http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/80a644ea2860a9628afabb3d3a60a272.pdf ad51a5df8d8696188c472bed646afa18 PDF Text Text www.seafarers.org Volume 63, Number 11 November 2001 25 YEARS OF RELIAB LITY eady eserve Force, Ceremonies Recognize Fleet as 'High-Value Sealift Asset' Representatives of government, the military, maritime labor and U.S. ship operators on Oct. 18 praised the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) as a key, cost-effective component of America's national defense capabilities. Ceremonies marking the RRF's 251h anniversary took place aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Pictured aboard the ves- sel, with apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, are (front row) U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and SIU President Michael Sacco; (back row, from left) SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz; SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez; Rear Adm. Edward Fahy, director, plans and policy directorate, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The apprentices are (from left) Jason Varner, Jennifer Senner, Alasha Dixon, Brandon Harrison, Robert Treloar, Kevin Kirk, Joseph Jesnes and Quincy Wilson. Helping the Heroes USNS Comfort Provides Respite For New York Rescue Workers Page3 Sept. 1 Attacks Affect American Classic Voyages - - - - - - l'age 2 AFL-CIO Depts. State Case For Opening ANWR - - - - - - l'age 5 Coast Guard: Port Security Reaches 'AH-Time High' l'ageB �President's Report Rebulldlng The terrorist attacks on America have harmed many U.S. industries, including maritime. That truth really hit home on October 19, when SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages filed a voluntary petition to reorganize through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, much like the nation itself, American Classic is working to regain its full strength. The company will continue to operate the Delta Queen riverboat, with an SIU crew. Michael Sacco Plans are being made to bring back the Mississippi Queen next year. The hope is that September 11 's impact on the U.S. cruise industry (and all others, for that matter) is only temporary. It's important to understand that Chapter 11 is a truce, not a surrender. Basically, it gives a company a chance to operate its business while creditors and courts approve plans to repay debts. It offers an opportunity to get a company back on its feet and rebuild. Additionally, American Classic is hardly alone in its predicament. As reported elsewhere on this page, U.S. layoffs since September 11 have topped half a million. Chapter 11 is a viable option in some cases, including that of Bethlehem Steel, which filed for reorganization four days before American Classic. The SIU, of course, will do everything we can to help our friends at American Classic in returning to full steam. More importantly, the union is eager and available to help all SIU brothers and sisters who are impacted by the layoff. One of the best things about belonging to this union is, there's no shortage of work. We have many opportunities, and I encourage mariners from the American Classic fleets to contact their nearest SIU hall for more information. Please also keep in mind that we offer top-notch vocational training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., which can help you make the transition from passenger ships to cargo vessels. On a personal note, I thank each and every Seafarer for your professional, mature conduct in the face of the layoffs. As disappointed as we all felt upon hearing the reorganization news, that didn ' t stop the SIU crews from completing your respective voyages and then departing the ships with class and dignity. You have my thanks and admiration. Just as it will take time, patience and hard work to win the war on terrorism, so too will America need sustained, strong efforts to restore our work force . We have no other choice but to succeed. In Praise of the RRF The ceremonies for the Ready Reserve Force's 25th anniversary (see page 3) brought lots of encouraging words from high-ranking offi cials from the government and military. Clearly, there is recognition, at top levels, of the importance of U.S. sealift capability. That includes the need to maintain a strong pool of qualified shipboard manpower-American crews for American ships, supporting our nation in times of war and peace. While the praise for the RRF is well-deserved, it's time to step up efforts to revitalize the U.S. fleet. As I said during the ceremonies, there are indications that our industry stands on the verge of a manpower shortage that could threaten our national sealift capacity. The SIU is doing everything possible to prevent such problems, but we're not in this alone. America learned many lessons on and after September 11. One of them is we can t afford to ignore warning signs. That goes for the health of the U.S. Merchant Marine-a sound~ smart investment for this country s security. 1 1 ' Volumt1 63, Numbt1r 11 November 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.urg The Seafarers L OG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS American Classic Voyages Files Voluntary Petition for Chapter 11 Reorganization SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages, the largest U.S.-flag cruise company, on Oct. 19 announced that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in Wilmington, Del. The move was driven by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 , which have harmed the tourism, entertainment and transportation industries more than any others (see story, this page). Seafarers will continue to sail aboard the Delta Queen riverboat, and the company also announced it is working to reintroduce the Mississippi Queen next year. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, work had been suspended on the two 1,900-passenger Project America cruise ships being built at Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. ''Northrop Grumman will continue its efforts with the U.S. Maritime Administration to obtain guaranteed funding for Project America," the shipyard said in an Oct. 25 new release. "Ongoing work on the program [is] subject to Project America's ability to secure immediate financing for the balance of the contract." American Classic is the parent company of United States Lines, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., American Hawaii Cruises, and Delta Queen Coastal Voyages. The company said it believes the Chapter 11 process "will allow us to rebuild our business in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and continue our proud tradition as America's cruise line." For now, the reorganization includes shutting down many of the company's vessels-the ms Patriot and Independence, American Queen, Mississippi Queen and Columbia Queen, and the Cape May Light. The result is approximately 2, 150 layoffs, including roughly 1,700 shipboard jobs. SIU crew members from those vessels may call the following toll-free number for information on benefit continuation: 800 252-4674. "We will work with the company in every way possible to get those ships back in operation and to help ensure the continued construction of the new deep-sea cruise ships," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "For the SIU members who were laid off, this union offers many other opportunities to work aboard ship, especially in the deep sea division." Tellez added that the Paul Hall Center's safety school in Hawaii will remain open. "The tragic events of Sept. 11 dealt a devastating blow to our business that has made it impossible to continue our full operations," said Phil Calian, CEO of American Classic Voyages. "We will continue to operate on a much reduced scale to focus on our Mississippi River cruises, which have been the historic core of our company." In August, the company had reported increasing per diems and occupancy on its Hawaii ships, profitable performance on its Delta Queen vessels and that it had successfully reached an agreement with N ortbrop Grumman on the continuation of construction of the Project America cruise ships. In the four weeks subsequent to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., the company said its gross bookings declined 50 percent, its cancellations increased 30 percent and it faced a weakened cash position with no prospects for additional capital at this time. The company has established a customer information hotline (800 856-9904) and additional information is available on the company's web site at www.amcv.com. Individuals with reservations on future American Classic cruises other than the Delta Queen steamboat should contact their travel agent, their travel insurance company or their credit card company for information about obtaining refunds. ,,_. U.S. Layoffs Top 528,000 The United States economy is expenencmg an accelerated downturn in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hundreds of thousands of workers have lost their jobs, consumer confidence has plummeted, sales are down at major retailers and companies are scaling back on new investments. Little is expected to change in the immediate future , according to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who testified Oct. 17 before the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. The Fed chairman indicated that while the fallout from the attacks currently has the economy in a depressed state, he believes the resulting damage will only be short-term and that the country should recover once it gets over the initial shock of being attacked. ''The terrorist attacks have significantly heightened uncertainty in an economy that was already weak," stated a Federal Reserve Board news release, which was circulated shortly before Greenspan 's appearance before the committee. "Nonetheless, the long-term prospects for productivity growth and the economy remam favorable and should become evident once the unusual forces restraining demand abate." Meanwhile, workers across the country- many of them union members--continue to suffer. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, announced layoffs nationwide had exceeded 528,000. Published reports suggest there are more than 140,000 aviation workers who face current or future layoffs. AFL-CIO research shows more than 260,000 in the transportation and hospitality industries, and another 66,000 in aerospace will join the ranks of the jobless. In New York City, an estimated 108,500 jobs were lost within one month of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute. While Congress and the administration floated the idea of a $75 billion economic stimulus package for the national economy, the New York City comptroller estimated Oct. 4 that the attack could cost New York City alone $105 billion in damages and lost revenue By sector, the figures in the box at right show layoffs, which have either been carried out or are projected. ti.s. Layoffs Sector Hospitality tourism, entertainment 132,545 Transportation 128,094 Manufacturing 99,153 Aerospace 66,535 I Communications & utilities 39,840 Service 33,996 Finance, insurance, real estate 15,764 Public administration 7,033 Retail trade 4,968 Other 775 Totals 528,703 ,,,,,, From Front Page to Paster Prints Available to SIU Members Based on suggestions and requests from the membership, the front page of the October issue of the Seafarers LOG is being turned into a poster, with minor variations. The main artwork from last month's front page (a painting by freelance artist Bill Brower, who has worked with the SIU for many years) is the poster's centerpiece. The top features the words, "These Colors Don't Run!" The bottom includes a message about the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD). SIU members who would like to receive a print of the new SPAD poster should send their name and home address to the Seafarers Political Action Donation, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2001 �25 Years of Reliable Service Ready Reserve Force Praised as 'High-Value Sealift Asset' High-ranking representatives of government, the military, maritime labor and U.S. ship operators on Oct. 18 cited the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) as a key, cost-effective component of America's national defense capabilities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta served as keynote speaker during RRF 25 1h anniversary ceremonies sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) aboard the SIUcrewed RRF vessel Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Also weighing in with their support for the RRF were Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC); Rear Adm. Edward Fahy, director, plans and policy directorate, U.S. Command Transportation (TRANSCOM); Acting Maritime Administrator Bruce Carlton; SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD); Capt. Timothy Brown, president of the Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Richard du Moulin, chairman, president and CEO of Marine Transport Corp. In addition to those from the Cape Wrath, a number of other SIU members attended the celebration. Seafarers crew several RRF ships based in Baltimore, as well as cable ships and tugboats. Unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md., also attended. 'We Know 1her Stand Ready' Mineta recognized unions' and merchant mariners' contributions to the RRF's accomplishments. "The key to the success of the Ready Reserve Force is its use of experienced American ship operating companies which manage the ships, and the skilled and dedicated professionals from maritime labor organizations who crew them," he stated. "America's merchant marine, maritime industries and merchant seafarers have come through for us every time our nation has needed them. We know they stand ready to do so again, whether tomorrow, next week, next year or in the distant future." The secretary said the RRF particularly proved its worth 10 years ago during the Persian Gulf War, when the merchant fleet reliably supplied American military forces for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. "The Cape Henry and the Cape Inscription-the first RRF ships to arrive in Saudi Arabia-along with their sister ships, helped ferry nearly onequarter of the 3.2 million short tons of dry cargo needed to support allied forces in the Persian Gulf." He also noted the effective cooperation that helps spearhead the RRF's viability. "Our industry and labor partners make the Ready Reserve Force a reliable, costeffective source of sealift," Mineta declared. He thanked MarAd employees for their "stellar efforts in service to our nation, especially today, in support of the Ready Reserve Force program." Mineta concluded, ''The RRF has served America well. President Bush, Vice President Cheney SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (right) presents a Seafarers LOG to U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta following the RRF ceremonies in Baltimore. ~ Plf?~Se be advised that SIU headquarters and all . : SIU hiring halls will be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2001 for the observance of . Christmas Day (unless an emergency arises). Nf?rmal business hours will resume the following workday. Na.,,ember 2001 Acting Maritime Administrator Bruce Carlton U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander, MSC MM&P President Capt. Timothy Brown Marine Transport Corp. President Richard du Moulin and I are proud of your accomplishments and determined to give you the tools to continue your exemplary record of service and success." leading to the establishment of reduced operating status (ROS) crews who maintain the ships. ''You cannot 'park' ships and lock them up for 13 years and then expect them to perform," Carlton said. "We aggressively test these ships and ourselves on a no-notice basis." He added, "As we celebrate the success of our RRF, we stand ready to perform the mission of sealift for our armed forces." Steel Bridge Brewer pointed out that the RRF has proved its worth many times since the Persian Gulf War, including during missions to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Central America. But the most vivid image of the RRF he described was that of the "steel bridge" of ships formed by merchant mariners to support U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War. "During Desert Storm, we literally pushed a steel bridge to the Middle East," Brewer stated. "Ifyou flew over the ocean, you'd see one ship every 50 miles supplying our troops. "Whatever we do as a nation, we must never, ever bum that steel bridge to democracy," he continued. "I say to the RRF, thank God for your service." Fahy relayed comments from Gen. Tony Robertson, conunander of TRANSCOM: "The success of the RRF rests squarely on the shoulders of MarAd, working with our partners in the maritime industry.... You set the pace for defense transportation.... The highly trained men and women who crew the ships are true unsung heroes." Fahy himself described the RRF as "one of our treasured national assets." Carlton noted that everyone involved in the RRF program helps ensure the fleet's readiness by regularly participating in test activations, sometimes unannounced. He said that some of the cbal- · lenges faced by mariners activating vessels for the Persian Gulf War provided a valuable lesson, Shipboard Manpower Sacco and Brown stated that the nation must back its merchant fleet during peace time to help ensure adequate shipboard manpower for the RRF and other civilian-crewed, military support ships. Both pointed to a recent series of articles in the Baltimore Sun which quoted numerous high-ranking officials expressing concern about sufficient manpower for surge sealift. "The merchant marine is vital to this country's national defense, Rear Adm. Edward Fahy, director, plans and policy directorate, TRANSCOM and it's time America started acting like it," Sacco said. "We must never send our soldiers into battJe without knowing-for sure-that we've got the people and the ships to give them every tool they need. Continued on page 5 Ready Reserve Force Facts • . fleet includes 76 government-owned, civilian-crewed ships normally kept in reserve by the U.S. Maritime Administration {MarAd) to meet surge shipping requirements for the Department of Defense. • RRF ships transport materiel to deployed U.S. forces in peace time and war. • Vessels are maintained at 21 U.S. ports near potential military load-out sites. as well as two overseas ports. • Ships can be fully crewed and ready to proceed to a loading site in four, five, 10 or 20 days, depending on activation schedule. • Currently, four RRF ships are in active service as prepositioning ships. Twenty-six others are in reduced operating status (ROS} with four-day activation periods. Twenty-five more have five-day activation schedules~ 19 ships have 10-day activations; and two vessels have 20-day activations. • RRF fleet includes 31 roll-on/roll-off ships, 15 breakbulk vessels, 10 crane ships, nine tankers, seven heavy lift ships, two aviations repair vessels and two troop ships. Source: U.S. Maritime Administration : Seafarers LOB ' 3 �Helping the Heroes Seafarers-Crewed USNS Comfort Provides Respite for NY Rescuers Sooner or later, even the nearly tireless rescue workers in New York City needed recuperation. When those moments arrived, the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort provided food, shelter and other services to thousands of fellow Americans involved in salvage operations at ground zero. "I didn't care what we did, just as long as we helped. Whatever we could do to help America," stated AB Joseph Lee. "All the people who came aboard were glad to see us. It was really great just to take part in the relief effort." Stationed in Baltimore in reduced operating status (ROS), the Comfort received activation orders on Sept. 11, following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. The ship arrived at New York's Pier 92 on Sept. 14. During the next two-and-a-half weeks, the steward department served 17,000 meals to guests, and the ship accommodated 2,300 overnight visitors. Also in that time, crew members and medical personnel processed 4,400 pounds of laundry; handled 561 sick-call visits and 14 dental treatments; provided 500 mental-health consultations; hosted 1,359 medical massages given to guests by volunteer massage therapists from the New York area; and gave 227 haircuts. The shipboard staff included 54 civilian mariners and 335 military personnel. The Comfort's availability and its capacity to dock near the rescue site proved invaluable for many reasons. For one, a lot of the rescue workers had nowhere else to stay, because they had traveled to New York from out- side the region. Even those who lived nearby would have had difficulty commuting between downtown and the suburbs, because of severe disruptions to the local transportation systems. Seafarers from the USNS Supply and USNS Spica also helped in the relief efforts. "It brought tears to my eyes, to be honest. The first thing you want is payback. Then, you think of the families, and you 're just glad you 're able to help." - Yeoman Storekeeper Robert Allen Ahead of Schedule When news of the attacks reached the Comfort, crew members immediately prepared for activation, even before receiving orders. The ship was