this schedule may change to reflecttheu~d~bfthe membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation'.s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in t~~Saturday beforeth~.ir ~prse,s . . start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on th~pioming ofthe start;~~· JJ'or classes ending on a Friday, departm;~ reserv~~io.ns should 9e made far Saturday. · Seafarers who have any questio~ q~gax:ding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall ;;~::.:.:-;· Center may call the admissions offi~ at(30l) 994-0010, Deck Upgrading Courses Arrival Date · · Course April 6 Able Seaman March 16 · (including simulmor steeringµs.~is~~'1.ts) Special Able Seaman (Inland and Lakes members) · · February3>>>Y··········· · February24 February 23 March 16 February 17 February 24 March 17 March 24 March 3 March 10 March 31 April 7 f\pril 7 April 20 April 21 ? April 27 Lifeboatman/Water Survival Ra4a~Jl11~1(14.tor) Auiii~~~'. ~d~r Plotting Aidst-" J4JIPA) (simulator) t•mnsthave rat!ar unlimited) April 13 April 20 Februaryl7 March 17 February24 March 24 March 31. April 7 ST<;W Medical Febr.uary 24 March 24 March 3 March31 Basic Fire Figbting/STCW February3 February 16 March 2 March 16 April13 S'fCW Basic Safety February 17 February 17 March 17 April 14 GMDSS (simulator) March23 March3 March 31 Aprill4 · · April28 May12 May26 Mayt.i . Mays April 27 Mayll May25 June8 ::::··.,'.'\:·:·. ·Date Of Completion February3 March 24 March 16 May4 April 30 July 20 ebruary 3 March3 March 31 ebruary23 March 23 April 20 Tank~i;iiniliarization/ .·.· February 3 Assistant.•cargo {DL)* · Marcb3 . {*mllSi have JxWc fire jtghting) ~arch . ' April28 May26 arc ankerman (*must hove bask fire fighting) Academic Bepartment Courses ·G;fl~'1!1fffi~~.ns/ Op:~artf)AS ff't,!ftilii Advanced alley start every week beginnipg Ja~uary 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward'. cl•ss~ start every oth~r week beginning January 6. · ·.· · F~bruary3 Steward Recertification General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survivaf,~ourses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~;-·-·-·-·-·-·-··~:·- ·....:.·-·-·-·...:..·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· ~·~· ·-· ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. ALL FOWT. AB and QMED af!.plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The pavment should he made with a money order onlv. pavahle to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ __ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ Book# - - - - - - - - - - Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ __ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes Date Off: DNo SIGNATURE - - -- - - - - - - - - - DATE If yes, class#----- - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken February 2001 D No CPR: D Yes DNo NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall 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. 2101 Seafarers LOG 23 �.. - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT Seafarers Vacation Fund - page 20 SIU- rewed Tugs Assist LST-325 In Fi al Stretch of Historic Voyage Pless, LST-325 Facts • Length: 328 feet • Width: 50 feet • Top speed: 12 knots • Built: 1942 • Early LSTs simply were known by their hull number, which is the case with LST-325. Later versions were named. • Participated in invasions at Normandy, Sicily and Salerno. Also sailed in Korea and Vietnam. • Plans call for refurbishment and use as traveling museum. SIU boatmen who helped dock the LST-325 in Mobile, Ala. included (front row, from left) Joe Tucker, Ricky Shumock, Kyle Tucker, John Wint, Benny Tucker, (second row) SIU Port Agent Ed Kelley, Dan Hanbury, Johnny Johnston, Gerald '-" Beuk and Mike Yarbrough. %. ~ Crew members on the Crescent tug Ervin S. Cooper get into the patriotic spirit as the WWII-era ship arrives in Mobile. Pictured from le~ to right are Benny Tucker, John Wint, Dispatcher Brooks Pate and Ricky Shumock. bregon Crews Meet Veteran Group Overseas Though a very peripheral part of the story, the SIU-on both sides of the Atlantic-played a role in the historic return last month of the LST-325 to the United States. In Crete, Seafarers from the prepositioning ships Maj Stephen W. Pless and Pfc Eguene A. Obregon offered pointers last fall to the veteran, volunteer crew of the 59-year-old ship, and also enjoyed socializing together. On Jan. 10, two SIU-crewed Crescent tugs assisted the LST325 into Mobile, Ala., where more than 4,000 people showed up, including congressional representatives, state officials, national media reporters-and the vessel's original commander. The crowd turned out to cheer the 29 U.S. veterans (average age, 72) who brought home the World War II-era craft. They also witnessed