ready to sail by 10 a.m. the next morning-four days earlier than required. As with many of the landbased hospitals in the New York area, the Comfort initially expected to be utilized for treating patients. The vessel is outfitted with 1,000 beds, 12 operating rooms, 80 intensive-care beds and all the other equipment and USNS Comfort In NY Relief • • • • • Ordered to activate Sept. 11. Ready to sail less than 24 hours later. Loaded supplies and personnel in Earle, N.J. Sept. 14. Arrived NY Pier 92 same day. From Sept. 15-30, served 17,000 meals to guests. Housed 2,300 overnight guests. Handled 561 guest sick-call visits and 500 mental-health consultations (among other services). Processed 4,400 lbs. of laundry for guests. vessel Data: • Crewed by members of SIU Government Services Division • Length: 894 feet • Beam: 105 feet, 9 inches • Design draft: 32 feet, 9 inches • Full load displacement: 69,360 long tons • Speed: 17.5 knots • Total hospital bed capacity: 1 ,ODO • Comprehensive surgical capability 4 Seafarers LOG capabilities of a typical large U.S. hospital. At some point en route to New York, word spread aboard the ship that its mission had changed to that a floating morgue. But, when the vessel docked at the U.S. Naval Weapons Station in Earle, N.J. in the pre-dawn hours of Sept. 14 (to load additional medical supplies and Navy personnel), crew members were informed their mission had been changed to supporting the rescue workers. "The unlicensed crew did a good job," stated Chief Mate Jim White. "We basically rolled out the red carpet." Recalling the Scene After the Comfort returned to ROS in Baltimore, several members of the SIU's Government Services Division shared their thoughts on the mission. "When we arrived, we could still see smoke off the stem," said Chief Electrician Pat Brown. "That was the first time I'd ever seen the Statue of Liberty. It was eerie, with all the smoke in the city. It put a knot in your throat." Brown said the crew was "too busy to chat with the rescue workers. We just said hello .... It goes without saying that every American became a real American on Sept. 11. It made everyone realize how precious this country really is." Engine Utility Shawn Brown joined the Comfort in New York, after taking a military flight. "It was busy, to ~ay the least. We did the engine work, plumbing, lighting, pulling lines, securing the ship. We had it from bow to stern," he recalled. Shawn Brown said that when Marines came aboard from ground zero, "You could tell by their expressions and the dust, it looked like a rough time.... The rescue workers looked relieved when they saw us. They were very appreciative of the hot meals. "I felt like a hero since I was actually involved, helping, practically right in the middle of things." AB Joseph Lee said shaking hands with New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani when he boarded the ship provided a highlight. "It was good to take part in the relief effort," said Lee. "All of the people were glad to see us. You could tell the ship was a relief for them." For Yeoman Storekeeper Robert Allen, part of the ROS crew before Sept. 11, arriving in New York proved particularly poignant. Allen resides in Norfolk, Va. but grew up in New York City. ..Personally, whenever I make that trip, I always stand outside (on deck) and look at the Statue of Liberty," Allen noted. "It was a sad experience. A lot of thoughts run through your head-that it can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. It brought tears to my Continued on page 8 AB Joseph Lee Engine Utility Shawn Brown Letter Offered to Help CIVMARS, Soldiers Wnh Late Fees Due to Mail Curtailment Even before last month's episodes involving anthrax, the head of the military's mail system distributed a letter asking creditors to exempt overseas soldiers and civilians from late fees on payments delayed by the reduced flow of military mail to and from Europe. The letter is signed by Maj. Gen. Kathryn G. Frost, executive director of the Military Postal Service Agency. Soldiers, as well as civilians employed by the military (including CIVMARS), can obtain a copy of the letter at Army post offices, consolidated mailrooms and battalion S-1 sections. They may enclose the letter in correspondence or payments to their creditors. Mail services to Europe already were sharply curtailed following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Services further were disrupted after the anthrax incidents. U.S. military officials caution that the letter itself does not automatically exempt personnel from the late fees. That, they say, is the decision of the creditor. Rather, the letter explains to creditors that the late payment is the result of delays in military mail, and asks the creditor to exempt the soldier or civilian from the fees. "The resumption of mail movement is very slow and in some cases has not resumed," the letter says. "We know that this interruption of mail movement has significantly delayed correspondence between you and our military and civilian Department of Defense personnel." Notice The Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration {NOAA) have announced the approval of wage adjustments for crvitian mariners in their respective fleets at the rate of 3.83 percent. Mariners should have seen the increase in their "leave and earning" statements in mid~October. The increase was effective July 1, 2001 and is applicable to base wages and premium pay. MSC West Coast mariners started receiving their increase in August. MSC and NOAA are working on payrolt procedures to make sure mariners receive their retroactive pay about eight weeks from the time they receive their initial increase. llarembel' 2001 �AFL-CIO Depts. State Case for Opening ANWR MTD, BCTD Urge Senate to Okay Energy Policy The AFL-CIO 's Maritime Trades Department (MTD) along with the Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) last month called upon the Senate to pass national energy policy legislation that includes the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to environmentally safe oil exploration and drilling. The departments pointed out that in these uncertain economic times, such a national energy policy which includes ANWR exploration would mean hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs for American workers. Estimates range between 250,000 and 750,000 jobs would be created, affecting all parts of the country. The BCTD and MTD realize these new positions would be a tremendous boost for the American economy. In a joint news release, the departments stated, "ANWR can be safely explored and drilled by American workers. The oil will be moved through U.S.-built pipelines. It will be carried aboard U.S.-flag tankers with American crews. It will be refined and distributed in American facilities. And, American consumers will use it. On top of all this, American workers will staff, maintain and service the production facilities in Alaska. "Thanks to improvements in technology, today's workers will be able to explore and drill for oil in a far more environmentally safe fashion than when Prudhoe Bay was opened nearly 30 years ago. The BCTD and MTD remain committed to protecting ANWR's ecosystem and using the least invasive measures possible in its development. "Presently, about 58 percent of America's oil needs come from Labor Federation Warns Of Fast-Track's Perils AFL-CIO President John Sweeney early last month urged the top officials of national and international unions to mobilize in force to defeat "fast track" trade legislation making its way through Congress. Tagging the legislation as "completely inadequate," Sweeney said that while the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001 (H.R. 3005) mentions the words "labor" and "environment," it falls well short of ensuring that any enforceable standards will be incorporated into future trade agreements. Further, Sweeney said, the bill fails to adequately address any of the key concerns that have been raised during the trade debate over the last several years. Sponsored by Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. William Thomas (R-Calif.), the legislation was referred to Congress Oct. 3 in the wake of the cpt. 11 tragedie i ew or , ashington and Pennsylvania. Supporters of the bill at that juncture said it was needed to help build and maintain the international coalition against terrorism and to help stimulate our struggling economy. Without fast track, they maintained, countries foreign sources. Within a decade without any changes, estimates show that figure could grow to 70 percent. The BCTD and MTD believe development of domestic oil reserves is needed. Exploration of the 2,000 acres within 1.5 million acres set aside in ANWR for development as provided in the House of Representatives bill would permit access to one of the nation's largest domestic sources of untapped oil. This would greatly reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, thus helping to make the nation more secure. "The Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO jointly believe developing ANWR can be done in a way that adds good American jobs, protects the environment and assists the growth of the American economy." would refuse to negotiate seriously with the United States because Congress could change any pact. "We strongly support stimulating the U.S. economy and responding to the tragedies of Sept. 11, but fast track does nothing to achieve either of these aims," Sweeney said following the legislation's debut in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Fast track was controversial prior to the recent tragedies, and it would not have passed in the Congress. "Pursuing the Thomas fast track approach at this time will erode the sense of cooperation and spirit of bipartisanship that we want to see our country and its leaders continue to take-not only on this issue, but on other issues as well," the labor president said. Under fast track, the president negotiates trade agreements and sends them to Congress for approval, but Congress can only vote "yes" or "no" on the overall pacts within a specified period. It can not amend them. Meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee on Oct. 10 approved the bill by a 26-13 vote. Undoubtedly, this development has set the stage for an intense and potentially disruptive debate in the House. The same panel earlier rejected a fast track bill offered by Rep. Charles Rangel (DNY), Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and Rep Bob Matsui (D-Calif.) by a 26-12 vote. Support Given to RRF at 25 Continued from page 3 "A good first step would be expanding the Maritime Security Program," he continued. Left: Unlicensed appren· "Another would be opening the tices from the Paul Hall Center represented the school during the observance. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for development, which will boost the American-flag tanker fleet. We also must maintain the Jones Act and our cargoreservation laws. And we must do whatever it takes to eliminate unfair competition from flag-ofconvenience vessels, which have been called floating sweatshops." He added that in addition to providing billets for mariners, the RRF "also helps keep commercial ship operators involved in the 'fourth arm of defense.' It involves longshore workers who load the vessels, and shipyard workers who repair them. In short, the RRF is a winner." Brown called for "our nation's maritime programs, policies, tax and regulatory frameworks to be adapted to today's shipping environment. To successfully accomplish this, maritime labor, management and the government must Below: SIU members from cth~r During an Oct. 2 conference in Washington, D.C., SIU President Michael Sacco (speaking), who also serves as president of the MTD, describes some of the potential benefits of opening ANWR for exploration and development. Also pictured are (first row, from left) Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Teamsters Rep Jerry Hood, Interior Secretary Gale Norton, (second row, from left) MESA SecretaryTreasurer Bob McFeeters, IUOE Pres. Frank Hanley, UA Pres. Martin Maddaloni and Laborers President Terence O'Sullivan. ships and appren. tices from the Paul Hall Center attended the festivities. Pictured (from left) are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Chief Steward McKinley Jones Jr.. SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, ChiM St~ward James Kidd and Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. In a related development, the AFL-CIO on Oct. 21 launched a television ad campaign calling on members of Congress to vote "no" on the fast track legislation, saying it will be divisive and a further drain on the faltering American economy. In addition to the television spots, the 13 million-member AFL-CIO has organized a grassroots campaign including tens of thousands of telephone calls to members of Congress, en "e-activism" campaign, and member-to-member contact throughout the country. The ads are part of the AFL-CIO's continuing educational outreach program to mobilize America's working families around issues central to their lives. At press time for the Seafarers LOG, some lawmakers were pushing for an immediate vote on the controversial legislation. The same type of legislation was defeated in 1997 and 1998 when groups pointed out that despite including hundreds of pages of protections for business interests, the legislation did not include enforceable protections for workers rights and the environment. The so-called North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was pa sed under previous fast track negotiating authority, which expired in 1994. NAFTA has cost U.S. workers hundreds of thousands of jobs; in Mexico, wages have actually fallen and poverty has increased; and the wages of Canadian workers have dropped below U.S. standards. history, right up to the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Mariners helped evacuate survivors from Manhattan, an operation described by du Moulin and others as "another Dunkirk." "Like our respect for the rescue workers, we must focus on the mariners who sail our merchant vessels," he said. He also noted the "effective cooperation of industry, labor and government" in helping drive the RRF. "Of course, that cooperation goes much further back" than just the past quarter-century. The SIU-crewed Cape Wrath, based in Baltimore, hosted ceremonies commemorating the RRF's 251h anniversary. Pictured below are some of those in attendance. come together to s-upport innovative poli~ies and programs that will increase the pool of trained, loyal, active American mariners and that will keep and attract merchant vessels to the United States flag." The final speaker, du Moulin, described the merchant marine's important role throughout U.S. NaJ1emller 2001 Seafarers LOS 5 �...-----------------------,......_..-.....,.______ - - - -- - - - - SEATO Triennial Convention ldentifies Organizing, Political Action as Priorities During their second triennial convention, held Oct. 15 in Piney Point, Md., members of the SIUaffiliated Seafarers Entertainment & Allied Trades Union (SEATU) met to discuss their plans and goals for the next three years, chief among them, organizing new members. SIU President Michael Sacco (who also serves as president of SEATU) welcomed the delegates and noted how far the union has come since its inception six years ago. "When this union gained its charter in November 1995," he stated, "we represented the crew of one small vessel in Alton, Ill. By the time of our first convention, in 1998, we were up to 2,000 members. Today, 3,000 members are covered by SEATU contracts." He noted that while achieving a 50 percent membership growth in the past three years is a great beginning, there is more to be done to expand and grow. Continuing to diversify ts one way to keep the union strong, according to Sacco. One point he stressed to the delegates was that SEATU enjoys the solid backing of the SIU. Its affiliation with the Seafarers International Union gives SEATU members many benefits; chief among them are enhanced political strength, training opportunities and wide-ranging maritime job opportunities for SEATU members. Valerie Lilja, Union Privilege representative, informed those assembled about the cost-saving programs offered by her organization, which was established by the AFL-CIO to offer union members and their families Left: James Hanson, safety director at the Paul Hall Center, talked about safety training available to SEATU members. Below: Following the triennial meeting, SEATU delegates and officials posed for a group photo. Unions tram Here and Abroad Vow Support for Triaa Mariners Representatives of Brazilian maritime and petroleum worker unions artd U.S . sea.faring unions put into effect a bilateral solidarity pact last month in Rio de Janeiro pledging international cooperation to promote fairness, justice and a voice at work for mariners working on U.S.-flag vessels of Trico Marine Services, Inc. In addition, maritime unions throughout Latin America pledged to work in concert to legally convince Trico to cease its anti-union campaign and allow its mariners in the Gulf of Mexico to have a union. First announced in the United States on Aug. 22, 2001, the solidarity pact states, "The Brazilian and U.S. unions call peacefully and lawfully on the customers of Trico not to engage in any further contracts with Trico from this day forward until Trico ceases its anti-union activilies and. upon demonstration of majority support, recognizes the OMU as the Union representing mariners working on the company's U.S. 6 Seafarers LOG Gulf of Mexico fleet and negotiates in good faith a collective bargaining agreement providing these workers all the protections of union representation." Trico Marine operates a fleet of nearly 100 vessels worldwide. The company's primary markets are the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea and Brazil. Mariners in the North Sea and Brazil enjoy the protection of a union contract. Four U.S. maritime unions formed the Offshore Mariners United (OMU) to assist U.S. mariners in their struggle for dignity and respect. Trico Marine operates approximately 15 vessels in the Brazilian offshore market. Most of the vessels are under contract with Petrobras. "Trico operates in Brazil with union crews. Trico operates in the North Sea with union crews. But Trico refuses to allow its crews in the Gulf of Mexico to have a union," David Heindel, secretarytreasurer of the SIU, said in Rio at the pact's announcement. Heindel signed the accord on behalf of the attractive rates on various goods and services. The Union Privilege programs serve as a good example of how there is strength in numbers. Included in the offerings are low-interest credit cards, free and discounted legal services, a scholarship program, student loans, and more. James Hanson, safety director at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (which hosted the convention), talked about the training available to SEATU members both at the school and at on-site locations aboard the gaming vessels. In the past year, he stated, he and other instructors from the school have held training sessions on everything from basic and advanced fire fighting to general safety and first aid awareness to newer classes on ergonomics and bloodborne pathogens. He said he and his staff are working on their schedule for the next year and plan to start with two trips per year on each gaming vessel beginning in March. In addition to the safety and health programs, job-specific training courses were held on-site for shop stewards and delegates and have proven very valuable for members who are taking a more active leadership at work through their union. Leslie Tarantola, SEATU general counsel, spoke about this following four U.S. seafaring unions: SIU; American Maritime Officers (AMO); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); and Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA). "For over a year, Trico mariners have sought a union. Trico has responded by firing union supporters, blocking union representatives from visiting ships ... and finding all manner of ways to prevent their mariners from being able to communicate with our unions," Heindel said. "Further, Trico has run a strong campaign of harassment, intimidation, interrogation and pressure to scare mariners away from their aim of having a union." "We live in a globalized world," said Severino Filho, president of the Brazilian Confederation of Maritime and Aviation Transport Workers, Fishermen and Port Workers, which represents more than 200 unions with a combined membership of 1,000,000. "We accept that companies will operate freely all over the world. But we believe in the rights of workers as well Michael Gale, boat delegate from Sioux City, Iowa, presented the reports of the credentials and resolutions committees. SEATU Delegate John Benjamin read the report from the auditing committee to the officials and delegates at the convention. The report from the convention arrangements committee was read by Lawrenceburg delegate Justena Duvall. Valerie Lilja, Union Privilege representative, informed convention participants of cost-savings programs available to them. country's labor laws and how they affect the labor movement. She noted that immigrants have played a vital role in making America as strong as it is today, but that many of these hard workers are undocumented and are afraid to openly and actively seek to JOlll a union. She spoke in favor of a new immigration system-one that works, is fair and protects the American worker. In addition to the push for increased organizing efforts, officials and delegates also agreed that SEATU's involvement in political activities is crucial to its continued existence. Issues such as ergonomics, fair trade, health care, cial ecurity, p itical action and support for maritime are among the union's priorities. Prior to adjournment of the convention, delegates reelected Michael Sacco as president, David Heindel as executive vice president/secretary-treasurer, and Augustin Tellez and Thomas Orzechowski as vice presidents. They were elected to three-year terms. and this is a very strong feeling. Therefore it is impossible to accept that Trico will expand in Brazil when it will not recognize the rights of their North American mariners to be in a union .... One of our basic trade union principles is solidarity and we in Brazil will do everything possible to assist the workers of Trico in the United States." The agreement was signed during a meeting of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for Latin American affiliates. The conference brought together trade union officials from close to 40 unions representing dock workers, seafarers and other maritime trades workers in 15 Latin American nations. At the conference, the Latin American union representatives adopted unanimously a resolution to "support OMU and the Bilateral Solidarity Pact by taking steps to persuade Trico Marine to end its campaign of intimidation, including any and all steps sanctioned by applicable law which would have the effect of limiting Trico's ability to expand its operations anywhere in Latin America, until such time as Trico Marine recognizes the rights of its employees to organize and bargain collectively through the representatives of their choice." SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel signed the solidarity pact on behalf of four U.S. seafaring unions during a recent meeting in Rio de Janeiro. November 2001 �13 Bosuns Attain Recertification Seafarers Like What They See in SIU, School Thirteen of the SIU's newest recertified bosuns addressed their brothers and sisters and accepted completion-of-training certificates Oct. 8 during the membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Finishing the four-week class, considered the top curriculum available for deck department Seafarers, were Tom Arriola, John Baker, William Bratton, Herbert Charles, Emanuel Gazzier, William Henderson, John Nichols, Ron Paradise, Eric Perez, George Perry, Henry Peterson, Fadel Saleh and Thor Young. In addition to their hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the recertified bosuns met at the union's headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. with representatives from all departments. Through discussions with them about the health and benefits plans, contract negotiation and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG, the deck department upgraders enhanced their understanding of the many facets that must come together to make the union strong. Besides making complimentary remarks during the meeting about the instruction they received and the training center's staff and facilities, the bosuns collectively lauded the SIU leadership and offered words of ncouragement to the audience's unlicensed apprentices and lfti~ll&s. vii"Trr~')? 11r r,. , ,) Arriola sails from the port of Houston and has been going to sea for more than 30 years. He challenged the trainees to be professional in all their dealings and to always put safety first. "Strive to be professional at all times.'' he said. "You can never go wrong by respecting others. I also ask you to be safety-conscious on the job; be especially alert while docking." After thanking the union officials and membership for his opportimity to attend bosun recertifaation training. Arriola offered the trainees one final piece of advice: "Keep gossip and rumors to a minimum. There's no room for either of them in our profos& sion." Baker claims several home ports, having regularly sailed out of Los Angeles, Tacoma, Wash., Hawaii, Piney Point and Jacksonville, Fla. No stranger to Piney Point, Baker has upgraded six times since starting his SIU career in 1982. "T want to say thanks to all Seafarers who made it possible for me to stand up here today. This thanks is not just to the bosun selection committee," he said, "but also to those who built this union and this school." Baker urged apprentices and upgraders to continue taking advantage of all training opportunities available to them. "You as Senfo.rcr~ will continue lo build this union and this school," he said. Bratton hails from the port of Norfolk, Va. and joined the SIU in 1990 in Houston. He joined his classmates in their common November 2001 Thirteen bosuns completed recertification training Oct. 8 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Shortly after graduating, they joined SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (front row, third from left), SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker (front row, far right) and SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma (second row, far left) for this photo. Pictured are (in alphabetical order) Tom Arriola, John Baker, William Bratton, Herbert Charles, Emanuel Gazzier, William Henderson, John Nichols, Ron Paradise, Eric Perez, George Perry, Henry Peterson, Fadel Saleh and Thor Young. assessment of the valuable training they underwent and collective words of encouragement they offered to fellow Seafarers. He used his time at the podium, however, to reflect on the tragic events of Sept. 11 and how they affected his class as a whole. In short, he said the events were crimes against all humanity, and he labeled the perpetrators as insane, malicious and cowardly. Charles, one of the two recertified bosuns who sails from acksonville, became a Seafarer in 1987. He has upgraded once before at Piney Point. "I'd like to thank everyone involved in the bosun recertification program," he offered. "Your collective efforts have made it a great success." Charles told the apprentices the SIU has the only school of its kind for mariners in the world and that it affords great chances to develop skills. "The opportunities here are tops," he said. "I urge you to continue taking advantage of them to develop and refine your skills." Gazzier currently sails out of Mobile, Ala. This upgrading trip to Piney Point was his fourth since joining the SIU in 1979. Gazzier last attended the school in March for STCW training. "This union offers everyone the opportunity to make higher pay and secure better benefits," he said, "and I would like to say thanks to everyone who made all of these things possible. God Bless America and the SIU." To the apprentices, Gazzier said that the school provides a great opportunity to receive valuable training. "Take advantage of it now," he said. Henderson is the second member of the class who sails from the port of Norfolk, the location at which he joined the SIU. "I'd just like to thank the SIU leadership and port officials in Norfolk for lhe opportunity they have provided me to be here," Henderson said. "I really enjoyed the training because I learned a great deal about how the union works ... everything from contracts to our pension." He told the apprentices that continuous upgrading is the key to a successful SIU career. "Everyone should take full advantage of the training and skills that are being offered here," he said. Nichols' home port is Houston. He joined SIU there in 1990 and has upgraded at Piney Point three times. Besides being pleased with the bosun recertification course and all it taught him, Nichols was impressed with oth the union officials and school staff. "I can't say enough about how knowledgeable and dedicated the leadership and staff are," he said. "They taught me a lot, especially about union history, contracts and the working relationships between the Military Sealift Command and shipping companies." Nichols said he thoroughly enjoyed being at Piney Point again. "My wife and I, as well as my children, have always enjoyed coming here," he said. "The atmosphere is relaxed and very conducive to learning. In addition, there are many extracurricular activities and historical sites nearby." Paradise is the third class member who ships out of Norfolk. He joined the SIU in 1975 in Piney Point and since then has upgraded six times at the school. "I'm proud to be in this union and glad to have met so many good friends over the years," Paradise said. "I'd like to thank the staff and all the good people I have met here this time and those I am going to meet when I come back." He said he learned a great deal about the political ramifications associated with the workings of the union. "I was very impressed with the talks we had with the union leadership about contracts nnd the nmount of effort it takes to sustain our medical plans, vacation plans, pay and so on." To the apprentices, Paradise advised, "Keep upgrading your skills because you can do anything you want to ... the opportu- nities are out there and they are yours for the taking." Perez sails out of San Juan, P.R. and joined the SIU in the same port in 1988. Attending the bosun recertification class was his third trip to Piney Point for upgrading. "To all my brothers and sisters, I just want to say thanks," he said. "I'm real proud to get recertified. And I realize that it was because of you that this was possible for me." Perez, like many of his classmates, also was pleased to become better informed about the union's contracting process and what it takes to maintain and improve Seafarers' benefits. He encouraged apprentices to seize the training opportunities available at the school and noted "upgrading gives you better skills to be more professional and productive on your job." Perry joined the SIU in Norfolk and currently sails out of Jacksonville. The class marked his second upgrading trip. "This [bosun recertification training] is an achievement that I have worked very hard for over the years," he told those in attendance. "I started with the SIU in 1983 and today I'm getting recertified. "I've sailed with a lot of peo- ple and had a lot of ups and downs," Perry continued. "And I now see what President Sacco means about [the importance of] upgrading. I thank everyone for the help you have given me. I could not have done it without your assistance." Peterson resides in St. Louis, the same location in which he joined the SIU in 1987. "Bosun recertification is the pinnacle of my sailing career," he said, "and I thank the SIU for helping me get there." For those in the audience who had never gone to sea, but look forward to it, Peterson said, "When you go out to a ship, you may meet all kinds of people .... Stay focused and keep going," he said. "Take pride in what you do, take pride in the SIU and take advantage of upgrading opportunities every time they present themselves." Saleh, whose home port is Tacoma, joined the SIU m Seattle. Being selected for the recertification class was the greatest thing that ever happened to him, Saleh said. "I have been sailing since 1975 and it has always been the union that has provided me with employment opportunities through their hard work in the political arena," he said. "I want to personally thank President Sacco and the union leadership for all of their efforts, and the members who have stood ready to answer the call by their show of unity in political action. We can all be thankful for the bright future we will enjoy as a result of our being able to upgrade here at Piney Point." Young also calls Norfolk his home port. This marked his second trip to Piney Point for upgrading since joining the SIU in 1987. "I'm very proud to be here.'' he said. "I want to say thanks to the leadership and all my instructors. I learned about many things that go on behind the scenes that I never knew about, especially that our officials are really headstrong about us keeping our jobs -that's their number one priority and I very pleased about that," Young asserted. Young had a special message for the apprentices. "Treat this union, your career, and the shipping life with the utmost respect and professionalism," he said. "Know your union history, where we came from and where you are going. There are a lot of guys out there-and in here-who went to bat for us, and you ought to know that and never forget it." The bosuns took part in all aspects of firefighting during their recertifi- cation training. Above, class members battle a blaze at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarer Slater Featured In AFL-CIO Magazine SIU member Kirk Slater, a captain for NY Waterway passenger ferries, is featured in the October issue of the AFL-CIO magazine America@work. Slater is profiled on page 17 of the publication, which features extensive coverage of union members involved in rescue and relief operations stemming from the attacks of Sept. 11. Seafarers aboard NW Waterway boats transported more than 158,000 people from Manhattan during the first 13 hours following the attacks. A few of the boats operated long past midnight, providing help for emergency crews. (For more detailed coverage, see page 3 of the October issue of the Seafarers LOG, or visit the LOG section of www.seafarers.org.) Slater told the federation's magazine that he and other mariners aboard the ferries lately have been keeping an eye out for their regular customers. "You get to know people by their faces. They take the same boat every day. I can't help but wonder about the people I took over there that morning, how many were in those buildings. We're all looking for familiar faces," he said. Coast Guard Port Security at 'AH-Time High' The U.S. Coast Guard last month reported that it has sels, at the discretion of the local captains of the port. implemented "an unprecedented number of maritime • The escort of cruise ships and certain U.S. naval ships in and out of a number of U.S. ports. safety and security measures." • Joint interagency boardings and maritime security "We continue to be at a heightened state of alert and awareness," said Lt. Cmdr. Brendan McPherson, a operations with local, state and federal law enforcement spokesman with the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area head- agencies. As an example of the heightened security, the Coast quarters in Portsmouth, Va. The agency stated that among the most recent safe- Guard reported that in a typical 24-hour period last guards put in place to maintain port safety and security in month, the agency conducted more than 340 maritime more than 360 ports, along 95,000 miles of U.S. shoreline security patrols, conducted 52 vessel escorts and completed 30 air surveillance patrols within the Atlantic are: • 94 security zones, an all-time high, have been region, an area covering 40 states east of the Rockies. Other regulations and security measures implemented established nationwide. •Most commercial vessels bound for U.S. ports are since the Sept. 11 attacks include: Naval vessel protection required to provide 96-hour advance notice of arrival ·zones that provide a 500-yard security zone around U.S. information to the Coast Guard's new National Vessel naval vessels; Authority to control the anchorage and Movement Center. Reporting to the center will streamline movement of any vessel in US. waters; and Recalled the notification process while the longer advance notice more than 2,700 reservists to active duty, and approxiwill allow the Coast Guard and other U.S. law enforce- mately 28,000 Coast Guard volunteers are helping out in non-law enforcement roles, thereby freeing up Coast ment agencies more time to review the information. • Armed Coast Guard boardings of commercial ves- Guard personnel for those duties. Charleston 5 Head to Trial this Month After Release from House Arrest Seafarer Kirk Slater is profiled in .. U)e,f\FL-CIO magazine America@work. Five union dockworkers, known as the Charleston 5, have been released from more than a year-and-a-half of house arrest. In early October, South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon removed himself from the case against the Charleston 5 after attorneys for the dockworkers demanded that he be disqualified for gross misconduct. The case was transferred to a local prosecutor, Walter M. Bailey Jr., solicitor of the First Judicial Circuit, near Charleston. The removal of Condon from the case cleared the way for lifting the curfew. On Oct. 15, with Bailey's consent, Judge Vic Rawl signed the order releasing the men. Seafarer-Tumed-Artist On Jan. 20, 2000, about 150 members of the AFL-CIO International Longshoreman's Association locals 1422 and 1771 in Charleston, S.C. assembled for a legal informational picket to protest the use of a non-union crew to unload a Danish freighter. The dockworkers were attacked by 600 police officers in riot gear. That night, eight dockworkers were arrested and charged with misdemeanors, mainly trespassing, by Charleston municipal police and prosecutors. State Attorney General Condon, an announced candidate for governor, intervened and raised the charges to rioting and conspiracy to riot, which are felonies, and took over the prosecution of the Charleston 5. Although a Charleston judge dismissed these charges for lack of evidence in preliminary hearing, Condon secured felony indictments against the men from a secret grand jury. While they were under the curfew, the dockworkers were prohibited from leaving their homes between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. unless they were working or at a union meeting. Travel restrictions prohibit them from leaving the state. The Charleston 5 are still scheduled to go on trial the week of November 12. Continued from page 4 calm, determined performance. "The officers did a great job, and the crew really jelled," he said. "We weren't worried at all. Whenever there's a crisis and you work for MSC, that's where you go." eyes. to be honest. The first thing you want is payback. Then, you think of the families, and you're just glad you're able to help." Allen credited the crew with a Credits School, Union For SoHd Foundation Whether an individual Seafarer makes a career of the sea or utilizes the merchant marine as a springboard to a new vocation, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Ed1,1cation stai1ds rtady to help students increase their knowledge while boosting their earning potential. Despite that basic tenet, former Seafarer James B. Carter made an atypical move when he left the industry_ Carter is one of very few students from the Piney Point. Md. facility to swikh from sailing to earning a living Left: Former Seafarer James B. Carter says the union "straightened me out and took care of me." A sample of his artwork (an 18 KT gold and sterling silver brooch) is pictured above. as an artist. Carter graduated from the Paul Hall Center's entry training program in 1978. He sailed for five years, starting in the engine department before switching to the deck and upgrading to AB. But along the way, he had stumbled on another trade that intrigued him_ Working with Bud Adams, who heads up the school's arts and crafts department. Carter developed his previously untapped talent. He made all kinds of jewelry and also continued his education, eventually earning multiple art degrees. Additionally, he taught classes at the University of West Florida. Those activities were precur- 8 Seafarers LOG sors to Carter's biggest step-becoming a self-employed, popular and profitable artist. He is a "studio goldsmith/ ' specializing in cloisonne enamel technique. "Most of my customers are collectors who collect this type of work," he explained_ "It's creativity on demand_" Carter, who lives in Florida, credits the Paul Halt Center and the SIU with helping him become more responsible and focused. "The union straightened me out and took care of me, and I know it has helped others," he recalled_"I didn't have two nickels to rub together when I went to the school .... "Another thing the union did, it gave me so many opportunities to see the world_ Russia, Egypt, West Africa .. .. Plus, I picked up a lot of self-discipline_" Adams said that Carter's success in disparate fields didn't surprise him because "the basis of what we teach is abstract thinking and problemsolving, and those are things you utiliz~ in many different occupations. " For his part, Carter never will forget his days as a Seafarer. "I really enjoyed the time," he said. " When I had the chance to go to Piney Point in 1978, J just said, 'Thank God.' I sailed a lot during my time with the union, and it was great" Steward Rudy Victa prepares lunch for the ROS crew. Steward Utilities Gerald Filkins, Jr. (left) and Gardner Powell put away stores. November 2001 �At the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, plenty of upgrading opportunities are available for steward department members. The school, located in Piney Point, Md. , offers courses in galley operations, advanced galley operations, and certified chief cook/chief steward, among others. The classes are structured so that students may complete certain components or modules in any