a truly significant artifact, for th LST-325 o art in the invasions at Normandy, Sicily and Salemo and later was utilized in Korea and Vietnam. LST stands for landing ship tank. "The entire harbor knocked off (work) just to watch the ship come up the river," said Captain Mike Yarbrough, who guided the tug Alabama during the LST325 docking. "It was really neat, really festive. "Just seeing those fellas aboard that ship, knowing they crossed the Atlantic Ocean all the way from Greece, shows their patriotism," Yarbrough continued. "It had to be a rough ride." The tugboat captain briefly chatted with some of the LST crew and found them friendly. "Two gentlemen took our line and asked if we had any beer on board," he chuckled. "We shot the bull for a while, asked them how the trip was. They hit some bad weather and also had a little engine trouble, but overall they said it was great. They all had a wonderful sense of humor." Seafarers from the Obregon and Pless found the veterans similarly engaging when they met last year. "We were the only other American ships in the area (around Crete), and we'd talk to them whenever we were off," noted QMED Charles Clackley. "We gave them some technical advice, what it was going to take to meet safety specs." "They're a good bunch of people," stated QMED Bobby Bell. "They were salvaging parts from other LSTs to rebuild one. They deserve all the recognition." The LST-325 's voyage to Mobile covered an estimated 4,350 miles and included stops in Athens and Gibraltar. The journey began Nov. 14. Veterans had begun repair work last August, in Crete's 100plus degree heat. They received some help from active U.S. Navy personnel and other volunteers for the most labor-intensive work. They also got a needed boost from BP, which donated the approximately 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel needed for the trip. Vital to War Effort British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is credited with the idea for LSTs. U.S. yards produced more than 1,000 of the roll-on/roll-off ships during World War II, with an average construction time of around two months. They were designed to deliver troops and materiel close to shore, and could draw 6 feet of water or less. Their RO/RO design employed the same basic concept as that of today's LMSRs, though the LSTs were roughly one-third the size of the modem vessels. Another key difference: The LSTs featured deck guns-18 aboard the LST-325, for instance. The LSTs could transport approximately \ 10 troops, 16 tanks and a smaller lai.<11ng ship. Despite often being descnb1:,...J as "long, slow targets," only 36 were lost during the war (23 to enemy action, the others to accidents or storms). The LST-325 was decommissioned in 1946 but later reactivated. Eventually, the U.S. gave it to the Greek navy in 1964. The Greeks used it !Or about 30 years, then removed it from service. Last year, it took an act of Congress to enable Greece to turn over the LST-325 to a U.S. veterans group. The ship now is owned by the U.S. LST Association, and plans call for a thorough refurbishment and use as a travelling museum. The LST will remain in Mobile at least until September. Its ultimate home port has not been determined. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ‘ROCKET SHIP’ SIGNIFIES MORE NEW JOBS FOR SIU CENSUS DATA LEAD TO CHANGES IN U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATION SEAFARERS PASS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS; MICHAEL SACCO IS REELECTED PRESIDENT PAUL HALL CENTER’S GMDSS COURSE APPROVED BY COAST GUARD CROWLEY REFURBISHES 25 SIU-CREWED TUGS PHILLY BOATMEN WELCOME Z-ONE NY FERRY CREW RESCUES MAN FROM ICY WATER WATSON SAVES 2 MINETA HEADS DOT; CHAO TAPPED FOR DOL 50 DIE IN PATI SINKING UNION SETTLES GRIEVANCE WITH MSC SEAMEN’S HOUSE HONORS TELLEZ ITS SECURES BACK WAGES FOR CREW ON FOC VESSEL DANGEROUS FOREIGN-FLAG TANKERS RIPPED BY SAN FRANCISCO PAPER FEDERATION PLEDGES $1 MILLION FOR MARINER COMMUNICATIONS SUBWAY STATION OPENS NEAR SIU HEADQUARTERS TRANSPORTATION WORKERS GET INCREASED PROTECTION FROM REVISED DRUG, ALCOHOL TESTING NEITHER DROUT NOR ICE DETER SEAFARERS FROM GOOD SHIPPING SEASON ON THE GREAT LAKES SEN. TED STEVENS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MARITIME AWARD MUILTITUDE OF MANNERLY MESSAGES CARRIES RETIREES’ THANKS FOR BONUS WEST COAST SIU CREWS MEET WITH SACCO, TELLEZ MCALL HELPS RETIREES STAY IN TOUCH SAILING WITH THE CRUSADER CREW SIU-CREWED TUGS ASSIST LST-325 IN FINAL STRETCH OF HISTORIC VOYAGE PLESS, OBREGON CREWS MEET VETERAN GROUP OVERSEAS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2001 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. 63, No. 2 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log