order, which allows for flexibility in scheduling. Upgrading is an essential part of any Seafarer's career. It helps students stay on top of the latest trends and technology in the maritime industry, and it helps boost individual earning power, too. For more information about the school and upcoming courses, turn to page 21, visit www.seafarers.org/phc/index.html, or call the school at (301) 994-0010. Post-meal cleanup is part of the day's work for Unlicensed Apprentice Abdul Ali. Cook/Baker Cleto Lingong displays some of his doughy creations, includ· ing a culinary tribute to the Statue of Liberty. ABOVE: Upgrader Elston Yu keeps a close eye on his work. LEFT: Robert Johnson gets into the Halloween spirit. HOLD THE ANCHOVIES? Christopher Deluca slices a tray of delicious pizza. Nor1ember 2001 Seafarers LOG 9 �- - - - --- - -- Ret11111ing to Sea In the September 2001 issue of the Seafarers LOG, Walter Karlak wrote about catching his first ship in 1951, the SS Greeley Victory, which was headed to the Persian Gulf. What follows is a continuation of his learning experiences aboard ship and of his seafaring adventures . A fter many weeks on the beach, it was time to ship out again. Besides, my friends were already tired of my sea stories Each day, I would be at the Beaver Street hall before 9 a.m. and would leave at 4:30 or 5 p.m., thinking possibly I could get a pierhead jump (meaning a member gets off a ship at the last minute). As I rode the subway to the hall, I continually thought about how lucky I was to be a Seafarer. Once aboard a ship, there's no hurrying to get to work, no paying for rent or meals, and I got to visit many places I otherwise would never have seen- and get paid. And at the hall, I was among veteran seamen, including some who sailed in World War IL I felt I was among the best- and was proud of it. As each job was called, I'd throw in my shipping card. only to be beaten by full book members-which is the way it should be. Day after day I threw in for jobs as a wiper. And then I finally got one, aboard the North Platte Victory. It was goingwhere else-but the Persian Gulf. I packed my gear and was ready to go. At that time~ there were 32 to 40 crew members, and we had to wait in a long line until our tum to sign the articles (an agreement to sail aboard the ship and return with it). With gear in hand, I boarded the ship in Brooklyn (at 59th Street) and reported to the chief engineer. Two wipers showed me to my bunk (there were three wipers in one room with double bunkbeds). First, I made it a habit of knowing where my fire and lifeboat station was so I would know where to go and what to do when the monthly drills occurred. I then set out doing my routine work in the engine department, assisting the engineers in whatever they were doing. I liked learning how to use all the tools and taking broken machinery apart and putting it back together in working condition. After loading tanks, trucks and other military cargo, we left for Leonardo, N.J. There was a very long pier there, loaded with ammunition. Marine Guards made sure no one smoked to and from the ship, and all lighters and matches were put in a box before leaving the ship and returned when reboarding. When I later thought about it, I realized that credit was seldom given to the longshoremen who loaded the ships. They worked very hard in the holds, securing the heavy cargo, piece by piece. Just think what would have happened if they didn't know their jobs-tanks might break loose in bad weather, most likely going through the ship's side. No te1ling what the results might by Walter Karlak have been. After a few days, we sailed for Naples, Italy. No sooner had we left the States than we three wipers were ordered to paint the entire engine room. The first engineer had a (advance on salary) or at payoff. This continued the entire trip while at sea. But when in port, no one thought about cards anymore. When we arrived in Naples, I went ashore to take pictures. I recall a medieval fort and was awed by how old it was and ~;=::;:::::::::::~ the fact that it was still standing after all the fighting it had been a part of. Here I was, a kid from Brooklyn, seeing what I'd read about in history books, all because the SIU accepted me as a member. After unloading Army cargo and containers of household goods for American service personnel, we specific color code for each sysleft Naples and headed for a tem. Yellow was for lube oil, red small port in Turkey. I and a few was for hot water and the steam crew members took a long train lines were aluminum. Even the ride to Istanbul. It wasn't too bad water cooler was painted-pink. a trip. One of the train's crew It wasn't too bad when we startborrowed a guitar from a passened, but once we passed through ger, and he sang and played the Suez Canal, it was hot, hot, western songs. He was actually hot, and in the Persian Gulf, it pretty good. After the weekend in Istanbul, we returned to the was even hotter. ship and set sail for Port Said, The bilges had to be cleaned out before we painted them, Egypt. It was a short trip to the long which meant crawling over and under hot pipes. breakwater, where we dropped This period at sea was also the hook and waited for more the time when the playing cards ships to form a convoy before entering the canal. As usual, no came out. I was introduced to sooner had the anchor been games I had never heard of. Even the officers played. There dropped, than the bumboats pulled up alongside to sell their must have been three or four wares. An OS named Pete, who games going at one time in the was making his first trip, bought crew messhall. One guy would a bottle of "whiskey," which record the losses of each player, and the winner would be paid turned out to be anything but. Once I heard the high whinwhenever there was a draw Everyone Performs Aboard the Performance ing of the turbines, I knew we were on our way to Karachi, Pakistan. It was music to my ears because it meant we'd get a nice sea breeze instead of the hot, dry weather that the canal offered. Work involved painting, painting, painting all the way. Before we reached Karachi, we stopped at Aden for bunkers (fuel oil). And then, after hitting all the Persian Gulf ports, we headed back for the States, with only port holes and wall fans to cool us off. While in the Gulf, some of the suppers were held on deck. The steward department really did a wonderful job. One engineer said it was so hot, he could fry an egg on deck. Sure enough, in one Gulf port, the eggs were sizzling. Three weeks later we paid off in New Jersey. Shipping was terrific because of the Korean conflict, so I thought I'd make another trip. The first assistant engineer had me take fuel oil soundings with a reel as the ship was taking on fuel. I would drop the weight into a hold and measure how deep it went in. I did it many times and the rod went down easily. But then one time it happened-I could feel something went wrong. I reeled in the weight. When it cleared the opening, oil came bubbling out. I tried to recap it. The oil was warm and thin at first. Then it thickened. By that time the side of the ship as well as the Army trucks and part of the dock had been coated in it. No doubt you figured out I didn't make the next trip. But it was all a great learning experience. And every time I returned from a foreign port, it didn't take much for me to remember what a great country we live in. Right: GSU Ali Abdulla always has a smile for everyone aboard the U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel. Left: Taking a break prior to docking the Performance in Malta are Chief Electrician Rex Bolin and QMED Sammy Montana. Performance crew members thanked Chief Cook Richard Hick5 for the great food he and his department prepared and served during the voyage. 10 Seafarers LOG At the gangway in Algeciras, Spain are AB Sherman Hudson (left) and Bosun J.R. Wilson. AB Tim O'Brien (left) and AB Bennie Spencer wait at the gangway of the ship before disembarking in Algeciras, Spain. November 2001 �Memo Retlects Merdumt Crew's Bravery Captain Recalls Efforts to Scuttle Ship, Rather than Allow Capture by Enemy Editors note: The following text, forwarded to the Seafarers LOG from retired West Coast VP George McCartney, is from an undated memo written by the late Orel Pierson, master of the SS President Harrison at the dawn ofAmericas involvement in World War II. It tells the gripping tale of how the crew-caught in the Far East as Pearl Harbor fell under attack-tried to scuttle the ship so it wouldn't be captured. A much more detailed account of the President Harrison s saga is told in the book "Captives of Shanghai,,, published in 1989. AMERICAN PRESIDENT LINES INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Operating Manager American President Lines FROM: Master (Ex.)- SS President Harrison SUBJECT; Loss of Harrison, December 8, 1941 This report is necessarily vague as to exact time and dates as I do not have at hand any data from which I might extract same. Some time late in November 1941 we arrived at Manila P.I. from the Pacific Coast via Honolulu, Suva and the Torres Straits. Here we were informed that we would proceed to Hong Kong whhout discharging cargo and outfit as a transport and proceed to Shanghai to aid in evacuating the U.S. Fourth Marines to the Philippines. Aided in this operation by the room in Manila. The Japanese most certainly knew where we were going and for what reason, or else I have formed a great misconception of their intelligence during the years I have been in contact with them. In fact, I was later informed by the Captain of a Japanese destroyer that "they knew all about our movements." All American ships bound for Chinese ports had been ordered to Manila, and to my certain knowledge all British ships in North China waters as early as December 2"d had been ordered to proceed at full speed to Singapore. Proceeding north from Manila, we again noted heavy Japanese shipping moving to the south. On the night of December 61\ just after dark, we were approached by some sort of a craft which flashed, "stop!" We stopped but as this craft did not come alongside and we were an American ship proceeding upon a peaceful mission, l decided to ignore him entirely and proceed upon our way. As we were faster than this craft we soon outdistanced him. Long afterwards while in a camp in Japan, I learned that this was a small Japanese Naval craft who had stopped the SS Elsie Moeller just before dark and then seeing us coming up on the horizon had left the "Elsie" and proceeded in our direction. The Captain of the Elsiit had left Chingwangtao with a load of coal for Shanghai but had been ordered to make all speed for Singapore instead. He had been told we were bound there SS President Madison we removed rhe and that no doubt he would meet up with Marines and all their equipment and landed them at Olongapo. On December 3"1, we made a rendezvous off the north end of Formosa with four U.S. submarines, and with machine guns mounted ready for instant action and escorted by the subs 1 we delivered thiEI unit successfully at its destinatiort. At this time, it was apparent to all that war was immimmt. We noted, and reported 1 that Japanese Naval units and transports were steaming south in large numbers. On December 4in, we were at Manila once more and on that date were again ordered back to North China, this time to Chingwangtao to evacuate the Peking and Tientsin Legation Guard. The vessel was chartered hy the U.S. Navy on a day-to~ ~y O~$i$ for thi$ purpO$C, We wr;rr; under direct orders of Admiral Hart and were "on the drum" of the Cavite Naval Radio. In other words, we were in constant contact, on a specified frequency and a secret call letter. The only actual orders I ever received were verbal "to proceed to Chingwangtao and bring out the Marines." From the time we left Manila we were entirely on our own, and any subsequent actions taken were entirely of my own volition aided and abetted by my officers and crew who gave me their fullest cooperation, and I have nothing but the us somewhere along the way. Being a China coast skipper and knowing our ships he recognized us. About 2:30 a.m. on the morning of December 7'\ we passed the North Saddles and set course for Shaweishan on the north side of the Yangstze estuary. Somewhere about 3~30 I received a mes- highest praise for their assistance. Consider now the situation in the Far East. Tension was mounting, war or the possibility of it was on every man's tongue, the destination of the Harrison (though it was supposed to be a deep dark secret) was the talk of every hotel and bar November 2001 sage from Cavite that Pearl Harbor had been attacked. The show was on. The vessel was in ballast without a pound of cargo in her. We were in hostile waters, surrounded on all sides by Japanese-held territory or Japan proper. The vessel was completely outfitted for the carriage of troops and if she fell into Japanese hands, could have been loaded and used for that purpose within a matter of hours against our forces in the Far East. I was bound and determined to use every means in my power to prevent this. What to do? I have given some thought to the matter after leaving Manila. The first and obvious thing of course was to try and escape with the ship. Even though this might prove to be a hopeless move, we turned off immediately to the southwest hoping by some miracle we might work our way out through the islands south of Van Dieman Strait, make for the extreme north Pacific and eventually back to some Pacific Coast port. After informing the officers and crew as to what had happened, we started to paint out the stack and superstructure hoping to get on as much grey paint as possible before we met up with any Japanese craft. Being able to make about fifteen-andone-half knots, we had not made many miles when daylight came and with it a Japanese plane with her bomb racks full. She signaled us to stop with a burst of machinegun fire and then after circling us flew off towards another ship that was coming up on the horizon. This ship turned out to be the Nagasaki Maru, a fast twenty-two knot mail boat on the JapanChina run. Apparently, he had been told to tail us and keep us under surveillance while he reported our whereabouts to the naval authorities in Shanghai. I knew this ship well and realized the futility of trying to escape from her. We were in no way afraid of her and as soon as we recognized her we got under way, but try as we would, could not lose her. As often as we changed course, she did the same and stayed on our heels. I thought at one time of ramming her, but she was smart enough to keep well clear of us while still keeping guard over us. Now the problem arose what to do next. l called all my officers together and explained the situation. I pointed out that, as I thought then and still think, with a vessel in a ballast condition and the system of bilge lines and drains, we would never get enough water into the ship to scuttle her in the limited time we would have available. Most of the tanks we could not flood throughout the ship would give her enough buoyancy to keep her afloat, and it would be a simple matter to tow her into port and pump her out. I then pointed to the chart of the China Coast and showed them the many wrecks strewn up and down in this vicinity and pointed out that few of them when once high and dry in these waters were ever floated. My plan, to which they all agreed, was to run for the beach and send the ship up as high as possible at full speed, hoping to accomplish this before any further ships made their appearance. We had nothing to worry about as far as the Nagasaki Maru was concerned (other than her following us) as she was unarmed. We started in the direction of Shaweishan as this was the nearest land and as we approached it I conceived the idea of sending the ship over the edge of it and ripping her bottom out completely. If we could achieve this, the vessel would go down completely and most surely be a total loss. We had provisioned all the lifeboats and had them swung out and the crew standing by for any emergency that might arise. As we approached the island we sighted a Japanese destroyer making toward us under forced draft and the plane again returned overhead. He did not open fire or drop his bombs-the reason, I learned later, they wanted the ship intact. The Captain of the destroyer also informed me that his orders were that if we did not surrender to open fire and sink us so the loss of the Harrison was inevitable, and at best all we could hope to do was to create as much damage as possible. It became a race as to whether we could make the island before the destroyer could intercept us. The Nagasaki Maru had by now turned off as we were getting into shoal water and the destroyer was approaching. Five minutes before we struck, we ordered the engineers out of the engine room, leaving the plant wide open. They had agreed to stay on the job until the very last minute if I would give them time enough to get out before we crashed. The co-operation of Mr. J.C. Smith, Chief Engineer, and his engineers and men made this possible. Shortly after 1 p.m. and making around sixteen knots, we struck the edge of the island in the vicinity of Number One Hatch on the port side. Being thoroughly familiar with the construction of these ships and their sturdiness I knew it would be useless to take the ship in head on. She would only have banged up her bow and most likely backed off and still floated. Several accidents in the past have proved this on vessels of this type. The island is rounded and steep on the side we approached it from. She rode along the edge of the island for a considerable distance, then heeled away over to starboard and rolled off It turned out later we had ripped a hole in her 90 feet long but, unfortunately, she rolled off before reaching the engine room spaces. Not knowing exactly how much damage we had done and whether or not a boiler explosion would shortly occur, I deemed it advisable to get the crew off the ship into the boats. As there were no men in the engine spaces, we shut the steam off by use of the boiler stops on the boat deck and shortly thereafter sent the boats away except for my own with orders to make for the island. We had kept our radio silent until close in, then I gave the operator orders to open up and get a message away as to what we were doing. This message was received and acknowledged, I believe, by a San Francisco shore station. As the boats were getting away I went back to the radio shack and we kept the set going until the power finally died and we had to quit for the lack of power to transmit any further. By now the plane had opened up with his machine gun and was strafing the ship presumably to stop us from using the radio. As there was nothing further we could do 1 we launched the last remaining boat and made for the island. The tide was running strong ebb. the vessel filling fast forward and listing badly to starboard, and at the time we cleared her side both propellers dead in the water. The plane made no attempt to strafe the boats in the water making for the island. The destroyer, run- Continued on page 13 Seafarers LOG 11 �Scholarships Available Through 'Union Plus' APPLY NOW FOR 1 OFB SCHOLARSHIPS TOBE AWARDED IN 2002 Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next year are encouraged to send away for the 2002 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information and procedures for applying. It also contains a copy of the application form. Eight monetary grants will be awarded next year to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. Five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information carefully to make sure that certain conditions are met. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15, 2002. Do it today! In this tumultuous market. the idea of paying for college may be enough to concern any parentespecially as the average cost of tuition rises at a rate almost double that of inflation. Fortunately, BELOW AND MAIL IT TO THE ADDRESS LISTED the U.S. government earlier th1s TO GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2002 SIU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BOOKLET. ycur crcutcd :some potential relief by amending section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service of 1986. Essentially. the amendments allow for a tax-free way to invest for a child's higher education expenses while maintaining complete control over the money and r--- -------------------------------------------------------------------------~ lease send me the 2002 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: O Self O Dependent Mail this completed form lo Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs. MD 20746 12 Seafarers LOS The application deadline for the 2001-02 school-year scholarships is Jan. 31, 2002. The scholarship application is avail- Revised Tax Laws Offer Options far College Savings FILL OUT THE COUPON P SIU members, their spouses, and dependent children (as defined in IRS regulations) are eligible to apply for college scholarships available through Union Privilege, an AFL-CIO entity. The Union Plus scholarship program, in its 11th year, is open to students attending or planning to attend a four-year college or university, a community college, or a technical college/trade school. As noted by Union Privilege, "Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Applications are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators .... Program judges include representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities." Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $1.5 million to union members and members of their families who want to begin or continue their secondary education. Last year, 115 students, representing 31 AFL-CIO unions, received $151,000 in scholarships. The program's top $4.000 awards went to 12 students, while 79 students attending four-year institutions received awards ranging from $500 to $2,000. Additionally, 24 others attending community colleges and trade schools received scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. 11/01 reducing your taxable estate. Each state's 529 plan is different and each has highly customized requirements, investment options, contribution maximums and state income tax treatments. However. certain key components of the savings plan are the same. Participants may contribute up to $50,000 per child up front and not be subject to gift tax. A couple that files jointly may make a taxfree donation of up to $ 100,000 per beneficiary. This contribution is deducted from your taxable estate. Not only does the account grow tax-deferred, when monies are used for higher education related expenses, the funds are distributed tax-free. Typically, any accredited postsecondary institution is eligible. This indudes out-of-state and private institutions as well. Monies may be used for room, board, tuition, books and equipment. The beneficiary may be changed at any time, but the new beneficiary must be related to the previous beneficiary. If the donor(s) choose to take back the money, they must pay a I 0 percent penalty on the earnings. The remainder of the earnings are then taxed as ordinary income. Unlike a "Uniform Gift to Minor's Account" (UGMA), 529 able for download at: www.unionprivilege.org. To receive an application by mail, send a postcard, with your name, return address, telephone number and international union name clearly printed on it, to: Union Plus Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, DC 20043-4800. Letters will be sent to winners on May 31, 2002. Due to the volume of applications, only those receiving scholarships will be notified. However, if you would like to receive confirmation of your application's receipt, include a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application. Seafarers and their dependents are eligible to apply for the scholarship benefit because of the union's participation in Union Privilege's Union Plus credit card program. Having a Union Plus credit card is not a requirement, but one year of continuous good standing union membership is required when the award is made. In addition, the recipient must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school when the award is issued. Graduate students are not eligible. The scholarship program is funded and administered by Union Privilege and Household Credit Services. The Union Plus credit card program offers a noannual-fee MasterCard with a low variable annual percentage rate. More than 2 million union members carry the Union Plus credi card, which is issued by Household Bank (Nevada), N.A., an equal-opportunity lender. For more information about the card, call 1-800-472-2005. donors maintain control over the assets. With a UGMA, once the beneficiary reaches the age of majority (usually 18), the youngster bas complete control over the account. Additionally, the advantage a 529 plan has over an Education IRA is much greater contribution allowances. Donors may contribute up to $250,000 to a 529 plan while the Education IRA's current contribution limits are $500 per year, slated to rise to $2 000 per year in 2002. Also, there is no limit on the number of people who may contribute to an individual's 529 plan. There are several investment firms that offer the 529 CollegeBound plan. Some are more thorough than others, offering the most investment choices and being the most lenient regarding which expenses and institutions qualify. In any case, the 529 plan is a tremendous benefit. Editors note: This article was 1 submitted by former Seafarer Peter Jablonski, currently a financial advisor at the headquarters of UBS Paine Webber in New York City. He may be reached at 800 635-1983 or by email at: peterjablonski@ubspainewebber.com. This article is l1Q1 meant as an endorsement of the 529 plan by the SIU. Individuals should check with their own advisors for more details. November 2001 �Sumner Assists Relocation Of Japanese Fishing Vessel The Seafarers-crewed USNS Sumner last month supported the U.S. Navy's relocation of the Japanese fishing vessel Ehime Maru. The fishing boat sank south of Honolulu Feb. 9 after being struck by the U.S. submarine USS Greeneville during routine operations. An oceanographic research craft, the Sumner acted as the eyes and ears of the relocation operation's primary salvage vessel, the Rockwater 2. Arriving several months before the operation commenced in the deep water recovery site (DWRS) where the Ehime Maru rested, the Sumner crew conducted a complete bathymetry study (depth measurement) of the entire vicinity. This analysis commenced June 17 and continued in various phases until Aug. I 7. During this period, the crew surveyed the route along which the submerged ship would be moved during the relocation; took conductivity USNS Sumner (T-AGS 61) • Length: 328 feet, 6 inches • Beam: 58 feet • Draft: 19 feet • Displacement'. 4, 762 long tons • Speed: 16.0 knots temperature depth measurements of the area; and collected bottom samples at both the D WRS and shallow water relocation sites (SWRS)-the location where the vessel rested as well as the one at which it would be relocated. In addition, the crew deployed current monitors at both relocation sites to stay abreast of conditions. Finally, they tested an instrument called an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler to measure the area's water currents from the surface to the bottom. The foregoing analysis and assessments were conducted as many times as were necessary to collect the desired data. It would later be used to assure "smooth sailing" for the Rockwater 2 during the actual Oct. 12 relocation. Arriving at the DWRS, the Rockwater 2 deployed cable lines over its sides to be attached to a lifting plate, which previously had been positioned under- neath the Ehime Maru. Once the ning into shoal water, was feeling her way in to am;hor. I landed on the island with my boat crew, including the stewardess, thinking that all was well and all safely ashore_ There I found that one boaL had gone under the quarter and that the port propeller was still slowly turning over, due to steam within the @ngin@ it~@lf not b@ing folly exhausted, and that the boat had been capsized, the crew thrown into the water and three of the men lost. All the others had been picked up by the other boats including Mr. J.L. McKay, Chief Steward. who had sustained several broken ribs. The Chief Engineer was suffering from a dose of fuel oil and from th e shock of being immersed in the icy water. All others were apparently all right. All of the men had climbed to the top of the i~land where the lighthouse is and the light keepers (Chinese) had turned one of the buildings over to them and they had set up a snack bar and were feeding the men. Just as dark came on, which is early at this time of the year in these parts, a Japanese Naval Landing Unit (which is the same as our Marines) from the destroyer landed on the island and made their way to the top, bristling with gun~ and bayoncb fixed. I do not know what they expected to find, but as we had done all we could (however good or bad it was) there was the USNS Sumner and its used its linear winches to crew received a thanks for station and then lined us all up and searched us for weaponswe had none-but anything we had such as money or papers were thrown on the ground and left. The entire crew was then placed under guard on the island and I wa~ taken off to the destroyer where I spent the night. I was taken into the wardroom where I found the officers in a jubilant mood with the radio going full blast, and as I soon learned reports coming in of the sinking of the Prince of Wales, the various ships in Pearl Harbor, ek. Of course. the radio was in Japanese but several of the officers spoke excellent es) and surrendered. First they English and they certainly laid it on. They tr aicd me very kindly, however, and later the Commander made his appeararn;e and, after telling me how easy it would be for Japan to lick the world1 broke out a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black label and treated everybody in the wardroom including myself. Later I was given coffee and rice cakes, a bed was made up for me on one of the settees and I was made as comfortable as possible. In the morning [ was fed the usual Japanese food and they even went so far as to find me a knife and fork to eat with. Around 7 a.m. I was taken on deck- a boat launched and I was told we would return. to the island. The boat, halfway to the island, was ordered back to the ship by a signal-the officer went on board and shortly after returned_ From that moment on their attitude towards me changed entirely-they were curt destroyed the lighthouse radio and abusive, and I spent the bet- nothing left to do but get rid of our guns (we threw the few rev<>lvers we had intC> the bush- llovember 2DIJ1 were atta,hed. the Rockwater 2 President Harrison in WWII Continued from page 11 lines raise the sunken vessel some 90 feet from its deepwater resting place. It remained at this elevation--or very close to it during the transit to the SWRS. And this is where the most vital part of the USNS Sumners mission took effect. The Sumner took the point for a convoy of vessels, which accompanied the Rockwater 2 along its transit route from the DWRS to the SWRS. By referring to its previously collected data, complemented by fresh inputs gathered during the actual transit, the Sumner provided the Rockwater 2 with real-time information about prevailing ocean conditions (bottom profile, depth and current conditions). Armed with this information, the Rockwater 2 could raise or lower the Ehime Maru to match inclines associated with the ocean's bottom profile, and in the process virtually eliminate hazards associated with sudden load shifts or vessel rolls. Although several stops were made along the way, the 14-mile transit went off without a hitch. The final relocation of the Ehime Maru was completed Oct. 14. For its very significant role in the relocation effort, ter part of the next ten days under guard with an officer over me, armed night and day. I am still at a loss to know the reason for their complete about-face unless they realized when daylight came that the Harrison was not the easy prize they expected it to be. As we left the destroyer, she was clearly visible a halfmile away way down by the head and with about a heavy list to starboard. When we got to the island the Japanese officer ordered the entire crew into the boats and back to the ship. Resistance being useless, we carried out his orders and after a hard row boarded the vessel. We found No. 1 hold partly flooded Nos. 2, 3 and 4 flooded into the Upper Tween Deck, No. 5 partly flooded and 12 feet of water in the engine room. After hatches were dry, we were able to relight the fires and get up steam and two men volunteered to relight the fires. Two men vo1unteered to dive into the icy water and open and close the necessary valves to pump out the engine room. We were solidly aground forward but afloat aft. After trying to work the ship off with the engines (which would have no doubt caused her to sink in deeper water) and after breaking a couple of wires trying to pull her off with the destroyer, we suggested the possibility of lightening the ship by stripping her and throwing everything overboard_ The Japanese agreed to this and we passed the word to sabotage everything possible. We threw at least a hundred thousand dollars worth of equipment over the side including motion picrure equipment, pianos, furniture, stores, tarpaulins, hatches and even the strong hooks. When we suggested Bosun Art Cross (on frame), AB Collins Agyemang (center) and Chief Mate Charlie Reina deploy the ship's ADCP transducer assembly. a job well done from Capt. Bret Marsh, supervisor of Diving and Salvage, U.S. Navy Sea Systems Command. The USNS Sumner is unshipping the booms and putting them over, however, they apparently decided it had gone far enough and put a stop to it. Realizing by now that they could not float her without assistance they sent to Shanghai for divers and salvage equipment- at one time they had twelve divers on the job. Then they sent to Japan for the Nippon Salvage Co. and they arrived with a complete salvage unit including a salvage master -a Japanese born in Portland, Oregon and thoroughly familiar -with salvage work. He went at the job in a more scientific manner and after 43 days of diving, patching and plugging they managed to get number one and two holds tight enough so that the heavy pumps could hold the water down . Then by flooding the after holds on the high tide of the month, she floated off and was taken into Shanghai where she was placed alongside the dock and the divers, working inbetween in the slack water plugged the holes enough to eventually get her to Japan and into a dry dock. While on the rocks we faired fairly well for food, but after entering Shanghai the ship's food ran out and the Japanese took over the feeding. We went on very short rations then and I never did get a really full meal again until the war ended in 1945. We lived on the Harrison until the middle of March when the crew was released in Shanghai and the officers sent to a detention camp at Honkew Park. None of the officers were ever released and sixteen of the crew died in Shanghai before the war ended. I was taken to Japan the first of April 1942 to attend. as they one of the seven Oceanographic Survey Ships that is part of the 29 ships in the Military Sealift Command's Special Mission Ships Program. said, a prize court. I was confined along with quite a few China Coast men in the Sasabro Naval Hall and until the middle of August, no person asked me a single question concerning the Harrison (Japanese I mean) and then one day the Court, consisting of one man and his interpreter. made his appearance and asked me a series of routine questions. They informed me that they thought it would go very bad for me for the damage we had caused. At this time I was the only person in the camp except for four Filippinos and I spent the six longest weeks of my life in virtual solitary confinement, being allowed out of doors only one hour per day. At the end of this time, they returned and asked me the same questions over again, apparently to see if they could trip me up. A few days later I was taken under guard and blindfolded (part of the time) to Zentsuj i War Prison Camp on the Island of Shikoko. This was a mi1itary prison and I was sent there apparently because I held a Lt. Commodore's commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. I arrived at Zentsuji on November 5, 1942 and remained there until June 23, 1945 when the camp was broken up and we were transferred to N okoroshi Camp in the mountains of western Honshu. The story of my years in prison camps closely parallels that of any American held by the Japanese with all the heartaches, abuses, uncertainties and slow starvation accorded to them in the military prisons. I lost 85 pounds, need I say more. Respectfully, Orel A. Pierson Master. SS President Polk Seafarers LOG 13 • �rs tO the Editor s (Editor note: the Sea/arers 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 bas is.) Upgradar Thanks Fellow Students I would like to thank (fellow Seafarers) Brenda Littlefield and Ray Johns for all the help they gave me in my class work at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. I also would like to thank my wife, Linda L. Hoffman, for all the support she has given me and to wish her a happy birthday, which we celebrated Aug. 15 at the school. Lester C. Hoffman Piney Point, Md. Hats Off to Health Plan I want to thank the ladies of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for all their help in getting my hospital bills paid. I am a retired seaman, and I hope the membership will join me in taking our hats off to the personnel and management of the Plan. They deserve appreciation. Larry D. Rust Houston, Texas Seafarer Shares LessonsLeamed I wish to share with my brothers and sisters of the SIU some lessons I learned, so that no one else has to endure the expense and anguish I experienced. It has to do with avoiding conflicts when on shore leave. While on shore leave in Pusan, (S. Korea), I allowed myself to get into a shoving match in a bar. Although the other guy started it and escalated the problem, I now realize I should have walked away. Hanging around came back to haunt me in ways I didn't foresee. For one thing, it is not a pleasant experience being on the receiving end of a Coast Guard investigation. Don't count on a plea of self-defense getting you out of it cleanly, because chances are it won't. Plus I had to spend a small fortune . . . money I could have put to better uses than giving it to lawyers. So, when you go ashore, don't have an attitude-and don't carry any tool that could be construed as a weapon, even if it's some- thing you may use as a matter of routine in your job. John Cooke Houston, Texas WILL YOU BE SAILING ON FEB. 1, 2002? Yes, I have completed the required STCW training. 0 No, I have not completed the required STCW training. Without STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) and a 1995 STCW certificate, the following unlicensed Seafarers will not be able to sail after Feb. 1, 2002: Bosuns, ABs, QMEDs and FOWTs. {Steward department personnel are not required to possess a certificate.) Also, all unhmited and limited license holders with a near-coastal and ocean endorsement need a '95 certificate. All Seafarers sailing on deep sea or near-coastal vessels must complete BST. Don't wait any longer. Sign up today tar your STCW training. Please contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at this toll-free number: • 1-800-732-2739. 14 Seafarers LOG 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 contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between th 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 boar. 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 hannful 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 be 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 in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund . Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job distrimination, 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 bis 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 infonnation, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 2001 - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port . Algonac ,,._:: "";"':",,," '2 ·'Baltimore 4 l 2 _ Gl.KUll 2 l 3 4 4 5 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 1 5 1 1 6 3 11 6 6 6 19 22 16 5 9 7 11 7 3 3 19 19 11 3 2 8 18 1 19 4 10 12 11 2 2 o Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 13 28 31 Mobile 16 New Orleans __New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 22 21 14 2 4 9 16 24 20 227 19 3 14 15 11 5 4 4 11 2 1 13 4 I 12 13 12 127 93 Port ·: ~lgonac ' j;l~ltitn6t~ . · Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile 11 5 9 3 12 6 0 5 14 23 5 1 3 1 0 0 5 5 0 4 4 2 0 0 12 18 8 7 12 6 7 113 106 9 10 32 9 24 17 11 0 10 13 38 11 1 1 9 50 50 418 0 7 0 0 3 0 0 10 24 38 5 1 11 9 67 l 7 3 27 11 3 2 0 0 3 0 6 2 42 ' 0 ',' 21 0 17 3 3 4 0 1 3 13 4 13 21 15 2 3 23 19 8 7 21 203 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: December 12, January 16 Honolulu.~............... Friday: December 14, January 18 Houston .................. Monday: December 10, January 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: December 6, January 10 17 19 Mobile ......3... ~ ...... .. .Wednesday: December 12, January 16 2 7 11 24 7 15 16 11 Boston ..................... Friday: December 7, January 11 Jersey City ..............Wednesday: December 19, January 23 0 2 5 1 Baltimore ................ Thursday: December 6, January JO 5 2 5 147 1 Algonac .................. Friday: December 7, January 11 New .Bedford ..........Tuesday: December 18, January 22 ~ew, Ortei:ins ........... Tuesday: December 11, January 15 New York ................ Tuesday: December 4, January 8 11 Norfolk ................... Thursday:December 6, January 10 12 1 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: December 5, January_9 6 Port Everglades..•.... J'hursday:";Qe¢e~b'er ·{3 ;)m;\uafr l.7: 8 3 8 7 3 0 4 12 12 20 14 10 7 182 165 76 5 2 38 0 35 2 ~-· . ., .. __, ·- -\\- ' - ·. '.'_ ... ~ ·~.•:. :..-::c.: . ·~ . .o 0 :7 1 ,. ":, ··"o· ,.:"· o. 0 l 1 0 2 2 8 0 0 17 17 4 0 10 47 34 111 'l '· l · .6:., ~" ·Jf." :J . 4 1 3 .15 146 :o LOG-A-RHYTHM 5 ""· 0 0 0 6 3 0 3 25 13 58 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 s 3 0 1, 2 ' .·.. 'i' ' o· 0 .... Guam .. 0 Honolulu 6 21 ] ll 4 Houston Jacksonville 1 2 ·: " M4'>hH~(: . ·· · · :::)~!~~- QrJeans .0 4 5 18 17 ·6 18 16 2 10 5 5 33 2 11 1 9 16 7 11 8 6 0 13 9 11 ~4 26 12 10 2 0 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico 0 0 2 16 5 4 6 3 San.Francisco )::·$~:. ~9µ,ja 6 0 11 8 0 13 1 0 3 2 1 8 0 . ·;.._' 3 2 3 72 37 7 261 81 0 0 0 1 5 2 10 0 13 59 251 0 0 4 3 21 24 27 .. I 6 12 6 . 10 15 50 15 14 55 ·o . 0 0 0 0 0 31 22 1 5 4 3 O· 0 0 1 0 0 0 I 8 5 0 9 30 7 0 13 23 0 79 317 37 26 517 174 940 766 812 0 3 2 2 Tacoma 5 Wilmington Totals 6 13 15 42 180 245 18 89 6 104 528 460 416 420 295 197 0 1 2 7 10 Totals All +"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. Noflember 2001 0 3 24 10 20 4 0 0 2 15 Department§ 10 12 Piney Point .............Monday: December 3, January 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 {) 3 ,·:N¢~Yµrk 3 7 0 6 1 Wilmington ~t~~~~ - 13 45 62 21 37 38 24 7 4 2~ Tacoma Po.-t 3 13 tR(~~~~~~~~*~~~~ Wilmington Totals 9 4 0 0 0 5 0 fii. ;:~;:~~1}f; ·~~*11~~~~2~fff?{t'~:;r.g;;;-?i1~; '; :l· 105 2 0 3 6 11 3 5 4 3 3 2 0 1 0 7 5 44 1 2 2 10 4 Tacoma 4 7 3 4 0 12 ... ;5 4 2 3 ·s **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 9 186 114 53 74 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 6 s" ;.~.:~$.t!'touis ·:.-;$~ francfaco .'{St~ L;puis 1 0 2 4 8 18 I ./,NeW. Y<?t~·'<rtf";'~:~~,~~ii',i: :" Totals Port 4 3 4 9 5 3 2 0 .. ·New . Orle~ ..... · ...· lJ . · Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point "XPli~rr~·ttfo" · ;,:. :g~ri-FrahClscd 1 Trip Reliefs December 2001 & January 20IJZ Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Wafers 0 11 10 14 l At Sea by Albert W. Austin Jr. Thought ... I'd go a sailing. Had .. . Nothing more to Yes ... I would do it over. Each and everyday I do~ !was ... Young at the time. My. Age was seventeen. Just .. . Ayoungman. New ... In the Merchant Marine. Sailed ... On every kind of ship. Since .. . That day back then. Doing ... One trip at a time. And ... I'd do it all again! The lifetime ... That I have spent. The years ... I've been away. Why ... Would one do it? You ... Have to go to know. The ocean . .. Is a way of life. The only ... · Life I know. Through ... All the ups and downs. Both .. . Good and bad. A seaman s life ... A good life. Best ... I ever had! AB Albert W. Austin wrote this poem in August while aboard the Global Mariner as it headed to Singapore. Seafarers LOS 15 �Seafarers Inl:ematlollal Union Directory Nml1 monthly S hippi ng A Regi stration Repo rt SEPTEMBER 2001 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel. Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group ID Augustin TeJlez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters ..- Dean Cori~ey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Kermctt Mangram, Vice President Government Services . - Port DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA Rene Lioeanjie, Jlice President at Large New York Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Autb Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 {301) 899-0675 10 2 0 11 7 1 0 4 10 3 10 0 5 0 1 0 0 4 0 3 2 6 6 0 1 0 6 0 0 5 0 7 0 4 41 49 11 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 1 5 0 17 1 9 42 0 0 0 34 3 0 12 109 4 2 39 0 11 0 16 11 1 9 2 2 59 0 15 199 0 13 ALGONAC 5W St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B. Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 {410) 327-4900 - BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 ( 617) 269-7877 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 1 0 0 0 2 1 l 0 2 2 5 1 2 1 4 0 0 2 0 4 I / -~o .... -~? 2 2 16 0 0 0 2 5 5 18 0 2 0 5 2 3 0 7 2 107 0 25 8 11 1 0 16 160 128 26 3 0 19 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 89 0 30 2 0 13 0 9 DULUTH 105 Medical Arts Building, Duluth.. MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT BostQn \_- ...-. .. ·,-- 8 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 - 0 0 5 0 7 Houston'··· Harvey, LA New York Norfolk i. ~O.Q ~~(~~~~~ti!~t~~ :t{j.~}{-3:: ·: ;· San Pedro 3 0 Savannah 0 0 0 0 :;0 . 0 HOUSTON -:::.·········· 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX ·77002 (713) 659-5152 Tacoma Totals 0 29 0 0 1 15 0 7 P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E T\11'.1 J~us. Crlsosromo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 · (§7-1) ~?~nso. .' "' uoNOLUl~U . '·:· JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty SL, Jacksonville, FL 32206 . . (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Mor'ltt,omcry St., Jcmy City, NJ 07302 (201) 4~.5-9424 MOBILE N(!;W BEDfORO . . 4S Unfo.n Sc., New ne4fQli;l, MA ~2740 (50&) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Li.pnlco Blvd .. Harvey. LA '70038 (504) 328-7.545 NEW YORK .--:. o:... 1 Boston · 30 4 0 0 3 l 3 0 5 1 2 7 l Norfolk San PedrQ 0 0 0 .- 0 6 l sa.va.nnah 2 0 2 3 0 3 2 18 14 46 112 24 56 Tacoma Totals Tofals All Departments 0 0 0 0 3 ·o 4 2 1 1 5 0 2 0 1 0 16 31 13 0 3 1 14 ... 0 , 0 0 0 18 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Houston Harvey, LA New York 0 0 2 2 0 3 4 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 7 4 .4 . : .0 0. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 9 4 1 83 22 2 :Q .. 9 11 5 111 0 16 2 14 94 92 0 8 0 0 37 16 5 5 0 2 38 2 26 l 0 136 192 131 100 526 397 187 l u3·$ Fourth.Ave., Brooklyn.NY 112.32 ('7'18) 499-6600 : .' NO&ff()LK ":' · L ,' · ·llS Third St., NorfQlk. VA ' ~' -'. 23$1~ PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (75?) 62.2-c 1892 This photo, originally print@d in the May 14, 1954 issue of the Seafarers LOG. was taken the new Penins(J/a Mariner (Waterman Steamship Corp.), one of 35 high-speed ~bo~rd freighters contracted by the gov· 1221 S. ,Aadruw>; Ave., Ft. Lauderdllle, FL 33316 {954) 5:;!2-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 3$0 Fremont St .. San Franciscu. CA 9410.5 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTUliClt 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave,, Stop J (j~ Santurcc, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 631 l6 (314) 7.52-<;i5QO SAVA NAH - 222'o Bull ~l.. Scmlnnu.h. GA 31401 (~ l1)2U.491& l"ACOMA 34 ll South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 'l72-7774 WILMINCTON 16 Seafarers LOG ernment. A unique feature of the Peninsula Mariner was a specially designed deck structure for carrying aircraft. In the photo at right, Bosun Jim Finnell (left) explains how it works to deck department members (from left) AB Andy Anderson, AB Johnny Johnston, OS John Owens, AB Jimmy Crawford, OM Bo Anderson, OS Jimmy Waldrop and AB Ray Vaughan. The steel framework created a new challenge for the deck department since it had to be lifted from the accordion-type hatch i;;overs, section by section. before loading cargo. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth way, camp Spring~. MD 20746. Photographs will be returned. if so requested. November 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. A captain, a master and a recertified steward are among the 19 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captain Antonio Colon and Master George T. Decker controlled the helms of vessels in their respective divisions for nearly a half-century, while Recertified Steward Gene Sivley completed the highest level of training available to members of the steward department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, 11 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes, and the remaining five navigated the inland waterways. Seven of the retirees worked in the deck department. four shipped in the engine department and eight sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA THOMASE. ARNOLD, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in ' 1969 in the port of Houston. The Georgia nati e ' initial sea oyage was aboard the Sabine, operated by Ship Operators Corp. JOSE A. LOPEZ, 55, launched his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Lopez first sailed aboard an Intercontinental Bulle Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, the steward department member frequently upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lopez last worked on Puerto Rico Marine Management's Eli.zabeth. He lives in Pembroke Pines, Fla. ~~~~~__,CHARLES MOLL, 59, began his career with the Seafarers in .. 1967 in the port of New ,, Orleans. Born · in Florida, Brother Moll served in the U.S . Anny from 1964 to 1966. His first ship was Venore Transportation Co. 's Chilore. The deck department member last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Robert E. Lee. Brother Moll makes his home in Destin, Fla. ro Arnold upgraded his skills in 1982 at the Seafarers Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md . A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the Sea-Land Hawaii. Brother Arnold re~ide~ iri Rittggold, Ga. JORGE .E. BERMEO, 57, was born in Ecuador. He started his SIU career in 1969, joining in the port of New York. Brother Bermeo first sailed on Delta Steamship Lines' Del Valle. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills nt the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1976 and 1984. Brother Bermeo last shipped on the HxpMitiM1., oper~ted by CSX Lines. He lives in Englewood, N .J. RICHARD N. HATT. 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Scuttle. Brother Hatt served in the U.S Navy from 1959 to 1984. The Massachusetts native first shipped aboard the USNS Vindicator. Tho :Jfownrd doprui:ment member last wi;:nt to s«;a aboard Dyn Manne Services ' USNS Pathfinder. Brother Hatt makes his home in Seattle. LARRY A. JORDAN, 50, was born in Charleston, W. Va. He started his SIU career in 1968, joining in the port ·,, of New York. Brother Jordan's initial voyage was aboard aterman Steamship Corp. 's Iberville. The deck Norember 2001 department member last shipped on Liberty Maritime's Liberty Sea. Brother Jordan is a resident of Picayune, Miss. GEORGE E. OBERLE, 66, started his SJU career in 1967 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member wa~ born in Maryland. He first shipped on a vessel operated by lnlerocean Management Corp. Brother Oberle upgraded hi5 5kills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1975. He 1ast sailed aboard the cable ship Global Mariner. Brother Oberle calls Baltimore home. sailed on the Young America, operated by A.L. Burbank Co. The engine department member upgraded his skills in 1987 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Saleh last went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Robert E. Lee. He currently lives in San Francisco. GENE C. SIVLEY, 64, is a native of Alabama. He started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Seattle. Brother Sivley served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957. He first sailed on a vessel operated by Anchorage Tank:ships, Corp. A member of the steward department, Brother Sivley completed the steward recertification program at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md . in 1985. He last worked on the Sea-Land Reliance. Brorher Sivley makes his home in Seattle. INLAND JAMESR. AMBROSE, 54, was born in Virginia. Boacman Ambrose started his career with the Seafarers in I 97 6. The steward department member spent his entire career working aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing Co. Boatman Ambrose resides in Hayes, Va. ANTONIO COLON, 57, started his career with the Seafarers in OLEE. POULSEN. 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. Boatman Colon spent his entire SIU career working aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. A captain, Boatman Colon upgraded his skills in 1984, 1985 and 1995 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Catano, PR. GEORGE DECKER, 51, began his SIU career in 197 5 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, his initial voyage was aboard a Dixie Carriers operated vessel. A master, Boatman Decker frequently upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school. He last worked aboard a vessel operated by North American Trailing Co. He lives in Pearl River, La. JAMESE. JOHNSON, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1982 in St. Louis. Boatman Johnson first shipped aboard a Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessel. Born in Missouri, he sailed in the steward department and sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Johnson upgraded his skills at the SIU training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1987. He last sailed on the USNS Denebola, operated by Bay hip Management, Inc. Boatman Johnson calls Sea Level, N.C. home. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG Denmark. 1949 sen started his SIU career in 1961 . joining in the port of San Francisco. The engine department member initially shipped aboard a Colonial Steamship Co. vesse1. He makes his home in Federal Way, Wash. ANTONIO QUINTANA, 66, is a native of Puerto Rico. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1977, ...........~~ joining in the port of New York. Brother Quintana first went to sea aboard the Overseas Joyce, operated by Overseas Carriers, Inc. The steward department member last shipped on Crowley American Transport's Ambassador. Brother Quintana now calls Kissimmee, Fla. home. ALI SALEH. 63. started his Sill career in 1966, joining in the port of Baltimore. Brother Saleh first HAD DI AHMED,66, began his SIU career in 1969, joining in the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, Brother Ahmed first sailed aboard Tomlinson Fleet Corp. 's G.A. Tomlinson. The steward department member last worked on American Steamship Co. 's H Lee White. Brother Ahmed makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. MICHAEL J. KORNMEIER, 55, hails from Ohio. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1967, joining in the port of Detroit. Brother Kommeier served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1969. He shipped in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions, first sailing on an American Steamship Co. vesse1. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1993. He last shipped aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother Kornmeier makes his home in Toledo, Ohio. MOHAMED MADHIGI, 64, began bis SIU career in 1989in Algonac, Mich. Brother Madhig1>s first voyage was EDGAR OCKMAN, 48, was born in Louisiana. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Ockman shipped as a member of the engine department. He spent his entire career working aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing and Salvage Co., Inc. Boatman Ockman resides in Belle Chasse, La. 68. hails from Copenhagen , Brother Poul- . GREAT LAKES aboard the Paul H Townsend, operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. Born in Yemen, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Madhigi upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1997. He last worked on American Steamship 's Sam Laud. Brother Madhigi is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. erdl hundred Seafarers and their wives and other guests got under way with a special membership meeting at which Mayor Thomas D'Ale.sandro, Congressman Edward Garmatz and others extended Certified by the NlllB as coUective bargaining agent their congratulations to the men of the SIU for for nine Cities Service making the new building Oil Company tankers, possible. th~ SIU immediately · TUiS MO,J\JTU The new building feacalled upon the compa.f n .f :.f ... .f n tures a modern hiring ny to ent~r negotiations half and meeting half, rr::===================================::;JI for a contract covering the company's unit- JM SJIJ HJST.0 ay .f"' .f ft union offices, cafeteria, 1 1 bar and dance floor, censed personnel. The barber shop, parking lot, contract will culminate pool room and game two years of ·effort by ~=================~ the SIU to obtain union wages, conditions and security for CS seamen. The company began firing crew members by the shipload at the end of each voyage, as the election drew near, but the replacements hired recognized the need for union representation and voted for the SIU. The company's attitude was scored by the 11 NLRB~ • , , it Ill b@hoove~ the employ@r to file objections stemming principally from its own recal· citrance." room, television rooms, shower room and piped music and public address system. 1991 Supporters of a comprehensive energy bill which includes exploratory oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR} will continue to press for the legislation after a vote early last month was unable to prevent a filibuster on the legislation. 1954 With appropriate fanfare in welcoming ceremonies, th~ SIU in Baltimore formally opened the fin~t union h.all In th~ Atl.antl~ .and Gulf Dktrtct .and M~ of the belt of its kind in the country on November 10. Openiog c;eremonles before the throng of sev~ ... On November 1, supporters of the bill fell 10 votes short of the 60 needed to stop an announced flllbwter .•.. U.SAlag ~hipping • interests, including the SIU1 have been seek1ng an opening of ANWR to exploratfon. Seafarers L06 17 �FinafDepartures DEEP SEA Orfano made his home in Geneva, Fla. CLARENCE ANDERSON - Pensioner Clarence Anderson, 58, passed away Aug. 20. He J joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was an Atlantic Carriers Inc. vessel. Brother Anderson briefly left the Seafarers to serve in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam conflict. Born in Kentucky, Brother Anderson shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the LTC John U.D. Page. Brother Anderson started receiving his pension in 1999. He made his home in West Virginia. CARMELO ASTE Pensioner Carmelo Aste, 78, died July 28. Born in Italy, he started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The steward department member began receiving his retirement salary in 1978. Alameda, Calif. was his home. SAMUEL BARNETTE Pensioner Samuel Barnette, 74, passed away June 1. Brother Sarn~tt~ join!!d the SIU in 1953 in San Francisco. A native of Tennessee, he first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Barnette shipped in the steward department and last worked aboard the Jeb Stuart, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel·. e began receiving his retirement compensation in 1995. Brother Rarn@t.ll!! mad@ hi~ ham m Sunnyvale, Calif. HORACE BEASLEY Brother Horace Beasley. 44. died July lj, He began his Cfilt!t!r with the SIU earlier this year. Before becoming a Seafarer, 'Brother Beasley served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born in Elizabeth. N.J .• he shipped as a member of the engine department. Maersk Line's SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. was the only vessel on which Brother Beasley :§ailed during his career. He made his home in Gretna. Va. EARL J_ BRANNAN Pensioner Earl J. Brannan, 72, passed away July 14. Brother Brannan started his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the pon of New York. L.lffil<i..-.,......,.=;;;.,,_,...-..;;;i The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1951to19.' B . His initial sea voyage was aboard Alcoa Steamship Co. 's Alcoa Pegasus. The deck department member last sailed on the Sea-Land Express. He began receiving ills retirement pay in 1994. Brother Brannan was a resident of Benton, Wash. HENRY DELL ORFANO Pensioner Hi:nry Dell Orfano, 80, passed away July 24. He started his SIU career in 1944 in Bost0t1 . The engine departL....111--"-"-'-'~~~..__ ment member .started receiving his retirement compem:ation in 197·1. Brother Dell 18 seatarers LOG WHIRL L. GARDNER Pensioner Whirl L. Gardner, 72, died June 16. The Alabama native joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Arrny from 1950 to 1951. Brother Gardner fust went to sea aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Mariana. The steward department member last shipped on a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Gardner started receiving his pension in 1981. He resided in Fairfield, Ala. JAMES GARNER Brother James Garner, 56, passed away June 29. He started his SIU career in 1977, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of Columbia, Mo., Brother Gamer served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1972. The steward department member shipped in the deep sea as well as inland divisions during his career. Brother Gamer first sailed aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. His last voyage was on the SPC 5 Eric G. Gibson, operated by Crowley American Transport, Inc. Brother Gamer lived in Norfolk. GILES GLENDENNING Pensioner Giles Glendent'tit'tg1 72 1 died June 9. Brother Glendenning starred his SIU career in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1947 to 1953. Brother Glendenning shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions during hi s career with the Seafarers. He rrt p a y i Inc. vessel. The steward department mi;mber last sailed on the Santa Magdelena , a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Glendenning started receiving his retirement income in 1987. He made his home in San Francisco. MATTHEW GOLDFINGER Pensioner Matthew Goldfi11ger1 831 passed away June 23. He joined the Seaferers in 1959 in the port of San Francisi...---=:~iilii •~-.EJ co. Brother Goldfinger, a World War II Yeteran, served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. A native of Buffalo N.Y.. his f'lrsr voyage was on Suwanne Steamship Co. 's Company s~ntry. The steward department member last sailed on the USNS Mt. Vernon. Brother Go1dfinger staned receiving his retirement pay in 1983. Buffalo, ,Y. was his home. Pensioner Ezekiel Hagger, 66, died Aug. 4. Brother Hagger joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Garland, La., the steward department member last went to sea on the Champion , operated by Kirby Tank.ships, Inc. Brother Hagger started receiving his pension in 1998. He resided in Beaumont, Texas. KENNETH HALL Brother KeIUleth Hall 54, passed away June J 5. The Florida native joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Hairs initial voyage was aboard the Ezra Sensibar, operated by Construction Aggregates. He shipped in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Hall last went to sea aboard an American Service Technology, Inc. vessel. He called Bricktown, N.J. home. JOSEPHIDCKS Pensioner Joseph Hicks, 83, died Aug. 8. Brother Hicks joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed aboard a States Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the steward department, Brother Hicks last worked on the Sea-Land Developer. He began receiving his pension in 1986. Brother Hicks made his home in San Francisco. r-~~....-~~---, LEONARD KARALUNAS career in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native first went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.'s Mobilian . He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Karalunas ' final voyage was aboard Penn Tankers' Ogden Challenger. He started receiving his pension in 1986. Brother Karalunas resided in Kingston, Pa. DAVID KENDRICK Pensione; David lte~ fok-:' t5 ', dted June 21. The Ohio native started his carl!er with the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore in 1960, after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957. His first ship was the Marore, an Ore Navigation Corp. vessel. Brother Kendrick worked in the engine depanrnent and last sailed on the Sea-Land Freedom. He began receiving his retirement income in 1985. Brother Kendrick lived in Retsil, Wash. OLAF LEFSAKER Pensioner Olaf Lefsaker, 82, passed away June 21. He joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in Norway, Brother Lefsak.er sailed on a number of deep sea vessels, among them the St. Louis, Transindiana and Charfos10n. The engine department member started receiving his retirement salary in l 981. Brother Lefsaker lived in his native country. Lesnansky called Keystone Heights, Fla. home. FELIX MUNIZ .---;;;/!~,.,....,"""'"-----, Pensioner Felix Muniz, 89, passed away July 10. Brother Muniz joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first sailed aboard A.H. Bull Line's Suzanne. A member of the deck department, Brother Muniz last shipped on the H. Atlantic, operated by Hydromar Corp. of Delaware. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1976. Brother Muniz was a resident of New Windsor, N.Y. MATTIA OCCHIPINTI Pensioner Mattia Occhipinti, 84, died July 17. A native ofNew Jersey, he started his SIU career in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Occhipinti first shipped aboard the President Fillmore, an American President Lines' (APL) vessel. A member of the steward department, he last went to sea on the President Grant, another APL vessel. Brother Occhipinti began receiving his pension in 1982. He lived in Daly City, Calif. ~-~~~~~ Pensioner Andrew Lesnansky, 78, died Aug. 23. Brother Lesnansky started his SIU career in l 959 in the port of ""-'-"""""--"'-"'--~~~......... New York. The Mingo Junction, Ohio native served in tbe U.S Arrny Air Corps from 1942 to 1949. His first ship was Calmar Steamship's Lo mar. Brother Lesnansky sailed in the deck department and last worked aboard the USNS Aniaras. He began receiving his pension in 1987. Brother PETER SABAN Pensioner Peter Saban, 91, passed away July 20. Brother Saban started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member started receiving his pension in 1975. Brother Saban made his home in Oakland, Calif. FRANCISCO SANTANA Brother Francisco Santana, 68, died July 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother Santana l..d~~=~_Jlllll first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Oakland. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Santana last sailed on Delta Steamship Lines' Del Sol. He resided in San Francisco. HARVEYSHERO HENRY OWEN r-All'lll~~--i Pensioner Pensioner ,,,,.,, ..."..-~...-· Harvey Shern, 76, a d away July native of Henry Owen , 78, passed away July 5. He 4- jo!,n ed the ·~ '""=-4!~..-.,~.;;r, ea arers in 1951 in the port of New York. The Norfolk, Va. native first sailed aboard Alcoa Steamship Co. 's G.H Pendleton. Brother Owen shipped in the engine department, last working on Delta Steamship Lines' Def Sol. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1988. Brother Owen resided in Reno, Nev. started his SIU career in 1950 in the port of New Orleans. His first trip was aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del Santos. The deck department member last sailed on the Fa/con Lady, operated by Seahawk Management. Brother Shern started receiving his pension in 1986. He was a resident of Houston. JOSEPH POZZUOLI AH YOU SOON Pensioner Joseph Pozzuoli, 78, died Aug. 22. 'Brother Pozzu" oli started his SIU career in 194 3 in the port of Baltimore. The New York native first sailed on the Steel Architect, operated by ISCO Inc. Brother Pozzuoli shipped in the deck department and last went to sea aboard the Northern Lights, a Puerto Rico Marine Mgmt. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Pozzuoli called Baltimore home. Pensioner Ah You Soon, 88, died Aug. 3. Brother Soon · joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of San Franci co. Born in China, the steward department member last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Mobile. Brother Soon began receiving his retirement pay in 1978. San Francisco was his home. ALEXANDER PULLES ANDREW LESNANSKY April 13. Born in Hawaii, he joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Mankato Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, Inc. Brother Requiso sailed in the engine department, last shipping on the Sea-Land Patriot. Brother Requiso served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1940 to 1946. He called San Pedro, Calif. home. Brother Alexander Pulles, 91, passed away Aug. 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Baltimore. L....o...,.""""'""'-"".,,......,...c--.i Born in Estonia, Brother Pulles first went to sea aboard Ore Navigation Corp. 's Oremar. The deck department member last sailed on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Pulles resided in Baltimore. MARCELINO REQUISO Brother Marcelino Requiso, 81, died A,q ~ l q;:, ~.Y. Br ther r GEORGE THORESON Brother George Thoreson, 41, passed away June 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1987. Brother Thoreson first sailed on the USNS Persistent. He shipped as a member of the deck department. He last worked aboard the USNS Stalwart. Brother Thoreson resided in North East, Penn. JOHN VORCHAK Pensioner John Vorchak, 76, died Aug. 6. Brother Vorchak started his career with the Seafarers in 1959, joining in Seattle. A veteran of the U.S . Navy, the Pennsylvania native sailed in all three departments. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Endurance. Brother Vorchak began receiving his pension in 1990. He lived in Corona, Calif. Continued on page 20 November 2001 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), July 21-Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Dann G. Manthei, Deck Delegate Mohsin A. Ali, Engine Delegate John E. Coleman, Steward Delegate William E. Smith. Chairman read and discussed minutes from last ship's meeting. He noted receipt of wage increase but requested clarification on budget change by company. He also reminded all members to have TRBs signed. Secretary urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and take necessary STCW courses for compliance by Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. Educational director tnlkcd nbout STCW nnd fire fight· ing certificate renewals. Treasurer announced $10 in ship's fund. Some beefs reported in engine and steward departments related to travel arrangements and hotel allowances. New ice machine requested for crew's laundry room. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), July 18- Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Larry Ewing, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Stc;vy(ln;i Delegate Jose Jor&e. Chairman announced payoff July 20 in Jacksonville. He thanked all departments for working well together and talked about merger of SIU and NMU. He also reminded crew member .of ·ITlpOrlance of contributing to SPAD and of gi:tting required STCW training by Feb. 1, 2002. Secretary noted everythini:; going well nnd thrutlccd member~ for liNplng keep hip clean, including separation of plastic items. Educational director stressed need to upgrade ~kill~ a.t Pinc~ Poim facility. Some disputed OT reported by dc~k delegate. Steward department given vote of thanks for very good job. LIBERTY SUN (Libeny Maritime), July 29-Chairman Joseph W. Moore, Secretary Douglas A. Neubauer. Educational Director Samuel M. Addo, Deck Delc~atc Donald L. Davis. Chairman stated that after rooru inspeetion, those leaving in Malta during ship layup should tum in safety gear along with room key. He also added that company will not pay for extra luggage;, Edw;ational director advised crew member~ to atknd upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center and get required STCW endorsements. No beefs of disputed OT reported. Cost of living ~llownncr; rr;ceived aboard ship. Thanks given to ~teward department for job we11 done;, SGT. MATEJ KOCEK (Waterman Steamship Corp.), July 29Chuinmm Angelo J. Urti Jr., Secretary Stephen W. R9th, Educational Director Morri~ A_ Jeff, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarence C. Robinson. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 2 in Jacksonville. Following discharge in Newport News, vessel will enter shipyard for approximately four weeks. Bosun reminded everyone to practice safe working habits during offload and while in shipyard. Secretary said small stores order, in~luding fresh milk, to be received prior to ~hipyard period . Educational director :sugge:sted November 2001 everyone needing basic safety training to comply with STCW be persistent in trying to get into classes at Paul Hall Center. Classes are full, but sometimes an opening appears at last moment due to no-shows. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension days for all union members aboard Navy vessels. Request made for information about any new changes to insurance policy for members and dependents. Everyone asked to leave room keys on desk, strip beds and have fresh linen in rooms when disembarking at layoff. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. USNS STOCKHAM (Amsea), July 30--Chairman Andrew Barrows, Secretary Stephen Avallone, Educational Director Joseph Jenkins, Deck Delegate William Bratton, Engine Delegate Robert E. Lee, Steward Delegate Debra Gardiner. Chairman praised entire crew for fulfilling their jobs throughout shipyard and cargo-loading period. He talked about arrival in Durban, S. Africa and urged crew members to use caution in pon. Educational director led discussion about STCW 95 . He re iewed ways to obtain nece ary training and stressed its imponance for those wh .wish t continue sailin . Trea~urer reported $275 in ship's fund and asked for suggestions as to how to spend the money. Some di11puted OT rnported in dcok department. Suggestion m~de to get up gym on board ship. ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship Management), Aug. 6--Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau , Educational Director Kenneth Smith. Bosun reported smooth trip and wished everyone a nice vacation. He brought up issue of coveralls. Crew report they are too hot to work in and may be possible sa.fety problem. Requested union officials send lotter to company regarding this matter. Secretary stated great trip with good teamwork in galley. Educational director reminded crew of upcoming STCW deadline. Ship has movie fund from which movies ari: purchased cac;:h trip. Somr; disputed OT reported in engine department. Crew discussed new contract and requested some clarifications. Proposal made for second dryer in crr;w laundry room and new chairs for crew mess and lounge. Thanks given to steward department for good food and ~ervice . Next port: Long Beach, Calif. GUAYAMA (NPR, Inc.), Aug. 19-Chainnan J9seph C. Osvriv, Secretary Gin::t G . Lightfoot, Steward Delegate Ossie D. Statham. Chairman announced inspection Aug. 20 with payoff in Jacksonville the following day. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Clarification requested regarding GSU and wiper jobs. Suggestion made to open slop chest aboard ship. Crew member asked to keep noise down on crew declc. Next port~: Jachonville; San Junn. P.R. GUS DARNELL (Ocean Shipholding Inc.), Aug. 12Chairman Michael A. Presser, Secretary Kevin Marchand, Educational Director Chris E. Chambers, Deck Delegate Charles J. Pomraning, Engine Delegate Jacob Teiko, Steward Delegate Sonia N. Felix. Secretary noted ship due in Charleston Aug. 14 for payoff. Coast Guard inspection and fire drills will take place in port. Educational director reminded everyone to get STCW training by first of year. Classes at Piney Point are pretty full, so contact school as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for copies of contract with OSI. Highlights of new contract covered, including vacation time and new benefits coverage for dependents. Clarification requested on rotating out after 75 days. New VCR to arrive in Charleston, S.C. to replace broken one in lounge. New exercise equipment bought by captain apparently off-limits to unlicensed crew. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), Aug. 18-Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Virgilio A. Donghit, Educational Director C. Price, Deck Delegate Ron Webb , Steward Delegate Brian C. Schmeer. Continuing problem noted with TV reception. Chairman thanked crew members for helping out with separation of garbage, trash and plastic items. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and not to wait until last minute before applying for STCW training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for option of working 2 months off and 2 months on. Also requested information regarding pension benefit increases. Special thanks given to steward department for good meals. ext port: Jackson vi Ile. Mark A. Flores. Chairman thanked everyone for helping with deck work. He reported payoff Aug. 31 in Lake Charles, La. Secretary noted trip to West Africa was good. Some disputed OT reported by deck department delegate. Suggestion made to look into increased retirement benefits and money for return transportation from foreign trip. Request made A Credit to the SIU From J.W. Bert, master aboard the Ewa (a Matson vessel), comes this photo of Chief Steward Patrick Briggs with a mahi mahi he caught off the ship's stern. "Not only did he catch it," Bert wrote, "he cleaned it and made ceviche out of it. This guy is a credit to the SIU and professional chefs everywhere." The captain and crew say "Thank you, Pat." for water filtration system. New washer and dryer on order which should be put aboard in Lake Charles or Houston. Thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Aug. 20Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Clancy T. Hennigan, Educational Director Keith Jordan Sr., Engine Delegate Knolly T_ Wiltshire, Steward Delegate Subagio Wibisono. Chairman announced shipping is good and will only get better. He reported on new contract and advised everyone to read LOG, con i Management), Aug. 20--Chairman John J. Wells, Secretary Ronald E. Aubuchon, Educational Director Patrick J _Corle§§, Deck Delegttte Funk E. V6gl~l', Engine Delegate Richard Robertson , Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman thanked everyone for safe tour. Everything going smoothly. Secretary reminded crew members to help keep ship clean and set good example. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. "You have to learn more in order to earn more." He also advised them to get STCW training before Feb. l, 2002 deadline. Treasurer announced $1,300 in ship's fund, to be used for videotapes, magazine subscriptions, pool parties and gym equipment. Deck dcpo.rtmont delegate reminded crew of safety factors when working on deck, including wearing ear protection and safety goggles when mixing paint or chemii;;als and wearing safety belt when working aloft. Engine department delegate expressed gratitude to deck department for assistance while tying up ship. He also spoke about hazards of throwing aerosol cans into incinerator. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mail service aboard ship very slow to and from U.S. Crew complimented steward department for maintaining high standards of SIU and thanked steward department for job well done. "It is a hard job for the steward to keep up the morale aboard ship during the four-month tour. Thank you again." Singled out was Chief Cook McEleney, who puts a lot of effort and extras in every meal. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Transbulk Carrier Corp.), Aug. 26Chairman Jmm Cutillo, Secretary supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point and be sure STCW and other shipping documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension payment. Crew members asked to help keep ship cleanincluding trash in crew laundry room and gear locker-as well as room for next mariner. Secretary recognized Aug. 20 as Paul Hall's birthday. Educational director told crew that time is running out to comply with STCW training requirements. Treasurer announced $306 dollars in ship's fund and an equal amount in barbecue fund. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew members happy about SIU-NMU merger. It gives union stronger voice to fight foreign-flag shipping. Suggestion made to relocate gym to more suitable space. Crew thanked steward department for outstanding job. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEALAND FLORIDA (U.S. Ship Management), Aug. 5-Chairman Jose F. Caballero. Secretary Jose A. Rivera, Educational Director Eric D. Bnin, Deck Delegate Steven H. Ledermann, Engine Delegate Seller T. Brvvks. Chairman advised crew members to renew STCW endorsements. After Feb. 1, 2002, you can't ship without them. Secretary thanked all three departments for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Request made that, in future, crew be informed by e-mail of contract negotiation results. Special thanks given to chief cook and SA for excellent work during illness of steward. Next port: Houston. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), Aug. 26Chairman Michael J_ Proveaux, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Wayne F. Gonsalves, Steward Delegate Floyd Bishop. Chairman announced payoff in Tampa, Fla. Secreta.ry reminded those crew members gening off to make sure rooms are clean and removing lint from dryer filter. Request made for ice box in each room. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port Galveston, Texas. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Shipholding Inc.), Sept. 2-Chairrnan Harry G. Champagne, Secretary Paul Sullivan, Educational Director Murray W. Roberson, Deck Delegate William H. Bubrig III, Engine Delegate Roy C. Robinson Jr., Steward Delegate Adolphus C. Young. Chairman noted dues are to be paid in port of payoff. A member can be pulled off ship for non-payment of dues. He also reminded everyone of upcoming STCW compliance deadline- Feb. 1, 2002. Secretary stated stores received in Houston and thanked everyone for their patience. Educational director led discussion about STCW. Crew members expressed desire for satellite dish. Crew willing to raise funds if company meets them half-way. Treasurer announced $60 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New standard agreement received aboard ship. All agreed it looked good and expressed gratitude for pay increase. Suggestion made for change in retirement regulations. Next port: Norfolk, Va. SMT CHEMICAL TRADER (Marine Transport Lines), Sept. 2--Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Henry Greene Jr., Educational Director Nikolay Entcbev, Deck Delegate Mary R. Bado, Steward Delegate Aristide Langlois Ill Chairman announced payoff Sept. 4. Educational director stressed importance of continually upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported $3,800 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters regarding payoffs. vacation pay, draws and relief read to crew and posted. USNS ASSERTIVE (Maersk Lines Ltd.), Sept. 8-Chairman Michael R. O'Connell, Secretary Jose K. Sialana. Educational Director Geoffrey W. Bagley, Deck Delegate Walter A. Lichotta Jr., Steward Delegate Marjorie L. Harris. Chairman stated odor of fuel detected in water system during shipyard period and upon leaving shipyard. Testing found no contamination. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel to go into ROS for two months. Seafarers LOB 19 "' �Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) Graduating from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course Sept. 28 are (in no specific order) Ashley Nelson , Patrick Kuhn, Jermaine Williams, Angelo Bottoni, Kareem Joseph , Paul Simpson, Brandon Harold, John Herr, Victor Sahagron, David James, Felix Medina, Miguel Hernandez, Daniel Thompson, Jose Cuevas, Christopher Kemper, Brian Manion, Justin Koger, Michael King, Matthew Himes, Oscar Garcia, Delray Brown, Danny Minor, Hanapiah Ismail, Lester Hoffman and Michael Meany. See pages 22 and 23 for additional Paul Hall Center class photos. Weldingcompleting the two-week welding course Oct. 5 are (from left) George Lockett, Arnido Sindac, Nestor Martinez, John Gilston and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). ARPAUpgrading deck bers who completed the ARPA course Sep. are (from left, seated) Scott Welding - Under the in~t(U¢ti¢1'1 ¢f Bully AMraws, this group of engine department members gained weldinQ experience that will help them accomplish basic temporary or emergency tepeir$ while underway on a workboat or barge. Graduating from the course Aug. 1O are {in cilphabetical order) Charle5 Brad5haw, Louis Champa Jr., Richard Grubbs, Mike Kifle, Patrick Mah~r, Lamar Parker, Ricardo Ouinones. Terry Santruce. Christopher Syke~ and Vernon White. operated by Contim1ed from page 18 Great Lakes Towing Co.A member of the INLAND deck depart· ment, Brother Gobrukovich PATRJCK COBBS died July 5. Ite started his cnreer with the Seafarers in 1989. The deck department member sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Trun5port Co. YC66d6. Peoria, I11. was Boarman Cobbs' began receiving --"------his retirement compensaLion in 1984. He lived in Panama City Beach, Fla. home. PETER JONAS Pensioner Peter Jonas, 76, died June DEFINRIVAS 16. Brother Jonas darted his SJU career in 1964, joining in FrMkfort, Pensioner Detin Rivas, 67, died July 14. Boatman Rivas started his SIU career in 1977, joining in the port of Philadelphia. --""'"""'~ Born in the PhiHppines, he served in the U.S . Navy from 1958 to 1977. Boatman Rivas worked primarily aboard Mariner Towing (Maritrans) vessels. A member of the steward depart- ment, he started colleciing his pension in 1996. Boatman Rivas was a rnsident of Vir~inia Beach, Va. GREAT LAKES Mich. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Brother Jonas fir t sailed aboard a Mackinac TrMsport Co. vessel. The Michigan Earning their pletion sept. 14 are (from left. trcnt row) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Horace Wood, Roger Stewart, John Meyers, Donald Bridenstine Jr.. (second row) Jose Marrero, Stephen Votta, William Dekker, Howard Hawrey and Brad Wheeler (instructor). native worked in the engine depart- Chief Wawatam. Brother Jonas started receiving his pension in 1990. He resided in St. Ignace, Mich. ARANTIC FISHERMEN PAUL PARISI Pensioner Paul Parisi, 77, passed ,away June 15. The Massachusetts native joined the Atlantic Fisher- men's Union in 1944 in Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the Pensioner Steve Geibrukovick, 86, passed away Aug. 29. The New started drawing his retirement Jersey m1.tive joined I.he Seaforer:s in 19:6 and sp~nt his ~nti ~ c~reer incom@ in 1984. Brother Parisi lived in Gloucester. Seafarers LOS Gl\IDSS - GMDSS certificates of com- ment in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. He last shipped on Straits Car Ferry Service Corp. 's AGLIWD . Brother Parisi spent his entire career working on fishing vessels. The deck department member STEVE GOBRUKOVICH 20 Bakeman, (second row) Ferdinand Gabuten, Dennis Hurley, Stephen Votta and Michael Daniels. aboard vessels Final Departures Boatman Patrick C6bhs, 33, Dickinson, Robert STCW Medical Care Provider - Completing the medical care provider course Sept. 28 are (from left, seated) Mark Watson, Emmanuel Wabe, Zeoko Nikolic, (second row) Skip McCray, Tracy Reed, Louis Gregoire, Jose Marrero and Ken Graybill. November 2001 �.... ~------------------ ----~---- - -- - - - -- - - - · · sEAFAllERSrPAUt·· HALL .,CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule through the end of 200 I at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva. 'lions should be made/or Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses oftered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses y.:A.ble .Searpan. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler November3 December 14 Welding November24 December 14 Safety Specialty Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Government Vessels November 10 November 24 November 30 December 14 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety November 10 November 17 November24 December 1 December8 ·Decembet 15 November16 November 23 November 30 December7 December 14 December 21 November 11 Novemher24 Course Date of Completion Arrival Date ·::·Course , ~·ta.o,k.er (i.ncllfding ~imulator • Engine Upgrading Courses Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) * :... ;.steer!'.!¥ a~~~ssments) . (*must have basic ji1l! fighting) November 17 November 16 .. . .. . :~ -:~. / ... "'.:'.~·•·: .> .. }.~~.P~~~,,.(~,. D,R~'J~'!t:.Courses . Ge~er~l ~dtl~~ti6~-·a~~{~~ll~g~"~~~s~~ Jr~'.~~~l~bt~· ~~ ·~e·~~d. I~ addition, basic v:ocari,o.nal suppol! prggrarµ}~ou,rses are offered throughout the year, one week .· iir.il;lrj~o·.·th9 :·:An; ·: Qhlf?P.;::: :F,QWT; . Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water .· Syryiv:~l co~ses; An iptroduction to computers course will be self-study. _ Start Date Date of Completion UPGRADING APPLICATION Name -------~-------------------- Address - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- -- - - - - -- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (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 OMED a11olicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard &e ul SZSO with their anplicadon The nayment should be made with a monev order onlv. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE Date of Birth -----~--Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D Telephone _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ Deep Sea Member If the following D information is not fill~d out completely. your application will not be proc~ss~d. Social Security# _ __ _ _ __ _ _ Book# Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ Department _ _ _ _ __ _ __ U.S. Citizen; Yes D No D Endorsement(s) or License{s) rt¢w ----------~ Home Port be1d - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - LAST VESSEL: - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - -- - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No SIGNATURE - If yes. class# - - - - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - -- - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary 1anguage spoken 11ovemoe1 2001 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No - - -- -- - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admis!lions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075: or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of :studcnt:i in it:i programs or activities. 11/0l Seafarers LOB 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Classes Held at Paul Hall Center Photo above and below: Samuel Addo, William Blees Jr., Johny Bolton Jr., Joseph Crandley Jr., Francisco Diego, Edward Ellis, Billy Epps, Clayton Everett, Florencia Farquhar, Allen Faulks, Keith Grandy, Fernando Guity, Johnny Hammock, Mulai Ismail, Gregory Jarvi:s, Shaib Jumil, Lloyd LaBeilch, Ge<:>rge Lavender, Erik Lindgren, Jose MM'$(¢, Mauritio Martine~. William McDonald, Clyde McNatt, Donald Midgette, Elida Miguel, Raymond Natel'lir\ Ar"lgel Pel'e~. Steven Phelps, Delmas Price, Robert Rager, Suzanne Santora, Grant Schuman, William Shelley, Jorge Soler, Thomas Stephens, Roger Stewart, Justin Valencia Rodriguez, Stephen V~tt~ . R~y w~rrAt\ Rudy wattimAru1 , Stev~ Wells, Michael Wende, Ralph Wical, Paul Will~ and Bruce Wright James Reily, Everett Watkins, LaRue Wilkinson, Mark Stewart, Mick Hall, Christopher Janics, Don Tagart, Capt. Bill Turner, David Stillis, Jonathan Weaver, Larry Vouga , Greg Tojong, David Vega, Michael Zoabi. J.O. Willis. Marcelo Solano, Wilfredo Rice. Lionel Taylor, Michael Watson, Terry White and Edwin Taylor. Robert Neal, Alexander Nicholson, Rubin Mitchell, Ralph Moore, John Mensah, Jacob Matthew, Francisco Miranda, Samuel Norteye, Juan Mamaril, William Lowery, James O'Meara, Abad Martinez, Justino Martinez, James Murphy, Bruce Milburn, Ali Mohsin, Eric Manley, Julius Mathias and Rickey Mason. William Dize, Catalino Diaz, Samuel Bracero, David Claypool, John Day, Bgnjamine Cruz, Leo Bonser, Todd Desrosiers, Karmen Crawford, Gary Clark, Gray ! Bruber, Dale Beard and Josef Dudas. I !' I Ali Amran, Ismael Castillo, Flavio Castillo, Mario Bernardez, Joselito Antonio, Roberto Botin, Romeo Azcarate. Bernard Burns, Gertrudis Arzu, Juan Cantalejo, Ar"lthony Brooks, Carlos Castillo, Alex Cheek, Oscar Castillo, William Buhrig Ill, Randolph Bolling, Howard Blake, William Bunch, James Atwell and Martin Allred. Keith D1.1nnaverit, Jeffrey Fi~lds , John Emrich, Hubert Joseph , David Gannoun. Victorino Echague, Macie GrabOwski, Greg Johnson, MarK Godbold, Yuano lsril, Oscar Garcia, John Grosskurt II and Edilberto Guerrero. • Robert Pagan Jr. , Pablo Lopez, Richard McEvoy, Eduardo Munizaga, James McParlaM, Nelson Powers . John Lamprecht. Gregory Melvin, George Lockett, Lon Piner, snane Parrish and 9asil Messer. 22 seatarers LO& W~ldcn Heblich Jr., Melvin Kerns. Carey Heinz. Andy lliscupidez, Jamal Kassim, Rudolph Lopez, Ronald Kitlas, Timothy Hallett. Justo Lacayo, Julio Guity, Julio Guzman, Darryl Jackson, James Jerscheid. Melvin Guerrero. Muslim Khan , Roderick Hall, Amir Kasim and Gloria Holmes. NoJ1embel' 2001 �Paul Hall Center Classes Rubin Casin Jr., Alexander Campbell, Ronald Charles, Jose c1rmer, Randall Brown. Nagmadeen Abdo, Jose Adames, TMrM5 Fra~er. Jeanette Bosworth. Ali Hussein, Larry Adbrous, Stanley Daranda, Robert Albers, James Francis, Terry Bass, Julius Ge>pelend. Albert Alexander. Ngol Allen, Eric Berry, Stephen Castle, John Barcroft. Kenneth Carruth and Lincoln McRae Ill. ., Basic Safety Training Classes Held at Paul Hall Center Kenneth Adams, Efrain Collazo, Anthony Bach, Donte Martin, Ardale Crim, Charlie Carlson, Gregory Carroll, Joseph Bonys, Abdo Ashariki, Sterling Adams, Jesley Callum, Victor Chance, Robert Borchester, Blaga Mircea, Adonis Ard Sr., Nestor Agcaoili, Ernie Aguinaldo, Bryan Patterson, Franklin Coburn, Hussan Bouqfa, James Buchowski, Timothy Dally, Roderick Bright, ~---o:::::;•-"""lilf=""..,..,..,..,,,.....,..,,~~,,..,,,..,...,..,,,,,.,....,.,,.. Anthony Brown, Willie Clemmons and Ramon Camacho. Raynaldo Ramirez, Louis Robinson, Hussain Saleh, DeJesus Santiago, Gloria Shaprio, Grant Shipley, Arnido Sindac, Glenn Snow, Edward Sosa, Stanley Sporna, David Toves, Gary Truvia, Manuel Uy, Jesus Velazquez, Leroy Woods, Warnie Worthy, Rolf Zurstrassen and Stuart Donovan. .,__.._.~=-= Erik Loret, Billy Love, Jose Macadaiim, "'----~-__...,.,icbael Meaay,_S.ye.d Medhi. Ruben Morales. Alejandro Morel, Glenn Naundorf, Domiciano Nonato, Rodolfo Orlanda, Richard Parker, Luis Perez, Nelson Poe , R.afael Prim and George Perry. t Jose Siinchez, Josiah Tucker, Sifrino Sanchez, Charle~ Sneed, Chaerul Salim, Gordon Smith, Richard Sanderson, Arlie Villasor, Louis Holder Jr., Frank Sanchez:, Osvaldo Sanchez:, Carlos Valerio, Guy Prescott, Victor Perez, Kenneth Smith. Clive Steward. Ken Stratton. Brian Wagoner. Mack Revis, Antjuan Webb, Van Watler, Andres Watler and Juan DeRivera. Roberto Nunez, Joseph Perfetto, James Blanchard, Timothy Olvany, Jackie Jones, James Miller, Arvid Friberg Ill. Jigarov Mircea. George Legg, Jean Nicastri. Walter Matt. Lucas Majia, Roger Mosley Jr., Emmett Neathery, Donald Hood, Edward O'Reilly, Chris Pope, George Jenkins, Alice Poree, Dana Naze, Reginald Hunter, James Johnson, Ali Matari, Michael Perez, Donte Martin, Carlos Nunez:, Khalifa Mohamed and Jose Perea. , Steve Ahrean5, Obaid Ali, Carlos Aquino, Ismael Ayala, Anderson Azevedo, Rahal Bagchi, Frank Bennett, Fidel Blanco, Dennis Brown, Gery Byrd, Rene Cal)allero, Rolando Callejas, Dan Davison, Paul Domes, Ronald Drew, David Abdulla Quaraish, Jeffrey Fuller, Rudolph Maycock, Charles Kirksey Ill, Peter Madden, Clyde Luse. Donald Ouellette, Roberto Gonzalez, George Macaluso, Daisy Joseph, Gregory Greene, Larry Halley, Eddie Hall, Alan Nelson, Larry Lopez, Wilfredo Lansangan, Roderick Gordon Sr., Samuel Johnson, Charles Nieves, James Haskins, Michael Johnson Sr., Raymond Johnson, Dunklin, Tnomas Allen, Brian Smitn and Oscar Gomez. Abdalla Gaafar and Jerald Galletta. Norember 2001 Seafarers LOB 23 �Volume 63 Number 11 t..' ecognizes Sacrifices .... en Around the World Each yeart the International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrates World Maritime Day, a 24-hour period to focus attention on the importance e>f shipping safety and the marine environment. The IMO is the United Nations body whose mandate is to organize coopcrntion betweett governments fot rtgulating international shipping and encouraging the adoption of the highest standards of maritime safety. This year's theme for the Sept. 27 event was "Globalization- The Cost to the Seafarer." Its aim was to celebrate the importance of seafarers and inform the public on the sacrifices they make to help ki:d, clothe and hou~e the rest of the world. A~tivitic;;! wr;rr; pl<lnned by International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) affiliates around the world-from Albania and Australia to the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. The ITF-a worldwide federation of more than 570 transport trade unions in 132 countrir;sCiMtributed $500,000 toward the i;:ost of a m~m.orial ta geafarers, which was unveiled Sept. 27 in Lortd\)11, at the headquarters of the IMO. In Belgium, unions and ship ownr;n arranged a joint press conference to raise their common concerns regarding seafarers and substandard shipping, while in Kenya seafarers and dockers unions joined together for a rally in Mombu;,u to highlight the objectives of th~ IMO. A seminar was planned in C1JlQmbiu to highlight the probkm~ faced by seafarers, and in Trinidad & Tobago, the government was informed of t e ismes relating to employment, safety i111d training of seafarers. All over the world, seafaring unions a~tivdy participated in some way. In Washington, D .C ., STU Secretary-Treasurer David Heind~l, who also serves as the 2"" vice i;hair for ITF ~s Seafarers' Section, met at the office of (Acting) Maritime Administrator Bruce Carlton. Along with MTD Executive Secretary Frank Pecquex and congressional and government officials, they talked about the ITF's campaign against flags of convenience and issues pertaining to safety at sea. Globarzation The shipping industry, much like regulakd air travel, is truly global in its scope. The maritime industry carries most of the world's trade and i~ crucial to the global economy. But mlllly people are unaware that every day around the world, seafarers desperate for work put Making Life Better for Seafarers The ITF believes that the following steps would begin to make a dramatic difference to the lives of seafarers: • • Abolition of the flag-of-convenience system; Recognition by the public of the vital work which seafarers per- form; • Have ports consider banning ships and flags which do not meet minimum standards set by UN agencies; • Reward good shipowners and penalize bad ones; • Fine companies for using substandard ships to deliver their products; World Maritime Day in Washington, D.C. was observed in the office of (Acting) Maritime Administrator Bruce CarltM {l~ft) . With him (from the left) are Stew~rt How<!!rd, ITF assistant general secretary: Patrick Wi@§@, d~puty ehief counsel. MarAd: David Heindel, SIU secretarytrAasurer and 2nd vice chair ITF Seafarers' Section: and ~rank Pecque.x, executive secretary, Maritime Trades Department. to sea in aged ships, uncertain whether they will arrive in port safely or whether they will be paid or even fed. Many of the world's 1.2 million seafarers work aboard flag of convenience vessels-ship~ flying the flag of one country other than that of ownership solely to bypass health, safety and environmental standards as well as de~ent wages and basic human rights. Some mariners work long days with almost no rest, no training, a lack of medical provisions and the risk of being abandoned without wages if the ship breaks down or gets detained in a foreign port. The ITF has identified 30 countries as having flags of conEven landlocked venience. nations like Luxembourg have a n:gi5try, Each year, the crews of about 1,500 ships complain to the ITF about non-payment of wages. In the three-year period from 1998 to 2000, no less than $105 million was rr;covered through the ITF for crews who had not been paid. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982 and came into effe~t in 1994, sets out the duties of a flag state and requires that each one should " effectiYely exercise its jurisdiction and control in administrative, technical and social matters over ships flying its flag. " It also lays down requirements on factors such as the maintenance of record~ , legal jurisdiction on board ships, the safety of ships, training, qualifications, conformance with international regulations and the number of people The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in late July-early August supported a week of a.~tion to carry out ship inspections throughout the world. But inspectors of the ITF are constantly on the lookout for flag of convenience vessels that are frought with danger, poor working conditions and lack of pay. So it was on Sept. 5, when ITF inspectors Tony Sacco and Arthur Petitpas were alerted by ITF Inspector/Coordinator U.S. East Coast Ricky Esopa to a bulk carrier that departed Albany, bound for the scrap metal yard in Chesapeake, Va. The crew members aboard this vessel. the Millenium Africa (which flies the flag of Malta) had complained about back wages owed. When Sacco and Petitpas boarded the ship the following day, most of the crew--consisting of 20 Russians, four Ukrainians and two Romanians -were afraid to spcnk for fear of losing their jobs. The ones who did open up to the ITF inspectors talked about the low wages aboard ship and that they had not been paid in two-and-a-half • Shipowners and unions to discuss and implement the reforms proposed by the International Commission on Shipping (an independent commission of experts); • Increase the number of crew members aboard a ship; and • Retention of cabotage (protection of coastal trade) to encourage the development of maritime infrastructure and to place maritime transport within an integrated and sustainable trans- port policy. ITF inspectors helped erew members aboard the rust-covered, Maltese-flag Mil/enium Africa get back pay and repatriation . months. A number of them want· ed to be paid and repatriat<;d. The captain, however, stated there were no problems. The c1Jmpany port captain boarded the ship Sept. I 0 and said he would contact the owners and make sure the money was wired the next business day, Sept. 11. The devastation caused by the terrorist attack on America temporarily delayed access to the money, but by Sept. 12, $30,800 was made available for payoff. Those crew members who wished to depart, however, had to wait another week before the airports reopened and they were able to fly home. On this date, Sacco also witnessed the final payment of back wage~. Ultimately, the total back wage claim was $53,161. After loading its cargo of scrap metal, the Millenium Africa was heading to Indonesia and then to the shipyard for repairs. In approximately three months, it is going to New Orleans for a load of grain. Rest assured, ITF inspectors there will be on the lookout for this vessel. necessary to crew a ship. It is these duties which many flag of convenience registries fail to carry out. resulting in a loss of protection for many men and women trying to make a decent hfe at~~~- From the left: The captain prepares for a payoff; an AB signs the required form following payment of his back wages; and some of the crew from the Millenium Africa wait for repatriation. � 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 November 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES FILES VOLUNTARY PETITION FOR CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION U.S. LAYOFFS TOP 528,000 25 YEARS OF RELIABLE SERVICE HELPING THE HEROES SEAFARERS-CREWED USNS COMFORT PROVIDES RESPITE FOR NY RESCUERS AFL-CIO DEPTS. STATE CASE FOR OPENING ANWR LABOR FEDERATION WARNS OF FAST-TRACK’S PERILS SUPPORT GIVEN TO RRF AT 25 UNIONS FROM HERE AND ABROAD VOW SUPPORT FOR TRICO MARINERS SEAFARER SLATER FEATURED IN AFL-CIO MAGAZINE COAST GUARD PORT SECURITY AT ‘ALL-TIME HIGH’ CHARLESTON 5 HEAD TO TRIAL THIS MONTH AFTER RELEASE FROM HOUSE ARREST RETURNING TO SEA BY WALTER KARLAK MEMO REFLECTS MERCHANT CREW’S BRAVERY CAPTAIN RECALLS EFFORTS TO SCUTTLE SHIP, RATHER THAN ALLOW CAPTURE BY ENEMY SUMNER ASSISTS RELOCATION OF JAPANESE FISHING VESSEL PRESIDENT HARRISON IN WWII ‘DAY OF ACTION’ RECOGNIZES SACRIFICES MADE BY SEAFARERS AROUND THE WORLD 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 11/01/2001 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. 11 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log